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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  Comfortable trucking - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Greg Kaufmann - July 3 - 4:25 am

  Fairly luxurious ride. I would term it a"gentlemans truck". Great storage and utility, the large locking trunk is a game changer. You see so many trucks with tool boxes taking up 1/3 of their bed space and they have to climb in the bed to access it. The Ridgeline tool box is easily accessible thanks to the side opening tailgate. The available tonneau cover easily folds back for open bed cargo and keeps things dry and protected when folded down. I drove a Prius for 4 years previous to this and suffered from a sore tailbone from the seat, since driving the Ridgeline my pain is gone thank you very much. I do miss the 50 mpg and am getting an average after ~1000mi 21.4 mpg. They are having trouble keeping them in stock in my area, Austin TX, but the black painted models are still available. It is a joy to drive if you need a truck.

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  Just got it! and Love It!!! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By erik j. h. - July 3 - 2:27 am

  I just purchased a used 99Si with 37,000 miles on it. I have had it a week and i love everything about it already. Its an absolute blast to drive, slow or fast!!!

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  My review - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By salter99 - July 3 - 12:00 am

  I enjoy driving my CR-V around town and on trips. Fuel economy is good, and it is inexpensive to maintain. I like the looks and handling.

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  This is what most of U.S. should drive - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jim - July 2 - 5:37 pm

  Bought new in 1998. 5 speed EX 2-door model. 146,000 miles. Have replaced the battery once, tires twice, and timing belt and water pump at 105,000 miles. No other costs other than oil changes. Car has averaged 37 mpg overall to date. 100% reliable. A few door dings from the parking lot. Interior looks like new. Foreign oil dependency would be much lower if more of us drove these.

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  Requires some effort to get 40+MPG - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lucas - July 2 - 3:53 am

  I dont know if I can call this a full hybrid because I cant cruise just on the battery. So you always use gasoline, but given the factor that the small 1.3L engine doesnt eat much gas you can get nice MPG. I drive around NYC mostly city. When it was warmer I did get 40MPG on a tank. Now below or near zero temperatures I get 35MPG.

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  Loved the truck hate the price - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Curt Alverson - July 2 - 12:39 am

  The truck is great. Pricey for the features you get. An RTL has a very basic radio for 37 k. For that price I expect better amenities so I passed

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  I guess I got the best on the lot - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Todd Hutcheson - July 1 - 4:52 pm

  I considered a few other cars, 2015 Nissan Rouge, 2016 Honda Fit and Versa. They had one 2016 CR-V AWD SE in Pearl Blue Special Edition. Absolutely the best ride, controls, looks, comfort, back-up camera, 17 inch wheels, tinted windows, security features and only 24 miles on it. Love at first sight, fit like a glove, 1 and 1 makes 1. I am so proud of my new CR-V AWD SE that I bought at Lynnwood Honda (north of Seattle), the radio, heater, wipers fold down seats with my all season floor mats and cargo mat in the back. Just... I am in tears. I drove junk for 18 years, this will be my last car and I made the correct choice. The Back-up Camera alone is worth the price. It has power when I need to pass and the Econ button saves me the gas. Some times when I get to where I am going... I just dont want to get out. And there is always the look back. After 2 months I have not seen another Honda CR-V AWD SE in Pearl Blue Special Edition like mine. Happy happy happy. - Sincerely, Hutch

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  Sharp and comfortable - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ryan - July 1 - 10:45 am

  In and out will be different than a SUV. Quality seems very good. Layout is simple and logical, and well thought out. Performance seem good and ride is smooth enough. Happy purchase ! Still new.. Bought May 2017, the pull down on this form for year not working.

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  Sharp and comfortable - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ryan - July 1 - 10:45 am

  In and out will be different than a SUV. Quality seems very good. Layout is simple and logical, and well thought out. Performance seem good and ride is smooth enough. Happy purchase ! Still new.. Bought May 2017, the pull down on this form for year not working.

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  Sharp and comfortable - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Kevin Ryan - July 1 - 10:45 am

  In and out will be different than a SUV. Quality seems very good. Layout is simple and logical, and well thought out. Performance seem good and ride is smooth enough. Happy purchase ! Still new.. Bought May 2017, the pull down on this form for year not working.