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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  Ms. Elee - 2004 Honda Element
  By elee - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the functionality best of all!

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  Excellent small SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By wyf - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Have about 18000 miles on my 2002 CRV EX and only experienced one check engine light problem when I hit a pothole. The dealership resolved this in no time. (Resetted the computer chip) Otherwise this vehicle has been terrific in terms of reliability, driver confidence, quality and style. I am constantly getting compliments from passengers and passers-by when they get in/see my silver CRV for the first time.

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  Great van. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By VR - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is just a great van. However, with competition from Nissan (styling) and Toyota (AWD), who have finally got the disappearing seat, it race is even now. Hopefully the next model will address it.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By justinebum - December 21 - 2:00 am

  We feel safe in this SUV. I was driving 75 mph on the highway and a car swerved into my lane, I had to quikly move and swerve to the left into part of the median. I felt in full control the entire time. It is very roomy. The third seat has little leg room for adults, but is great for the kids. It drives very smooth. The kids have asked me why I shut the car off at lights. I tell them its not off, we just have a really nice truck.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JoeCarguy - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price! Very dependable and easy to handle. Not the best ride quality but you only paid 20K for it so dont expect luxury car ride. Adequate acceleration, good exterior/interior design Lots of space Shop around and negotiate a good deal!

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  Excellent Family SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Monika - December 20 - 5:30 pm

  I never thought I would buy an Van much less an SUV but Honda proved me wrong. Their vans and suvs in mho are the best on the market. Thanks for making an SUV that seats 8. Having 5 in our family gives us the ability to go on long trips and have room for everyone and our stuff. Now you have a truck and my husband is actually considering buying it. He never wanted a truck before.

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  Love my CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By renee - December 20 - 1:55 pm

  I have owned my 2007 CRV for about 3 months and love it. I have owned the 2 previous model styles of the CRV and this one is the best. It looks great on the interior and exterior. I have been impressed with the gas mileage esp. compared to the previous 2 models. I average 22-23mpg in town and have been averaging about 28 mpg on the interstate on long trips. I have used the AWD in the snow and on hilly gravel roads where I live in SD. The AWD appears to work rather well on the snowy roads in our area.

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  Loving My Box! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Big Guy - December 20 - 1:26 pm

  I have been watching this vehicle since it was introduced. I absolutely love it. I am big guy 61" 300+ and find it difficult to feel comfortable in most cars-even bigger ones! So I was sold on it the first time I sat in it. Plus, it is different not the norm - and I like that too. This is a combination vehicle. Its a little bit of a little van, pickup truck, off- roader & station wagon. Since I keep my vehicles until the wheels fall off, I am expecting on having this one for a long, long time!

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  Awesome car, best in its class - 2008 Honda Civic
  By DF - December 20 - 12:26 am

  Switched from a 3 series BMW and loving it. Great handling and performance. Really easy and smooth to drive, great gas mileage. Interior is really practical and has lots of space for gadgets like phones, ipods, glasses. Drove it in a real Chicago blizzard and it handled incredibly well in the snow. Electronics in it like stereo, lights and especially windshield wipers are great. My only complaint is the bumper which gets really nicked up if you parallel park. After 4 months of driving the civic, i dont miss my beamer

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  I love my accord! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Sheila White - December 19 - 6:21 pm

  I have the V6 model and it is powerful! The ride is smooth and maintenance is amazing!