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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  Brawn with Brains - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Daniel - July 31 - 4:37 am

  I will start off by saying if you are cross shopping this Civic with other cars in the class, it will not be the cheapest. However, mark my words, it will not drive the cheapest, feel the cheapest, or look the cheapest in the slightest. This car is such an absolute bang for your buck, I dont understand why anyone would get anything other than the newly redesigned Civic. It will crush the Cruze, Sentra, Mazda3, Camry and really any other car in this segment, did I mention I can get upwards of 44MPGs in my car? If your a research based consumer like I was before I made my purchase, I will also invite you to check out the 5-Year Cost to own on the other vehicles in this class, the Civic, much like every other Honda is without question, the valedictorian.

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  Trust me...get it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By BoJangleFett - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought one and its a fantastic ride. It does have lots of power, the space inside is incredible!. Loads of standard options on the EX Element. Great if you have kids too.

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  Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sadie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Element! It is fun to drive and is stylish enough to get lots of looks on the road! Gas mileage is fanatastic, coming from an ex-Ford Explorer driver. I dont miss that SUV! Maintenance schedule is easy to keep; simply bring it in every 5,000 miles. Oil changes and all else are kept to that schedule. I have had it since April and havent had one problem at all! Whats not to love!!!!

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  Best of all worlds - 2003 Honda Element
  By jon-david-p - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The element provides many of the best features of a suv, mini-van and economy car in a fun package. I am 65", have kids and needed a vehicle for outdoors, kid-travel and soccer meets, but did not wish to have a gas- gusselling large suv. The element fit the bill. The kids cannot trash it!

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  pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By socrma - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The ride is extremely comfortable and the turn radius is amazing. Visability is wonderful. A real enjoyable car to drive.

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  The Best SUV Ever! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Vernon - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV last July 30,2003. So far We are very happy...This car is great,drives like a car,convinience of a minivan and power of an SUV also it can accomodate 8 passengers.Quality of make is excellent.Plenty of safety features. Price is much lower than comparable BMW, SEQUIA,ACURA MDX and VOLVO.This SUV is way ahead of the other SUV we test drive like the Explorer,Highlander,Seqouia

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mdt - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV for families with 8 seat versatility and a smooth, powerful (240 hp) and quiet ride. Drives like a sedan. Worth purchasing leather/entertainment system for kids. Dual climate control is fast and efficient.

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  Honda Pilot 2003 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By badbid - July 30 - 10:00 am

  A well put together car. Plenty of pep. Very good utility. I like to drive it. The Navigation System is useful though somewhat pricy.

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  MY THIRD HONDA - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DANA MOE - July 30 - 10:00 am

  HAPPY WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE CRV. BUT THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT I DONT LIKE VERY MUCH. THE MIDDLE BACK HEADREST IS TO LARGE AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE REARVIEW MIRROR. WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER STARTING THE CAR, THE BRAKES MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE ON FRONT END.

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  I love it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tonia - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I went form a sportscar to this car because of a need for room and fuel economy. I have both in a great car that rides like a car. I have all the room I need to transport the stuff I require for work and play. I love the fact i can see what is going on too! It sits just high enough but I dont feel like I take up the whole road. I do wish the fuel economy was better.