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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  What a Great Car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By grabber_1965 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for over 9 years and have put over 140,000 miles since purchase. It always starts, always runs well, and even with over 160,000 total miles on the car, there are still no rattles or squeaks! Only 1 expensive repair for the ABS computer chip, but it was covered under the warranty. Didnt have to replace the alternator until 130K miles. This car has proven Honda reliablility to me. It still runs quiet, never stalls in cold weather, and gets excellent traction in the snow. With normal maintenance, I still get over 27 miles per gallon.

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  Car of the times! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By markerickson - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Better real world gas mileage than the the other four seat hybrid competitors: 37 in the city and 44 on the Highway. I get closer to 40/45 because I overinflate the tires slightly and Im easy on the throttle. With Hondas reliability, its like driving for free! Great car in these $2-3 per gallon times.

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  Teen car - 2005 Honda Element
  By Nancy - July 2 - 1:56 am

  Great teen car has the safety feature we wanted and not too large to pack on to many friends. Plenty of leg room both in front and back.

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  5800 Miles and its totaled - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By madbaird - July 1 - 9:13 pm

  I walked away from a crash were a young kid hit me from behind on the passenger side when he was doing around 70 MPH. Side curtain airbags deployed and the driver seat actually broke due to the force of the impact. But I opened the door and walked away with a sore neck and back. The insurance company totaled the CRV. I am going to go buy a new one as soon as I can. Thanks Honda for such a safe vehicle.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By CH - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great resale, reliability and value. This car is fully equipped, and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the car.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By ch - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great resale, reliability and value. This car is fully equipped, and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the car.

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  If you dont have one, get one!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Natedrummer - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a PILOT EX-L and we love it. We looked a the ACURA MDX, and it was the same SUV with a different body design that cost $6,000 more than the PILOT. We looked at the LEXUS LX450 and we were disappointed with the size. The PILOT is absolutely the best SUV in its class. I Love the body design, the interior and the performance. Take it from me, this SUV moves!!! I also love the room inside, it doesnt look bulky, like some of its competitors. Dont judge it until you test drive it. I test drove the majority of SUVs that are out there and the PILOT takes the cake. But the only way to find out is if you buy one!!!

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By schuess - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The van handles nicely with plenty of power. The exterior is nice. The interior design is the selling feature. It is spacious throughout the vehicle. The rear seat will fold down into the floor making a level surface in the back for cargo, or you can take the back seat and flip it backwards for a tailgate party! The captains chairs in the second row are comfortable and can slide together to make a bench seat. The safety features include dual front and side airbags and reinforced door panels for the second row.

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  Love my V6!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ladybug - July 1 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car with a smooth ride, though somewhat noisy on freeways. Mine is a 2002 and havent had problems so far. With tinted windows, rear-end spoiler and fancy rims, its a beauty and a road beast-at once. Love it!!!!

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  Love my V6!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ladybug - July 1 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car with a smooth ride, though somewhat noisy on freeways. Mine is a 2002 and havent had problems so far. With tinted windows, rear-end spoiler and fancy rims, its a beauty and a road beast-at once. Love it!!!!