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:
Showing 18401 through 18410 of 31,869.00-
City driving equals a lot of gas - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Daniel Cushion - July 4 - 1:43 amSo far I have not gotten close to the city mileage they claim in their ads. I average between 14 and 16 miles to a gallon around town. I thought with a 4 cylinder that the gas would get at least close to the 20 or more miles to a gallon that they claim in their advertising. However on a highway trip I was pleased to get 25 miles to a gallon. Overall I am happy with this vehicle, but wish that the city gas consumption was much better.
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Even better than expected - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Dennis Myers - July 4 - 12:13 amWe have all experienced having the thought of owning something being far superior to the actual possession. With the 2017 CR-V Touring model, this is definitely NOT the case. I am now four days into having traded in a 2013 CR-V EX-L for a 2017 Touring model I have lusted after this model since it was announced. The end of model year deals made the numbers finally work out. Nothing has disappointed me. I love the technology, comfort, looks, and performance. Took a day trip over the weekend and fell in love with the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance features, These features make driving less tiring. The noise level has been reduced substantially. If I had to come up with a negative, it would be the lack of a selector knob on the radio. On occasion, it takes a little more driver involvement than one would prefer in order to change stations. Also, I havent figured out yet if I can still use voice commands for changing stations. In summary, I cannot believe that anyone will be disappointed with owing oneof these jewels.
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2006 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Jay - July 3 - 12:13 pmWe have owned Honda Accords before, and the Odyssey rides very similiarly. Now, the Accord rides smooth, but the Odyssey almost makes you think you are driving a smooth car, yet its a fun to drive peppy minivan. The ergonomics of the interior are outstanding and the practibility are second to none. Spend the the extra few thousand dollars and buy quality versus anything else.
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Perfect car for kids and dogs!! - 2003 Honda Element
By Sabrina1347 - July 3 - 10:00 amI love this car!! I have a toddler and two dogs and with this car - no worries!! When my son was younger there was plenty of room (and dark enough tint) that I could hop in the back and breastfeed. Now, no worries if he spills his milk or water, it all wipes up easily! He also gets a kick out of all the room he has to play before getting in the dreaded car seat! I love my ELEMENT!!!
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Buy an Element - 2003 Honda Element
By aquaswimmer - July 3 - 10:00 amThe Element is fantastic for what it is. Hauls lots of cargo or 4 people in comfort ( but not really both at the same time). Get the stickshift. The 5spd is surprisingly fast. 0-60 in low 8s. Handles very well also. Its the mini cooper of SUVs. Low cost, great performance, high utility, and fresh styling.
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Honda: Ask the Person who Owns One! - 2003 Honda Civic
By Hendos Honda - July 3 - 10:00 amThis is my second Honda Civic. My last one was a 91 with 145,000 miles that I gave to my niece. This car is bigger than my old one, with more zip. Gas mileage is very good for a car thats not broken in yet (31 combined). I love the styling. Only thing that concerns me is the sheet metal seems thinner than on my old one. Ive already had to have a dink taken out of the door.
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2003 Civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
By cawoodworth - July 3 - 10:00 amThe Civic 2003 a great little car. It has a nice little zip to it. The car is easy to drive in and out of traffic. It is a fun car to drive. The fuel economy is easy on the wallet.
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What a Find! - 2003 Honda Civic
By B-Dog - July 3 - 10:00 amMany have likely overlooked the Civic Si, what with the SVT Focus, Mini Cooper S, Mazdaspeed Protege and the like. Mistake! It has all the typical Honda niceties, such as terrific build quality, great instrumentation, superb materials and a sweet shifter. More than these, though, the Si has torque, seats, space, a nice stereo, a great steering wheel, and you dont see them all over. The torque is a welcome upgrade from my old Miata - at 60 MPH on the highway in 5th you can just accelerate. In the Miata, dropping down to 4th was a must, if not 3rd! And the engine is so smooth that it must be felt to be believed.
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I love this car!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
By Richard Murphy - July 3 - 10:00 amMy Accord EX V6 is an outstanding vehicle. Offering high quality and value at a reasonable cost. Its as good as a BMW at slightly more than half the cost. I love the performance and sport-like handling. 0-60 mph is less than 7 seconds, while economy is 21/31 mpg City/Hwy., what a great combination!!
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2nd Accord - Still in LOVE! - 2004 Honda Accord
By jrkstl - July 3 - 10:00 amThis 2004 model is the second Accord that Ive owned, and my love affair has only grown! The newest generation offers surprisingly more than my 2001 model with the same trim, and the power increase so far seems dramatic. The interior fit and finish is flawless, and in black leather looks way more expensive than it is. While the body style of the 4 door isnt for everyone, I think Honda got the Coupe just right. It seems smaller on the outside, but much larger inside. I love this car!
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