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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  The perfect car!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Gaute - May 31 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I found this vehicle to fit our every need. With its low price tag, AWD, brilliant interior design, good milage, and excellent reliability. If you only need four seats, its the way to go!!

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  I love my Suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kevkim98 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the best riding Suv I ve driven we are soooo HAPPY with it Its so fun to drive and handles like a car Its smooth riding and very comfortable Very highly recommended :-)

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MMUSCS - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my Pilot. The only thing I would change is the gear shift, but you get use to where it is. Over all.. love it!

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  i love my cr-v! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By melissad - May 31 - 10:00 am

  i love the way the cr-v feels almost as if i am driving a car, not an suv. the vehicle has a very roomy interior.

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  Cannot be beat for the bucks - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tag24 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this for my son. I now feel like driving my 11-MPG, overpriced, and already highly depreciated Escalade into a lake and getting a V for myself. Actuallly, I wish I had just bought two CRVs in the first place. Pound for pound, its pretty tough to find a better value.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JHAN - May 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR DESERVES ALL 10S THERES NO OTHER CAR IN THE MARKET LIKE THE HONDA ODYSSEY..........

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  SI and I - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jsun777 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Enjoying the car. It is a unique driving experience. It is practical and sporty, refined and squirrelly. The car is not that common in the Monterey / SF Bay areas and gets noticed. It gets good gas mileage - is a low emission vehicle - and gets front wheel scratch. Steering is tight, the stick is trick, engine will pull, and it fits 4 adults comfortably for city rides.

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  Chriss Review - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By cklein6 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Prelude. I would definately buy another one if they were still being produced next year.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By honda - May 30 - 7:53 pm

  I love this car, it is sporty and handles very well and the instrument panels with its back to the future speedomoter is very refreshing. I have found nothing that i dislike about this car the horepower is not too high but this car manages to boot at 60mph and the pickup from zero is decent as well. If you want to save gas and have a fun ride that is well worth the price then get it... I give it 10 thumbs up :)

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  Good-looking, good-driving car for low $ - 2007 Honda Accord
  By SteveH. - May 30 - 6:43 pm

  For the $20,500 (+usual fees) I paid, this is a great car to look at (in Royal Blue Pearl) with a great engine and sporty handling. I only miss the manual AT shifter to make the experience complete. This is the "sweet spot" in the Accord line up, imo--you get the most car for the least value, but give up some of the bells & whistles. The ride is more sensitive to road imperfections because the suspension makes cornering and maneuvering much more fun than even the 1999 Passat I traded in.