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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  Buy it... or die tryin - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Vekis - June 7 - 2:36 am

  Most bang for the buck on the road. A really fun ride. The first car I ever just wanted to take for a ride for no good reason. Great acceleration and handling. Quick, responsive and a real eye-catcher. The habenero red pearl looks terrific.

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  History will not repeat itself - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Mark Liu - June 7 - 2:00 am

  When Honda came out with the original prelude, they were determined to make it one of the best performing vehicle they had. And so did they. They put some genuine effort to make the car stand out to build an awesome reputation of a reliable, high performance car. The quality will not repeat itself. It surely one of the best theyve ever made. Especially with the style.

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  Endurance is Key - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Trent - June 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is now 12 years old with 140,000 miles on it. It still looks great (repainted in 98)inside and out, and its NEVER failed to start for me. I get the oil changed religiously every 3,000 miles, but Im not otherwise too careful with service.

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  My First Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Karl - June 6 - 8:40 pm

  I like the car, but I have to agree with one other reviewer. The first thing i noticed was the vibration of the steering wheel and kind of loud engine. That kind of caught me off guard that the steering wheel vibrated - that should NOT happen. And my other immediate concern is the discomfort of the seat, mostly the lumbar area of the back - very concerning since i hope to have this car for many years. Other than that it drives just ok, not as quiet and as smooth as my test drive with its competitor. But overall its a nice car. I bought the car because i like it. I think it has attractive styling and was told that it is a work horse and i tend to keep my cars until they cant drive anymore.

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  awesome ride - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Tom W - June 6 - 2:00 am

  For those who think a 4 cylinder normally aspirated engine cant be a thriller - you are WRONG! Take a 2 liter 4 cylinder, put it on speed (9000 rpms) and you have an incredible rush. The sound is sweet. Above 6000 rpms the sound is incredible. Think of your favorite Formula 1 arcade game, and place it into a real vehicle. The sound - the cockpit - the feel.

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  Great AWD multipurpose wagon - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By grhoward - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on my 2001 Honda CRV- EX last summer (its still worth more than I paid). Almost had it a year and simply love this vehicle for trips around town or to my favorite outdoor get aways. Ive added several upgrades i.e. better stereo components, retractable cargo cover, cargo mat, bike racks, etc. Even looked into adding a supercharger or VTEC kit to add some extra horsepower but refrained because the CRV has enough horses to suit my purposes. Now that the 2002 CRV has been introduced, a 1998-2001 model makes for a great used car bargain.

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  1st Honda. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By David D. - June 6 - 12:20 am

  sound system below average, noisy brakes, vibration noise from dash and rear speaker deck, 20 MPG in city, 27 MPG highway, driver door handle sticks,good engine and transmission, great a/c. disappointed in the build quality and fit & finish.

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  Please Wait 6 Months Before You Rate - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda? - June 5 - 8:40 pm

  Had great prior experience w/ Honda Accord so purchased vehicle over Toyota, Nissan. Traded in 98 Caravan driven for over 100K miles. Solid ride, standard options, and Honda reputation drove my decision towards the Odyssey. Cylinder deactivation is a plus. Very disappointed in quality though. This is a grocery getter, and not driven hard. After 9K miles, there has been 4 trips to dealer for alignment service, resulting in premature tire wear, 2 trips for steering knock (which by the way is a known serv bulletin issue that requires special lubricant on the steering column), now a rattle in the sliding door. This is a Honda? I actually had less issues w/ Caravan. Now test driving a Sienna.

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  Ditto - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim - June 5 - 3:57 pm

  I have to echo most of the other glowing reviews that drivers of the 17 Ridgeline are saying. Most clever truck on the market by far. Only vehicle Ive ever owned where people in parking lots come up and ask "what kind of truck is that, it looks great" or "I saw you open the trunk in the bed, that is so cool!" Ride is great, seats are comfortable, and gas mileage is impressive. I would have only 2 minor complaints: 1) rear doors dont open wide enough. Theres lots of space in the back with the seats folded up but the doors dont open wide enough to put a single large item in back, even though theres enough room inside. 2) the display is disappointing, hard to navigate and read, especially while driving. Not intuitive at all. Also, the blue tooth voice operation is sketchy and unreliable, not nearly as good as my 08 Camry. But again, these are MINOR compared to the overall greatness of the rest of the truck. Considered Tacoma, Frontier, and Canyon, but waited to buy until the 17 Ridgeline was available. So glad I did and intend to keep it for a long, long time.

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  Fabulous - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cheryl - June 5 - 12:40 pm

  This is honestly the first automobile Ive owned that I can truly say "I Love." I highly recommend this vehicle for its comfort and how well it handles on the road. I new I wanted a small SUV and I did my homework for over a year. I studied all small SUVs and it was between this one and a RAV4. Boy am I glad I chose this one. Just the interior alone makes it worth my selection. Theres more room in every area. Also, gas mileage. I made my first trip from Las Vegas to Anaheim on one tank. All this and an excellent follow up from Honda. They follow through to make sure youre happy. Life is great!!