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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  2003 Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Frank U - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We have only had this one for about 5 months, but I can not say enough about the vehicle. We have bought about 10 cars in our lives, and this purchase was simple, and enjoyable. An absolute first for me. Quick, comfortable, and fun to drive, Honda has done itself proud.

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  Big Reliable Quality SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilotlover - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The base model Pilot is fantastic. The cloth interior is great, and who gives a hoot about the sunroof anyway. Bought mine for $26,500, and what a deal. What technology. MDX Mechanicals under the body, and big enough for a huge camping trip. Plus, I dont pamper it like I would a $40k MDX.

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  Honda Quality - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bnin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our van. We had a mini-van before and it was the most useful car we had ever owned with the plus of driving easily and looking nice. This new car has reinforced that experience in every way and then some. Very luxurious interior and facilities. All the amenities are present and reveled in. This car handles beautifully and, so far, is as reliable as can be wished. Try one, youll like it.

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  I LOVE my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lonestarcow - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Extremely comfortable ride, not like truck based SUVs. Great Handling, I live way out in the country off a dirt rode prone to flooding and erosion and it handles great and feels great. Hondas usual very thoughtful interior design. Great room inside, but smaller than usual (for SUVS) exterior dimensions, which makes parking easy to handle.

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  Fun!!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By phoenix56 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Everyone loves driving my car!

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  Would not buy another new Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Slim Jim - April 16 - 10:00 am

  V6: Too many rattles for a Brand new car. RR side window drags thus scratchws it on the FIRST try. 16 days after purchased. Paint is just OK. Slight pings become dents throughout. I placed my hand on the side roof and a small indentation remained. I weigh 148 lbs.

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  Rock solid and fun - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Daprof - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I was sold after one block on my test drive. The Accord is one fantastically engineered machine for the money. I got the 4 cyl. and manual trans. for fuel economy, but the performance is still great. No problems at all merging on the interstate or passing.

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  Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Wes - April 15 - 8:47 pm

  Effects of braking took awhile to get use to. Car used in heavy traffic, averages about 27 mpg. Can get 33 mpg on straight hwy. 6 cyl can drink gas depending on driving habits. Great car.

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  Need a better transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Transmission sucks - April 15 - 5:30 pm

  The transmission began to jerk after 50000 miles and totally broke after 85000 miles. Spent more than $22K to get it fixed and now the driving is very smooth. There was also some transmission issue in my another Honda Accord (1996 model), which was totaled by a drunkard. Everything else is good.

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  My Prelude - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By andrew garza - April 15 - 5:17 pm

  Well I bought my car at a junkyard and I liked it so much Im currently waiting to save up enough money to purchase a new JDM 2.2L v- tech engine. I enjoyed the interior. It looked already sporty and ready to race since Im into all that tuner car thing. I loved the way the seats were inside. They already had the shape of some aftermarket racing seats with the flares and stuff. I liked the smoothness of the ride, the shifting (mines standard). Since I got it I have had so many compliments and I just cant wait till I take it to the track now.