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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  No regrets - 1995 Honda Accord
  By rodgerm - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Dependable and economical are an understatemet! Over 7 years and 135,000 miles, not once have I regreted buying this car. Its been used for local driving, coast to coast trips and towed behind a motorhome for about 35,000 miles and still tight and it runs, drives like the day I bought it new. The only times its been in the shop is for routine Honda maintenance items. Parts replaced to date are: tires, battery (last year) wiper blades and one warped brake rotor (under warranty). I plan to keep it for a long time yet. When its replaced, it will most likely be with another Honda product.

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  Pilot love! - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Barton Louie louie - April 22 - 6:39 pm

  Wonderful car!

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  highly recommend - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ginger - April 22 - 3:23 pm

  Dependable, Stylish, Sleek, Good on Gas, Love the bright instumental panel, Cool radio, Very peepy for a Automatic

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  Original owner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John Demanovich - April 22 - 3:50 am

  No real negative thoughts about car. Paint does blister,dash lights flicker once in a while and my right knee rubs the parking brake while driving . At 244k the engine and trans runs great.

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  Original owner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John Demanovich - April 22 - 3:50 am

  No real negative thoughts about car. Paint does blister,dash lights flicker once in a while and my right knee rubs the parking brake while driving . At 244k the engine and trans runs great.

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  LoveMyHonda! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Gladi B Oughtahonda - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I never owned a Honda until 1991 I bought a 1990 w/15000 miles. Ive never kept a car this long nor have I ever experienced such reliability and worry free ownership. I keep the oil changed and everything maintained and today it still rides and drives great! Most would not consider my 4 dr Accord an exciting car since it is a 4 cyl/auto. However, it is exciting to save all the money in repairs and gas prices and its excitng to be able to save for the next car while still enjoying the one you have. Its no slug on the road either: it has more pick up than many 6 cyl Ive driven. Im no pokey driver! Even the air doesnt bog it down.

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  Amazing - 2000 Honda S2000
  By 9000REVS - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Driving my car is my favorite part of everyday. This car is everything you could ever want in a sports car. Handling, power, 9k redline, convertible, new technology, and much more... all with an average of about 25mpg. Below 6k rmps this car is great driving, extremely fun, and still has enough power to get you where you need to go. Above 6k rmps (VTEC) is like a roller coaster ride. The car rockets fowards as you watch the digital speedometer climb, the rev limiter lights up and you know its time to shift for another 3k rmps of powerful sounding, head jerking, adrenaline rush.

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  Ah, the places weve been - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Biker Girl - April 22 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this cars reliability. 112,000 miles with only minimal repairs. Its the car we choose for a four-adult road trip. Lots of space in the hatch (we brought home a 32 inch TV in it). The interior and exterior are wearing well. Id consider another one if Honda still made them.

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  me love element - 2004 Honda Element
  By elementlover - April 20 - 10:00 am

  i feel like the king of the road in my element and when im on the road i need a place to sleep me and my element go together like spaghetti and meatballs theres no better car and i totally suggest this car over any other car out there escalade, mercedes, hummer, lexus, porshe ive driven them all and i wouldnt trade my element for any of themif you dont have a element thats like not having air to breathe

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  Fun to drive! - 2004 Honda Element
  By E. - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Element, I have had several Hondas but this one has been the best. Its fun to drive and has so much hauling room, it makes going to the hardware store a piece of cake, not to mention how nice it is to fold up the seats and use it for a kennel when going to the Vet. I like that you dont have to worry about staining the carpet when you spill something. This vehicle is a must have at a great price!