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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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Ben Hill - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car for first time buyers.

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  My New Toy - 2003 Honda Element
  By BryGuy - April 26 - 2:00 am

  . The Honda Element caught my eye and the look became somewhat infectious. Now that I had a chance to drive the Element for about a month, I’m very pleased with the purchase. From the outside of the Element, it looks like a small box, open the doors and it has enough room for most items that I need to haul around. The Element has a stiffer ride, but it’s nothing that I can’t live with. The Element has a very simple interior control layout and all the knobs are easy to understand. All in all, Honda has put their best foot forward in leading the automotive community but without compromising the “HONDA STANDARDS”.

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  What a cool vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By blehigh - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the perfect vehicle. It has a nice, quiet ride, outstanding sound system, and is just a pleasure to drive. Very roomy. Easy to get in and out of and very easy access to the back seats. I love that it has theatre like seating so the rear passangers are able to see over the drivers head.

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  Great car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Don Weston - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My only complaint with this car is road noise. At freeway speeds there is a fair amount of road noise that seems to come from under the car. Other than that, we love this car.

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  What is there to complain about? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jakemj8402 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Some people on this board say that $32K makes it overpriced, competitors that are half the quality cost $38K loaded. People making comparisons of it to upper-class SUVs should know the Pilot is in a class with Explorers. So what if you pay sticker price, you are getting a car that will be reliable and will have good resale value. Compare it to the competition, you will see which one has quality, dont be fooled by looks. GM is selling image, Honda is selling a quality car. GM wont make a quality car; they are selling you the car with the cheapest parts for the highest price!

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  Better than advertised! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mark G. - April 26 - 2:00 am

  It sure took Honda a long time to build an SUV, but its been worth the wait. After much investigation, this is the best midsized SUV on the market. Yes, its an MDX in jeans, but the vehicle looks great, handles incredibly well and provides tons of room -- all at a reasonable price. Safety and Honda quality are reasons enough to buy the Pilot, but the vehicle offers so much more. Even features like the third row seat folding flat and the stereo controls on the steering wheel demonstrate that Honda gave great thought to the little things too. This will be a terrific SUV for my family for years and years.

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  Hybrid Man - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Brazzy - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The Auto Stop feature is difficult to get used to. The car is comfortable, beautiful and reliable. Its also very spacious.

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  my first honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By joelsb6735 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive excellent performance and handling.

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  best car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By steven likes honda - April 26 - 2:00 am

  great car honda rocks

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  Pure Bliss - 2003 Honda Accord
  By crocko - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on New Years Eve, and its been a celebration ever since. The 240-HP V6 engine rocks. Great power and acceleration. Was able to fit two people well over 6-feet tall in the backseat with plenty of leg room. Constantly get compliments from friends and family. Everything I imagined. Wish my 10 mile commute to work was longer since its hard to get out of.