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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  Auto power off needed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan o - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Odyssey. With that said a fatal flaw is the lack of a auto power off feature like in Dodge and Chevy. Minivans tend to have kids in them and kids tend to leave lights on. I wouldnt go back to my Dodge Caravan because of it, but it is annoying to have the battery run down.

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  Auto power off needed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan O - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Odyssey. With that said a fatal flaw is the lack of a auto power off feature like in Dodge and Chevy. Minivans tend to have kids in them and kids tend to leave lights on. I wouldnt go back to my Dodge Caravan because of it, but it is annoying to have the battery run down.

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  Good to Go - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Chelsea - April 13 - 11:43 pm

  I began by leasing my Honda in 2002. When the lease was up, I decided to purchase it. Ive been very satisfied with my Honda. I traded a 1995 Aurora for it and although I LOVED my Aurora, the Honda has most of the same features. Its great on gas mileage and roomy enough for four people to travel comfortably. The stereo system really rocks and its very easy to handle. Ive only had to have routine maintenance and so far have had no major problems.

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  Good reliable car - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ross - April 13 - 8:28 pm

  I bought this car initially b/c of its roominess. I am 64 and I dont think there is any other small SUV with this much room. I would also put it to the test even with the large SUVs. Easy to get in and out of. Gas mileage is better than most SUVs. Easy to keep clean. And, its the perfect car for city driving and parking. Just enough performance on the road to keep up with everyone. I will own this car likely until it dies. 40,000+ miles in two years and no problems whatsoever (except for chipped windshield).

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  Great car! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Plugger - April 13 - 8:35 am

  I own a 98 SH. This car is fabulous. Its fun, extremely low maintenance, quick, easy to drive and has curb appeal. The paint and finish are remarkable. Mechanically - its bullet proof. Check the oil with each tank of fuel though.... its a vtec thing.

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  Good car, some maint after 150k. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By chekster - April 12 - 10:35 pm

  Orig owner. 200k+. Adequate power but wont win Indy (later V6 address this). Mileage 22-25 city, 28-30 hwy. Ride is comfy, 4+ hr trips-no aches. Good handling in summer, only okay in snow. Typical rust in rear wheel area. Kept up with routine maint. Reliable, BUT some addl maint required likely due to age. <100k: ICU (window/elec ctrls), fan temp cable, muffler, drv door handle. >150k: right cv jnt, A/T shift cable, radiator, ac condenser, frt rotors & Ball jnts, muffler, resonator and front pipe, drvs pwr window mtr Main relay went, only time car has broken down). Hood latch sticks. Still, despite the recent bills, I trust it more then other cars @ 200k still a daily driver.

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  Lovin my ridgeline rtx - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By b.c. - April 12 - 8:23 pm

  Had my rRdgeline for two (2) weeks Ive put 1000 miles on her already and I couldnt be happier. Im a 60 year young guy doing outside sales. My truck is basically my office. In the past Ive owned two s-10s one GMC Sonoma and a Ford ranger. The Ridgeline puts them all to shame. Fuel mileage of the Ridgeline was my biggest concern but my fears were for naught as I am averaging 19 mpg combined city/hwy. I can only assume that my mileage will go up as the engine gets broken in. Allin all I couldnt be happier with my choice

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  Best in its class again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By akc - April 12 - 7:40 pm

  I have been driving my 2008 Accord V6 for a year now. I previously had an 05 Accord Coupe V6. Suspension is improved significantly almost matching German cars as well as the overall drive quality in the new Accord. Much better handling and solid feel on the road. However I have few complaints about the interior. Although the dash looks really high tech, quality of the material used is not even matching my 05 Accord coupe. Some of the buttons make a cracky noise when pushed. It is the same for aluminum looking trim on door handles. These make the same kind of noise when door is pulled also look cheap. Manuel mode is a must on transmission. Still at this pricepoint, Accord is a great deal.

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  Glad I Did! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By MrsL - April 12 - 12:13 pm

  I originally went to the dealer just to check out the Honda Civic and since I was looking for a car that would cost me less in gas. I test drove the Honda Civic and I parked it next to the Honda Accord. I asked the salesman if I could also test drive the Accord. Well, I did and it was a grand ride. I was thoroughly impressed. This car is a keeper. I just love it. When I walk out to it and get in, I am so happy. The handling, the comfort, the radio controls on the steering wheel are superb. I called one of my good friends to tell her the call I had purchased an Accord and she had purchased the same car in a different color just a week earlier and she loves it too.

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  Takes a lickin - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Amethyst - April 12 - 11:26 am

  and keeps on tickin! Two people have run into me with my 05 Accord, and I have walked away fine. I couldnt imagine not having the side airbags. The car has been a pleasure to have, and I will continue to purchase Hondas.