Honda’s relationship with North America is one of the most fascinating stories in automotive history. When the company first arrived in the 1960s, it was known mainly for motorcycles and small quirky cars that seemed completely out of place in a market dominated by massive V8 sedans and chrome covered cruisers. But the timing could not have been better. By the early 1970s, the fuel crisis hit, and Americans suddenly began looking for smaller, more efficient cars. Honda delivered vehicles that were affordable, easy to maintain, and most importantly, dependable. That reputation for reliability is what cemented Honda’s foothold in North America.
The Honda Legend (Pun Intended)
By the 1980s, Honda wasn’t just a scrappy foreign newcomer anymore. The Civic and Accord became staples in American and Canadian households, and Honda began building factories in the United States to meet overwhelming demand. In 1986, Honda went one step further and launched Acura, the first Japanese luxury brand, designed to compete with Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Lexus. Acura gave North American buyers a new option: luxury and performance paired with Honda reliability. Decades later, Honda and Acura remain two of the most trusted names in the automotive world. Here are the twelve most loved Hondas and Acuras in North America and the reasons why they became legends.
Honda Civic
The Civic is arguably the most important car Honda ever sold in North America. First introduced in the early 1970s, it was small, efficient, and exactly what buyers needed when gas prices spiked. The Civic became the go to car for students, commuters, and families on a budget. It evolved over the years into a global bestseller, with sporty trims like the Si and Type R earning respect among enthusiasts. For countless Americans and Canadians, the Civic was their first car, and for many more, it became the vehicle they trusted for decades of reliable service.
Honda Accord
The Accord was the car that solidified Honda as a major force in North America. Launched in 1976, it was larger than the Civic and targeted at the booming midsize sedan market. By the late 1980s, it became the best selling car in America. What made the Accord so loved was its balance: roomy enough for families, refined enough for professionals, and still affordable. Generations of families bought Accord after Accord, with many reaching hundreds of thousands of miles. Built in Ohio for decades, it also became a symbol of Honda’s commitment to North American manufacturing.
Honda CR V
The CR V appeared in the late 1990s just as crossovers began replacing sedans as family favorites. With SUV practicality and car like driving manners, it was the perfect blend for the American lifestyle. Parents loved the space, commuters loved the fuel economy, and everyone loved Honda reliability. Today it remains one of the best selling vehicles in both the United States and Canada, a testament to how Honda anticipated where the market was heading before most competitors.
Honda Prelude
For those who wanted more excitement than a Civic or Accord, the Prelude delivered. First launched in the late 1970s, the Prelude really came into its own in the 1980s and 1990s. With sleek styling, advanced technology like four wheel steering, and engines that loved to rev, it became a cult favorite. Enthusiasts adored its sharp handling and balance, while younger buyers loved its sporty image without supercar prices. Even though it was discontinued, the Prelude remains one of the most fondly remembered Honda coupes.
Honda S2000
The S2000 was Honda’s 50th anniversary gift to itself and to enthusiasts around the world. Released in 1999, it featured a 2.0 liter four cylinder that revved all the way to 9,000 rpm, making it one of the most thrilling engines of its time. Paired with a slick six speed manual and rear wheel drive, it was a pure driver’s car that rivaled sports cars costing twice as much. In North America, it quickly developed a cult following, and today it is considered one of the most collectible Hondas ever built.
Honda Odyssey
While minivans are rarely associated with passion, the Odyssey has been a beloved family companion in North America since the 1990s. With clever seating, massive space, and legendary durability, it became the default choice for countless families. The Odyssey earned its reputation by consistently ranking as one of the safest and most reliable minivans, and even though SUVs dominate now, it remains a top seller in its class.
Honda Pilot
For families who wanted something larger than a CR V but not a full size SUV, the Pilot filled the gap. With three rows of seating and Honda’s dependable V6 engines, it became a favorite among suburban households. The Pilot’s balance of practicality and comfort made it one of the most loved family SUVs in North America, serving as the more rugged sibling to the Odyssey.
Acura Integra
When Acura launched in 1986, the Integra was one of its first models, and it immediately made a mark. Affordable yet sporty, it became a darling of the 1990s tuner scene, appearing in countless street racing builds and even starring in the first Fast and Furious movie. The GS R and Type R versions became icons thanks to their screaming VTEC engines and razor sharp handling. The Integra helped establish Acura as a serious performance brand and remains a symbol of the golden era of Japanese sport compacts.
Acura NSX
The NSX changed the way the world looked at Japanese cars. Introduced in 1990 under Acura in North America, it was a mid engine, aluminum bodied supercar tuned with input from Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna. The NSX delivered Ferrari beating performance with Honda reliability, something no one thought possible at the time. It became a poster car for an entire generation and proved that Honda could play in the supercar league without sacrificing usability.
Acura TL
The Acura TL was one of the most successful luxury sedans of the 2000s in North America. With strong V6 engines, crisp styling, and cutting edge tech for its time, it became a favorite of professionals looking for something reliable yet upscale. The TL Type S stood out as a true enthusiast sedan, offering sharp handling and sporty character while still being comfortable enough for daily driving. For many, the TL was the sweet spot between Honda practicality and luxury car flair.
Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline redefined what a pickup could be. Introduced in the mid 2000s, it used a unibody construction rather than the traditional body on frame design. Critics questioned it at first, but buyers quickly saw the benefits. With car like comfort, clever features like an in bed trunk, and plenty of hauling capability for everyday needs, it became one of the most respected trucks in its class. For those who didn’t need a heavy duty pickup, the Ridgeline was the perfect alternative.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit was a small car that packed a big punch in practicality. Introduced to North America in the mid 2000s, it offered brilliant interior packaging thanks to Honda’s “magic seat” system, which allowed the rear seats to fold in multiple ways. The result was a tiny car with cavernous cargo space. Affordable, reliable, and fun to drive, the Fit became a favorite among students, urban drivers, and anyone looking for maximum value in a small footprint. Its discontinuation left a hole in the market that fans still want Honda to fill.
Why North America Loves Honda
Honda’s success in North America boils down to trust, versatility, and timing. The brand arrived just as buyers were desperate for efficiency, and it delivered cars that were not only economical but also reliable enough to keep running for decades. Once Honda built that trust, it expanded into new categories—minivans, SUVs, pickups, and luxury cars through Acura. What ties them all together is a consistent focus on engineering excellence and long term dependability. For enthusiasts, Honda also sprinkled in excitement with cars like the Prelude, S2000, and NSX, proving it wasn’t afraid to build vehicles that stirred the soul. Acura gave Honda another dimension, offering luxury and performance that could compete with Europe’s best while still maintaining Honda’s reputation for reliability.
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