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:
Showing 21041 through 21050 of 31,869.00-
The Best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By crunch - July 12 - 10:00 amThis is the best VAN ever!!!!!
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Bring back my baby Honda! - 1998 Honda Prelude
By Liquidfender - July 12 - 2:00 amFantastic car, ive been searching and waiting for my Honda Prelude for the last six years, and finally, finally, I managed to locate one that suited my desires. Though I had to travel over four hours to pick it up, well worth the wait.
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my 96 passport - 1996 Honda Passport
By travneal - July 12 - 2:00 amI bought my Passport from a small dealer in colorado after seeing it on the internet. My buying experience wasnt that great, but I am very happy with the car. I have purchased it with 111,000 miles on it, and it is still going strong with a little help from a new air intake. The car is fun to drive and has great offroad ability. I have had very few problems with it, things that the dealer should have fixed before I bought it, wich were taken care of. I have driven it for over two years on the highway, and off road, and I have had no complaints at all about the ride and cabin noise from any passengers I have ever had. In all I would buy it all over again.
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practical good looking van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Heinz - July 12 - 2:00 amI can go to the park with my 2 kids , my wife and still have space for a baby carruage and a 12 volts toy car(for two kids. All that only took 7 minutes to load. I always like the body style.
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Could do better - 2008 Honda Accord
By nvlav8r - July 11 - 8:56 pmI have owned several Accords, the most recent one being a 2005 EX V6. We never had any problems with that car. I wish I had never traded. This new car has many neat features, such as the NAV and the variable cylinder management, but the build quality has me regretting my purchase. There are many rattles and squeaks,(the front end even rattles when you shut the door). But, the most annoying problem is a wind noise above 55mph. I get mad thinking about it and avoid driving it for that reason. Should have bought a Cadillac CTS.
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Just passed 9,000 - 2016 Honda Pilot
By king - July 11 - 3:37 pmVery happy with my Pilot. My last SUV was a Saturn Outlook, which I was able to get 200,000 miles on. Pilot, in my opinion, looks great. The ride is outstanding and quiet. I upgraded on the stereo, was a little disappointed that it doesnt really rock when I crank it. I did a lot of research and test drives. If you are a bigger guy (6-2 +) this is a great ride. It feels larger in the hip and shoulder area. Also, it has more headroom. The legroom was a little less than my Outlook. I like to stretch my legs out to ride. I know I am rambling. Just wanted to say that I am very happy with my purchase and would encourage you to test drive.
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Loves Si - 2007 Honda Civic
By teachermanwSI - July 11 - 9:46 amSheer driving pleasure! I absolutely love this car. The sound system is great, the torque and horsepower are excellent. It will stick you in your seat. This car will rip! I am like a kid, can hardly sleep. I want to move further away from work so i can spend more driving time to and from. So glad i bought this awesome car. (No, its not a Beemer - stop asking.)
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Civic Type R- best so far - 2017 Honda Civic
By Forrest Bashaw - July 11 - 4:33 amWish it had sunroof,but at least backseats like front and bumper corner panels should be real vent screens. Otherwise perfect hottest hatch. dealers shouldnt be charging so much; just wrong.
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Civic Type R- best so far - 2017 Honda Civic
By Forrest Bashaw - July 11 - 4:33 amWish it had sunroof,but at least backseats like front and bumper corner panels should be real vent screens. Otherwise perfect hottest hatch. dealers shouldnt be charging so much; just wrong.
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Civic Type R- best so far - 2017 Honda Civic
By Forrest Bashaw - July 11 - 4:33 amWish it had sunroof,but at least backseats like front and bumper corner panels should be real vent screens. Otherwise perfect hottest hatch. dealers shouldnt be charging so much; just wrong.
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Honda Accord 8,180 Reviews
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Honda Accord Hybrid 119 Reviews
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Honda Accord Sedan 1 Reviews
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Honda Civic 6,669 Reviews
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Honda CR V 108 Reviews
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Honda CR-V 4,333 Reviews
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Honda Crosstour 32 Reviews
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Honda Fit EV 1 Reviews
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Honda Odyssey 3,253 Reviews
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Honda Passport 170 Reviews
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Honda Pilot 3,304 Reviews
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Honda Prelude 428 Reviews
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Honda Ridgeline 880 Reviews
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Honda S2000 898 Reviews