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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  Great Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Frammis - January 13 - 5:43 am

  This is my second Accord and its bigger, zippier and more comfortable. I finally found a sedan with a sunroof frame that doesnt hit my head. Mileage is very good and we have already taken it on a long trip. Finding a good seat position was easy. Navigation complexity is overblown if you are good with computers or other digital gadgetry. It took a couple of weeks - and assiduous reading of the manuals - to get the technology down. Lots of cubby holes and we like the MP3 player connection. The 17 inch Michelin Pilots provide a smooth ride and good corner traction.

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  Honda in my ELEMENT - 2004 Honda Element
  By LAKERISM - January 12 - 10:00 am

  If you like to be different or stand out in a crowd than the ELEMENT is definetly for you.You have all kinds of room but the ELEMENT is not a huge gas guzzler,its just the right size,not to small and not to big.

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  Love My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element lover - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I do alot of my own home repairs and this has been a great vehicle for picking up materials at the local hardware store. I also drove this car 2400 miles round trip as the only driver and did not have the usual fatigue I have had in driving a sedan over long distances.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By noelleau - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, practical, good gas mileage, turns heads, highly recomended!

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  Bobs Review - 2004 Honda Element
  By bmartin - January 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love this car. Great for kids on the go with sports equpiment.

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  Awesome - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By raina - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle drives great. Lots of cargo room and storage spaces. Radio is awesome..love the net and hooks for grocery shopping. Third row seating is very convient to use and easy to stow away.

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  My CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Skyarea - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I like the CR-V because its easy to handle in either city/highway driving and big enough to be comfortable, and small enough to get in and out of traffic quickly.

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  my honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By laura lanier - January 12 - 10:00 am

  i love to drive it. it is so smooth riding

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  06 Civic is a no brainer - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Keith - January 12 - 9:33 am

  I have owned a black 06 Civic LX 4DR MT for 6 months and would buy another in a heartbeat. Every facet of the design is of a quality that warrants paying more for the Civic than other cars in its class. My favorite feature is the "Heads Up Display" because I can keep my eyes on the road and closely monitor my speed with my peripheral vision. Some have claimed it annoying at night, but it can easily be dimmed. Other favorites are the microfiber cloth seats that have helped ease back strain from my previous vehicle, very quiet and smooth engine performance, outstanding suspension, and of course the excellent fuel economy. I cant give a precise fuel economy, but its about 40mpg highway.

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  New Accord Rocks! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ariel - January 12 - 2:43 am

  The new 08 Accord truly is a great car! First Accord ever, traded in a 91 Civic which still ran like new! Runs smooth, handles great, power is amazing! Hint: adding accessories will bolster appeal! Also, VIN number starting with "J" means made and built in Japan, where you cant go wrong! Trust it!