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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  My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By sawaddi - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Great fun. Honda reliability. Great for hauling mulch and gardening supplies. More like a mini panel truck than a SUV. Very versatile. Perky engine.

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  LOVE THAT BOX - 2003 Honda Element
  By john walker - January 6 - 2:00 am

  WE DUMPED OUR 91 Q45 TO GET OUT OF BAD RELIABILTY AND FUEL ECONOMY. THE ELEMENT GAVE US A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN FUN AND UTILITY. FUEL MPG HAS BEEN CLOSE TO 26 ON TRIPS, NOT BAD CONSIDERING THIS BOX DOES NOT CUT THE WIND REAL GOOD. I HAVE HAD A DOZEN CARS, BUT NEVER ONE THAT TURNS HEADS LIKE THIS ELEMENT.

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  Not as tight as my VW - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nightCap - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Althought I do very much like the CRV, its build quality (fit and finish) is not comparable with my 2000 VW golf. The plastic body molding is out of alignment, the tires are not good at all (Ive actaully replaced them already), and the cabin noise seems to be on the loud side. I wish it got better mileage as well.

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  Great Deal and Great Drivde - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Johnny Roland - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Odyssey using the Internet and Edmunds.com. this auto. My previous car, a Subaru Legacy, had died the weekend before, and I needed a car pronto. Fremont Honda responded right away, and they didnt play any games. The car had just come in that morning, and I drove it home that evening. This car has plenty of power, handles great for a minivan, and the kids love it (althought they wanted the DVD entertainment systems--sorry!). Im getting about 20mpg in all kinds of driving, which is pretty good for a car this size.

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  Family + fun + cool style - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Rich0218 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Weve researched several similar styles (highlander, explorer, etc)but we always ended up back at the Honda dealer. Honda has always been the best. Weve owned 3 hondas over the past 15 years, all were reliable and had an excellent resale value when it was time for us to "upgrade" -The Pilot fit our every need! Comfort, style. excellent entertainment system for the kids. The Pilot is an awesome alternative to a boring minivan! We love it! Absolutely no complaints so far.

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  CRV Honda 2003 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Diane Buckley - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is extremely convenient for family shopping, trips and basic running around. I travel frequently 150 miles each way and it is great on gas mileage. I only wish there were full leather seats available when I purchased the car.

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  excellent reliable vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By zee - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Anyone searching for a stable, reliable SUV should look no further than the CR-V. Roomy interior with plenty if not too much storage compartments, attractive interior, and pleasant ride make this car one of the best that we have ever owned. It is a quite ride, and dont be fooled by 4 cylinders, it moves when it needs to.

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  Great For My First New Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nene - January 6 - 2:00 am

  we bought this car in June and I have to say I absolutely love it. I had never owned a new car before and did a lot of research before choosing a Honda. You definetely get a lot for what you pay. Weve already driven it on a 3,000 mile road trip, and it was great! The only problem I have is a rattling in my dash I assume is from all the interior plastic.

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  Feels Bigger Than It Really Is - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Hollis - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Hybrid Civic over the Toyota Prius because Honda offered more standard features (side airbags, CD player, driver armrest). Plus, the Civic was more visually pleasing than the 1st generation Prius. It all comes down to whether you want the world to know youre driving a hybrid. Honda hid the technology in an existing model; Toyota displayed for all to see. The Civic Hybrid is a great urban runabout. It is peppy, nimble, and surprisingly roomy and quiet for such a small car. The CVT "shifts" without the driver noticing. That is great engineering. And the car feels solid; again, surprisingly so for such a small vehicle.

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  Civic EX coupe manual - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bmidd31 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and gets the job done. The engine is peppy with the 5 speed but a dog with the auto I test drove. I have about 6000 mile on it now and the only complaint I have is the crappy firestone tires that come stock. The interor looks great compared to my 95 and tons of upgrades!!! Overall great car!!!