Honda Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.47/5 Average
31,869 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 15771 through 15780 of 31,869.00
  • Wonderfully pleasant car - 1998 Honda Accord
    By -

    I bought this car with 98k miles, and there are no apparent problems so far. Very pleasant highway ride and quietness. Steering is very precise and acceleration is very rivoting. It has a very comfortable back seat and pretty comfortable front seats. Large trunk... everything you could need, why pay more for a fancy name when you get all the luxury features here!

  • SPEED MONSTER! - 2004 Honda S2000
    By -

    this car is a SPEED MONSTER!!! it outperforms the porsche boxster S.. the dodge neon srt-4 and it will smash into any Z4 that u approach on the road..

  • Speed Buggy - 2004 Honda S2000
    By -

    After purchasing this car in Florida, I immediately drove it 1300 miles in 2 days to Pennsylvania and the only complaint was that I had to put the top up due to rain. Even on a long road trip the car is just as comfortable if not more so than much larger luxury cars. The biggest problem is keeping the speed with in legal limits (yeah right). It feels just as smooth and tight at 80 as it does at 35. The main warning is that there is very little front end clearance and you have to watch out for potholes and rough roads not to mention curb damage in parking lots.

  • Great Achievement - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    The experience of owning an Element cannot be overlooked. It is the perfect vehicle for active lifestyles, raising two children, or just going on a road trip. Plenty of room for all. The 4wd model we purchased has been tested here in East Texas. It pulls my bass boat with ease. It handles rough lake roads and is excellent in heavy rains and snow. We have put 11,000 miles on the vehicle in 5 months. The Honda engineers have simply done wonders with the overall design. We tested just about every SUV on the market before we test drove the Element. We havent looked back ever since. We are contemplating the purchase of another 04 EX as well.

  • Its A Great Vehicle For The $ - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    Traded in a 2002 Toyota Avalon XLS with a ton of options -- at age 52 I was bored with it. After seeing a few Elements on the road, reviewing consumer comments around the Net I bought one without even test driving the darn thing. I love this vehicle. Many (most) will laugh and snicker at first sight, but after they realize its a Honda and see the inside, they known then the laugh is on them.

  • Cant get much better - 2004 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We have had to minivans now from Honda and these are an amazing vehicle. I like that I dont feel like Im driving a box, and yet I can see around me quite well. It is roomy inside for everyone. We live in the midwest, so I put a high priority on climate control systems--this one heats and cools quickly! Comfortable for any size adult to drive!

  • MINIVAN MAN - 2004 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    THIS VAN HAS GREAT ACCELERATION TURNS ON A DIME JUST A GREAT M-VAN LOVE THE POWER DOORS KID LOVE IT TOO

  • Safety - 2004 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    We were just hit in the rear by a 18 wheeler. The damage was over $5000.00. I really beleive if we were in any other vehicle we would have been killed.

  • Second Honda and Lovin It - 2004 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Traded in my much beloved 2000 Odyssey (97,000 miles) and couldnt be happier. Why the heck cant an American manufacturer make a vehicle as nice as this.

  • Quiet competency - 2004 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Following several of my friends recommendations, we test drove the Pilot after several sedans. While the exterior is not altogether exciting, it is understated and quite palatable. The interior is enormous and very well laid out for a family. The step height is quite low and buckling in my son in a car seat is now a breeze. The fit and finish is top rate, as all Hondas are, and the thoughtful touches to the storage spaces and ergonomics are outstanding.

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