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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  My first stick shift - 2004 Honda Civic
  By vk2hondas - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to drive even though its been ages since I drove one. Smooth clutch/shifter action. Quieter than the competition, feels nice and solid. Drivers seat perfect fit for me. Has right amount of power with headroom. VS. others: focus - no rear head rests, cheap plastic interior, noisy mazda3 - great, but console blocks my leg impreza wagon - felt loose, closing doors caused rattles all over, uncomfortable driver seat bottom forester X - very nice overall, too much $$$, vague stick, not sure I like hill holder vibe (AWD & FWD) - very noisy, no power in automatics mini - very nice, but dealer too far, premium gas element - drives like a truck

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  Why my car is car of the year. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Captain Hondaroo - March 5 - 12:16 pm

  Correctly chosen as car of the year. Camry and Legacy are a close second with Nissan barely being bumped to third. The accord wins here based on three item:gas mileage, lower end torque coupled with smooth CVT, intriguing cockpit design/fitnfinish.

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  Superior car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dawn - March 5 - 11:36 am

  The 2005 Honda Civic Sedan is is car that is economical because it has excellent gas mileage and can last well over 200,000 miles. My car looks like a sports car with the new design and red color, but at a fraction of the price. It rides very smooth, is comfortable and spacious. The VP has many great new features including a CD player, AC, and automatic. It has great reaction time and drives well.

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  I love my hybrid! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mjoann - March 5 - 9:40 am

  We put over 35,000 miles a year on this car, and are absolutely delighted with our gas mileage and fuel savings. We love the color, a pearlized blue that only comes on the hybrids, and we love the cute style. Most of all, we love helping the environment with a fuel responsible vehicle.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jim kent - March 4 - 3:56 pm

  This is my 5th Accord and totally different than all previous ones. Honda has outdone themselves! A great driving machine and quite comfortable.

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  Cross Tour- Accord on Steroids!! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By shoes4 - March 4 - 3:26 pm

  Just picked up our 2011 CT EXL, after test driving (3) Subarus, Legacy, Forester, Outback EXL- which was the best of those three Subs. Stopped at our local Honda Dealer and took out the CT EXL- Everything about the CT blows the Subarus away..Fit, finish, ride, all Honda quality.. Owning a Honda is like money in the bank.. they have the highest resale value of any car.. why? because Honda makes one of the best cars in the industry. period.. The CT is a joy to drive, we are looking forward to a long relationship with the our CT. They cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for... Keep up the good work Honda!!

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  The perfect all-around vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HondaPittsburgh - March 4 - 3:00 pm

  Bought in 2006. Drove I-90 from Erie to Buffalo for 15 months. With Michelin snow tires never got stuck, never had to slow down much in the winter. Ive had 8 adults in it comfortably and 5 of us on vacation. Hauls people and their stuff. Great seat flexibility. Incredibly comfortable highway car. Consistently gets 20MPG. Havent spent a dime of unexpected maintenance in 48000 miles. Road noise issue goes away once you replace the Bridgestone Duelers. Feels incredibly safe. Feels a bit big at first but easy to get use to. If I could only own one vehicle - and it had to do everything - this would be it.

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  Great Value - Must Buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By karenpatt - March 4 - 2:32 pm

  Drives smoothly, superior comfort. All conveniences at your fingertips.

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  Excellent Dog Mover! - 2008 Honda Element
  By Robert Wong - March 4 - 9:23 am

  Upgrading from a 97 CRV. I chose this for our dogs. It has flat floors and rear seats that can be removed. Quality is top notch. Power is excellent. It has very good torque from a stand still, much better than what I had. Excellent daily driver. Love the black housing headlights and smoked rear taillights. Sound system kicks, 270 watts will make your internals thump. XM satelitte all the way! It is the only true versatility vehicle on the market. Easy to clean! Im very happy with the purchase. Only complaints would be missing dead pedal, seats need lumbar support, a lot of roll (needs bigger sway bars) & steering wheel comes close to my legs when entering in.

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  the element - 2006 Honda Element
  By element2 - March 4 - 6:53 am

  the element has been my favorite car since 2003 i like the box i thinks it needs gps heated seat and 4 separate doors