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 5931 through 5940 of 31,869.00-
"its a Honda" - 2008 Honda Pilot
By Jeff - March 21 - 6:26 pmWell we finally pulled the trigger and purchased the 2008 Pilot EX-L AWD. We first test drove the VP, then the EX- L. The leather seats are far more comfortable, heated seats too! Nice...It handles very well, plenty of zip, and Honda reliability. I thought about buying an American product for about 2 seconds, then came to my senses. This is our third new Honda, Civic/Accord, now Pilot. My fellow Americans, before you buy anything else, test drive this car.
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2006 Honda Si - 2006 Honda Civic
By beckyr111 - March 21 - 4:10 pmTest drove car on a whim last week and purchased one on Friday! What a hoot. Much more fun to drive than my 2000 Corvette w/ 6 speed. I let several friends (who own sports cars) drive the car this weekend and they were very impressed with the the total package. Their guess on price....25 to 27K. Handling limits are way beyond my capability. The car handles like its on a rope with summer tires being very sticky. Car is comfortable while cruising, handles bumps really well and will easily exceed any speed limit without being noticed by the driver.
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This car is the best - 2002 Honda S2000
By 2000lover - March 21 - 10:00 amThis is the car for you if you like head turning looks combined with speed. I tried all the other convertibles in its class and the S2000 was the clear winner. Mine is the triple black model which makes all the difference in the world in how it looks.
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Kickin your Butt by 9000 RPM! - 2002 Honda S2000
By Panic - March 21 - 10:00 amThe new kid on Hondas block is very much making a statement. A formula one wanna-be is actually close to the real thing. Obvious styling cues have been taken from Honda Racing Division. Not too surprising, considering some of the boys at Honda Racing had a major voice on the engineering aspects of the car. Bottom line... next time ANY type of Mustang pulls next to your S2 at the line, have no fear, S2000 will lead.
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solid performer - 2002 Honda S2000
By al vitale - March 21 - 10:00 amhaving driven nothing but celicas, the s 2000 is the first close-to- performance car ive owned. very sturdy handling, very responsive. typical tight suspension...probably the bumpiest ride ive ever had. but, to be expected
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great! - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Kulpecz - March 21 - 10:00 amGreat ride, comfprtable, fun
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Top of the Mountain - 2002 Honda Civic
By Panic - March 21 - 10:00 amA-OK! Once again Honda Motor brings us the best buy on the road! Civic has been a historical model since its induction over 30 years ago! Kudos to Honda Motor Co.
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Excellent van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Mili - March 20 - 8:20 pmWe bought this van in March of 2004 and had driven from Central Texas to Seattle, WA four times and twice to Orlando, Fl during that time. The minivan just had its 82,500 mile checkup. The only thing I had to replace was the break pads. Strong while climbing/driving through steep mountains at level of 10K to 12K feet high. Great fuel economy for its size and weight. In interstate can give up to 31 mpg (Wyoming & Utah), 20 mpg in the city and 20-25 mpg when you mix interstate & city traffic. I will definitely buy another Odyssey whenever is time for an upgrade. Previous minivan was a nightmare (Chrysler Voyager).
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Fun & Frugal - 2007 Honda Fit
By MachOneJett - March 20 - 8:13 pmThis car is excellent for what it is, a fuel miser car. On a trip from WI to KY I averaged 41 mpg. There is almost 40k miles on the car and expect to put over 150k more.
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CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
By tyranitar22 - March 20 - 7:03 pmlove this car, it takes turns beautifully, and its acceleration is amazing for an suv.
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