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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  Honda does it again... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Drake - January 15 - 6:33 am

  Honda does it yet again...adding 36 HP over my 97 model and approximately 5 more miles to the gallon to boot; a very modern look; and a sensible gauge display and voice-controlled navigation system all centered around making sure that you, the driver, are focused on the road. Curtain-side as well as front air bags, ABS, and electronic brake distribution add even more to the cars overall safety. Its fun to drive and it looks awesome. This is not your parents economy car anymore. This a truly sporty-looking car of your own to drive...without the unreliability and waste of domestic automobile engineering.

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  Not as Reliabe as I thought - 1998 Honda Accord
  By STLbill7982 - January 15 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this 98 from my sister this September. I am disappointed with what I thought would be a reliable car. The car vibrates a lot at idle - it almost feels like a massage chair from the Sharper Image. The check engine light never turns off, even though the dealer assured me nothing is wrong. The car is noisy relative to GM cars that I have owned in the past. The rims make contact with curbs before the tires do, and as a result the rims are very scratched. The engine has littel power - sometimes I feel like I could get out and run faster.

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  Love My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Dorisse - January 14 - 6:23 pm

  I love driving this little big utility suv. My job requires me to haul some things and it fits the bill just right. I feel like I am driving an expensive SUV but I am not. Mileage is really good. Love it, Love it.

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  Not as fun but better then 06 MDX - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Luv My pilot - January 14 - 6:03 am

  I went from an 06 MDX touring with Nav, RES and running boards. Priced the same vehicle for another 3 year lease and would have to take an additional $100/month out of my pocket for 39 months. Once I test drove the Pilot, I fell in love. I will say that it is not nearly as fun to drive but functionality and space overcome the need for speed. Comfort matches if not beats the 09 MDX I tested. I also tested the GM equivalents including the overpriced fully-loaded Enclave. For a family of 5, and for about $200/month less than the MDX I recommend the Pilot Touring.

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  My first honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By COOL BLUE LADY - January 14 - 4:30 am

  Great gas mileage, like it much better than i thought i would. Love the cool blue color. This is my first 4-cy and it has much more power than i anticipated. Traded in a Chrysler concord, 180,000 miles. Miss my overhead information computer and power seats--and my automatic door locks. Also did not come with a cargo net for the trunk--has to be an additional purchase.

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  worth the money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By janie_super - January 13 - 10:56 pm

  This is my second Civic,and a tremedous improvement of the interior noise of the 99 LX sedan. In fact, I have to sell one of my civics, and I would much rather keep the 01 EX, even for the extra $5K. For the first two years the acceleration was sluggish, and the brakes required alot of force, I felt like I was diving, however, after driving 30,000 miles and a brake job, things are much improved, perhaps needed a good break in period. Long distance trips are very comfortable, and the car is extremely stable at fast speeds (no spoiler needed). 6 speakers is indispensible, and I have no interest in replacing the standard stereo.

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  Surprising Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Great Dog - January 13 - 8:46 pm

  Ive only had my Fit Sport for a month but the word surprise keeps coming to mind. Im a big, 6-1" and,..eh, not dainty. This car is more comfortable than the Dakota P/U it replaces and gets twice the gas mileage. I drove from RI to NY and back with my two sisters in one day, they were both impressed with its relative comfort over 400 miles. The Fit is fun and light on its feet on curvy roads, like driving a go-cart. Im a dog trainer, having space for a pet divider or dog crate is crucial; the seats fold flat in an instant to accommodate even XL crates and theres tie downs in the floor to secure them. Fit, finish, and ergonomics are all top notch at a lower cost than most hybrids.

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  A keeper - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ed Pantaloni - January 13 - 7:59 pm

  Comfortable ride, easy to handle, excellent raod conditin response with Michellin All Terraine tires, spacious. Low center of gravity give little lean-into on curves and exit/enter ramps. Although is 4wd, you dont need a ladder to get in/out. Not affected by cross winds as much as minivans are - perhaps a much as an auto.

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  MyElement - 2003 Honda Element
  By V Jones - January 13 - 4:14 pm

  I love my element. It gets great gas mileage. It is so versatile. Ive camped in it many times over the years. Alot of people have negitive comments on how it looks then I give them the full tour and what all it can do, then thier whole attitude changes about the car and go away liking, if not loving the car. I have fully enjoyed owning and driving my Element

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  Great Roadster Value - 2000 Honda S2000
  By bhunau1 - January 13 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased the S2000 used from a friend. It only had 12000 miles on it. I have owned sports cars in the past. I drove a Fiat 124 Spyder and a Nissan 240Z. This car is the most fun you can have sitting down. I find myself looking for places I have to go in order to take a drive. I put the top down even when its cold because its so much darn fun. If you like a soft ride and a quiet running engine this is not your car. It roars like a lion at 5000 rpm, but so what, if you want quiet theres lots of other boring choices, but you would regret it.