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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  Gutless and boring - 1997 Honda Accord
  By TooWimpy4me - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I got this car because of its reputation for reliability and economy. I used to have a long commute and it was confortable and economic for that. But now my commute is only 5 miles. The car is very boring and wimpy with not guts and personality of its own, it looks like a Camry or like any other japanese car of the same vintage and class, just another me too car. The A/C smells bad, the auto transmission is rough.

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  Safest investment of my life - 1997 Honda Accord
  By bigjboss - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 accord ex v6 used after I got my first real job. Its the only thing that i havent had to worry about since. Other than when I have run into things, I have had absolutely no problems

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  Baby Hummer? Is what we are asked... - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ransome - June 5 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight when I saw this car sitting in a mall on display!!! When test driving the automatic we did note that the car was sluggish. When we drove the manual transmission it moved like a sports car. I am a 511" female with tall (still growing kids)so the roominess is great! Having pets and sodas is no problem with NO carpet! And, I loved dressing it up with the options I chose, rather than were chosen for me!!! One drawback is that when you have kids who have to still sit in the backseat (because of age) and have to enter from the passengers side, it is a chore to get those doors closed. This car is definitely more driver friendly.

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  EXCELLENT! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jennifer-AR - June 5 - 10:00 am

  So much fun. Love it!

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  Incredible Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By HappyHonda - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the RAV4, Escape, and Tribute and the CR-V was the best of the lot. Great mileage for an SUV, very reliable, looks good, smooth ride, and fun to drive. Go for the manual over the automatic if possible.

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  Another Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By r3guru - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The Honda is a great van. It drives almost as nice as the Mazda, but has the space you need. Middle row seats are very comfortable, interior is well designed. Five speed transmission is a big plus over the domestics. Quiter engine than the 04 Sienna and far less body roll too.

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  unhappy honda owner!!!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By unhappy honda owner - June 5 - 10:00 am

  ive had 2 transmission in the last 4 months put in this vehicle. the seal on the trunk has been changed twice. there are times when i start it in the morning and it starts to shake then just dies. i have taken good care of the car it only has 26k miles and the oil gets changed every 3000 miles. needless to say i have had it with honda!!!!!!

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  rating - 2001 Honda Accord
  By nabil - June 5 - 10:00 am

  it is an enjoyable car, it is reliable. I prefer the V6.

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  Way to Go Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By My 4th Honda - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I swear by the reliability of a Honda. This is my 4th Honda, but my first Accord. I just purchased the EX V6-4dr Sedan and WOW! Ive been toying with purchasing the 2003 E320-Mercedes for months. When I saw the new Accords and checked out what you get for the price, my decision was made. I couldnt bring myself to pay 13k more just to get what I wanted. Once again Honda has proven that they deliver high quality for the price. WAY TO GO!

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  I though Honda was good... but... :( - 2006 Honda Civic
  By carlosg - June 5 - 2:33 am

  Beautiful, confortable but not reliable at all... A/C condenser supposedly punctured by a "Road Debris" that didnt even leave a dent??? and therefore not covered by warranty. I feel completely ripped off. For me this is result of poor design and poor materials... how big a pebble has to be to puncture a condensor and not leave a visible dent??? How many times will this happen again? I am done with Honda... first and last..