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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  Going through Edmund created competition - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Tony P - January 7 - 5:02 pm

  Satisfied with my purchase at Honda of Rockwall. All sales reps were very professional.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By KGas - January 7 - 1:10 pm

  My experience with my Element has been perfect. No problems whatsoever. The interior and exterior design is magnificent.

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  Not my Favorite car purchase - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Latasha - January 7 - 7:52 am

  I purchased the Honda accord after owing a older model Hyundai Xl and although it was a 2011 it didnt run as smoothly as the 2001 Hyundai xl. This Honda is very noisy. The RPM is constantly ramping up once speed increases. Im not sure if this is normal for these cars, but the Hyundai I had got up to 200k before any major problems start occurring. I cant say I would buy another at this point..

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  The Best Kept Secret is Out - 2004 Honda Element
  By tbdass - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Its all-purpose functionality is excellent along with the wonderful drive and comfort.

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  greatest suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By RETIGER - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Me and my wife bought our Honda Pilot from Agron at Schaumburg Honda he showed us the great value in the pilot and he is right we have nothing but good things to say about the pilot and honda I hope they dont change anything on it

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  One of the best - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hbrigiii - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had just about every type oe style of car there is but I keep comming back to Hondas. This Pilot is probably the nicest Honda I have ever owned and one that will be with me for many years

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  Worry free 4 wheel drive vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By susanroses - January 7 - 2:00 am

  it handles very well in snow or loose gravel.You dont even have to worry when to push the 4 wheel button

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  Good Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By FlyGuyRyUCI - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little car. Gets great gas mileage and and keep up in traffic. And Civics have a reputaion of being very reliable. I do wish that it had a little more power and handled a little better in the turns but this car is not a sports car. I just sometimes wish it were. I would have gotten an RSX if i could afford it at the time because I want a little more performance out of my daily commute

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  The best car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vayalo - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, nothing wrong about it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By grpark - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. The 6 speed manual is always fun. We found the car by mistake as we were looking at the Acura. This car is more fun to drive and a better value. The dealer has been great as I am very picky about sqeaks and pops. I did have a bad windshield that they replaced and every squeak I complain about is fixed right away.