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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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By yolonda - August 21 - 9:36 am

  Does everything the manufacter says it does and then some. A truly versatile vehicle, performs well in all types of driving conditions. Gives a smooth ride for a suv, and has a solid pick-up from the 2.4l 4 cilinder engine. The four speed automatic is smooth in it shifting and does not drop in to lower gears when pressed.

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  Jb - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By John Borches - August 21 - 6:16 am

  5 star car for soccer moms. Good road car

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  Worthy to buy! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By a7edmundyoung - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for one year already, I never go to auto repairs since I bought this car unless oil changes. This car runs great even its 85000 mileages, I believe its a reliable type of car, and doesnt cause you much time and money on the maintainances. Think about it.

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  ODYSSEY EX DVD LEATHER - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SAMFA - August 21 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT ALL AROUND VEHICLE

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  Great car but.... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By relay4bl - August 20 - 11:40 pm

  The 2008 Civic LX is a great little car to drive around. I’ve had no major problems to date except for the one I’m going to talk about later. It drives well and handles the road nicely. I drive a mix of city and highway to get to work. Road noise is a slight issue but you want to eliminate it, buy a luxury car and pay more $$$. The stock tires are cheap (go figure) and you’ll probably replace them around 25K – 35K miles if you’re not an aggressive driver. The only problem I’ve had and is an issue on the two previous year’s models is a cracked engine block. This doesn’t happen to all Civics in the model years I mentioned, but there are enough for Honda to send out a bulletin about it

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  Great family S.U.V. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Ryan Buurma - August 20 - 11:26 pm

  This S.U.V. is bigger than it looks. The seats are very supportive and comfortable. The rear fold down seat is very handy. When the rear seat is in use, I found it to have as much leg and head room as our 2003 Toyota Siennas rear seat. It has good acceleration for a v-6. Surprisingly it handles like a car. The Toyota Sequoia is a great car and probably looks a little better but the Pilot has a fold down seat which the Sequoia does not and there is not much difference in interior space.

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  excellent for a leisure/sport driver - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By docutjames - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with Preludes even more after I purchased one. The steering is amazing....one can turn and turn and turn....and the car will still hold. Fuel economy is well done, and the power is not likea a car that gets good gas mileage. 196 wheel horsepower makes Vtec at 5200 RPMs ample the amount of power.

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  SILVER TOY - 2003 Honda S2000
  By crigszee - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY S2OOO. FOR A HONDA IT IS A FAST, FUN, SPORTY VEHICLE. I RACED PORSHE BOXTERS AND KICKED BUTT!!!!.....love it totally!!!

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  S2000 = THE BEST - 2003 Honda S2000
  By eyeidea - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! So much fun! Super fast, great price and awesome Honda build quality. Id by it again.

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  Pilot saved my husbands life! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Jodi - August 19 - 9:45 pm

  We bought our 2013 Honda Pilot Touring on a Wednesday, picked it up on a Thursday and it was totaled by Saturday by a reckless driver. My husband was alone at a red light when he was hit and pushed into a building. He survived with stiches to the eye, a broken toe & some bumps and bruises. not sure he wouldve been so lucky in another vehicle. we bought another 2013 Honda Pilot Touring the next Monday from the same people/place. Amine & Joseph at Boch Honda in Norwood Ma were great through both processes.