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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  Love this car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Heidi - April 23 - 6:07 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 at a Ford Dealership. It was so cute. It is fun to drive, and have had NO mechanical failures. The only thing is that it goes through headlights about 4 times a year. Also, other vehicles have no respect for this little beauty. Every day, some one is cutting me off. Best car I have ever owned, I will definitely buy another Honda. My VIN begins with a 1, so it was made in America, my friends Ford was made in Canada...go figure. Husband prefers driving it just because of the gas mileage.

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  Wwow - 2000 Honda S2000
  By andy - April 23 - 3:28 pm

  i bought this car with 100k on it and i have yet to encounter a problem (and i dont expect any considering the accord we have has close to 300k on it with no problems to date.) To be honest i simply cant keep myself out of this exhilarating machine. Every shift is precise, it absolutely roars at 9k rpm (it doesnt scream like others, but i do have aftermarket exhaust), and above that the chicks dig the leather and convertible top. the gas mileage is outstanding considering the performance it packs (usually at least 25 mpg unless Im really hard on her). talk about bang for your buck...i paid less than 10k for this car and i feel like a million bucks driving it around.

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  Fun To Drive and Extremely Comfortable - 2008 Honda Element
  By FMBGSU - April 23 - 11:47 am

  This car is really fun to drive but I do recommend the manual transmission. I test drove both the automatic and manual and definitely found the manual to give more power and also make the car more enjoyable to drive. The car shifts very smoothly and accelerates pretty well. My passengers never have to fight over the front seat anymore as the back seats are just as comfortable with plenty of leg room. I was worried at first that the styling had just caught my attention and I would get sick of it after a week but a few months later I am still in love with my Element. In essence it is a utility vehicle but on the LX trim there are more than enough features to get the job done.

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  Gotta love a Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Nicole Burton - April 23 - 11:28 am

  I totally love my civic. In the 8 years I have owned mine, my exhaust went up and the O2 sensor and air control valve have went up. No other problems what so ever with her. The transmission does run a little rough. I change the oil about every 5,000 miles and with the economy sucking, it helps to have a fuel efficient vehicle. I think next I might buy a Honda CR-V, still great gas mileage but a tad bigger. The dealership where I bought mine actually send me stuff all the time asking to buy my car back, because of its low mileage. I only have 79,000 miles on it. The resale price is GREAT. Definitely holds its value.

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  Great performer for long trips - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By D. Stone - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2004 Odyssey in March of 2004. First Honda owner, previously Toyota owner, with a horrible mistake on a Chrysler Plymouth. Just took a 2500 mile round-trip from Central Texas to Seattle on our new Odyseey. Even though we average 700+ mile a day, our backs were not tired at the end of the day. The seats are excellent. Gas mileage range between 25 - 28 miles per gallon (except in Utah). Driving on the interstate through the mountains at 75 mph was an easy task for the Odyssey. The A/C is doing a great job now that we are back in the oven (I mean Texas). Recommend the Odyssey to anyone planning to do long trips.

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  Excellent, But... - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BKHONDA - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great product. Superb fit/finish, quiet and powerful. But had to get wind noise from windshield fixed first day off lot, rear power window doesnt work, and fuel gauge must be inaccurate- -supposedly a 20-gallon tank, but reads empty and fuel light comes on when I really have 6.5 gallons left! A little disappointed in Honda quality control this time around, but still were happy with the van and it still has the best powertrain and handling of any of them!

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  Brake and navigation failure LEMON - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lucky to be alive - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The day after I purchased my 1st new Honda Accord my brakes started grinding and skipping. Multiple repair attempts did not fix problems. The skipping brakes caused me to go into intersections and I was almost killed because of the brake failures. I have been to Honda 6 times and Honda Corporation refuses to help me. I have hired a lawyer to help me and the car is park - since it is unsafe to drive and Honda cant find the brake problem. PS the navigation unit went out so many times, Honda replaced the entire system. The Honda service people were great, but they couldnt fix my car and continue to place me in a life-threatening situation as we

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  The Almost Perfect Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By johnnyn - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Accord has been on virtually everyones recommended list for decades and this model has just upped the ante for what it takes to compete. For the price, IMHO nothing comes close. Comfort, safety, handling, performance, room, and reliability are all topnotch.

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  Tries too hard to be something it isnt. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tom - April 23 - 9:13 am

  After a good experience with an 02 EX V6, I expected a lot from my 07 EX V6. After 5K miles, Im a bit disappointed. The 07 is a step forward in some areas, but a step back in others. The engine is stronger, and noisier. The automatic shifts more smoothly, but less responsive. Handling has improved and theres less kickback through the wheel, but ride quality has eroded and the steering is less communicative. The 02 was roomy, with a large back seat. The 07 has comfier seats but feels cramped, especially in back. Gas mileage is equal at 23 MPG city. While the 02 was a nice blend of everything, the 07 tries to be more sports sedan than family sedan, and ultimately fails at being both.

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  Cant beat the Heat - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Fla Rider - April 22 - 10:09 pm

  AC Compressor needs to last more than 47,000 miles. Bought the car recently at 46,500. Less than 1000 miles ac went out. Where is the Honda reliability???