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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  Not Sorry - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Rob Land - March 7 - 11:28 pm

  Bulletproof, better in many ways than our 2001 BMW 3 series.

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  94 prelude VTEC - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Joe Her - March 7 - 9:44 pm

  awesome vehicle

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  First CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Keith - March 7 - 9:06 pm

  Bought in 2/08. Had remote starter installed as part of deal, works great in warming up car in winter, start car from living room and 10 minutes later windshield is clear of ice and snow. 10,000 miles so far, getting about 24.8 MPG, over 29 MPG on long highway trips. Kind of noisy, but overall I am happy with the decision to buy. Wish I had a backup camera, parking can be a pain.

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  Great Car!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chris - March 7 - 11:56 am

  Hey, awesome gas mileage, low insurance rates and Hondas excellent reputation. I couldnt go wrong. Its speedy enough, handles corners well (especially when compared to my old Xterra) and is just fun to drive. Comfortable all the way.

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  Love my Honda - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Tooch92 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it. It is so dependable. I live in upstate NY and drove home this year on Christmas Day- anyone living anywhere near this area remembers how many feet of snow we had! It is reliable, in excellent mechanical and physical condition and I would love to keep it forever!

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  Very Versatile - 2003 Honda Element
  By steve123 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Element is very functional and can transport a lot of stuff. You will love it when you visit Home Depot and Sams Club.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ray Merz - March 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had the Pilot for a little over a year and have taken it twice to Yellowstone, and once to Glacier and the Tetons. The ride is very comfortable, the interior is very well designed, and the steering and handling is very good. The engine power is good and works well with the 5 speed transmission. The gas mileage is very good for a SUV - we got 21-23 MPG on the road and about 17 in the city. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Love my Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tammy jo - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Im very, very happy with my Honda Pilot. I looked at every SUV on the market to find a medium-sized SUV with a third row of seats. I also had to have leather interior and the DVD entertainment system. All of which I got without a spending 40,000+! Great gas mileage was a big bounus!!

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  Nice - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Zack - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV out right now, it has everything you need at a good price!

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  no title - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jasmine0263 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Pilot. It comfortable, large, and stlylish. Although it though use alot of gas, this car is totally worth the little extra cash. I love the extra cargo room i have. I can basically fit anything into my pilot. And i can sit 7 people very comfortably. I just love this SUV