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 love my Honda - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Nan Wade - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Hondas for years, keeping them several years before trading in. I always know it will start and I am safe in it. I wouldnt drive anything el

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  The Wife Loves It - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By nokingbutchrist - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used with 40K for wife. Car now has 240K and has only had two problems. First, a bad balance shaft seal dumped all the oil. My wife still drove it for 30 minutes in temps of 98 before stopping! Another seal blew a month ago. The wife drove a 100 miles before engine seized. YET, the wife still wants it so a new engine is going to be put in. A/C stinks.

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  Get one!! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Yes! Honda - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for work, traveling a mere 20 miles roundtrip each day. What a delight. Everything works on it (air, cruise, speakers, radio, cassette, pw, pl, etc.) and it has 175,000 miles. I replaced the timing belt and springs/struts. It gives me confidence when I here that familiar Honda starter each morning. This thing will go at least another 100k as the engine and transmission are very strong. No more American cars for me. I will probably move to a newer car this year, maybe a 92 or 93. Maintain these cars well and they will go forever.

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  I LOVE IT!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Tammy In MI - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Element for only less than a month. Ive loved them from the first time Ive seen them a year ago. It handles nice, the room is unbelieveable and the drive is better! Perfect for anyone - with kids or no kids! Love the sunroof in the back for my child! He loves it! I am 31 years old and its perfect for all ages - young and old.

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  Sell it - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Rick Younkin - January 18 - 2:00 am

  It has issues and Honda Motor Company does not wish to address them.

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  honda reliability - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By david lynch - January 18 - 2:00 am

  this car drives "fun". having had 3 suvs i find it to ride better then more expensive suvs . my wife is very comfortable with it and likes it better the her previous lexus 450 and buick. with honda reliability i am very happy with this car

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  Nice little car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Salsstar - January 18 - 2:00 am

  If you compare the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic...the Civic is far superior to anything up against it.

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  rollback - 2005 Honda Civic
  By mare - January 17 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my Honda because everyone told me how great Hondas are and Edmunds gave it a great rating. I have only had it 6 months and already traded it in. DO NOT LIKE THE ROLLBACK FEATURE. If you are stopped on an incline as soon as you take your foot off the brake the car rolls back. My understanding is all Hondas since 1999 do that. I wish that would have been mentioned in the literature I read. It is a safety problem for me especially when I have children in the back seat. I couldnt drive it with that problem and nothing could be done to fix it.

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  Best Deal and VERY Reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By rma - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is my moms but Ive prob. driven it more than she has. I have to say that this car is VERY reliable! We havent had to take it in ever since we got it...except this week the brakes started rattling but thats about it. Eventhough we spent a couple hours negotiating the price we ended up getting it at $500 over factory invoice! That was in May of 96...Hondas are the only cars we own at the moment

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  Bought Because of Sept. 11... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jack Mitch - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Civic Hybrid to help fight back after the "when you buy drugs, youre supporting terrorism" ads on TV made me realize that "when you buy gasoline, youre supporting terrorism." As it turns out, the hybrid is such a terrific car that I would by it again even if it wasnt the right thing to do. I havent missed my fancy German sports sedan one bit. The hybrid handles nearly as well, has excellent acceleration and braking, an incredibly quiet and comfortable ride, luxurious but not ostentatious interior, and makes me feel quite virtuous driving it.