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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  I Love this car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kait - November 24 - 12:13 am

  This is a great little/big car. There is a lot of room and it is very comfortable. It is amaizing on gas. All of the features are easy to use and see, nothing complicated. It has a great look and rides extremely smooth. Its a great first car!!

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  This car saved my life! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By chipperchick - November 23 - 6:26 am

  I was struck on my drivers side by a drunk driver going 50mph three weeks ago and I emerged without a scratch! This car is built like a tank (she was driving a Volvo). I LOVE this car and have thoroughly enjoyed it for the last 18 months. Its very eye-catching -- I catch people staring into it when its parked and theyre always shocked to learn its an accord (I bought the red -- so pretty). Yes, Im really this shallow... The ONLY thing I would suggest changing is the controls for the heat. Its hard for me to reach the heater control without having to lean way over. But, thats virtually the ONLY thing I would change.

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  LUV MY HONDA - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vcareatti - November 23 - 2:03 am

  First set of brakes went at 12,500; think Landmark took me since Im now at over 50K on my second set (done by my favorite service station) and still going strong). Have to be careful since there is a lot of horses under the hood; first speeding ticket since I been driving. The brakes have really saved me when fools in front of me stop for no reason whatsoever.

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  a real sports/utility vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By kanicker - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the most useful a vehicle can be without being a work TRUCK. My biggest concern was road noise and a bumpy ride, and Im glad to say that although its not Lexus quiet and smooth, its certainly quiet enough to make it our weekend and trip car.

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  element - 2004 Honda Element
  By tim4bundy - November 23 - 2:00 am

  great sound, power, and handling fun to take apart

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  Honda Pilot EX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Herb Minnig - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle rides and handles very well The braking system is much better than my previous SUV (explorer XLT) Its a pleasure to drive. very spunky auto Fuel economy is a little better than advertised

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  GREAT SUV... BUY IT.!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Charles Michael - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife has had a Honda Civic for the last 5 years, I have had a Toyota Corolla for the last 10 years. So I was tempted to buy the 4Runner or Highlinder. We tested both of them, and I was convinced to buy the Toyota´s, but when we tested the Pilot, uff..the different was huge.. On the Pilot you feel the smooth and soft of the road.....it is bigger than the 4Runner, the 3rd. row is excellent. I recommend it to everyone...

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  cr-vv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tim4bundy - November 23 - 2:00 am

  run to drive and extremely reliable

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  Love this car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By happy owner also - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have 2 children and we wanted to trade in our older large SUV on something new and easier for my wife to drive, we test drove a bunch of the similar size SUVs (VUE Outlander Escape) and the Honda CRV was the best of the bunch in our opinion. It rides great has a ton of stow away storage and is very Mom and Kid friendly. We could not be happier with our choice.

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  2002 Honda Civic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By S. Lovett - November 23 - 2:00 am

  After careful review for several months, I decided that the redesigned Honda Civic for 2002 was the automobile for me. I purchased my 2-door coupe in March of 2002, when the car makers were having wonderful finance offerings. I will have the car paid off after only three years - the resale value is big plus. My next car will be either a Honda Civic 4-door, or a 4-door Honda Accord.