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 Bang For The Buck - 2004 Honda S2000
  By plittie - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is the funnest car to drive for under 35K bucks, no doubt.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By LFPV - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle - reliable, built well, great mileage, no maintenance problems throughout the almost 3 years Ive had it. Not too big, not too small - Just Right!!! Granted it may not be the most powerful, and its not a serious off- road contender, but I must admit these were not important issues for me personally. If you want a little more than a car to drive around in, the CR-V does the job well.

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  1999 Honda CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Steph - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this car for 3 years with no maintenance other than oil changes and it has been extremely reliable. I would buy another one.

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  elements are excellent - 2004 Honda Element
  By yzmxn23 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  i rally like mine, it rides nicely, and its a honda so you knwo itll last forever as long as u keep the maintenence up on it.

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  123 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By decruise - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Peppy handling, more power than my SUV, comfortable, quiet, large interior, and reliable. Keeps its resale value, unlike domestic competitors.

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  Great!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chuck lackey - May 18 - 2:00 am

  With a growing family, our Pilot has been a grat asset. The DVD is a must when traveling with small children.

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  Great car for the $$ - 2000 Honda Accord
  By DoxieMom - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Had no problems whatsoever

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  Everything you want is in THIS CAR!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dan82 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars and i have never been more overall satisfied then with the car i own now(2000 honda accord lx v6). Since i am in school and i travel a lot i decided that i need a good reliable car. I considered new maxima (2000-2003), new altima, lexus IS300 and new Camry and after testing all cars honda accord seemed like the best bet for the money and i am glad i made that decision. Car is reasonably fast and it handles very well. I feel very safe in this car and would recommend it to anyone who likes to have more of their hard earned money in their pocket.

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  2004 CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By James Dart - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V has the same engine as the Accord. It is an I-4, but it is tuned to provide max performance while still getting very good gas mileage. The interior ergonomics are superb. There are multiple storage bins and compartments. Honda got rid of the center console and shifter and opened up the space between the two front seats. Although I have only had the car for a short time, I am confident that the reliability will be above average. The construction of the car is high quality for its price range.

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  BUY IT! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By C and R - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt...this is one of the best vehicles we have owned. I only wish more models were available to choose from. The mileage is great, but the surprising aspect is that id drives like any other vehicle in the city and on the Interstate. After owning a hybrid, we will not own a non-hybrid vehicle again.