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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  Great little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By jan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Does everything right. No problems.

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  Great little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Does everything right. No problems.

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  I love my Element. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Dave2003 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After having a test drive in a Ford Escape, I ventured to the local Honda dealer and found, to my surprise, a truly exciting SUV by appearance and quality. Tons of room, eye-catching design, Honda quality, smooth ride and very fun to drive. My 6 year old son loves it. The "theatre" style rear seats allow him to see everything and he especially likes location of the sun roof (over the rear seats). Overall, Id buy it again. Great vehicle.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By teetot123 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Detroit is wrong to create smaller versions of SUVs and place huge MSRPs. Designs out of Detroit are worn and round peg in round hole design. This SUV is great -inside and out - easy to take care of, gas milage is great.. The American companies have to start from the top and lop off these huge MSRPs to cover huge paychecks from senior managment, to the union workers to the car dealers. The glut of the big priced- gas guzzeling SUVs days are numbered with this nice packaged - big cargo space - multi utily SUV vehicle. Buy one and enjoy:)

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  The best FUN vehicle by far - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jez - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I consider wind/kitesurf and ski as FUN. This is the perfect vehicle for us and our dog when we go for FUN road trips. My wife generally hates SUVs, but she loves this vehicle.

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  Gen Y? I guess Im younger than I thought - 2003 Honda Element
  By Elemento - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is a great car to drive. Fun, stylish, versatile. What really attracted me to the car is the fact that since Im a family man with a project (aka House) I have to be able to move stuff, sometimes dirty or messy stuff and I didnt want to buy a truck. The interior of the Element could literally be washed out with a hose. With the seats out I can carry bags of mulch, furniture. The new 60 Mitsubishi I just bought. Dog crates etc.. etc. Forget Gen Y, this is functional vehicle heaven. I cant believe I almost bought a truck.. ekk..

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  Functionality with flair to spare - 2003 Honda Element
  By Cameraman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car to haul my camrea gear that had a little more style than a minivan and that was more economical than an SUV. The Element looked like it fit the bill. With the help of an assistant I can load my packed cart right in through the clamshell tailgate. Then, on the job I can drop a rear seat off the side into place and take a client to lunch, listening to them remark how cool the car is! With gas mileage over twenty mpg (near 25 on the road) with regular gas, a comftorable ride, a nice sound system (though the fm reception is poor)and honda reliability with flair to spare, this little suv is close to perfect.

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  lil hummer - 2003 Honda Element
  By boardingasinsnow - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car to have if you are an outdoors peson of any sort also its easy to keep clean

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  Greatest SUV in the Market - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda always - May 4 - 10:00 am

  One has to drive this to see how good it is. Having driven Other SUVs such as the Rodeo, Durango, Jimmy, Explorer; this is just great. Drives like a car, with off road capability. Great family vehicle, for seating and cargo..

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 741chop - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great all around vehicle. Had a minivan, definitely made a move in the right direction. This vehicle rides like an Accord and has the roominess of the Oddysey.