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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  I love the new Ridgeline. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By JayRidgeline - April 2 - 11:48 pm

  This new 2017 Ridgeline is not my its belongs to my brother. I have a lot of good things to say about the new ridgeline. This new body Style put the old ridgeline to shame, its so much better in many levels. The gas mileage is better my brother been averaging 19.5 to 21 mpg in town have not gone on long road trip yet. The seats are very comfortable but I notice the back seat area is just a tad bit smaller than old ridgeline but not much still very comfortable and backseats sits a little higher than front seats. I like the trunk space in the bed in the back and its slightly smaller but still very roomy I am 6,2 and I got inside the trunk and fit in good and a little tight but wanted to see how much space by getting inside of it. The bed is much better than the old one because its wider and longer. The old ridgeline drove pretty good but new one is much better because its easier to park it in parking lot and the horsepower is better. The ride is a little smoother and softer than old Rigdeline. My brother test drove the old one thinking he might save more money but decided to buy the 2017 Rigdeline because its so much better in many levels. Only a few downsize which its not a big deal at all. I want to buy one in a few years maybe the RTS model. I highly recommend the new Rigdeline because its very good on gas and good to keep a long time because its a keeper.

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  About my Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By civical - April 2 - 11:31 pm

  To be honest, I purchased this car from a private party with 15,000 miles on it. It was 3 years old at the time and it had a salvage title... At first, I was concerned, but I have had no problems with this car. I am very pleased with my purchase. I paid $7,500. I go to the dealer to get my oil changed regularly, but besides that and brakes, that is all it has needed. I absolutely LOVE it.

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  this car doesnt mess around - 1991 Honda Civic
  By chris_E - April 2 - 6:06 pm

  Coming from a person who has been disappointed from previous cars, this is the best purchase you can make if your budget can only afford used cars. Its very responsive in a good way. The steering control is intense. It has started every time without hesitation. The engine bay is so basic, any procedures can be serviced by yourself, time consumingly. I paid $600 and the car had 135k and Ive driven it out to165k and its still going great. Thats 30k for $600, a lease for that kinda mileage would be at least triple. This car will amaze you.

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  2016 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L - 2016 Honda Accord
  By C. Bianchi - April 2 - 3:56 pm

  This car is awesome. It has great handling, great acceleration & braking, too. It is comfy inside & stylish, both inside and out. The only problems that I have with it is that it does not read newly received text messages out loud via the Bluetooth connectivity. Also, the doors occasionally rattle; it isnt too loud and it comes and goes. It does not happen every car ride.

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  Pat is in her Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Pat Clark - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Very nice, roomy powerful, egress very nice.

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  Not Bad For End Of Its Generation - 2000 Honda Civic
  By PinchBuyer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used (with only 27k on it!). Drivers seat tends to get a little uncomfortable on long drives, starting out isnt exactly up to par (stalls occasionally), high end acceleration isnt the greatest (not sure if thats factory tuning or whether the previous owner didnt know his stuff). However, these are all minor annoyances. The car gets decent gas mileage (not as great as my Neon got, for sure, but its good enough), and its a blast once you get it out on the open road. Can take hills without complaining too much, and the ABS is a God-send.

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  "Odie the Odyssey" - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By P. Ravitsky - April 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I traded in our 1998 Grand Voyager SE in on the Odyssey, and couldnt be any happier with the choice we made. The kids love it. I know 2 other people who own these, and couldnt be any more happier than we are. Keep it up

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  I just love it.... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jjspringer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After months of research and a couple weeks of test driving, the CR-V won hands down. I have really enjoy my CR- V. It has get up and go when needed and handles great. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The 60/40 split rear seat is very convient and easy to access. I love the 6 disc-CD changer location making it easily accessible. The compartments and cup holders are in abundance. I did not like the fabric of the seats and had them replaced with leather seats. Made a world of difference and is easier to clean. You get more than you pay for with the CR- V, great investment.

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  Great economy car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By User - April 2 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this car has been great. I have a standard transmission, so it really has a lot of get-up-and-go for a 4 cylinder vehicle. I havent had any complications, its fun and easy to drive. I previously had a 1991 Civic LX Sedan, and there have been many improvements since then! The road noise especially has really been reduced. The interior is small, of course, but amazingly roomy! On the same token, for such a small car, the trunk is huge!

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  Loving It! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By bigjed - April 1 - 9:58 pm

  I am loving my Crosstour. I bought the pearl diamond 4 EXL, Sporty look, luxury, Good Sound System, Nice Navi System, as well as Bluetooth. I like the height of the Crosstour, you dont have to kneel down to get into the car, you just slip right on in! When I drive it, its like riding high, I can see the road. I like its bulky, strong look. It doesnt look like a cheap Honda. Coming from a BMW that always needing TLC, this Honda is very reliable. Getting use to side view rear mirrors, its nice that you dont have to break your neck trying to see if cars on on the side of you. This car is for good drivers and one who like quality.....