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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  best yet - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottsdale - March 26 - 1:00 pm

  I drove GM vans for years until they stopped making that model. I needed something to replace the van and a GM surburban that I used to haul and also pull a boat. The Ridgeline fits that dual purpose requirement for passengers and stuff to a T. The fuel mileage could be better, but then again it is a truck.

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  Great Sedan - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Unearthed - March 26 - 7:03 am

  I ended up with a 4cyl EX after looking at pretty much every trim Honda offers in the Accord. I really think the v6 feels slightly underpowered in this car...I couldnt justify the price difference to step up to the 6. The EX-L has all the cool tech gadgets and I wish you could have a regular EX with them included. I hate leather seats, especially when I felt how nice the cloth was in the EX version. The car handles extremely well, and I dont notice the body roll Edmunds mentions in their review. The 190hp is adequate and the ride is firm enough yet not harsh. Build quality is fantastic and Honda has done a great job with the quality of the interior.

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jao611 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Car rides rough and is not easy on the back if youre over 6 Ft. Not biult for drag racing but fast over 6K RPMs. So beautiful Im afraid to drive it. Some annoying rattles in roof.

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  My new toy... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By roemer7 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my white 2000 V SE just before the new year, 12-31-03, for $13,100 (40,103 miles). I dont believe I could have done any better. Everything, from top to bottom, screams "HONDA QUALITY". Driving position, ride, and steering feel top notch. Gas mileage (~21/26) could be better.

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  awesome..totally awesome!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rjblue - March 26 - 12:10 am

  i have the EX-V6 and the power is there when i need to accelarate very quickly. very effective brakes, low road noise and handling is nimble but the ride is on the stiff side.

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  This ones for you!!!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tim Smith - March 25 - 8:40 pm

  Wow!! Am I ever glad I bought this vehicle. After owning two ISUZU Troopers since 1991, it was time to look at something else. While Im too old to be in the target market group for the Element, I love the vehicle. Im a big guy and the Element has more driver room than my previous Troopers. It gets much better gas mileage too! I put a lot of miles on my vehicle commuting 70 miles round trip every day. The Element is fun to drive, easy handling and versatile. I know several people with disabilities that have purchased an Element and they think the vehicle is the best around. Plenty of room and a place for their wheelchair behind the front seat without having to fold up the back seat

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  Pilot Excellence - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By darrylc54@yahoo.com - March 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was told to be wary of this new Pilot but it is EVERYTHING it was supposed to be. Nine speed is awesome and ride across country was a dream. All of the safety features are a big plus and ACC worked great.. Great job Honda

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  Awesome and Fun - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tom - March 25 - 5:06 am

  I purchased this vehicle for my daughter. Both she and I love the car, it is fun and cheap to drive. It has the best features for a HY! Compared to her Mercedes Benz SUV, the HY is cheaper and more fun to drive.

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  Wifes Car - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Cheezzeppi - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Handles well and is fairly comfortable for a long drive. Only mechanical problem was having to replace the intake manifold gasket twice.

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  S2000 LEASEE - 2003 Honda S2000
  By DANNY SANDOVAL - March 25 - 2:00 am

  GREAT LINES, EXCELLENT HANDLER, LOVE THE KICK OVER 6000 RPMS. EYE CATCHER. LOOK FORWARD TO THE FIRST WARM DAY WHEN THE SPEEDY TOP CAN COME DOWN. HAVING A BLAST.