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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  Bealtifull/Fast/Realiable/N/Great Price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sidney Campos Jr. - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1998 honda accord and it was really great already, and now this new accord, very good looking car, Fast, really fast, I have a 2004 honda accord v6 engine, I just love it, I was about to get a infiniti/g35, but there was a big difference on the price, so, I went for the Honda accord!

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  Honda comes through again... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jonathan Bell - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Its quiet, refined, and very stylish. I have the 4-cyl which performs excellent on all conditions. If youre looking for a reliable car that wont break the bank, I recommend the Accord. It feels so sturdy and strong. I plan to have it for atleast 150,000 miles.

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  Excellent Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Slycer1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Honda Accord EX-V6 sedan in January after doing an extensive review of the competition. Everything about this cars interior is amazing. Im a tall guy and I drive other tall people around, and everyones comfortable. The sound system is accentuated by the lack of road noise. The 240hp engine cruises quite comfortable at any speed (Ive had mine up to 110 without even noticing). The 4-wheel ABS braking system "should" keep me out of trouble, but if I am involved in a collision, it feels like Im driving a friggin tank. I feel safe in this car... perhaps too safe.

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  WONDERFUL CAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DZRIG - March 8 - 2:00 am

  LOOKED AT ALTIMA,CAMRY,MALIBU AND GALANT. CAMRY WAS NICE BUT I COULD NOT GET OVER THE NOT SO EYE PLEASING DESIGN.THE OTHERS WERE JUST NOT AS REFINED.THE ACCORD IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. FEATURE CONTENT IS HIGH AND HAS MANY OPTIONS. DRIVES LIKE A DREAM.

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  Almost Perfect 2006 S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By El Freaky - March 7 - 10:34 pm

  When you look at the gorgeous Laguna Blue Pearl on the 2006 S2000, you cant help but to enjoy this sexy piece of art. Everyone will turn their heads! The car provides excellent handling and it feels as if it is mounted on rails with the new stability control. It is extremely fun to drive on most terrains! I traded a 2004 BMW 330 Ci Coupe with sports package for the S2K, and I have no regrets. The zippy electronic top comes up or down in less than 10 seconds. The near perfect interior is intuitively designed like a cockpit around the driver. All car interiors should be designed like this one! This is definitely an automobile for people that have fun and love to drive!

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  2009 Honda Pilot: A Great SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Trish - March 7 - 5:36 pm

  I love everything about my new Honda Pilot. It is fun to drive and is a great car for families. It is very spacious inside, including the third row.

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  Great - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Seean - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, awesome handling, and I got it for a great price.

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  I love my Honda Accord! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Flyn_Bryan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the car overall. Thumbs up!

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  Best car we have ever had, love it - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gardie - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Odyssey XL, bought in February of that year. Absolutely no problems. Friends bought a Chrysler minivan at same time and within two months had a list of minor things wrong to take to the dealer. I have not had one thing go wrong with the car. Nor found anything minor thing to be fixed.

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  Smooth - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pohboy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  was looking for a Toyota Highlander but saw the pilot and was much happier with it on the test drive. More room and has the features you really need, and not all the extras dealers put on the Highlander. Beware of dealers telling you that Honda is charging them an extra $4 - $5K to sell them, buncha bull, got mine for $1000 less than MSRP after hours of haggling.