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 Element - 2008 Honda Element
  By RARosen - October 30 - 12:17 pm

  As a large person I have found the selection of comfortable vehicles in any catagory lacking. I already own a Chrysler Town & Country and wanted to replace a 2000 Dodge Stratus. I was pleasently surprised at the physical comfort available in this car. I can get in and out without having to duck down or hit my head. All controls are in the right place and easy to work. Handeling is quick and steering is responsive and the ride quality is excellent for a car of this size. I have had the car for a little over a month and have put on 1,500 miles so I cant really comment on reliability. Fit and finish is better that any of the cars that I have owner in the last 40 years.

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  Lovin my Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By TypicalHonda - October 30 - 10:26 am

  Everything you expect in a Honda and more. Great options for the $. Living up to its reputation. Mileage estimates are accurate. 4cyl outperforms the 4cyl Camry. Very sharp looking.

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  CRV Excellent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Surprise - October 30 - 7:00 am

  Best bang for the buck. A lot of features and a surprising comforting ride. Great on long road trips. Excellent cargo space for smaller families. Great gas mileage around town. Love the viewing angles for the driver, very open. Just the right amount of everything to make this car a great purchase without feeling guilty.

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  So much space! Noisy ride. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Karen - October 30 - 6:21 am

  Spreading our family of 5 throughout this van was great, everyone had their own space! However we quickly noticed that this was a noisy ride - not the kids - from the paper thin doors and seals. I went on to complain about the maintenance involved w/the sliding doors & poor placement of the track. It sits just right for children to use as a step & continually fills with debris as they track the black lubricant all over your lovely new gray interior carpet. If you dont wipe down the track a few times a month not only is there a grit-crunch each time you close the door, but it leads to issues with the automatic safety features on the door. We really wished the side windows would open.

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  All teard up! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By bug4 - October 29 - 3:52 pm

  Well, Im not in tears, but, after 10 faithful years, I handed over my 98 LX Accord last month for a new 08 EX-L Accord. In 10 years of service and 150,000 miles, I had not one mechanical problem or breakdown! 3 sets of tires, regular maintenance and one set of struts was the extent of this cars "care." I never even had to replace the brake pads! It was getting 31 mpg and not burning a drop of oil when I let her go. Makes me wonder why I traded it in, or not. My new Accord is sweet!

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  Still the One - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Patrick - October 29 - 1:15 pm

  Now have 37,000 miles and out of warranty. No reason to go back to the dealer except routine maintenence. Still look forward to driving it daily. Ive read many comments and heres my take: Who wants to steal 10 gallons of gas when pickups hold 35 gallons? No need for a lock IMHO. Plenty fast, just accelerate in the 4 - 5.5K rpm range. It can take it all day. 4 people with A/C in hilly territory - yea, you have to row it some. But with 4.30/1 gears it jumps off the line. Small tank - its OK cause I keep enjoying confirming the 35 mpg average I get using all 109 HP. Ive forgotten about the dead pedal issue. No lit vanity mirror, locking glovebox, and armest not a deal breaker.

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  2000 Honda Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By atlaw4u - October 29 - 11:11 am

  I purchased a used 2000 Insight after researching this car for months on several forums inclduing insightcentral.net and I love it. It is excellent at its intended purpose- incredible MPG. I would also consider it a drivers car. If you drive correctly you will be rewarded but drive wrong and you will be punished. My mileage varies from 70mpg to 90+mpg but a few users have only seen 45+mpg. This car is also a compromise. You give up many things for that ultimate MPG. Due to its design, there is more road noise and the suspension leaves a little to be desired among others. But compromise in a few areas and you will be driving and enjoying one of the greenest cars on the planet.

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  CRV Delivers as promised - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Lawrencer2003 - October 29 - 10:17 am

  Picked up my CRV last week. Replacing a beloved 100K+ subie wagon. Tested RAV4, Subie Outback, Prius, Rougue, Accord. Loaded up a pile of camping gear, my 14 year old kid and dogs this weekend. Amazing cargo capacity, great handling and super comfortable. Now as to the critics and some consumers saying the car is under powered. Bull! It moves out smartly, flies up steep grades and passes with confidence on hilly interstates. Nuff said. Im extremely happy with my decision. 24MPG so far and a great stablemate to my 2002 LL Bean Outback.

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  FUN (THING) - 2004 Honda Element
  By AC242 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE VEHICAL OUT OF PURE CURIOSITY. AFTER OWNING IT FOR A MONTH OR SO, I DECIDED TO BUY A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT. NOT KNOWING IF THE ELEMENT COULD TOW IT OR NOT I FIGURED I WOULD GIVE IT A TRY. AFTER MY FIRST LAKE TRIP I WAS CONVINCED I HAD PURCHASED ONE OF THE COOLEST DAMN THINGS EVER. IT TOWS GREAT! THEN I GOT TO CAMP IN IT AND REALLY ENJOYED STAYING INSIDE RATHER THAN OUT! ITS LIKE A MINI-MOBLE HOME! THE BEST PART WAS, I HAD TO PULL OUT A 04 DODGE RAM THAT WAS STUCK. FUNNY B/C I JUST TRADED THAT TRUCK OFF FOR MY "E". AMEN FOR AWD!

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  MOST VERSITILE - 2004 Honda Element
  By stlouis a.k - October 29 - 10:00 am

  COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES IN ITS CLASS THE EXTERIOR DESIGN AND MAKER MADE ME CHOOSE THE HONDA ELEMENT.THIS IS THE FOURTH HONDA IV OWNED,THE PREVIOUS THREE WERE GREAT CARS AND THE ELEMENT IS NO EXCEPTION.I LOVE THE VERSITILITY OF THE INTERIOR AND THE SMOOTH PICKUP OF THE ENGINE.THE DENT RESISTANT BUMPERS ALSO COMES IN HANDY.