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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  My reliable friend - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Doug - June 4 - 11:53 pm

  My favorite communter car ended its days today . . . alas a jerk looking down at his cell phone rear-ended her with me in it at about 40 mph. Of course that I am typing tonight is testimony to her design and strength of unit body. The car was shortened about 18" by the impact and the DS seat broke and I ended up half in the back seat. She is gone, but I am not! Before toda,y her 168,000 miles were a pleasure. Faithful service with no problems and we fully expected another 100,000 miles in the family. She is gone but not forgotten.

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Ben - June 4 - 6:03 pm

  I knew I wanted a hybrid and did a LOT of research. It came down to the new Prius or the Insight. I went with the Insight and am very happy so far. The Insight is a lot of fun to drive. It feels really light, turns tight, and feels sporty. Pickup is surprisingly good considering the engine size. Cargo area is good. Some reviewers said road noise is bothersome, which I have yet to notice. So far the cabin is very quiet. When you really do put the gas to it the engine does rev high, and gets kind of noisy, but once up to speed comes right down. Its not distracting or annoying. In our first 200 miles weve averaged about 42 mpg, almost all city driving. I really recommend this car.

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  Fits the bill! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Einy - June 4 - 12:00 pm

  All in all, the best "long range" vehicle we have ever had. Comfortable for adults, kids, even the pet dog! Reliability with 35k on the clock has been perfect, but that is what we expected with a Honda. Interior layout and comfort is excellent, and exterior styling is pleasingly aggressive compared to its competition. Only gripe - fuel mileage. On trips we get 23 MPG at 75 MPH, not even close to the advertised 28 MPG that our "VCM" model is advertised to be capable of. It seems that at typical freeway speed, there is too much weight / aero drag to allow the engine to go into 3 cylinder mode - maybe a 6/4/3 cylinder selection would be better? Towing package is well thought out also.

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  Just what my wife and I needed. - 2003 Honda Element
  By nshafer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  It is so will designed and offers so much for its cost. We are 60 years old and need a single vehicle to do every thing. The Element is perfect. I took trash to the dump after hanging the rear seats up on the wall. Works greate.

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  My Honda Rocks - 2003 Honda Element
  By Kayakin Dan - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Its very refreshing to finally find a well built vehicle with virtually no factory installed options. I chose this car primarily because of the ability to option it myself and the versatility factor. This car suits my lifestyle to a "T".

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  hONDA - 2000 Honda Civic
  By KMB - June 4 - 10:00 am

  GOOD EXCEPTGOING FROM DISTANCE DRIVING TO CITY, I LOVE IT BUT HATE THE NEW ACCORD

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  Reliability 1st.........Performance 2nd - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Zorin - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The title says it all. This is a Honda and expect it to perform well over 200K miles if its taken care of. The ride is excellent for a small car. Most cars of this size are relatively bumpy for this price range. The performance lacks though! Acceleration begins avout 3K RPMs and above. Unfortunately the stick shift was not offered in a 6 cylinder until 2003, and a stick was what I wanted. Gas mileage is about 25 city and 31 hwy.

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  Honda Dominates the Car market - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ccfpoe - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done a fatastic job in 2003 Accord. I like the suspension, handling, engine, transmission, interior, exterior design, the material they used. Even the signal light switch was so nice and comfortable. It just amazing, amazing, amazing.

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  The sporty/luxury LX V6 Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MMay - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The Accord 2-Dr LX V6 has 240-hp of responsive power, allowing it to leap from the stop position and outrace many of the cars on the road. The interior comfortably fits three of my friends, has a great console and factory installed stereo system, and the telescoping steering wheel is a bonus. Interior is A+ I gave the vehicle a 8/10 in exterior design. While it has smooth curves and tight panel spacing, I think something could be done with the rear end of the vehicle to make it look more aggressive. Also, when is Honda going to make more accessories available for Accords?

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  Well Rounded Performance Best Buy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By billys105 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my EX V6 6 sp coupe after cross shopping the competition thouroughly. The driving dynamics of the Nissan Altima are enticing, but its design is unbearable. The Passat is over priced, and the Camry isnt nearly sporty enough. With my Honda I get a spirited driving experience, thanks to the tried and proven 3.0 six now making 240 horses and one of the slickest shifting 6 speeds in the market. The interior is the best in its class, feeling more like an Acura than a Honda. Due to its clean and swoopy lines, my red coupe has proved to be quite the head-turner. I have somebody ask and compliment me on it nearly every time I go out.