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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  Honda - 2017 Honda Accord
  By MOLLYE Hearn - February 3 - 6:33 am

  Ive driven Honda cars since 1987 last one purchased was in 2000 always reliable had the EXL and manual. The radio and road noise were both terrible but since it worked and was paid for kept driving it until 2017. Of course the first cars I looked at were Honda Accord and CRV. Both drove ok.it was just the quality didnt seem to be there even leather didnt look as good as in the old days. Tried to locate a civic hatchback to drive but none were available where I was shopping. CRV compared to Nissan Rogue seemed so light weight I backed off of it. One Honda dealership we drove over to it talked with the internet sales trying to get a price. He didnt get back with us until several weeks later after we had already purchased another car. Still didnt have a price only asked if we were interested. To me Honda has cheapened up the looks and feel some much after thirt years I had to choose another brand

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  Minivan Must-Have - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Soccerball22 - February 3 - 1:10 am

  Shortly after purchasing our Odyssey, we loaded 4 adults, two kids, & two large boxes into the van for a trip to the park. Not only were we all comfortable, but we could have easily fit another 2 adults. The ride is smooth, and the van corners like a coupe.

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  Great Car/Suv - 2004 Honda Element
  By mattdoggydog - February 2 - 9:03 am

  I love my element. The stadium seating in the back seat is a fav among my friends. Most of my friends say this car is ugly until they see how "cool" it is inside. I love the available space and the ease of cleanup. The panaramic view from the front is great. Manueverability is great and parking is easy. This car is fun to drive and I cant wait to take it camping. Legroom in the back is great, headroom everywhere more than enough.

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  awsome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By russell91 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  All I have to say about this car is that everything the makers did with this car is awsome.It drives good, Its fast,Its comfortable theres not enough good stuff i can say about this car.

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  Its an E Thing - 2004 Honda Element
  By Don Quixote - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This is by far one of the most fun cars Ive ever owned. It just does something to me that when I see open fields of snow I want to veer off the road and go driving through them. I feel the call of the wild beckoning me to come and play with my new Element. I didnt like the looks of the Element when I first saw them. In fact, I thought it was down right ugly. But once I found the color that I liked, it really grew on me. Best ride for the money.

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  Reliability at its finest - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lcdrstar - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Seats are very comfortable with an abundance of room. A friend who purchased an Expedition because of its size mentioned he was having second thoughts once he sat in the Pilot. It is running strong with just an oil change, making it 8 shop visits better than my all but forgotten 1999 Chevy Blazer in its first year of life.

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  great car but i have a few issues - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By racerj36 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Very nice. Doesnt get promised mileage, more trips to gas station. Speaker makes a tint sound and Honda finally agreed to replace it but it will take months to order. Windshield ding from rock was not even noticable but became a crack which grew every few days. Honda recommended factory glass, said only $100 more than non factory but i pressed for a price and it turn out to be a lot more for factory glass. $255 versus $600. Went with Non-factory and it looks identicle.

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  our cars - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By slmks28 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We currently own two CRVs and we love them.

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  My BABY!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mrbingifyurnasty - February 2 - 2:00 am

  First off, Hondas ROCK!!! My wife has a Civic, now I have a CR-V(I actually wanted the Element, but my wife hates the look)....I have only put 50 miles into it and I already love the damn thing! You can easily fold the seats up and literally roll 2 large bikes into the back without even turning the front wheel. That along with a surfboard rack and I am ready to go on my days off. I will hold onto this when we have kids because of the safety rating. You dont need the extended warranty since Hondas dont start wearing down till 100000 miles anyways.

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  Ordered on Chrismas Eve - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry Lynch - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I live in upstate New York where the roads are bad about 6 months or more of the year. My new CR-V handles all road conditions like a dream. The only thing I had to do to make it ready was add winter blades. My gas milage for all around driving has been about 22 mpg, I expected better, it should go up when our weather warms up as it have been colder than normal. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has marginal road conditions. I feel much safer than I did in my old 98 Voyager.