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 5541 through 5550 of 31,869.00-
Good car--outstanding MPG - 2013 Honda Accord
By modalton - May 29 - 10:16 amIve owned an Accord from each of the last 3 generations, with some other makes mixed in. This car seems to address any of the "misses" from the previous generation. If you are a car person, the CVT takes some getting used to, but Honda has executed it well and it does its job. On my very first tank of gas, with mixed 2 lane and freeway driving, I got 37 mpg! Acceleration is very good, comparing with some 6 cylinders and surpassing most of the 4 cylinder turbos. Quality seems to be solid. Audio is nothing special, but is adequate. I am adding the wheels from the Sport model to my car for looks and handling, but most will be satisfied with the wheel/tire combo that Honda uses.
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Satisfaction Guaranteed - 2004 Honda Element
By Mehgan - May 29 - 9:30 amWhen I saw it I hated the color and thought it was the ugliest vehicle ever, then I drove it! It has so much room, it handles so smoothly, it drives so nicely! I love the way the seats fold up, the wipe-down surfaces, everything! I havent ever loved a vehicle until I bought my Element, its incredible!
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You cannot ask more. - 2016 Honda Pilot
By Artur - May 29 - 4:23 amJust hit 500 miles from brand new ground 0. Everything works great and will work for another 100 K or more miles. Honda means reliability and minimum breakdowns. I know because I owned couple Hondas before and currently own Acura which is also Honda. Big, comfortable, strong SUV. I didnt asked for anything more.
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Good Fuel Economy - 2008 Honda Odyssey
By Steve R - May 29 - 3:56 amHave driven the vehicle for 635 miles so far and averaged 24.2 highway and 18.3 around town. Pretty darn good for such a large vehicle. Very tight vehicle, comfortable, and handles well in snow.
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Love it! - 2008 Honda Pilot
By 5th_Honda - May 28 - 11:34 pmI traded in a 2006 Accord SE for a 2008 Pilot VP. I got a great deal because SUVs are no longer in high demand and the new body style was due out the following week. I only use about 2-3 gallons more per week than I was using in the Accord, so a few extra bucks in gas is well worth the extra room for my kids (car seats, stroller, sports gear, etc). It was actually cheaper than my Accord and my insurance has decreased. Go figure.
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Bye Acura! - 2005 Honda Accord
By namadnav - May 28 - 11:12 pmIve always been a big fan of Acura tls but since U.S. economy sucks lately, I had to downgrade (or so I thought). I bought an 05 Accord ex with everything, from tire pressure sensors, to heated seats, XM and navi. Features that I never had on my 2000 rl. Gas mileage is great, handing is awesome. Styling is just as good as Acuras. Speed is ok, but for the price? You just cant beat it! Oh did I mention 100k warranty? From burnt light bulb to blown engine, they cover it at no cost. Buy one!
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Just four repairs in 15 years. - 1993 Honda Civic
By Dekkie - May 28 - 5:04 pmPurchased my Civic LX new in March of 1993. Almost 170k miles later still drives fine. Even with the automatic I get about 38 mpg on the freeway. Collision damage aside, the only repairs were to replace the rear main seal, distributor rotor, muffler (rust) and igniter. I didnt expect this car to last more than a decade but then again Ive never owned a car made in Japan before.
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Early Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
By IBWong - May 28 - 4:03 pmPerfect commuter car. Great gas mileage and safety features. Useful trunk size and helpful Eco-Assist info in terms of helping one optimize ones driving habits for best economy. Rearward visibility a bit restricted with highback childs booster seat installed.
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Honda Pilot Elite - Awesome car! - 2016 Honda Pilot
By Kate - May 27 - 9:23 pmThe Pilot Elite has an extremely smooth ride with lots of cool conveniences. Love the sound system, heated/air conditioned seats & the heated steering wheel! You wont be disappointed!!
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Great vehicle - 1997 Honda CR-V
By liz - May 27 - 4:29 pmI had my CR-V for 10 years and it is 230,000 miles on it. I still have it because I have not found anything better. I recommend it highly.
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