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:
Showing 3451 through 3460 of 31,869.00-
Need Cheap? Need Reliable? Need AWD? - 2005 Honda Element
By Van - October 3 - 10:10 amIve not had this car for very long but I am already getting a feel for it. This car handles very well for being the shape of a brick: VERY restrained body lean, and it goes just where you point it. (You feel every road imperfection, though.) In my opinion this is the best car you can get if your needs are for a low-priced vehicle you can drive into the ground that can also help in bad weather. Its funky and unique and utilitarian. Stereo system is quite good, visibility is not. But for the price and level of equipment, especially as compared to its competitors (including the CR-V), this car is tough to beat.
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Make Sure You get a good briefing on electronics - 2016 Honda Accord
By P.D. - October 2 - 3:40 amMake sure you get a good briefing on electronics
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Make Sure You get a good briefing on electronics - 2016 Honda Accord
By P.D. - October 2 - 3:40 amMake sure you get a good briefing on electronics
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El;ement EX awd - 2003 Honda Element
By rabarak - October 2 - 2:00 amFun to drive and economical. Good interior and exterior design, but I think it needs more power in proportion to its body size.Side impact colition is somewhat poor due to the inadequate side bars support.In general its just tantamount to its price.
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Great Box! - 2003 Honda Element
By Gatorindy - October 2 - 2:00 amIve had a blast with the Element. The versatility has been excellent. Ive never owned a vehicle that so many people have wanted to see the inside. Runs down the highway at 80mph without a problem. Handles great!
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cmments - 2004 Honda Pilot
By lluon - October 2 - 2:00 am-relatively hi quality built. -quiet & comfy ride.absorbs bumps big or small -very efficient interior design -very smooth tranny -top rate audio system(ex-l)conveniently located controls. -a bit noisy on coarse road.heated seats a little too slow to warm up compare to others.no dampening on glove compartment. -leather seats get worn too soon.
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Honda outperforms similar Japanese Maker - 1999 Honda Accord
By CJ - October 1 - 3:05 pmI have owned a model year Nissan Altima, a Toyota Camry V6 and the Honda Accord. While I thought the Camry would be my favorite (the Altima was a disaster and traded within one year) after 4 years and 107,000 miles it was in need of serious mechanical attention and was traded. The Accord, however has 137,000 miles and has been the most reliable and required the least maintenance. In fact, its only been in the shop twice over these past 8 years, once for ignition and once for clutch (just recently).
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On a smaller side of things - 2009 Honda Fit
By Igor - September 30 - 2:00 pmI ordered this car in light blue color as my wife wanted and in about 2 months we got call to get it. As we looked for her new car and decided to go with subcompact for her relatively long daily commute our options were Nissan Versa or Sentra, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. We test drove all of them and overall impression was that Fit was better. It came with the higher price but we went for it anyway, never were sorry. Plenty of space (drove a really tall friend with his bike inside), baby in car seat has all the view, nice touch and feel. We did go to dealership recently to fix loose panel under dashboard to stop the rattle. Seems fuel gauge is not accurate.
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Hybrid 2005 - 2005 Honda Civic
By beebee - September 30 - 11:12 amLike everything about the car. Gets great gas mileage, about 37 mpg combined. Its a nice alternative to the Prius which has a weird display in the middle of the car. Wish the seats were softer but can always get a little cushion. I am very very happy with this car.
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"Red Bull" among 21K pocket rockets - 2007 Honda Civic
By Krishna - September 30 - 9:56 amI call it the RedBull because this car gives you wings. Learn how to shift through the smooth but precise 6 gates and this car rewards you with fun no other 21K car offers. And the exhaust is just right..Intrusive sometimes but pump up the volume on the stereo.. Not recommended for families expecting kids or with babies. Suspension is bit too tight and jarring most of the time unless roads are silky smooth.Rewards the driver but passengers with weak stomachs might have issues. Cross-shopped with the GTI. GTI is a better car if you want a well-rounded family car. This one is strictly for drivers and maybe occasional passengers. Lack of torque shows with a full load of passengers & ac.
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