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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  Love My Ridgeline "Mom mobile" - love it! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By celeste - April 25 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned my truck for over 2 weeks now. It is the most comfortable truck I have ever had. It rides like a car, has the room of a car inside plus has the trunk of a car in the bed which is great. The cargo lights are handy also in the bed. Love the way the door swings open too. The stereo rocks with the subwoofer. Spend the extra for the RTS!! The options are worth it. Fuel I get about 360 miles a tank and I go to the other side of town (hour away) daily in traffic for work. It is very peppy for a 3.5! I have 3 kids and all 3 of them fit perfect in the back seat without any complaints. They say the have more room than in the car or the Jeep. I own a Mustang & this is more fun to drive.

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  Solid, Reliable car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Steve92821 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. All Hondas are excellent cars. This is my third one already. They keep getting better and better. Only suggestion would be to eventually go into V6 Market

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  Bought it despite the advertising. - 2003 Honda Element
  By ted - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Drives and handles well. Good view of the road. Excellent utility. Great storage space. I use it for my antique buisness and it will hold 1 english draw leaf table and 4 chairs. About $1500 over priced. I am suprised that non of the other makers have countered with there own model. I am insulted by Hondas marketing atitude. I have liked the element since the introduction but almost didnt get it when I saw the terrible commercials. I guess in the end Honda thought my money was green enough even though I am over 40.

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  Love this vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By castalure - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe the power that the little 3.5 liter V6 puts out. Much better than the 4.6 liter V8 in the Ford Crown Victoria that it replaced, and it blows the doors off my 5.1 liter V8 powered F150. Its a dream to drive on the highway, even towing my boat. Very comfortable seating, although I sometimes have difficulty finding a place to put my left foot. Plenty of interior lighting, and the sound system with sub-woofer sounds great. My only complaints are that there is a lot of road noise, and the fuel economy (17-18 mpg) could be better, by hey, its an SUV, so you cant expect miracles. Cant wait to see how it handles in a New England winter.

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  Great suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NYRF900R - April 25 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle. Lots of room and very comfortable. Great gas milage. Its about time they built a real Honda suv not a rebadged Izuzu.

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  Make your own Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Baja - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I turned a plain car into a car that is eye catching and fun to drive. The price I paid was below dealer invoice, because I shopped around. I used the money I saved to make it look sportier. No problems whatsoever in te two years I have had it. Tinted windows a must, euro tail lights, kept same tires added aluminum wheels, a honda bra for front end, xenon fusion blue bulbs in headlamps, neons on hood, racing seat covers, blue interior lights, and stainless steel exhaust adds horsepower and better acceleration.

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  Good, Better and Best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Stan 8143 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The gas milage is great. I just took a 8143 mile trip to Calgary Canada total average milage was 28.+ and that is from a 240 hp car. the traney could be better for a 6 stik. it was comfortable and has great looks. I had to pay a premeium for the car. I love this car but it is up for sale as I want to buy a 2004 coupe 6stick with sat nav

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  FUN - 2003 Honda Accord
  By elaine - April 25 - 10:00 am

  When I test drove my car, my only thought was "this is so much fun" I havent enjoyed driving a car this much in almost 20 years. This was my first "foreign" car. My service rep. assured me that more parts for this car were made in the USA than my Ford. I love everything about this car. I smile when I see it in the parking lot after work. My husband said, "no one needs this much power in a car this size." I disagree.

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  A car to own - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Burt - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Honda Accord and I like this model the best. And agian, the quality is outstanding - no gigs for the dealer to work off.

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  Black EX V6 Accord Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By thret - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This care is one of the best cars I have ever driven..anywhere. I was looking at the Acura TSX and Infiniti G35 as other options. The TSX, although a Euro Accord falls behind in terms of interior room and the pep/feel did not compare to the Accord. The Infiniti was simply stated 10 grand more.I also drove an EX (4cyl) before going with my new V6 Sedan. The V6 upgrade from EX is well worth it, even though torque and HP are only slightly differed the V6 just feels so much better. It even feels like a Jet just rocketing off.It is a combination of a sporty sedan and even has a classy touch and feel.