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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  Good to own another HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jim yancey - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Hondas, this 2004 V6 Accord is by far the best bilt of all of them.

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  Insight on Maui - 2000 Honda Insight
  By RicCorless - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Since moving to Maui, the Insight has been the perfect vehicle. Regular gasoline at $2/gallon - and driving about 700 miles a month for pleasure, the car is delivering 72-mpg! We dont use the A/C - it doesnt get hot in Maui - which helps the mileage a lot. Weve renovated our home, and all materials except major appliances were transported with this vehicle! I left a superb Mercedes behind, and miss only the sound system.

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  Love my Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gidget 2 - January 30 - 5:36 pm

  I have been looking at them for 2 years. I have had and still have a Land Rover Discovery and love it. The honda element gets the same: LOVE IT. Better on gas than my 8 year old Discovery. I am 57 and I think they are marketing to the wrong group of people. With the price and mileage and the room, it is excellent.

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  Ill never drive a regular car again - 2007 Honda Civic
  By hybridconvert - January 30 - 3:56 pm

  Once youve driven a hybrid, there really is no reason to drive a regular car again. The gas mileage is better, its cleaner, and saves you money. Why anyone would turn down a hybrid is a mystery to me. I average 47 mpg combined city/hwy. Hybrids, like any car, force you to try to get the mileage by driving sensibly. Just by keeping freeway speeds under 70 rather than my usual 75-85 added 6 or 7 mpg to my average. You have to want it and be conscious of it to achieve the high mpg range.

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  An Outstanding Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kipper - January 30 - 2:33 am

  I first saw the Ridgeline at the Cleveland Auto Show back in February. I knew it was what I wanted, and I ended up purchasing one the day after it came out. It was the first one in Cleveland. I can not put in words how much fun this car is to drive. The ride is very comfortable and the features make this truck very cool. It turns heads a lot, all my friends love it, my dad takes it when I am not around instead of his Jeep, and I just love the experience. The car is less than 6 months old and I have already put 13k miles on it. It has been on many roadtrips to Florida, Chicago, Maine, and Canada. This truck runs strong and has not even hinted of having a problem. It is a beast!

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  love my little civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By wudini - January 29 - 10:00 am

  When i bought my Civic 2 months ago it had 107,000 miles on it. the car, when new, had a proposed 125hp, i had the car dynod after a few upgrades and it topped off at 141hp @ 6800RPMs. not bad for a >100k mile car. my only problem is that the automatic tranny changes gears roughly...although this is a known problem with this model civic...and some auto tranny lube and conditioner helps dramatically.

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  NO B.S - 1999 Honda Accord
  By TRE - January 29 - 10:00 am

  THE ACCORD HAS ALL OF WHAT YOU NEED AND NONE OF WHAT YOU DONT.

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  owner - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By gemini0229 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  best car Ive eve owned

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  Happy Honda Owner - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Honda Owner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car. Its reliable and fun to drive. I initially purchased the car for my daughter. She drove it for the first 20,000 miles. I took it over after two years. I have been driving the car for 80,000 miles. I have not had any problems. The car is ready for its 100,000 mile service and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 1996 Honda Civic
  By honda owner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car. Its reliable and fun to drive. I initially purchased the car for my daughter. She drove it for the first 20,000 miles. I took it over after two years. I have been driving the car for 80,000 miles. I have not had any problems. The car is ready for its 100,000 mile service and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.