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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  Best Sedan in the Market - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Choy - December 1 - 10:36 pm

  First time to drive a sedan. This car is so smooth, nice handling and very steady to drive. Horse power is excellent and it is there if you need it. It is probably the best family car you could have.

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  No, it really is a Honda. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Kent - December 1 - 9:30 pm

  It might look like a toaster, but inside it really is a Honda. Good build quality, though the materials seem plain or plastic, but that is what they are because the vehicle is all about being utilitarian. This vehicle really a swiss army knife that you can drive. The doors open wide (side loading). seats fold up and out of the way, and if you need to carry a 2X4 over 11 feet long, you open up the sun roof and stuff it in. Gas mileage at 24+ on the highway could be better. At first my wife hated my toy, however everywhere we go we seem to take it not because it rides the best it is OK, but a truck. We take it because you never know what kind or size of treasure she may find.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jack gleason - December 1 - 3:16 pm

  Just took delivery last week and could not be more pleased. Was planning to buy a sports car...drove the new Corvette, Boxter, and a two year old 911, as well as a Lexus 430SC. Also rented a new f-150 in October so new what a truck was like to drive. In the end, I went back to Honda and took a second look. I am so glad I did. This is the thinking mans truck for those who want a car/suv/truck but can only get one. The sports cars were nice, but sometimes I have more than a duffle bag to take along. This is one sweet ride. I am a happy owner. Try it, but only if you want to be sold.

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Melissa - December 1 - 1:45 am

  Ive had 3 trouble-free years with my Accord. Two accidents left me fine, and the car (repaired) is back in perfect condition. I average 32 mpg with mostly freeway driving. Beside the typical maintenance, Ive had to do nothing to it. Its roomy with high quality interior materials. In short, I love it. Its not a highly exciting car, but I knew that before I purchased it. I will continue to purchase Hondas.

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  Love That Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Estie - November 30 - 10:10 pm

  I actually bought mine in July, 2003 but 2003 wasnt listed on this. I get asked frequently how I like driving it, and my answer is I love it. The price, look, functionality, design, performance, comfort are excellent. Every day we drive it, my husband & I are glad we bought it. Weve done so much with it - Id recommend it to anyone. This car seemed to be marketed for college kids but I see people of all ages driving them.

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  A Sienna Killer - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob - November 30 - 9:50 pm

  I was ready to buy a Sienna, based on years of good experience with Toyota products. I drove the Sienna and the Odyssey, back to back, at the same dealership and found out why the Odyssey finally topped the Sienna as the best mini-van in 2005. The Sienna is in a class above the other mini-vans Ive driven, but the Odyssey is even better! It is a very well thought-out vehicle, handles like a sports car and is miserly on fuel, considering its weight. Its eerily quiet at both 70 mph 110 mph, going from one speed to the other in a flash. Howd they do that? The quality of construction is superb, all controls are intuitive and at-hand, making driving fun again. You gotta love this car!

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  This car is the bombbbbbb!!!!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had this 98 hx all over a year now & it has been an awesome car..And of course Ive did a lot of up grade( its a Honda).. but its all ways up for a road trip, I purchased the car with 125,xxx Im @154,xxx and Ive decided to rebuild the bottom end with high compression pistons to go with my comp-cam.. my house should end up @170-180hp by the end;which is the same hp as a Acura Integra Ls motor( which is a dohc) pretty good for a sohc...

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  This car is the bombbbbbb!!!!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had this 98 hx all over a year now & it has been an awesome car..And of course Ive did a lot of up grade( its a Honda).. but its all ways up for a road trip, I purchased the car with 125,xxx Im @154,xxx and Ive decided to rebuild the bottom end with high compression pistons to go with my comp-cam.. my house should end up @170-180hp by the end;which is the same hp as a Acura Integra Ls motor( which is a dohc) pretty good for a sohc...

• 

  This car is the bombbbbbb!!!!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had this 98 hx all over a year now & it has been an awesome car..And of course Ive did a lot of up grade( its a Honda).. but its all ways up for a road trip, I purchased the car with 125,xxx Im @154,xxx and Ive decided to rebuild the bottom end with high compression pistons to go with my comp-cam.. my house should end up @170-180hp by the end;which is the same hp as a Acura Integra Ls motor( which is a dohc) pretty good for a sohc...

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  Love this car, has a lot of power - 2005 Honda Accord
  By on the go - November 30 - 3:11 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years now and put 60,000 miles on it commuting to work. Im averaging 32-35mpg, at 75mph. yes, there are other hybrids which will give a lot better gas mileage, and I have test driven a lot of them, but they are gutless in power and do not handle well in turns. This car has the best of both worlds and the quality is better than the others also. The Toyota Prius may be the best out there for saving on gas, but the inside of that car is cheesy and they offer no leather. Im glad I bought this Honda Accord hybrid. I will sacrifice some mileage for the power, comfort, and quality. Wish Honda would continue to make them. 2006 was the last year.