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 4261 through 4270 of 31,869.00-
Its a workhorse - 1990 Honda Civic
By Frank - May 19 - 11:39 pmThis car has been great for us. Im sorry to be giving it up as we bought a minivan. Its great for getting around town. But, in the land of the mondo-sized SUV, I dont feel that its safe driving this car with the kids in it. But, Im thinking Ill keep driving it to work as it still gets 30+mpg even after all these years.
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Element - 2006 Honda Element
By Jfont - May 19 - 9:32 pmCar is so versatile we use it for everything. Floor and durable plastic make it ideal for home projects and pets (dogs especially).
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Better than a Ford Explorer - 2007 Honda Pilot
By robert - May 19 - 1:33 pmThe Pilot handles great. More like a car than a truck. I looked at the Acura MDX and found the Pilot a better value. I had two Ford Explorers and switched to Honda and I am loving it.
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Nice car, but could be better. - 2000 Honda Accord
By Stephen from MD - May 19 - 10:10 amThis car has excellent power, especially by comparison to other cars in its class. The leather seats are nice, but not quite adjustable enough for a driver my height (63"). The same goes for the steering wheel which is way too close to the top of my knees even after raising all the way up, forcing my legs into a somewhat awkward position and not being able to extend the steering wheel stinks. These last two problems may have been fixed on the newest model (2005). The sound system isnt the best either as the sound still sounds a bit muted at all volumes. All in all its a pretty good car for the price I paid.
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Good van with some kinks - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By Momto4 - May 19 - 2:00 amUnderstand that my previous van was a 95 Windstar, so it didnt take much for my next vehicle to impress me. Overall, I think the HO is a good van. I feel very safe transporting my four children in it. I am annoyed by the inconsistent power sliding doors. They stick too often. I havent had the brake or transmission problems others have mentioned. I have, however, had problems with some of the interior features and I think its extremely noisy on the road. I find the front seats to be uncomfortable on long trips. I have had trouble with the exterior dinging too easily as well.
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Not to shabby - 2000 Honda Accord
By First timer - May 19 - 2:00 amThis is my first Honda and so far Im happy with it. I always heard about Hondas reliability which is what I was looking for in a car. Road noise is more than I expected and Ive recently heard about transmission problems with this type but I havent had any problems and Im at 20K miles. A little disappointed with the paint chipping on the hood due to rocks.
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Needs road comfort - 2005 Honda Accord
By Homerlly - May 18 - 9:06 amMy only complaint is the feel of every tar strip and bump as a thud not a good ride. Our traded in car, a 2002 Accord EX 6, was a dream road feel compared to this 05 model! If only Honda could keep the handling and have a softer road bump transmission to the passengers we would be 100% behind this car. If this doesnt bother you, go for it. This car is a bargin and fun to drive. Its only that the wife hates the thuds.
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Bumpy ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Rev Dave - May 15 - 9:23 pmI bought the Honda based on its reputation. I was shocked to find, after riding it for a few days, how I feel every crack in the pavement,and I experience a very bumpy jarring ride. Why hasnt Honda paid attention to good shock absorbers and springs?? Is there anything I can do to get a smoother ride????? Better shocks??? Please advise. Other than the ride, I am pleased with the car. Also, if I go on a trip and travel at 60-70 mph I only get 23 mpg. Why???? My girlfriend bought the same car, but returned it to the dealer the next day because of the poor quality of the ride hurting her back.
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Best Value - 2003 Honda Accord
By BrianC - May 14 - 10:00 amGood solid car. The leather interior is MUCH better than the cloth -- spring for the upgrade.
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7yr review - 2009 Honda Pilot
By Byron Wilsom - May 14 - 9:21 amI have 57000 miles on the exl pilot.This SUV is the smoothest running vehicle Ive ever owned.I use it as a work car mostly.It has 4wheel drive.I really wish we would get a lot of snow so I can see how well this works.The amount of snow in central Ohio is very limited.I bought the extended warranty at the dealer and wouldnt do it again.I replaced the battery and replaced the heating element in both front seats.I paid $1300 for extended warranty and have not broke even yet.I have heard these pilots can easily reach 200,000 miles.If you dont drive a lot of miles I wouldnt purchase it.The pilot has the 3 set of airbags on driver and passenger side.It will seat 8 and both seats in back will fold flat on the floor.I would buy this vehicle again.No remorse.
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