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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  problems with my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alfaron - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car. However, some problems came up. On the first week, I have to changed 1 brake rotor, realign door panel, and get a missing door handle component. Currently, after 4 months, the side airbag light keeps coming on and off.

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  Honda ex v6 4dr spokane - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CRAIG - May 29 - 7:30 pm

  The car is built well,fast and at times fun to drive . The drivers seat should have better lumbar support. Things i hate about it are small , the handles above the drivers head and also on the passenger side buzz along with a rattle in the center of the dash that comes and goes.

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  Do your research. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By what? - May 29 - 4:36 pm

  First I am 64" and 235 lbs. I fit in the Coupe comfortably. The seat has to be far back so my head does not hit the ceiling. Leg room is adequate. The interior is nicely equipped and I like the XM radio but not the monthly fee. The exterior is ok and looks pretty sharp in the metallic color. The ride is somewhat rough and very noisy. My Toyota Tacoma truck is quieter than this Honda when traveling at high speed. I drive a Charger at work and the Charger rides nicer and is quieter as well. The 4 cylinder is very slow when you need it to go from a dead stop. Go for the 6 cylinder if you can afford it.

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  cant beat the gas mileage! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By hempist - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 1 1/2 years and Im very happy with it. The gas mileage is the best! I get about 58 mph driving around town. The steering wheel is small & sporty, the car handles great around corners. The most common questions Im asked are, "Do you have to charge it?" (NO) and "Does it go fast?" (YES). This car is a real conversation piece. People ask me about it everywhere I go.

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  14 year owner shooting for 250000 miles - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Ronnie - May 26 - 8:28 pm

  Love my car===despite transmission replacement at 83g which after some discussion cost me 1100 instead of the full quoted cost of 2200. Brake rotors are basically a routine issue due to warping. This in turn quickly causes front end issues if not addressed as soon as you notice wheels shaking when you brake over 50 mph. I still enjoy driving it after 173G miles and will likely keep it till 250g if the transmission doesnt crap out again. I feel the rotor warping issue has been handled terribly by Honda. At very least they should turn the rotors at no cost for lifetime owners!

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  Greta Honda Effort - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By nx - May 25 - 8:59 pm

  P/Us have been redefined and the Ridgeline is no exception. Its not a work truck, but it is a great utility vehicle thats comfortable to drive 7 days a week, including long trips. It doesnt lack for power, quite inside and a good deal of overall storage

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  Never thought Id leave my Chevy!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By tjw36 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The amount of room in this is AMAZING. I walked into the dealership and was blown away. Loaded it up with almost EVERY option I could think of and STILL got it for under $23K. But did have to wait a few weeks to get everything in. 4WD has been a great and the amount of leg room was very surprising.

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  Issue With Some 2003 CRVs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By marylou - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just got 03 CRV 2 weeks ago (old car was breaking down a lot and I have a baby) A couple days ago, we stopped for a red light and the car died. I panicked & called the dealership. They said they would call me back in 5 minutes (still waiting). It turns out that there is a problem with about 1-in- 200 new CRVs (not common enough for a recall). Their service bulletin reads " When the fuel tank is about 3/4 full, the engine may stumble or stall when the vehicle comes to a stop... due to fuel sloshing forward in the tank and causing a purge of fuel vapors to enter your engine." It was a 5-minute repair and was covered by warranty

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hosimian - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Its a better car than many journalists have suggested. It isnt quite as quick as some of its competition, but thats mostly do to an overly conservative rev limiter that forces the use of third gear to get to 60. What reviewers havent mentioned enough is that this car exudes quality. It is very well made. Sure, its funky looking, but very functional, and still fun. Engine is strong and smooth. The car does everything well. 6 footers can sit in the back seat. Very good crash test scores. Can be had for very good prices.

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  Beauty is only skin deep............ - 2004 Honda Element
  By hal26 - May 24 - 10:43 am

  I am a gearhead.I owned an auto restoration biz for 13 years.I own 2 Vettes,3 motorcycles and a Dodge Hemi.They are usually at home while I zip around in my funky useful Element.I love this thing!I think it is cool looking too!