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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  GinLaguna - 2003 Honda Element
  By G. Miles - December 17 - 8:07 pm

  Love my Honda Element and would buy another one but am waiting for them to do another design so it doesnt look just like the one I am driving now which is a 2003. I like the green of the 2003 but not the 2007 green.

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  Awsome Car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Corso77 - December 17 - 8:03 pm

  Couldnt be happier. This car is a sports car and family car all in one. Lots of fun to drive and its very fast.

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  what a beauty - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By hawaiicoq - December 17 - 2:56 pm

  This car is beautiful, its design asks nothing of way more expensive cars, this car is elegant and sleek.It handles like butter. Just one of the great cars of all times, too bad Honda stop making it.

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  Sporty yet functional - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By SGVP - December 17 - 2:26 pm

  Bought a sage pearl in October and transporting the kids has never been better. Van has abundant storage space, great ride and accelaration, and is quieter than the competition. Audio system is good but highs sound too crackily. JBL synthesis system in Sienna sounds better. All Seats are supportive but the leather needs to be of a higher quality. Third row seats CAN be used by adults, albeit a tight fit. Only problem so far is the park assist. Apparently, system is not functioning correctly and will have to drop off for service. DVD/NAV system is superior to competition.

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  Cant throw any rocks at it. Pebbles only - 2013 Honda Accord
  By G - December 17 - 2:24 pm

  Leased the basic 4 dr, 4 cyl model three years ago and just cant find any faults whatsoever. Has never been in for service except for the routine maintenance. Going in, was worried about power, but CVT always keeps the engine in its power groove. Off the line its no tiger, but passing and going up grades its surprisingly strong. Even Vail pass (very steep grade), just keep it on cruise and it sings all the way up at whatever speed you chose. High 30s (mpg) on the road, in the 40s on segments, high 20s around town. Visibility, instrumentation, and electronics are great. Personal taste in quality and ergonomics might not suit everyone, but even for this basic model its been good enough for me. Only thing I can find fault with is the ride. Quite stiff, especially compared to the 2001 Accord coupe I came from, but have to say it corners flatter and handles better than the old 6 cyl model, even with aftermarket strut supports. Honda sound systems have never been too much to my taste, but its been adequate. As to safety, its in the body shop now from a rear-ender. Expected a lot more damage from the feel of the hit it took, but shop says rear bumper and dampers are only replacements. A bit of superficial damage to trunk lid (SUV hit me), but trunk works fine as do all other functions. Front bumper will be buffed out (hit pushed me into car in front, another SUV - shows force of hit). The collision and inherent visibility factors from driving in SUVland (Colorado) have me considering something taller, maybe an older Pilot, but fully expect to buy it out at termination of lease for its overall fulfillment of my personal needs. Does great in snow, by the way (as have all my prior Hondas). Just reading the reviews for all the other makes and models on this site keeps me defaulting back to this make. Have owned a string of Hondas for a very long time, peppered with lots of other makes and models, and just cant find anything else, on the whole, more reliable to the basic needs of transportation, across the board.

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  Great Midsize SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HR6895 - December 17 - 10:50 am

  Approaching 10K, so far not disappointed at all. Runs solid, fun to drive, does not feel very big vehicle but roomy inside. Getting better gas mileage on highway with speed between 60-70 mph. Using full synthetic Mobil 1 oil may be helpful. AC makes some noise when turned on after not using AC for few days! Makes minor clunk noise going up driveway. Will write review every 10K.

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  2008 CRV EX AWD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By David - December 17 - 10:36 am

  I test drove a 2008 Xterra, a 2008 WRX, and a 2008 Wrangler. None of them compared to the comfort I felt inside of the CRV. Though not as powerful as the others, the interior design and over quality feel of the car made up for it. I have owned the CRV now for two weeks. Gas mileage is decent, but I thought it would be better. I am averaging 22.5 MPG with mixed city and highway miles. A lack of power if not an issue at all. 166HP is more than enough for highway passing. I am very impressed with the interior space and the quality of materials used. I havent driven it in the snow yet, but I did drive it in mild rain and it handled well.

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  This Car Will Scoot - 2005 Honda S2000
  By DEDE - December 17 - 12:56 am

  A great buy for the money. Hondas best kept secret. Top is easy to operate and is down in seconds. Performance and handling are great. Sticks to the road as if it was glued there. Doing 90 before you know it. Have had it to 130. Has looks, speed and handles like a dream what more can you ask for. Honda got this one right.

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  My Car For The Decade - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Tarrant - December 16 - 10:33 pm

  I wanted a true sports car that I would be excited about driving for the next decade, and the S2000 is a perfect choice: a drivers car in performance without sacrificing comfort, features, quality, reliability or my financial future. It definitely draws the right kind of attention. Great driveability in traffic as well as on twisty roads where one can wind it out. Excellent build quality and, consequently, a low cost for extending full warranty coverage to seven years. Finally, theres also a great community of S2K car clubs with enthusiasts into tuning, track days or social outings and drives. An ownership experience bar none.

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  MPG Misrepresented - 2005 Honda Element
  By ronimac - December 16 - 8:00 pm

  I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. I drive an equal mix of city/ highway miles and I average approx 200 miles per tankful. I fell that Honda has misrepresented the stated MPG listed on the vehicle. I have over 25 years of driving experience and I know that the poor gas mileage is not due to my driving habits. According to Consumer Report Oct. 05, one writer stated that he gets 14 MPG with his Element. Ive driven Hondas since 92 and have seen the quality decline. I regret not purchasing a Rav4.