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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  2002 CRV EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By oesjc1 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Our experience with the 2002 Honda CRV has been amazing. The CRV has a very solid feel about it, build quality is outstanding. It has plenty of power to merge with traffic & can hum right along at 70 mph. The CRV can make turns that are nearly 90 degrees from a stop with a quick turn of the wheel. The interior space of the CRV is cavernous. We hauled a large dryer after folding up the rear seats and a recliner in back WITHOUT folding them up. The front 3 cup holders can all handle McDonalds Supersized sodas. This dependable little bugger fits in perfectly for most families & wont break the bank with a top price under $23k. This is by far the best of the bunch in the Mini-Ute Class.

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  Buy It! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By reviewer - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Just read the mags! Even Consumer Reports rates it #1. What else do you need to know?

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  Honda Van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BBD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle !

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  Great car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By JAD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Our third Honda Civic. We couldnt be happier!

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  Great Car, Great Value!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Chuckster - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I spent alomost 3 months doing research on vehicles with regards to reliabilty factors,safety issues,standard equipment,resale value and of course price. I can honestly say that a Honda is by far the best product in all 5 categories as compared to vehicles in the same class. The car drives and handles very well and is exceptionally smooth as well as quiet while driving at highway speeds. If your are thinking Accord, the SE model is the best choice for options without the EX price tag.

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  WOW - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Virginia Honda Lover - September 21 - 12:53 am

  I have owned every Honda model made, and most Acura products as well. I have never owned a Acura MDX but have test driven them many times. I have purchased my first PILOT and WOW I am very impressed. This vehicle is extremely smooth, plenty of power and great fuel economy for the size of this SUV. When I first looked at the PILOT I was very hesitant about the looks of the vehicle, just drive it, and see what you are getting for the money. The Touring Pilot has one of the best Stereo systems I have ever listened to, 512 watts of power and great sound. As good as the Acura ELS.

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  My element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jami - September 20 - 2:43 pm

  Everything I thought it would be. roomy, fun to drive, good gas mileage. No problems to date. I would buy it again i a heartbeat!

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  This is my 6th Honda, what a car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Vegas34 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 6th Honda and weve had nothing but good luck with them. This car is as safe and reliable as you can get. I firmly believe these are the best cars for the money. If you cant quite afford one, I recommend going with a Civic. They are smaller and not quite as smooth, but still great cars. I had an 89 Accord that had 210,000 miles on it with no major problems ever when I sold it to my cousin. I was also in a bad head-on collision in my 97 Accord and survived with minor scratches. Ill buy nothing but Honda.

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  Si is an excellent car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By mseals - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a great sleeper car. It has all the power you need when you need it, but at the same time, it gets great gas mileage. I avg 31 mpg, that is right, average!! I have a mix of driving that is about 60% street and 40% freeway. I have the black one so it looks like just about every other Civic coupe. That is fine with me since I love the way the car looks, especially when it is clean. Once I changed the tires (they were crappy and expensive) the car even handled the snow pretty well. I truly believe now that the 0-60 time is 7.2 sec. The engine didnt break in until about 15,000 miles so I was skeptical at first. But once it did, look out.

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  great car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By chick - September 20 - 2:00 am

  sold my 2000 Honda crv and the difference is more then I expected especialy the pickup and the quietness of this car.