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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  Beauty - 1997 Honda Accord
  By dove21 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Accord I have bought and I just love it. The look is so sleek and smooth. It handles very nice and I am so happy to be the second owner of it. The elderly couple only had 48900 kms on it when I bought it last April. Very stylish car!

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  Killer Tomato - 2003 Honda Element
  By CSB - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Only had our orange Element for a week, so not long enough for meaningful commentary on experience. So, far however we are pleased with performance. The ride is more typical of a truck in that you feel the bumps. But, its utility aspects are what sold us. Very useful vehicle at a reasonable price.

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  An SUV for Generation X - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chris Gaines - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Heads turn where ever I go especially in the snow where the automatic 4 wheel drive works betther than my Jeep Cherokee did. The interior is great for travel with no worries of getting the car messy because everything come right out. Biking and camping, this car is made for the work week and the extreme weekends that can be afforded with this cars price.

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  not again - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Never Again Honda - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After 25,000 miles the trans was replaced. It does not shift correclty since then. It has been in the shop for valve seals, rear window water leaks and other small stuff. Mine is for sale... watch out.

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  Amazing car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeff MGB - March 15 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our Si. We also looked at Mini and VW GTI. This car is far and away the best value of the three, arguably the best built, most likely the most reliable, and an absolute hoot to drive.

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  Bland but will drive forever - 2002 Honda Accord
  By wagonneer2 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Accord for about a year and half (16000 mi). It is smooth, solid, and reliable. The interior is very inviting with good quality plastics. Just about everyhting is in the right place (except cup holders). Dash is much nicer to look at than Camry, Altima or other family sedans. Suspension is firmer than Camry but seems to handle better. The exterior styling is very bland, but better than the 2003 models, which have an ugly back end. This car will last forever.

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  Love the Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RDL - March 14 - 6:52 pm

  Almost made the mistake of waiting for the New Tundra. Test drove the Ridgeline, the 06 Tundra and the F- 150. Came back to the Ridgeline, it fit like a glove when I slid into the drivers seat. Just the right size for my "gentleman truck" needs (occasional trip to Home Depot). The F-150 was too big and on the test drive the MPG readout on the dash didnt get over 10.5 MPG on average. Didnt wait on 2007 Tundra, even though I had driven Toyotas for years and my other car is a Lexus. No regrets!

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  Best All Around Vehicle........ - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jose V - March 14 - 4:43 pm

  The best all around vehicle you can buy. its Fun to Drive, the Performance is great, the Interior Design has lots and lots of room, the Reliability, is outstanding, and most of all the Fuel Economy is the best ever on this vehicle. Its like driving a BMW but its a Honda. I think its the best vehicle on the market. Customer service and repair service is outstanding. If your looking at the best vehicle to ahve look no further. Honda is there. I love my Honda..............

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  Smart buy but not perfect - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kindway - March 14 - 4:40 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, following a 91 Civic, a 96 Accord, and an 05 CR-V. I traded in the Accord for this Civic and was a little disappointed in how "hard" the seats and interior space feel compared to an eleven-year- old car. I know the cars are in two different segments; still, I wouldve liked to discover that that decade plus brought more refinement. This Civic feels much the way my 91 Civic felt back then when it was new. Nevertheless, it is reasonably comfortable and roomy enough for a six-footer and his 511" wife and their two children. The manual shifter is smooth, and the engine feels strong for a car this size. Especially pleasant is the handling; it rides more like a Jetta.

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  Different Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ljgbjgrpgmpg - March 14 - 1:53 pm

  Well, after having the car for a month I have to say the experience so far is very disappointing. The VCM is so annoying - hunting between modes at highway speeds. The surging/lurching is noticeable and not seamless and makes my wife ill - she thinks I am doing something - I have it on cruise!! Fuel "economy" is not as good as on 2004 coupe we had - only 27-28 on the road.