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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  2001 Honda Accord VP - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ronald panaccione - April 7 - 11:25 am

  Has provided superior performance from day one. No problems whatsoever. Minimal maintenance required in all areas. Original tires lasted 60m - brakes 50,000. Still has original muffler at 107,000 miles.

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  Transmission replaced - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By djn - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Its OK. Nothing too great. We did need a new transmission after 7,000 miles. The ride is not so quiet or smooth. If I had to do it again, I would test drive more mini-vans.

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  Accord EX 1999/4 Cyl. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Bapcha - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I looked at both the Toyota Camry and the Accord - and with both I4 and V6 engines. My conclusiomn was that if one wanted a V6, it is better to go with a Camry. For an I4, the Accord is a better car. My only gripe - offer the Accord V6 with a manual tranny, and I will not even think about a Camry !! While the car is awesome for most practical purposes, the ride is a bit on the "jumpy" side for 4+ hour trips. The "premium" stereo is a little under- powered; and while the seats seem a bit stiff, they are great for long-distance drives - as they offer excellent support. Bapcha

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  Too Loud!!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By George - April 5 - 6:50 am

  My only real complaint is interior noise. Both wind and road noise is much higher than my 2003 Pilot and even with my wifes Mazda 5. Very comfortable seating. I seem to think there is too much plastic in the rear which takes up storage room. Also some of the storage areas on the dash could be bigger. Great radio and steering feel.

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  Rethinking My Purchase - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Nate - April 5 - 12:30 am

  I purchased this vehicle September, 2005. I considered buying the 2005 Nissan Sentra but got a better deal with the Civic. I traded in a 1998 Civic which to me is a better vehicle performance wise than the 2005 model. There is considerable drain on the engine when accelerating to highway speed. The air conditioner is less than desirable on extreme hot days. Braking is poor. Someone missed the mark when they said gas milage is 38/29. I get approximately 31/23. It might be a Honda, but this is a low budget automobile and you get what you pay for.

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  Not a Luxury car, but nice for the price - 2002 Honda Accord
  By DGreen - April 4 - 8:56 pm

  Traded a 1999 Accord EX 4-cyl for a 2002 EX V-6 at closeout. Had seen internet pictures of new style 03, hated rear styling (still do!). Like improvements in 02 vs. 99: 6-CD in dash, better stereo, side airbags, better seat support in lumbar, auto climate control, better looking tail lights. 4 minor problems noted after delivery; only sunroof required 2 visits (noise, fitment). Car sometimes makes weird moaning sound like sick cow for up to 8 hours after shutdown; not taken to dealer yet. Engine power good; noise level of engine OK, gas mileage average (21-26), at least it uses regular; car has worse than average wind, tire, and road noise; handles great but very stiff city and hwy ride.

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  Better than expected :-) - 2007 Honda Element
  By Dave - April 4 - 5:52 pm

  Ive been a long time loyal Honda owner since I was 16. (Now 34 and 6 new Hondas later...) Initially I was a bit skeptical about buying this car. After months and months of research, asking questions, test drives I bit the bullet and bought one on 1/8/07. Ive had it for almost 4 months and 3800 miles later, I must say this SUV exceeded my initial expectations! Ive driven in several bad snow/ice storms and this SUV just keeps goin while the other cars and trucks are stranded on the side. (The real-time all wheel drive works wonders!) To make a long story short, if youre considering an Element, go out there and drive it, youll definitely be impressed!!!

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  The Review - 2004 Honda Element
  By davidrlyon - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Good Truck. Only seats four. Noisy Overall nice unit would suggest the auto to my friends. Would not suggest the dealership. One of the worst. Will never, yes I said never, get any of my business again.

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  Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By bharvey67 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  If you can get past the styling, which grows on you after a while, the Element is a very functional car that will give you years of trouble free driving. The utility of the vehicle is outstanding. The "suicide doors" and the clamshell rear hatch are great selling points to the vehicle. The plastic floor may be great for some people who have pets, but if you dont Id suggest the carpeted floor mats that the dealer offers as an accessory. Dont be fooled by the 4 cylinder engine. It has more pickup than a lot of 6 cylinders Ive driven. Remember, the Element only seats 4 people so if you have a big family the Element may not be for you.

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  Substandard Automatic Transmission - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BPA - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this Van, I like most. Also the regular services costs less. But only problem is now and then Engine Check light goes on, even if gas cap is loose. And top of it recently at 39,000 miles Automatic Transmission was required to replaced. Thanks to dealer who help me alot. But if dealer want me pay for this I had no choice, since it was out of warranty. So for this cost of the car, need better warranty.