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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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DSH - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Mazda 6 and Acura TSX. I ruled out the TSX because there it sells at sticker making the purchase price $6000 more, just not worth the diff. The Mazda was a neat car but the 4 cylinder engine is noisy and I really found that one difference significant. If the 6 handles better, I couldnt see it. This is a great car and is really hard to beat.

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  Honda FIT Quality - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Mike - May 24 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Honda. I have had the car for 4 weeks and I am very impressed with the quality that Honda delivers at this price point. The car is quick and nimble with the 5-Speed manual transmission. Also lots of fun to drive. I bought this car for the excellent gas millage and I am getting around 33 MPG in combination of highway (with traffic) and around town. This car has lots of room. I am 6 2" and there is plenty of headroom and ample legroom. No complaints from the back seat either. The Honda engineers really maximize the interior space for such a small car. The seats fold in many different configuations to accomadate various cargo.

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  Makes Sense - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MMC - May 23 - 9:43 am

  The best thing about this car is that you dont feel odd. Its invisible: it feels and handles as an ordinary family sedan - you are not aware that it is different. Yet when you need power it does not disapoint. I like that it uses regular gas and that Im getting about 30 miles per gallon average day to day mileage.

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  Love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Janine - May 23 - 8:36 am

  I love my Element! Great standard sound system for a long daily commute. I had read reviews that it drove a little "trucky" but I havent found that to be the case. I love being able to remove the backseats so easily to carry suitcases or artwork. Im tall and the headroom is great and not claustrophobic like so many other vehicles.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.

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  Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 am

  Our CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.