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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  this car sucks - 2002 Honda Accord
  By flasshh - October 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car my very first new one boy what a mistake the carpet had to be replaced because of leak in windshield they would not belive me until they saw the rain on my foot on a good hard rain. The console had to be fixed because it was broke.Already had to have the brakes checked for squealing. After i bought my car i was in a rental 4 times the owners would not talk to us i am very displeased. Lot of wind noise,loud motor, and the gas mileage sucks. I will be getting rid of mine as soon as i can.

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  Had my 1997 civic for 19 yrs, still running strong - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Pam in Wisconsin - October 24 - 1:29 pm

  I love my 1997 Honda Civic! It has needed only routine maintenance, no problem with anything. There was a recall on some belts early on, Honda repaired everything at no cost to me. I have a five speed, manual transmission with 207,000 miles on it now and it runs great! Im still using the original clutch and getting 41-43 mpg hwy, 36-38 mpg routine driving. Going to get a Civic EX sedan again!

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  2008 Honda Civic EX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Monty007 - October 24 - 8:06 am

  Performance for a 4 cylinder is amazing, hp is designed to kick in at speeds of 30mph or more, great passing power, quiet engine, low torque so acceleration is average. The ex coupe ride is firm, seats are comfortable, they remind me of racing seats that keep you securely in place. Tires are a bit noisy but grip well in dry or wet conditions, avg. grip in snow. Wiper blades are speed sensitive + have a built in rain-x feature that coats your windshield with a rain repellent each time the wipers pass over the windshield. I drive 100% in the city and am getting about 21 mpg, includes warming up my car for 3-5 minutes each morning and accelerating like an old granny.

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  One of best cars - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Odame - October 24 - 3:46 am

  I know said just regular maintenance no breakdown no problem

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  One of best cars - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Odame - October 24 - 3:46 am

  I know said just regular maintenance no breakdown no problem

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  One of best cars - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Odame - October 24 - 3:46 am

  I know said just regular maintenance no breakdown no problem

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  One of best cars - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Odame - October 24 - 3:46 am

  I know said just regular maintenance no breakdown no problem

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  One of best cars - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Odame - October 24 - 3:46 am

  I know said just regular maintenance no breakdown no problem

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By dave - October 23 - 9:06 pm

  Just bought on a couple days ago, really love this car, only complaint is steering wheel hides some of controls, otherwise drives real nice. Wife has an 06 CR-V side by side differences aside from body styling is smaller windows on sides, no spare on back, larger and more angled windshield. Would be nice if you could get XM on the EX instead of just EX-L. Car handles great,almost drives like a sports car.

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  Wouldnt drive anything else - 2004 Honda Element
  By trogge13 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is, for the money, the greatest thing on the road today. Its fun to drive (drives like a Honda). It holds a whole lot of stuff. Its easy to take care of(clean, etc.). I couldnt imagine a more practical vehicle. Yeah people may give you a hard time for driving one, but thats all part of the fun in being an owner of an Element.