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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  Not a Luxury car, but nice for the price - 2002 Honda Accord
  By DGreen - April 4 - 8:56 pm

  Traded a 1999 Accord EX 4-cyl for a 2002 EX V-6 at closeout. Had seen internet pictures of new style 03, hated rear styling (still do!). Like improvements in 02 vs. 99: 6-CD in dash, better stereo, side airbags, better seat support in lumbar, auto climate control, better looking tail lights. 4 minor problems noted after delivery; only sunroof required 2 visits (noise, fitment). Car sometimes makes weird moaning sound like sick cow for up to 8 hours after shutdown; not taken to dealer yet. Engine power good; noise level of engine OK, gas mileage average (21-26), at least it uses regular; car has worse than average wind, tire, and road noise; handles great but very stiff city and hwy ride.

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  Better than expected :-) - 2007 Honda Element
  By Dave - April 4 - 5:52 pm

  Ive been a long time loyal Honda owner since I was 16. (Now 34 and 6 new Hondas later...) Initially I was a bit skeptical about buying this car. After months and months of research, asking questions, test drives I bit the bullet and bought one on 1/8/07. Ive had it for almost 4 months and 3800 miles later, I must say this SUV exceeded my initial expectations! Ive driven in several bad snow/ice storms and this SUV just keeps goin while the other cars and trucks are stranded on the side. (The real-time all wheel drive works wonders!) To make a long story short, if youre considering an Element, go out there and drive it, youll definitely be impressed!!!

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  Best car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Hondafan24 - April 3 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my Honda brand new after getting out of high school with 12 miles. it now has 496,000 miles on it and when my son starts driving in a month it will be his. Great car original engine.

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  Great, solid car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - April 3 - 6:17 pm

  We really enjoyed our CR-V. At the time we bought it had the most rear leg and cargo room of other compact SUVs. The resale value, reliability and gas mileage sold us on the vehicle. Even after 4 years I still got 28 mpg highway. I loved it in the snow and never had any problems. The only draw back was comfort on long trips for my husband (steering wheel not telescopic and too far away vs needed leg room) and some blind spots typical of SUVs. I liked the hidden storage but see they changed it with the 07 model. It has been extremely reliable and was only in the shop once for A/C repair which was covered under warranty. I will miss my CR-V but decided to go with the larger Pilot.

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  2006 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Liz - April 3 - 3:30 pm

  Have only had this vehicle for a couple hours, but its wonderful to drive & all 4 in the family love it. Finally, a vehicle we all agree on! After all my research of almost ALL makes, Honda was the best & the Odyssey the best of the Hondas.

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  Got a good deal on Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By krispykreme - April 3 - 3:00 pm

  Bought 07 EX-L as compliment to our 08 Sienna since cost is so cheap. Things i like about Odyssey- handling and steering response is great. Excellent brakes. Audio is better than $35k Sienna. Things I hate- Rides too stiff. The power sliding door control is located on the driver side. No sliding door control on the b-pillar. Honda also cheaped out on the rear view camera and LCD screen for the navi. The rear view camera is not as clear nor as colorful as the Sienna, it is almost totally useless. The gas mileage is just horrible. At 1100 miles, Odyssey is averaging 14.3 mpg. The Sienna at 1500 miles is averaging 20.7 mpg. The old 04 Sienna i had, averaged 21.3 mpg through 70k.

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  No Regrets - 2009 Honda Fit
  By OC Honda - April 3 - 5:03 am

  I purchased my 2009 Fit about three weeks ago, coming from a 2003 Dodge Dakota 4x4. I thought I would regret getting rid of my truck, and now I wish I did it sooner. Not trying to be funny, but everything really does fit. I have had it full of people, cargo, and dogs without a problem. As for snow, there is about 4 inches on the ground here today and I didnt get stuck once during my 45 mile commute (I dont even have snow tires yet). This truly is an amazing engineering feat. Why buy a Mini at twice the price?

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  THE CAR IS AWESOM - 2004 Honda S2000
  By LADYBUGGS40 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR ALMOST A YEAR IT IS A AWESOME CAR. NOT MADE FOR TALL PEOPLE. I WILL BE 40 IN MARCH 2004 I HAVE TO SAY ME AND MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER HAVE HAD SO MUCH FUN IN MY CAR AND WE CANT WAIT FOR THE WEATHER TO BE NICE SO WE CAN HAVE SOME MORE FUN

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  All around great vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element Driver - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When you live in an area that has all types of weather conditions, you need a vehicle that can get you where you want to go.The interior is roomy...go shopping or biking, haul your furniture to the upholsterers,the ceiling clearance allows you to pack in more stuff than you would imagine. Not only does it get you there it does it with funky style. I love this vehicle!

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  MY LITTLE BOX - 2004 Honda Element
  By CHERYL - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS "BOX" - EVERYTHING ABOUT IT -- THE ONLY THING I WOULD CHANGE WOULD BE A LARGER GAS TANK SO I WOULDNT HAVE TO STOP TO GET GAS!! EVERYONE ELSE LOVES THE BOX ALSO, WHEN THEY SEE MINE, THEY WANT ONE!!!