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 Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Macker - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Only have about 400 miles on the car so this may be premature but I have to say Im very happy with the perfomance and handling at this early stage. Drove it 300 miles on a busy interstate in midatlantic winter. Lots of trucks and heavy crosswinds...no problems at 65+. Very comfortable..great sound system. Gets lots of attention-- what with the "unusual" styling. Somebody told me its looks like a "little Hummer". Advertized as a gen "Y" car, but this 55 year old likes it a lot!

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  2003 Honda Element EX 2WD - 2003 Honda Element
  By Rob White - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is rock solid and absolutely fun to drive! Getting 25 + MPG during daily 150 mile commute and enjoying the "what is this?" stares. Without exception, everyone who rides in it and/or looks at it up close loves its utility and engineering. MANY nice touches-like remote entry system that will NOT let you lock yourself out because the only way to lock the drivers door is with the remote or the key from outside!

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  Love this Honda - 1999 Honda Accord
  By LoveThisHonda - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My first Honda, definately not my last! No comparison as far as quality and reliability from any other car. Comfortable, nice ride, very smooth and quiet. The V6 is AWESOME. Interior and exterior design is outstanding. I traded in my Lincoln for it (loooking for a bit smaller car) and thought I was stepping down in quality. The Honda is by FAR a better Car! Already thinking about getting a 2003, also. I Love this car and if your considering getting one, just do it!

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pjro53 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Honda has done a great job. I compared the Honda Pilot to the Acura MDX and the new Volvo SUV. The Honda handles nicely, lots of space, nice creature comforts, and everything works. Paid just under MSRP so prices are starting to drop slightly. Compared to the MDX the Pilot lacks the Acura Brand, the Sun Roof, the heated seats, and entertainment system. I put in the PS2. The result was a car that was $9000 less than the Acura w/o about $2500 worth of features. The Brand was not worth that to me. The shape of the MDX is smoother. The Volvo looks great but fully loaded is $4000 plus more than the MDX. Nav system is excellent. Overall a great value.

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  Pix Pick - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jpick - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I drove a much heavier 96 Chev. Blazer with compromised fuel economy (16 mpg) and fuel tank size, not to mention horrific emissions. I now drive the CRV with some compromise in power, but am compensated with responsiveness, agility, and fuel economy. A trade I find to be well worth the sacrifice.

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  I-VTECH do u? - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jingoboy - October 30 - 12:40 am

  Nice car, Bang for the buck. I love it and wont trade it in for anything. I love the ride except for creaking noise of the plastics when I drive at low speeds. Road noise is pretty high.

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  I hate that screen! Where are the knobs? - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Newly disappointed Honda driver - October 29 - 8:25 pm

  The lease on my 13 Civic EX-L w/nav expired this week and I debated whether to buy it or lease the 16 that got good reviews. I loved everything about the 13 and after driving the 16 for just one round trip to/from work, I knew I made the wrong decision. I guess I should have done better research, but I never would have thought they would *remove* basic features I relied on often -- a valet key?? A knob(!) to control the a/c fan?? A knob to turn the radio off/on and adjust the volume?? All gone. That nav screen is also positioned too low -- the 13 was higher so I could glance at it without taking my eyes off the road. And does the steering wheel not adjust up/down?

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  Best choice I ever made - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rosey24 - October 29 - 10:23 am

  After 1 year of service am still very satisfied with my honda civic. Great fuel efficiency and performance combined. If given another chance, I would buy the same car again and again!

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  14 years later - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Mooks Mom - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe I was smart enough to buy this car! My combined city/highway mileage is still about 33 MPG. My most expensive repair has been under $500. After 14 years of moving large dogs and lots of stuff, she is beginning to show a little wear, but is as solid and peppy as ever. Im predicting she has another 10-12 good years, which is fortunate, since 1991 was the last year Honda made this little gem.

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  You have to do the speed limit. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Gregory - October 29 - 1:10 am

  I love driving this car. It feels great in the drivers seat. If I drive the speed limit, I get a average of 48mpg. I love the mp3 player. My family sings every time we take a trip. It lacks on the pick-up, but I did not buy a sports car (It just looks like one). I sold my old car that was great on gas (A Toyota Echo), and I have no regrets after 5 months! My only complaint is the view from the rear window is blocked by the hatchback design. Its hard to see cars behind you, and it takes a while to get used to.