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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  first time love for a car/49yrs old - 2003 Honda Element
  By ideacandy2112 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  the car is roomy, drives very well, has good speed pickup and is cute..i have yet to go to anywhere ... where someone has not inquired about my "baby"...i have bought many, many cars in my life and the experience w/santa ana honda makes we want to go back every week...they were the 5star hotel of car sales...thank you again

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  Honda CR-V - Great SUV!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Karen RN RRT - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The Honda SUV is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Of course, it is a Honda... enough said. But, Honda has always been my favorite vehicle and the next car I purchase will be another Honda SUV as well. Not only is it a great vehicle, but it is the most reasonably priced for what you get and the most reliable.

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  Loveit - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SiLover - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car: It accelerates well, the shift is crisp, the ride is smooth (a bit bumpy at low speeds as the suspension is stiff), it corners unbelievably well and the steering is precise. The engine purrs quietly and yet is powerful and smooth. A fine machine!

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  Great Car !!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ItalianPaul - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Before buying my EX V6 I took a look at all of the other mid size cars out there including the Acuras, BMWs, Toyotas Audis, Mercs, GMs ,etc. This Honda V6 has the a better combination of power, comfort, build quality than them all. Its roomy, fast, and very comfortable.

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  Satisfied owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mnsmiley - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Our 5th Honda Accord, and the best one yet. Each one has gotten bigger, more powerful, and friendlier. This one feels more like a floater than a quick fighter. Great engine, brakes, and interior finish. Much better air control and comfort. Cant beat heated seats in Minnesota.

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  Blessed and Beautiful - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Delta 6 - September 27 - 4:53 pm

  This new vehicle is so exciting to drive and to ride in. Comfort and safety are hallmarks. One feels so secure in traveling in this truck. Being a truck, one feels confident to be able to haul heavy without loosing control due to overweight. I could not have purchased a better vehicle.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Shannon - September 27 - 12:33 pm

  I found the Honda CR-V easy to handle when driving up hills and around corners. Its got plenty of room for five people, and ample room to store things in the back. I expecially like that the door in the rear opens "out" like a car door verses "up" like most other suvs. This makes it easier on the arms and shoulders of women or smaller people.

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  Hits the Target - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mary McCormick - September 27 - 8:55 am

  Great newer safety features--backup camera, right side camera, blind spot mirror piece on left side. Reminds me of my old 1991 Prelude but with lots more comfort. Almost as good gas mileage as my 2011 Civic, may be even closer after its fully broken in.

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  Excellent small car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By bjb1960 - September 26 - 11:33 am

  Ive been very pleased with my Honda Fit. It handles well and is quite peppy for a small car with an automatic. They truly did squeeze the maximum interior space with into the car. It has a good stereo/CD player as well. People are definitely interested in it. Folks ask if its a hybrid I say "not quite but it does get 30-36 MPG". Six airbags and ABS as standard features is pretty decent in the safety category.

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  Love my Honda Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Marianne - September 26 - 3:33 am

  This is such a cute, sporty little car. It turns heads, drives beautifully, is so very peppy. Its an adorable looking little sport car wannabe that one has to smile at, with its little shelf spoiler. One design flaw with this and many other makes and models: no safe visibility when backing up. The upward flare of the new designs creates a huge blind spot.