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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  Sweet 1998 Honda CR-V at home in small town. - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Susanna Wassill - March 11 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this vehicle sight unseen after reading carfaxs, user reviews, user problems, etc. I had to drive to Chicago to pick it up which was horrible experience after almost getting hit twice due to others speeding. The ABS brake light was on and the salesman at the dealership said it was because the brakes had been changed and the code not reset. Not a problem, right? The car was really clean inside and out - no accidents. My brother drives it home for me while I lead with no problems. The next day when I get up to go to work, the engine light, the brake light, and the ABS brake light are all on. The tailgate handle is seized up. I decide to take it to our local Honda dealership service department. The ABS light is on because the rear wheels need new sensors - $500. The engine light because it needs a new distributor cap. Oil was leaking because it needed a new cam bolt. The red brake light I think because it was below zero. I pulled the parking brake all the way up and put it back down and it went out. When they said it was finished I made arrangements to pick it up after hours and the engine light was flashing still. I called them, got it back in, and 3 cylinders were tight. They also unseized the tailgate handle and got it to latch. The tailgate handle is a $185 repair through them. This summer I believe thanks to u-tube my brother and I can replace this ourselves. Also, the horn is not working and neither is the interior clock. All in all, I put in an additional $1010. I love how the vehicle drives. It has its squeaks and such, but for a 17 yr old Chicago SUV that has moved to a small town - it is a dream. I was surprised about my first gas mileage check of 25 mpg. I thought that was pretty good. Oh, the speakers are great! I purchased the car for $3000 and put a little over $3000 into mostly because of labor. I drove it down to Florida this summer 2017 and I heard some noises when turning and such that I decided to trade it in if I found something. I loved the design of 1998, but I moved up to a 2006 one owner CRV LX with only 72,400 miles on it. So far it has much more power.

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  17 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Peter Carson - March 11 - 5:44 am

  No CD player. Very comfortable, nice GPS, good mpg!

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  Honda Prelude Coupe 1998 - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Mozgrrl - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car, great for cruising around. The v-tec engine offers plenty of pep!

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  Comfortable/Pronounce noise - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Al1Lynn - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, smooth ride. Quiet engine that is economical on gas. Considerable leg room even in last seat. Interior gadgets could be more sturdy and stable. This vehicle could enter the luxury line if road and wind noise were not so pronounced.

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  ODYSSEY - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Owen Abrey - March 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VAN!

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  Original Owner Stills Drives Car in 2017! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dee - March 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned and first Honda! Bought it on a whim in 1996 and still own it today. The only mechanical work Ive had done is general maintenance. The radiator and transmission both lasted over 200K miles. wow! I have about 240K miles on it now and expect to drive it another 240K at least. Just keep up with regular maintenance and it will pay you back many times over. Great fuel efficiency too. Gets 35 mpg in town and has gotten well over 40 mpg highway. Ive driven this car in high elevations, coastal areas, snow, rain, you name it. Its always held its own with traction. Never gotten stuck. Great little car. If I could say one thing that I dont like about this car is that the front seats are very uncomfortable on road trips.

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  Original Owner Stills Drives Car in 2017! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dee - March 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned and first Honda! Bought it on a whim in 1996 and still own it today. The only mechanical work Ive had done is general maintenance. The radiator and transmission both lasted over 200K miles. wow! I have about 240K miles on it now and expect to drive it another 240K at least. Just keep up with regular maintenance and it will pay you back many times over. Great fuel efficiency too. Gets 35 mpg in town and has gotten well over 40 mpg highway. Ive driven this car in high elevations, coastal areas, snow, rain, you name it. Its always held its own with traction. Never gotten stuck. Great little car. If I could say one thing that I dont like about this car is that the front seats are very uncomfortable on road trips.

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  Ridgeline Kicks Butt in Texas - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By H.C. VanScoy - March 10 - 5:26 pm

  Traded in our 2004 Odyssey on the 06 Ridgeline -- its a great vehicle. Comfortable, stylish and wonderful for long-distance travel. Hondas innovative storage solutions are great and the sound system is beyond our expectations. Can you tell we love our new Ridgeline?

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  Love our CRV Touring so far! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Dean Johnston - March 9 - 10:34 pm

  Great vehicle with awesome features and great redesign. Love to get out and drive it.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bobby - March 9 - 7:16 pm

  The LX SPECIAL EDITION is a great car for the price compared to higher priced American cars in the same class. This car is fun to drive and very reliable. Great job Honda keep building cars people want to own for a long time.