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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  CRV-best car on the road - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Pat - April 22 - 3:22 pm

  Great mileage; lots of storage; no blind spots; turns on a dime. Love this car!!!!

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  In luv with my 09 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By dawn - April 22 - 10:40 am

  My exl 09 Honda Civic is more than I expected. Im adding mudguards, window visors, moonroof visor, door guards, fitted floor mats, rear spoiler, garmin navigation. Went from VA. To Penn. Two days after buying my car and couldnt believe how great it runs.

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  400,000 kms and counting - 1991 Honda Accord
  By MDCalgary - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Very little maintenance required to get me to 400 000 kms. Highly recommended.

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  Si, Honda Si - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hondavet - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after test driving rsx base, protege5 and matrix. far and away above last two; rsx appearance more appealing but interior too plastic and austere (also availability limited and dealers wouldnt.) Made Honda an offer I couldnt refuse (17,800 with tint, mats, mudgards)after pointing out that none of their stock had sold in over a month. Love the car; looks grow on you and it really moves. Not sure what the complaints are about the new suspension; corners and handles as well as any of the other 6 Hondas I have owned.

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  GOOD VALUE - 2002 Honda Civic
  By j2cry - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 civic ex with auto trans in december of last year. This is a great car for the price. I previous owned a 1993 ex. I am very happy and impressed by the improvements in the civic. The ac is very good for a car this size, and almost everything else from noise to ride quality is significantly improved. Honda did a good job with this one.

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  Fit for anyone - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Bolen - April 20 - 9:26 am

  What possessed Honda USA to market the Fit to the Y-generation? After years of driving stodgy domestic makes, my wife and I (both baby boomers) love our new Fit. Even my 80-something mother likes the look of it. ItÂ’s quick to accelerate, has an easy throwing shifter, takes corners well, and clutches with little effort. Im glad the color is "Lunar Mist" (really a sky blue) and not cop-attracting red.

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  Silver Bullet - 2006 Honda Accord
  By R. Cox - April 19 - 10:14 pm

  Extremely reliable. Safe. Good acceleration. Knows how to climb mountains easily. Love this car.

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  Great CAR/Truck/SUV? - 2004 Honda Element
  By Matt - April 19 - 6:00 pm

  Just bought my element. I love how high the seats are and the view from the windshield. Best car for the money, it reminds me of my old Jeep CJ-& just with better gas mileage, better reliability, and better heat although not nearly as rugged. I had to purchase a handful of bungee cords and a milk crate to secure my stuff, otherwise it slides everywhere. Road noise is no problem although I read some think it is. The 4 cylinder provides sufficient acceleration. The stereo is better than average for a factory system but isnt quite the caliber of my old Alpine w/ infinity speakers. So far its a great car. Cant wait to test the 4wd in snow.

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  fun car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By ssgaspass1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car! A little loud inside even with the top up and windows closed. Convertible top very easy to use. Rides like a true sports car and has the power to prove it.

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  Versitillity to the Max. - 2004 Honda Element
  By sandbilly - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is really a all wheel drive mini van with remarkable versitillty. The adjustibillty of the seating take it from sedan to mini van to camper. It is very user freindly and has respectible gas millage and very eco-minded. I found the bucket seats to be the best I have sat in. The Element seats do not trap you but let you move around. The ride is smooth and steady and the breaking feels awsome. The sound system w/sub woofer is very good. It is also easy to clean. I feel that going for the very young market is a mistake. The market is in the 35 to 55 who remain active around town and especially outdoors.