Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Porsche Quality Honda Price - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Gulfstream - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The Prelude is a brilliant all around sports car. Its fun to drive (especially when the VTEC engine kicks in), and can get you from 0-60 quite quickly. It offers most of the technology that you find on Porsche Boxers without the Porsche price and the mechanical quirks that Porsche has. You will give up head room (fine for me at 5 7" not so great for someone over 6) and its not a "family car." Everything is "race-tuned" so dont expect a "down comforter" type ride. The "fun" factor will make up for this.

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  Excellent vehicle - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By tinbender - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned this vehicle for a little over a year and put 15,000 miles on it with no complaints at all. To date this has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I plan to follow the maintenance schedule in the owners manual and keep this CR-V for a long time.

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  Love my car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Happy Peanut - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. It is fuel efficient, comfy, looks nice, heat and AC work well. My ex bought on the same day and his is the sedan. I wouldnt drive anything else.

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  Great in a Crash - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jjmarks - June 24 - 2:00 am

  If you want to hear about a safe vehicle...I was hit head-on by a 16,000 lbs truck at 40 mph and walked away with bruises and scrapes. The CR-V was totaled, but my passenger and I were fine.

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  Honda HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Eugenia Riollano - June 22 - 9:49 pm

  This vehicle is a great looking vehicle. It s got good performance however, a little pricey if you are trying to get "all wheel drive" like you would need living in the city of Buffalo. I wanted to purchase the vehicle and made an offer but 2 Honda locations refused to negotiate the price. A third dealership agreed to my offer, but low-balled me on my trade in.

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  Over the average - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Tito Ferny - June 22 - 11:33 am

  in the present market of models of this segment, this car has the best of each thing. A really good car

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rgallup1 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I love aspects of my CRV but it has had many problems for a new car. Ive always been faithful to Hondas but Im thinking of trading this one in for a Jeep.

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  EX-L RES/NAV So far so good. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By fordz1 - June 21 - 4:16 am

  My wife and I have only had the van for two weeks, and will update the review once I put a few thousand miles on it. It is a joy to drive and the kids enjoy the DVD system.

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  Great car, except gas mileage - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Snowman2109 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when it had 132500. Overall, its a pretty nice car, never failed me in times. Can be expensive to fix but if you have the right connections, you can get it fixed for the right price. In the year i owned it, i replaced the cv boot-90 for parts and 90 for work, timing belt changed for the first time changed at 135000 and didnt even snap, impressive. Window just driver side motor just broke, 110 with part. Gas mileage is my biggest concern. During the winter i got 16mpg, and summer i got 20, might not be so bad for a normal car but pretty bad for a 130hp 4 banger. Also winter driving was horrible with no traction

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  Happy Customer - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Kaikilina - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have no complaints about power because I know nothing will ever compare to my former Prelude. At about 78,000 miles the power locks are having issues (will be a few hundred $) and the breaks are a little squeeky, but this car is so adorable and I know it will last forever!