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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  Best deal in town - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By EROOSE - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love to shop for car. But being a family man my options were limited. I looked at the big three Honda, Toyota and Nissan. No one came close to offering what Honda did.The other guys prices were three thousand and more for the samre options. I take the Honda, the quality, the fit and finish and the same ponies under the hood and bank the extra cash to save up for the big screen

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  awsome - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mary Thayer - December 13 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR PERFORMS WELL IN ALL KINDS OF TRAFFIC AND IS VERY COMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN WITH CHILDREN THE DVD PLAYER IS A MUST

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  Love to drive - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tremoto - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Hondas second gen. body stlye is great. The car is perfect size for my wife to drive. My kids fit in it ( 10 & 2 ). The rear windows roll all the way down. The only complaint I have with the car is the rear gate opens towards the curb. If Honda can change steering for right-hand drive to left-hand drive they should be able to change rear gate opening.

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  Civic Hybrid great car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chagrin Falls, OH - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the car 10,800 miles in the roughly 90 days since purchasing. The controls are well designed, heating & air work very well. There is enough power to enter fast interstates with no problem. Pleased with the fit and finish. Fuel mileage listed is pretty accurate, but how one drives can make a significant difference. I like filling up less often!

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  my new Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By David Hoffman - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love my new Honda Civic. My last car was a 1988 Honda Accord Hatchback which lasted me more than 18 with NO repairs (tires, brakes,etc. not withstanding). Im sure I will get the same reliability and dependability with my new car. It looks beautiful with the spoiler and ground pkg. it has a very sporty look and feel and I get many compliments on it.

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  I Love Hondas!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GOGURL804 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This Car Is The Best Car Ever....

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  great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lc2003 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because of Honda reliability and its safety features. It was the only midpriced sedan with side curtain airbags in addition to side and front airbags. I love the comfort, handling and power. Ive already put over 20k miles on it with no mechanical problems. The traction control is ok but not a substitute for 4wd in ice and snow.

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  Hondas are the best! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Silvio Narvid - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love Honda Accords with the Navagation system because it is voice activated so it is more convienent.

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  Wow - what a great car !!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EugeneC - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up an 04 4dr Accord LX- V6, and what a fantastic car ! Its power is truly amazing, and I have yet to really lean on the accelerator. It is very quiet on the highway, and has responsive handling, even though it weighs about 300 lbs more than a 4 cylinder. Accelerating onto the highway is so very easy - the engine barely breathes. One would be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Honda V6.

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  Why didnt I get one of these years ago! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By blh - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I am hooked on Honda. I have always had an "American" car. I must say I have been missing out. For $4000 less than a new GM sedan I got better mileage and a better value. The little things that make the usefullness of this car is outstanding. From the double pass through back seat, the all in one key fob, the valet security features, and of course the safety.