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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  Did William Hung put the H in Honda? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By myCivicsucks - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been very disappointed with this car. The only thing that compares to it is William Hungs rendition of "She Bangs"...its that bad. The transmission has gone out and still shifts violently, manifold has cracked, windows squeak, sunroof shade rattles, when windshield wipers are on they make an ANNOYING clicking sound inside the dash, and the paint is peeling. Also, the piece in the middle of the trunk that holds the license plate is probably going to fall off. Some other things that are a bother...everyone and their uncle owns this car and it has the personality of a lampshade. This car also offers FAR less than its European competition.

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  Best Car Ever Made - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Citydriver35 - May 26 - 11:40 pm

  The car is great and its just what I wanted. The 4-cylinder feels like a V-6 and its very quiet compared to the GM cars. I would definetly recommend anyone to buy a Honda Accord.

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  My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By diane - May 26 - 11:36 pm

  I chose the Element because I needed more room then a car but not too much. I have one son and we do a lot of camping, fishing, boating and I have a dog. Origionally I was looking for a small truck until I saw the Element. I LOVE it. All wheel drive is wonderful, good mileage, lots of room, lots of windows. A all around great vehicle. I highly reccommend it.

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  I love my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By milirope - May 26 - 2:00 pm

  When I first saw this car, I initially hated its appearance. My husband was in love with it from the moment it came out, though. So, when I decided to trade in my old Honda Accord and get an SUV, he convinced me to try it. When I first saw the inside of this car, I fell in love with it. I chose the orange color EX model, and I am getting used to all of the attention I get with it. Other Element owners wave at me on the road, and other people usually stop to ask me how I like it. I love it, thats all I have to say.

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  LEGEND OF 21ST CENTURY - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By milescruiser - May 26 - 10:46 am

  I got this car 2 weeks ago it amazing to say the least . I got 52 mpg on a 64 mile trip, on small hwy , with stop an go sometimes 4 way stop signs I posted a 2 minute video, you can watch it in my link . Search you tube physics honda hybrid The system is very smart. And you can run on ev mode when the battery is full in city. This trip is on hilly roads. One trip on interstate I got 37mpg, but it was cold and I pushed the car. When you switch the Econo button off the car feels so powerful and fast. Acura dampers make the car feel luxury and sporty. The change between driving modes is seamless but I do feel when engine mode kicks inn. No doubt this the best hybrid in the market now.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Scotty Kross - May 26 - 4:23 am

  My Wife and I finally sold our 1993 Honda Civic. My wife and I both have had spine surgery, The seats are very comfortable, the shift is placed towards the top, you dont have to lean over to shift gears. Car has a very smooth ride even over the pothole streets of Brooklyn. Good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. We paid cash for the car, we got a great deal.

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  s2000 are serious - 2004 Honda S2000
  By DC samuels - May 26 - 2:00 am

  man i will just say that the car is mad fast and mad lovely. nice rims and everything very nice looking car. nice color its a nice car you can drive just love to hold on to it just can"t stop driving.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Honda Element
  By JILLIAN - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR.

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  Good value - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By deck314 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  We traded in my wifes favorite car, a 91 Saab 900S, for an Odyssey in Jan 04. We never thought wed be driving (and enjoying) a van, but it is simply the best vehicle for our needs (roomy, comfortable, and easily carries the sheepdog). The experience at the "no haggle" dealership was refreshing and devoid of sharks. The van was tagged at $1950 off MSRP, which was about $100 less than the nearest Internet quote. Despite the increased weight, acceleration while merging is notably faster than the Saab. Fit and finish is very high.

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  2003 DX Sedan 5 speed manual - 2003 Honda Accord
  By northwest98133 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Great performer for the $. Powerful acceleration w/good mileage. Drives well, quiet, fun 5 speed manual. Very refined for a $15K car. Not a lot of bells and whistles but has CD player & power windows. A/C is an option. Want A/C?, then an LX is a better deal. Only problem has been window seal buzzing (seems to have mostly gone away on its own) & buzz in the center console CD compartment at 70 on freeway. Wish it had power door locks. This is a low price entry into a top class of automobile. This car can be had for about same cost as Civic LX and is much more refined, powerful & roomy. Great value to buy and cheap to maintain over the years.