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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  An ELEMENTARY decision - 2003 Honda Element
  By anointed1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! It has room galore.Its exciting to drive.We purchased it less than 5 weeks ago and have put nearly 3,000 miles on it.We will probably get a 2nd one before the year is out.Im hopeful that Honda introduces some other fun colors like our Sunset Orange Pearl.A bright purple would be great!We equipped ours with running boards,roof rack,2 bicycle racks,interior curtains for privacy when camping out,wheel locks,all-season floor mats,keyless entry and theft alarm system.We also got a 7yr 100k mile $0 ded, warranty for $900.I purchased it online via the Edmunds dealer quote system.We got everything mentioned above for $24,000 at 3.44% 5yrs.

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  excellent - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By justice - March 29 - 10:00 am

  putyour body for 12 hours driving and you will understand

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  spoken from an on- the -go mom - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By mitchteresab - March 29 - 10:00 am

  *manuevers as easy as an Accord *accessibilty for the kids is a breeze *tailgate at soccer practice in comfort *entertainment package is wonderful while traveling *great value for the price

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  Solid Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kroy - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has been good to me, not a single problem since I purchased it. It is not the fastest car on the market, but it is far from the slowest. The quality is superior, and it gets great gas milage. The car is a testiment to to Honda and their engineering driven design.

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  Not as good as they say!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bliv - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Car has nice behaviour in hard breaking but i find it noisy at Hway speeds. I felt confortable but did not felt much feedback from road when cornering.

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  Best Buy - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Iceblue - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got my 04 Civic Cp, and I love it. We got the first 04 in our area. The salesman wasnt pushy at all. My Civic has exellent build quality and great looks. And I love the engine. No problems so far but that can be expected form a Honda.The Civic is a true best buy.

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  Happy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By slowhand1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this evening. Bought it September 30. Avoided the licensing or registration increase, nice. Didnt get the greatest pricing buying so late, with most other makers offering cash back, but I was quoted a price 3000 less than sticker before negotiating. Not bad considering the area and dealer rep where I bought it, they do offer great customer service. Well designed, and a real deal when compared to other models in its class. Interior is luxurious, for the price. Has power, and handles well. All the comfort and luxury features make it feel like a more expensive car, that compared with the price, is unbeatable. I would recommend it.

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  Honda comes through again! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lefty3489 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  After having had three Lexus ES300s I decided to take a look at the new Accord V6. It was so smooth and comfortable I could not justify the extra $10K for another Lexus, particularly since I dont like the new body style of the Lexus.

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  2001 Honda Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By sparky23 - March 29 - 8:59 am

  Over my lifetime, I have bought eight new cars from a Karman Ghia to a Cadillac. This by far is the best car, new or used, I have ever had. Great conversational piece, incredible reliability, and unbelievably economical. Oh and did I mention that the all aluminum body does not rust. It still looks like new.

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  SUV Replacement - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By John K - March 29 - 8:49 am

  I bought our Odyssey to replace a Nissan Pathfinder after my second son was born & we realized that the SUV was not going to cut it space-wise. We needed something that could pull our pop-up and lug all the things that a typical family hauls around for traveling together. So far the van has been excellent with no major problems and returns excellent gas mileage in comparison to our old vehicle. On one extended trip we averaged between 26 & 28 mpg. Short trips return around 18.5, which is about what our SUV got on the highway. The van drives well and at 240 hp, it has plenty of guts for merging, passing, and towing. Not as cool as my previous sports cars, but not bad and really handy.