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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  Civic is great for long commutes - 2005 Honda Civic
  By C-mo - December 4 - 7:40 pm

  I drive 500 miles per week toundtrip to and from work. The Civic is the perfect car for long commutes, with its excellent gas mileage (I get 39 mpg highway), and second to none reliability.

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  Honda Accord LX sedan 4cyl - 2005 Honda Accord
  By persian king of USA - December 4 - 6:43 pm

  I bought the silver with black interior because brown is easier to see dirt on. Manual is fun to drive, has great hp for a 4 banger. Looks clean when fixed up (wheels, lowered 1.2", tint, exhaust) I saw one and i was amazed! Great mileage, great interior. One thing that bugs me is the stereo speakers are not that good quality, and I like the 04 lights in the back better than the 05. 1st gear is a bit sluggish and stereo head unit is a pain to change/convert. If you keep it stock, its great! My first Honda and I love it.

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  Better than a Porsche - 2005 Honda Element
  By forepaughs - December 4 - 2:23 pm

  We love this ugly duckling. It is fun to drive, and offers much cargo room under cover for transporting all kinds of things, esp our four (4) dogs. Best of all: we take it on non-stop 1,050 mile long drives and the seating is superb. The seats place you up high enough so you can drive with knees fully bent. Best car I have ever had for long distance driving. And the head room is beyond anyones need. One of our all time favs!

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  Got it for $1000 off MSRP - Houston - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ksti - December 4 - 2:43 am

  Solid Build Quality. Plenty of room for everyone. The dual sliding doors are very cool to help load the kids. Plenty of pep in the engine. The only downside was the possibility of having to pay MSRP for a car. We finally got the dealer to come off the MSRP by $1000 and take off the price of all the dealer add-ons. Final out- the-door price for the EX was 27,510.

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  Excellent - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Robbroy - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This car just wants to move! It handles great and is just a fun car to drive. Gas milage is fine for the amount of power you get. I would buy another one with no questions asked.

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  The best small SUV for the money - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By MG1 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  In 2001, the CRV, in my opinion, was the best overall car-based SUV, for the money. Rav4 was my first choice, but it is tiny inside compared to CRV and very expensive with the same options that CRV comes standard. A bit underpowered, but it is one of the most reliable vehicles ever made. I have 51000 miles and I only changed the oil and filter. It would not climb any rocks, but it has a great carlike ride, as opposed to Nissan Extera and the other truck based SUVs.

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  Excellent buy for your money - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Azhar Choudhry - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Honda Odyssey 2004. For this price I think it is the best mini van that you can get. The fuel economy is better then the most. It is reliable. Power sliding doors are standard feature in EX model. I will recommend it over Toyota Sienna. The drive is very smooth and confortable. But if you leave every thing out, it is still a HONDA.

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  I have never been happier - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sharon - December 3 - 6:13 am

  I have never thought I could love a car as much as I do. This car has everything I need, and even more. I love the style of the car, the shape makes it so sporty, yet it has so much room in it. I believe after this car I will become a Honda car owner for life!!!

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  03 S2000 Owner - 2003 Honda S2000
  By SlvrStoneS2k - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has surpased all of my expectations. Honda has done a terrific job with this car, it is what everyone says it is and more.

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  Outstanding - 1997 Honda Civic
  By j8h9 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Im writing this review if only to get through my mourning of the loss of my 1997 Honda Civic EX... I was hit and the car was totaled and Im thinking of suing for emotional distress. Gawd I loved that car.