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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  Workhorse - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jim S. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 other Hondas and needed a workhorse to take care of 4 kids and a hockey coach. I bought the demo with 8000 miles on it already back in 10/98. It has been a very dependable car. Ive done the recommended maintenance on the vehicle and had the timing belt replaced when it hit 80K, (that was based on previous experience and manual recommendation). I liked the style of it and it was designed well and comfortable as well as fun to drive..just ask my kids!!

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By California Tony - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Buy it, you wont regret it. My wife picked the car, I was a little skeptical, but was blown away after the test drive. We love everything about the car, the doors, the non carpeted plastic ( we have 2 dogs), and the rear seats (have a really tall friend over 6ft that was amazed by the leg room in the back).

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  first honda - 2003 Honda Element
  By larry ve - October 24 - 10:00 am

  sold my 98 expodatition 4x4 was looking for something easier for my wife to get in & out of and better gas milage she drove the element & loved it. its easy in & out comfortable good handling great view of the road. be careful of dealer mark-ups & add-ons and dont pay msrp

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  A modest Civic Si review - 2000 Honda Civic
  By vtecpower1062 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have to say driving the Si all the time is fun. When I first got it, for the 1st 2 days i did nothing but shift at 8000rpm every time!! and guess what it cost me? a full tank of gas that I would have normally used up in 1 1/2 weeks. The Si grabs when i need it and VTEC really helps me if I need a little more power. I love the look of it with the factory front lip and side skirts and still get comments to this day about my Si. 1 thing I wish Honda would have done with the engine is give it more torque. I would have been happy with a extra 20-30 ft-lbs of torque. But otherwise, I love my Electron Blue Pearl Civic Si!

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  Best of the Utes - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By OnecallJ316 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Reliability, Quality, Functionallity, and fuel economy just about says it all. Honda makes a great product so it was an easy decision to buy the Pilot when I saw impeccable build quality, a vehicle that seats 8 and gets 17 mgp in the city. The size of the Pilot is perfect. My wife and I drove from Southern California to BC Canada over the summer and we had room for everything. The final fuel consumption for the trip, 22 MPG. Bottomline, we love the Pilot. It beats all others hands down. Thanks Honda :))

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jyoung4714 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had it 2 months rides great, very comfotable and no problems.

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  Another great Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sersil - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got the 2004 EX cloth. I love it! Its got great cargo room and has such a smooth ride! Its got more than enough power!

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  Wow - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Gerard - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The market of minivans is saturated to the point of overflow. If youre in the market, do your share of shopping around. The Kia Sedona is a great van for the price but unfortunately, price isnt my main consideration. Look at every minivan out there...test drive the Odyssey last and youll know what Im talking about.

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  Never thought it would happen - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Neo Anderson - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I spent a lot of time looking for a mini-van hoping that I would never find one that I liked. Well that all ended when I went to the Honda dealer and discovered the Odyssey. With three children and a fourth on the way this vehicle is exactly what myself and the wife needed. The interior is loaded with practical features that were not present in other mini-vans we looked at. The Odyssey handles and feels like a car not a van or truck. It has great acceleration and is very comfortable. I drove my entire family including the three dogs to North Carolina with no problems. I highly reccomend this vehicle but it is not cheap.

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  civic ex - 2003 Honda Civic
  By r - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Good looking coupe, very sporty. The ex is well equipped at a good price. The engine could use a bit more balls. The dealer open road sucks, my trunk lock did not work correctly and it got dammaged by me fron slamming it shut. They said the car was broken into which did not happen and i paid $500 to get it fixed. I will buy another Honda but not from them.