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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  Hard to beat this car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dan0723 - May 18 - 7:03 pm

  This vehicle is excellent in every way. Great performance, excellent ride and handling for a family sedan. Super gas mileage - I average 24.5 MPG. Plenty of room for a family of 5. Excelent interior, features, and controlls.

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  Owned 05 Sienna, prefer the Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bobell - May 18 - 10:03 am

  Chose the Honda over a new Sienna mostly because of better ergonomics, more power and purportedly better gas mileage. Have not been disappointed in any way except the transmission shifts are occasionally rough at light throttle. Have averaged over 20mpg since new. This car is fun to drive.

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  luv da honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By shane - May 18 - 3:30 am

  Steering and suspension give sports car feel. Stereo sound clear and crisp. Acceleration responsive and adequate for a 4 cyl engine. Gas mileage excellent.

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  would I rather have a porche? - 2000 Honda S2000
  By RSS7 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  i was going to buy a boxster s before I drove the S2000. I had been driving a Z3 2.8 when I test drove the Honda. After driving the Honda, the Z3 felt like a truck. The car is solid, fast, comfortable and very reliable. All I have done is change oil and tires. The bimmer was always in the shop for one little thing or the other. Not this car. Would I rather have a porche? Well, the boxster may have more cachet, but nothing drives like the S2000.

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  FUN - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PrincessKrys1022 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE TO DRIVE IT

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  yeah - 2004 Honda S2000
  By MoNtY dAlE CrUeY ll - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is so cool. I love it, i drive it all the time and its great on gas and it handles so well not to mention that it looks fantastic.

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  awsome - 2004 Honda S2000
  By derriek - May 18 - 2:00 am

  it is great i love my car

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  Great little car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Ricky P - May 18 - 2:00 am

  When i bought the car i did not know what to expect i was only 17 . I hade been building a 500hp mustang since i was 14 so the s2k was totaly diffrent.Bottom line this car rocks it takes turns like a slot car and sounds like an f1 car .I love this car to deth shur it wont run a 10 second 1/4 mile but it makes up for its lack of horse power with pure top down hard driving fun.

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  HONDA S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By SUZIQ53 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  GREAT ALL OVER, FUN, LOVE THE CONVERTIBLE, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY!!!

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  Awsome car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Em - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever bought. Hottest car I ever bought.