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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  Pure T Good - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Luther & JoAnne - April 6 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my 2007 Xterra in on the 2008 Honda CRV EX because my wife was having trouble getting in and out of the Xterra because it was too high off of the ground for her even though it had running boards. We love everything about the CRV especially the good gas mileage. The CRV is just what the doctor ordered for us.

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  faster than a boxter without the mechani - 2004 Honda S2000
  By gregg darby - April 6 - 2:00 am

  what a pure sportscar.

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  Honda S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Davebob - April 6 - 2:00 am

  What a beut comfortable to drive, hear and listen a must buy for any Honda fanatic plus a great car to pick up chicks in! I should know I married one!

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  Dream to drive!! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By gche37 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 is by far the best sports car in its class. Compared to the Porsche Boxter, BMW Z3, etc.. the S2000 out performs them on the road as well as in the pocket book. You are truly buying a car that performs and sounds like a Formula One racer. Its a true sports car! For those who want a glass rear window, buy a Miata or a Mustang. Those are not true sports cars! For those who want wood grain on the dashboard, go buy a Lexus or an Audi TT. Those are not sports cars! I love the car and all it stands for. Go buy one and you can honestly say that you are living life for the moment.

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  honda crv is number 1 - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By leighgadek - April 6 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. there is nothing else to say - its a honda...

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  Totally functional - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gabriel-Dash - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This multi purpose vehicle is another winner from Honda.This is my 4th Honda ive had the pleasure in driving,and as always Honda comes through.For a four cylander vehicle it has suprisingly good power, combine that with the real time drive, and its 24MPG...Well to say the least this car will please many different people.

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  The perfect in between car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ljessalin - April 6 - 2:00 am

  We just bought a Pilot Ex in January 2004. We had looked at the Toyota Highlander which also has 3rd row seating. I am 51 and when I sat in the 3rd row my knees were almost up to my chest. It is a very uncomfortable seat. The Pilot has comfotable seats throughout. The drivers seat gives you the benefit of enjoying the entire road. The 2nd row is also very comfortable with plenty of leg room and exceptional head room. If youre looking for a SUV thats not as big as the Excursion or as small as the Geo Tracker, this is the vehicle for you. It gives you the feel of a strong vehicle but not the feel of a big diesel truck.

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  Dream to own!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ff1198 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I are expecting our first child and Im not ready for a minivan. The Pilots room and comfort are unmatched! The Pilot comes with all the features and is the best in SAFETY AND QUALITY!!! You cant go wrong...

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  LX V6 2000 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By stl man - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have this car for 3+ yrs now and never was sorry I bought it. Feels always solid, comfortable, not the fastest but still very powerful. After 1 year I had dashboard and turn signal bulb burned out and still have strange problem with my ignition which requires some haggling before it can be turned. Spare key works fine (problem with a microchip inside this key?).When itÂ’s wet and freezing windows wont open (no problem with my old Taurus).I get 19-23 miles/g,most I got on a long trip 26m/g.Beside that I have no worries, long gone days of my regular trips to repair shop with my old Ford. Will see when this car get to the same age my Ford was.

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  Houston Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Houston Hybrid Owner - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Using a Chevy Avalance and driving 3000 miles a month had me on a first name basis with the gas attendant. When my gas bill hit over $400.00 a month I knew I had to do something. I started by looking at the Toyota Prius but found the local dealers a challenge to deal with. Not only was the wait for a Prius about 6 months they were not willing to negotiate price or configuration of the vehicles options. That led me to the Honda Civic Hybrid. It is easier to drive than the complicated Prius. It was less expensive to buy and in stock. Its an easy car to own. It has plenty of acceleration for big city driving.Chevron misses me.