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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  dependable, reliable, and just plain fun - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Farns - July 24 - 8:40 am

  First, let me say this is my fist Honda, and I could not be happier. However, no car/truck (this vehicle fits into both categories) is perfect. Lets dispense with the small bit of bad. The black plastic exterior cladding shows dirt (especially salt/lime deposites or any light colored road grime) far to easily. Im 62" tall and on long trips the driver accommodations get a little snug. The back tail lights look entirely to large and black is the only color I liked in non-limited trim, as it is the only color to match the cladding. Good stuff? Great fuel economy (22 mpg average), sporty ride, great back seat room, fantastic grip in the slippery stuff, no build quality problems, and looks.

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  A lot of Value for the Money - 2006 Honda Element
  By Rudy2000 - July 24 - 4:40 am

  This is my first Honda. The build quality is exellent. The rear doors are a little quirky, hard to use when parked next to another car. The value for the money goes on and on. Four- wheel disc brakes w/ABS, four air bags, bumpin stereo system, power mirrors, windows, locks. This element has more than enough power for highway speeds. Very tight turning circle.

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  Best bang for buck youll ever find. - 2004 Honda S2000
  By thelittledragon - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 is for those fun-loving people. It drives so smoothly, and takes turns even smoother. Sexy styling, and the interior looks like a cockpit. Real cool. System sucks but who cares, because if you get this car and dont pimp it out you dont know what youre missing out on. TURNS HEADS WHEREVER YOU GO. Who care about torque when you got everyone staring at you driving down the street with the top down and system up?

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  Best Honda so Far - 2003 Honda Element
  By moalyssa - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Th Honda Element is a smooth ride with a great stero. My 4 yr old daughter and I have a great time in the Element. I would tell anyone to buy one because they are also affordable.

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  i love my element! - 2003 Honda Element
  By kurtman - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my element for 3 months. it has been a complete joy to drive! it gets excellent gas mileage. super for putzing around to work & driving my kids to & fro.

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  1st time HONDA buyer. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Paul K. / velv8cat - July 24 - 2:00 am

  After owning chev. and fords all my years (50) of driving I decided to try a Honda, WOW was i impressed. the ride quality and soundnes, of the vehicle is excellant. fit and finish is on the mark. Soo Long Chev! bye bye Ford! you lost this customer. but i still like my ford ranger, and unless honda makes a truck, your still in my family Ford.

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  HONDA ELEMENT - 2003 Honda Element
  By RIBEAV6 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent versatility Comfortable with a seat removed. I sleep in it .Get the CABANA its beautiful for $190.00

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  worlds best SUV period - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tourdork - July 24 - 2:00 am

  No need to look any further than the Pilot. Incredible ride, wonderful interior features.......exceptionally roomy. Very quiet road noise!. Better than a Hummer at half the price!

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  Good decision - 2003 Honda Civic
  By egobop - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever and have been rear ended once (by another Civic no less). The bumper had a scrape which has since been fixed. I only mention this because I have seen bumpers fall off of other cars from less. The fuel mileage is excellent. I average approx. 25 mpg. I have always been a die hard buy American guy. I became sick of working on my cars constantly and decided that my first new car would have to be foreign. When American companies learn to make reliable cars I may actually go back to them.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ErikaS - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic Hybrid in August and I couldnt be happier. It is so much fun to drive and the fuel efficiency is wonderful! I would reccomend the car to anyone looking for a sporty, yet practical car that will save you lots of money in gas!