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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  different - 2006 Honda Element
  By neal b - March 25 - 7:26 am

  Great car to drive with plenty of peppiness. Car seem it can last forever this will be the perfect 4 person family.

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  A Winter Tank Par Excellence - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cathy - March 25 - 3:38 am

  Has survived 2 New England winters at - 30F, mud season back roads, mountain travel, sits out 365 days per year and always starts on the first key turn. Paint incredible, getting 29mpg highway, and 25mpg back roads even with snow tires and a loaded carge area. VTEC engine is same one used to be in Honda Prelude sports car, and only needs regular gas to obtain top performance. Incredibly cost-efficient and stable. Great fun to drive, feels very safe cornering and over rough, rocky back roads.

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  My 2005 CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Francis - March 24 - 10:25 pm

  I wanted to purchase the EX version but instead purchased the LX AWD to save the 2K, big mistake. In addition to the obvious enhancements offered by the EX trim line, the seats were even more comfortable due to the better fabric used. Plus, I missed the sunroof, tinted windows and nice alloy wheels only used in the EX trim line. Otherwise, my LX-AWD was a good performer. Avg city/hwy mileage 22 mpg.

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  My Element Experirence - 2004 Honda Element
  By Francis - March 24 - 10:02 pm

  I wanted to buy a versatile vehicle like the CRV but instead drove out of the dealership with an Element.This is a very poorly thought out vehicle. Example, when you fold up the rear seats to make more room it actually blocks your side window access when you are backing up.This vehicle weighs almost 3,500 lbs and the standard "Accord" powerplant strains to pull it around. My AWD gas mileage city/hwy average 21-22 per gallon.The weight distribution of the "AWD" v.s. the "2 wheel" drive is noticeably different and the vehicles drive differently( I have driven both versions).

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  Love CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sam - March 24 - 8:13 pm

  We have been very happy with our CRV because it seems to be the perfect practical car for travel or short trips around town.

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  Practical, Reliable & Fuel Efficient - 2005 Honda Element
  By hElement - March 24 - 7:48 pm

  This has to be one of the strangest automobile purchases Ive ever made. It took me 2 years to get used to the funky looks to even give one a look through and upon that I bought it on impluse (my Mazda was having a lot of problems and warranty was about to expire at 36k). This mini/suv drives just like a car and can be tossed into turns for fun, but can go off road and get through some real 4x4 trails (nothing extreme) without getting stuck.

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  Best Honda Ive Owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gary ca - March 24 - 4:33 pm

  My family has had over 30 hondas since the 70s. Replace a battery, replace timing chain at 60k plus, everything else is great. The 08 Accord I believe is the best of the lot. Read various reviews and Im surprised. No problem with quality, performance, etc. Got 30 mpg, with a/c off at 70 mph. Average 24-26 daily. Ride is superior, comfortable seats, radio excellent. Dont have navi, Ill buy a portable unit. Very surprised at comments relating to reliability and service problems, never had such problem with any of the hondas weve owned. Remember, when you sell this vehicle youll always get top price...

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  Accord Hybrid Powerfull And Economical - 2006 Honda Accord
  By rpatch000 - March 24 - 12:46 pm

  This car has a 255 HP, handles like a Acura TL, more room than the Acura and Im getting 9 miles to the gallon more than the Acura. The Accord Hybrid out the door price was $5000 less than the Acura.

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  Love it - 2005 Honda Element
  By bronco - March 24 - 4:56 am

  We got the magnesium loaded EX AWD with fog lights because having those bulbous orbits empty seems silly. The rear is great for moving baby in and out in the car seat and being able to move to the back to calm baby without having to get out like when we had a Civic. We love the interior -everyone we know think its awesome even those who think it looks ugly are sold when the check out the inside.

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  Best Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tim - March 24 - 4:43 am

  My first Honda, and I love it. The car achieves a nice balance between sportiness and comfort. Not as smooth as my Toyota and not as sporty as my old Passat, this car represents a nice middle point. The car is very roomy inside. The back seat is huge. Body styling is vastly improved. The sound system is terrific. The Handsfree link has been great for business trips. The navigation system is sophisticated and comes with a trip computer. The car has ample power, but the gas mileage has been disappointing. Im getting about 17 MPG in city driving and 27 on the highway. The car has been terrific in the snow, a nice plus. A terrific value.