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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  I love my civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By helen - March 5 - 5:33 am

  I got my 06 civic in Sept.06, So far no big problems, everything is cool with the car except for the widow wiper on the left is not working as it should be, it leave streaks and makes my view blurry in raining days, I had to pay to replace it. The driving experience is good and it is light on gas. id give it a 9/10

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  Pure Refinement from previous model - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Bavarian5150 - March 5 - 12:56 am

  Purchased a 2003 Odyssey after my daughter was born. The car was very well built but had poor mileage. After 4 years and kids destorying the interior. I decided to trade it in for a new one. I tell everyone that the vehicle has defintely been refined over the 4 years. Better mileage and improvements thru out the interior and exterior.

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  Trouble free vehicle! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Brenda - March 5 - 12:13 am

  We have had no problems with our Accord. It has only needed a new set of tires since we purchased it. It is very comfortable for 4 large adults and is fuel efficient. Performance with the 4 cylinder is adequate. The automatic transmission is sluggish to downshift. It handles and brakes very well. I am somewhat concerned with the amount of reviews refering to the premature failure of the automatic transmissions. Fortunately, our dealer "gave" us a 10 yr/100000mi waranty--hopefully we wont have to use it. The dealer in Kingsport is very good but you have to remind them to wash your car, update your records in your owners manual, stamp your 5 oil changes get the sixth one free card.

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  my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By biles - March 4 - 7:08 pm

  i feel very safe, able to see all around, especially with back seats put up. no blind spots

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  Fun, Practical Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Mike the honda nut - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great. The V6 is very powerful. It shifts smoothly. The gas mileage is pretty good considering the engine (27 mpg on highway). I drive it a lot on long trips, and it is very comfortable to ride in. It has lots of leg room in the front seats and the back seat is not too bad considering it is a coupe. The trunk is quite large, and Im able to throw golf clubs and a couple suitcases in there and still have room to spare. IF I ever replace this car, it would be with a newer accord V6.

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  What a cool car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Zoe Nipp - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle slightly used as a third car and a future vehicle for our fifteen-year old boy. We LOVE it! My husband and I fight over who gets to drive it. It is a very FUN, functional, spacious car. We feel very modern driving it. Lots of car for the money. Buy one!!! Totally underrated by the professional reviewers.

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  Liveliest/most reliable SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By agansj - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Strong and smooth engine. Properly weighted and direct steering. A lot of SUV for your earned money. And most of all, Hondas RELIABILITY.

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  Great Value & Reliability for the $ - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Accord - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 02 Accord EX V6 brand new in June 02 and have just over 62,000 miles on it. The car is the best one weve ever bought (we replaced a 95 Accord LX with 168K). We havent had any failures and the only maintenance weve done is new front brake pads, an air filter, oil &filter changes and a trans fluid change. Two minor repairs were the black plastic on the seek button wore off (new radio under warranty) and we bent a wheel to the extent it couldnt be balanced, so it had to be replaced ($295). DonÂ’t let the Honda dealer talk you out of using Amsoil synthetic ATF. My shifts are smoother with Amsoil than Honda Z-1.

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  good good car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By darile - March 4 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best ever it handl well and its styles

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Steven Piippo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is so awesome!I love it, it belonged to my grandpa until he died.