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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  7 years of pure joy so far! - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By peeweezers - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Prelude VTEC new, and it is a great car. I have it rigorously maintained, and the only thing that has ever broken down is the stereo - a problem I also had with my 81 Civic and my 88 Prelude. Mine was bought in August, and the serial number ends in 000445. I am restoring its looks to new condition and driving it for another 7 years at least. Cant have mine! Its the Mighty Mite, only big enough for me and my pug, but if its performance you care about, performance that never breaks down, this it.

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  Honda Hits Scores Again! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By HondaUser6465 - May 9 - 1:56 am

  In todays world of 80+ speeds, I am a little less than enthusiastic about the gas mileage I got from this seemingly-stingy Accord. But coupled with the 5 speed manual, the car proves fun to drive, reliable as the day is long and sporty in a sensible, Honda-esque manor. When looking at this car, be sure to think about the V6 as the 4 cylinder does power the car well, but its a full-size sedan, and those extra ponies can sure help move the car. Otherwise, a great all-around driver.

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  Civic LX Coupe - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Terry - May 8 - 11:33 pm

  Smooth...silky smooth...from ride to gear linkage to acceleration. Car feels like much more expensive mid level cars on the road. Nice styling but age of the design is showing and rivals are have more power and sportiness to them. Was looking at this and Alima 2.5 coupe but price was right. Had the original CRX...this civic comes close but the CRX was much more of a drivers car.

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  A/C problems - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BRobins - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car would be great for a climate that never reaches over 100 degrees! Anything over that the a/c is terrible. Everytime you accelerate no matter if you mash the throttle or have an egg between your foot this vehicle blows hot air at you, which translate to the fact that in stop and go traffic the car never even comes close to getting comfortable inside the vehicle. According to my selling dealership this is a normal condition and nothing can be done about it. My recomendation is not to purchase this vehicle at all untill they have a fix for thier "normal" problem. Also the dealership also told me that all of the honda vehicles do this so beware!!

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  front end design lacking - 2004 Honda Accord
  By goldie2 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  excellent car, needs better front end design for looks. fuel millage , interior, sides and rear design excellent.

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  My car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By sAiNt - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought my car last year and I have to agree that the engine needs just a WHOLE lot of work. Well it deos act on time and quickly but not enough torque, yeah know? I added a new muffler suppose to increase horsepower but i need more. Its my first car, so I dont want to spend too much. I hope they can improve .

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  Practical, but fun to drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By KEVIN - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my hybrid last week so it is too soon to know quality/reliability. Hoping Hondas reputation for building reliable cars holds true. Car is fun to drive and so far I have been getting about 35 MPG in town (I almost never do highway driving). Car takes a little getting used to as the hybrid system can be a little jerky at slow, coasting speeds as the regenerative braking system charges the battery. Other than that the hybrid system is seamlessly integrated and the result is a nice ride with ample (not great, obviously) acceleration. The seats are a little uncomfortable and really lack lateral support.

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  A great sport coupe that needed more HP - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Sportscarguy - May 5 - 2:00 am

  No major difficulties-2yr serv. Conservative inside/out--more mature car. Engine very capable. ATTS system good. Stereo system good. Decent sports coupe practical (fold RR seat) + capable of blasting down road--enjoyable, fast ride.

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  Finally a Car that Fits - 2009 Honda Fit
  By NewHondaFAN - May 3 - 1:56 am

  Great car! I shopped around for a year for something small, highly efficient, safe, and fun to drive. Almost settle in the SX4, but heard the the 09 Fits were coming out early, so I ordered one. Far superior fuel economy than the Suzuki, and you cant go wrong with Hondas reliability record. There is so much space in this car its like driving an SUV you can feel good about (and safe in). Im still getting used to the looks though. Its a bit too modern for me. I like the 07/08s better, but the 09 has improved over the previous gen. in every other way. I actually get compliments on it all the time though. Mine is orange. Consistently getting 34-38 mpg. I love this car!

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  Ill be sad to trade it in... - 1990 Honda Accord
  By shamrock - May 2 - 2:00 am

  My 1990 Accord LX was my first car, bought right after college. Its been very reliable for 10 of its 12 years...unfortunately, I rear-ended someone 2 years ago, and its had some problems since then. Now Im looking for a new Accord or Civic, but I know Ill be a bit depressed to see it go.