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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  My Fourth Honda Accord LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Honda Accord - July 4 - 7:20 pm

  This is my fourth Honda Accord LX. I have found them to be extremely reliable. The styling is above average. They are a very practical and a fun car to own.

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  Could have done better - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Darrel Shepack - July 4 - 6:38 pm

  The hood flaps in the breeze at high speed with a cross wind. The push button transmission is a pain. The automatic braking feature is dangerous. I have had several near accidents because the brakes are automatically applied. Instead of the brakes being applied normally, they are slammed! The drivers behind me are none too happy. I have learned a whole new language as they pass me and give me the one finger salute. Getting my vehicle washed is a joke. You have to go through a series of button pushing to keep the vehicle from being damaged. Now, I have to take it to a self wash facility. Honda has found a way to ruin the new car experience with a CD instead of an owners book. there are several other things that are very annoying but not worth the trouble to list. If you buy one, make sure you understand EVERYTHING about the operation of the vehicle before taking it off the lot. This was my first and last Honda.

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  I am finally in my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Adam - July 4 - 5:20 pm

  When I first saw the 2003 Honda Element, I did not find it as unattractive as some but I did think it looked odd and unusual, which I liked. My cousin recently got a 2004. As soon as I stepped inside her Element, I knew that I wanted one. The outside appearance is deceptive because it leads you to believe that the interior will be small. WRONG!! I ordered accessories for my Element the day after I bought it. I love driving it. Even though Honda created this vehicle to appeal to young males, Im sure that they have been pleased to find that men and women of various ages like the vehicle. Bottom line...its a lot of SUV for the money!!

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  Loud noisey on the inside - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Please help with the noise inside of the CRV - July 4 - 3:16 pm

  I love the Honda, however, this CRV has loud noise from the tires, or the windows not air tight, I thought my sunroof was open because of the noise, you can hear a lot of air coming inside or the tires are loud too. I have a 03 Honda accord and I ride in it more because it is old but no loud and it came with Michelins Tires a very good ride. This CRV came with Cross or something, tires something I had not heard of before, and they have very noisy sound. I love the Truck, however, something needs to be done about the noise. I rather ride in the 03 Honda Accord and it shakes & vibrates but has a very quiet ride, the window comes down to get the heat out before you get to the care by holding the unlock button and it has six CD changer inside not sure why they deleted those options, BIG MISTAKES.

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  Great little car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Paul Rebholz - July 4 - 6:02 am

  best value EVER

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Zipsfb - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I got rid of my 1998 Mustang for a 1997 Civic HX for mainly fuel economy. Lots of road trips and it hasnt let me down. Easy to work on and parts are cheap for engine upgrades. Also relatively simple to install car audio components into. Overall a little slow, but making it fast is all part of the fun. Great car.

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  Expecting more... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By swatters - July 3 - 9:13 am

  Was expecting more based on the reviews and am disappointed on some very obvious things missing. Dont get me wrong I dont hate the van; but expected a bigger difference compared to domestic mini-vans. For example, I owned a 97 Venture; didnt have a problem with it (didnt buy another because of resale and 05 being last year of it). I would like to see automatic headlights and daytime running lamps as standard; wouldnt that be a big preventive safety feature versus all the reactive safety features on the Honda??? In summary, the Honda is fun to drive and handles like a car. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing; but better than the Yukon I just came from.

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  sick car - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Brian Cohn - July 3 - 2:00 am

  nice lookin nice drivin nice on money

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  DO NOT BUY A HONDA PASSPORT - 1999 Honda Passport
  By MJA - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I HATE THE HONDA PASSPORT I SPENT MORE TIME AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP GETTING IT FIXED AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM I WILL NEVER BUY A HONDA AGAIN

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  Great car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By bugox - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Honda/Acura. I have owned the car since new. It has 100k and the only thing I have done is routine stuff-tune ups, brakes, tires and battery. Mostly city driving too. Dont love the power, not thrilled by the styling, but it does what its supposed to do-gets me from point a to b reliably and fairly cheap.