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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  I sold a Vette to get a Lude? You bet!! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By ChuckMoneyGrip - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 Prelude replaces a 1989 Corvette Convertible. The Corvette was nice but this Prelude has a higher fun- to-drive factor. Plus it hasnt left me stranded like the Vette did. Down side is the Prelude insurance is actually HIGHER than the Vette! The Prelude was voted the best handling car under $30,000 by a car mag and I can believe it. I like to keep the H22a motor in VTEC, it sounds like a Formula One engine past 5200 RPM. It feels faster than it is. The interior is a step backwards from the 4th gen, reminds me of an Accords, wish it had the 92-96 guts. Still I think its a world class sports coupe.

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  Sweeet - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Happy S2000 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Just traded in a 2002 Miata for a used (only 4000 miles) 2002 S2000. Seems to be in fabulous shape. I am only in my 2nd week of ownership, so cant say I know everything about it. Dont get me wrong, I am not trying to trash talk the Miata cause it was a fun car. The S2000 is clearly in a different league. Funny how everybody wanted to race against my Miata, but I dont have many challengers in the S2000. I wonder why? I feel lucky to have landed this car.

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  Honda #1 - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Dennis80206 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the BEST vechicle Ive owned. No problems. Runs better than a Timex. Great economy.

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  Great Choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By rlt7272 - January 25 - 9:56 pm

  The Pilot came with many more standard features that would have added several thousands to other makes. For a family SUV, the Pilot could not be beat for value. Dollar for dollar you get a lot more car with the Pilot.

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  Fun and Reliable - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Toregon - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, fun to drive for a two door car. Very reliable

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  YOU CAN DEPEND ON A HONDA - 2001 Honda Passport
  By FROGILENE - January 25 - 2:00 am

  WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND PART OF OUR DRIVING IS OVER ROADS THAT ARE NOT KEPT VERY WELL. THIS VEHICLE HAS PASSED OVER THESE ROADS AT LEAST 6 DAYS A WEEK FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS AND STILL DOES NOT HAVE A SHAKE OR RATTLE. WE HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR WE COULD SAY THAT ABOUT, NOT EVEN MY HUSBANDS 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP. I FEEL VERY CONFIDENT THIS WILL BE A CAR WE WILL BE ABLE TO DRIVE ALONG TIME AFTERS ITS PAID FOR IF WE CHOOSE TO.

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  2001 Honda CRV - Best in class - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By elchino02 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The absolute best mini-SUV you can find. Ive had it for 3 yrs and has only depreciated $4,000. Thats 80% value retention. Typical Honda quality.

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  pretty happy new element owner - 2003 Honda Element
  By Momaroo - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I chose the 5sp 4wd EX. Really like it - happy to be seen in such a funky vehicle. Love the suicide doors and removeable back seats - easy to load large items. But, back seats are a little cumbersome to remove and re- install. Salesman made it look much easier. Sun roof should be towards the front and power. Pillars on each side of front windshield too wide - block vision. Very comfortable ride. Cant wait to use it to go camping. I may have rated it a little low for fuel economy - my first SUV. Last car was a civic coupe - great on gas!

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  Love It! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - January 25 - 12:13 am

  My wife and I both love this car. We usually end up fighting over whos going to take it. We can put three kids in the back with no problem. Great storage room behind the rear seat.

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  Exceeded My Expectations - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Eddie - January 24 - 4:33 pm

  This truck drives like a car and functions better than most trucks on the market. Lots of great features (in bedtrunk, great stereo, comfortable rideand seats).The only disappointment so far is thething likes gas and lots of it. Honda should consider the VCM feature likefound on the Odyssey to improve gas mileage. It looks better in person than you see on the internet.