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:

• 

  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By christene portelli - May 27 - 6:53 am

  The Ridgeline is fantastic!! It gets great gas mileage, has everything Im looking for in features, reliability, handling and comfort. My job as a pediatric home health nurse is demanding, and this truck has made a huge difference in my comfort level. This is also my first Honda, and certainly not the last! Above all, itÂ’s a Honda!

• 

  Wont ever sell it - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Maxwell - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new when I was in college. Now, 10 years later and with a good job I still love it. Everyone I work with drives new SUVs, luxury sedans, or sport cars, but I enjoy driving my Civic. It has a solid feel, responsive handling, acceptable accelleration, and I like the styling (much less cheap looking than the new Civics). Plus, I dont feel nervous parking in D.C. or driving over potholes.

• 

  Good car but could be better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Barry - May 26 - 12:20 pm

  Downsized from a Prius, payment too high. Leasing Civic for $199.00 per/mth. Civic an adequate replacement. Not the same mileage, but close. CivicsÂ’ sticker about $8,000 less than the Prius. Prius mpg 47-51 mpg. Civic is 29-41. CivicsÂ’ positives: great fuel economy 31-32 suburban, 38-41 on highway. Nice styling outside. Civic negatives: Roofline too low, hard to get in & out of and Im short. The seats are as hard as a park bench, most uncomfortable seats of any car I ever owned. Civic AC in Arizona summers sucks. AC cuts out by design during acceleration to save gas. Ride is too firm for my tastes.

• 

  review of 99 civic ex - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Tara Healy - May 26 - 10:10 am

  vehicle is fun to drive..reliable... roomy enough for me, would like backseat to be a little more roomy...more headroom is needed in backseat..there really isnt anything that I would like to change, just improve upon

• 

  The most reliable car ever! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By shannon - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 6 YEARS AND ONLY HAD A FEW MINOR PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT HAS 130000 MILES ON IT AND STILL RUNS GREAT. IT IS A VERY LOW MAINTENCE CAR. IT ONLY NEEDS GAS AND OIL CHANGES. PERFECT FOR HEAVY DAILY COMMUTING. MY FAVORITE LOOKING MODEL OF THE CIVIC INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SO FAR. WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT MY EX MODEL DID NOT COME WITH A/C. HONDAS AND TOYOTAS ARE THE BEST MADE AND LONGEST LASTING CARS.

• 

  Palpitations - 2002 Honda S2000
  By drfit2000 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  There is no bigger thrill-ride available on the road today. Hit the little red button, use your fingertips to shift the flawless stick, and let it rev. Trips to the supermarket cause the heart to flutter. This is a noisy bulldog of a car that always demands your attention. Not for music lovers you cant hear the radio. Who cares?

• 

  Awesome - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Renee - May 25 - 8:30 pm

  First time I drove it I was pleasantly surprised. I didnt have good preconceived notions regarding this SUV. However, the CR-V is zippy, comfortable and has punch when you need it most. My family loves the reclining rear seats. I am extremely pleased with the easy to use controls, the many cup holders and sound system. Visibility is great Sitting in the drivers seat

• 

  The little honda that could... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By matt h. - May 25 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my 98 ex 5 speed manual in 2006 with 69k miles on it for $5000. When this car finally reached the end of its useful value in 2013 it had 397,000 miles on it and still started and ran no problem rain, snow, or sun. With snow tires on it I could get through anything, and I even took it in the muddy fields and off road, and drove it like a race car, engine next to redline, on pavement and dirt a few times. As long as you do regular maintenance, especially change the timing belt, spark plugs, and distributor cap; and adjust the valves when recommended this engine will outlive you. Two major problems-the door lock assembly on the drivers side broke, and there was no way to open the door, so I had to cut it open with a torch to replace it; and the ignition coil inside the distributor burned out and left me stranded once. Other than that, just routine stuff you expect with a car that old-radiator replacement, timing sprockets and oil/water pump replacements....but the alternator, a/c system, power steering, struts, 3/4 ball joints, and rear brakes were original and working properly within specification when I retired it. Overall a fantastic car that wont give up on you, and trust me, mine got driven and abused.

• 

  The little honda that could... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By matt h. - May 25 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my 98 ex 5 speed manual in 2006 with 69k miles on it for $5000. When this car finally reached the end of its useful value in 2013 it had 397,000 miles on it and still started and ran no problem rain, snow, or sun. With snow tires on it I could get through anything, and I even took it in the muddy fields and off road, and drove it like a race car, engine next to redline, on pavement and dirt a few times. As long as you do regular maintenance, especially change the timing belt, spark plugs, and distributor cap; and adjust the valves when recommended this engine will outlive you. Two major problems-the door lock assembly on the drivers side broke, and there was no way to open the door, so I had to cut it open with a torch to replace it; and the ignition coil inside the distributor burned out and left me stranded once. Other than that, just routine stuff you expect with a car that old-radiator replacement, timing sprockets and oil/water pump replacements....but the alternator, a/c system, power steering, struts, 3/4 ball joints, and rear brakes were original and working properly within specification when I retired it. Overall a fantastic car that wont give up on you, and trust me, mine got driven and abused.

• 

  2008 CRV - excellent choice! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By newCRV-EXL - May 25 - 3:56 pm

  2008 2WD EX-L This is a very nice vehicle - my first SUV. We were looking at the RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue as well, but went with this. Got it for $2200 below sticker price. No regrets so far. I have driven it for a week now (330 miles) - 1st tank of gas averaged 26.2 mpg. About 2/3 of it was in the city and 1/3 on the highway. Pretty good considering the car isnt even broken in yet. The acceleration is a little lacking on an uphill ramp & a bit noisy but does not bother me too much. The 270 watt stereo is awesome! Moonroof and leather are great, the seats are quite comfortable contrary to what some others have mentioned, but I agree the lumbar support is not very hard.