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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  Hooked on Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Noe - August 17 - 10:46 am

  The all new Honda Civic coupe is an amazing car to drive for its price range. In doing several comparisons to other cars of the same class, Honda blew away the competition. With 30mpg city and 40mpg highway only a Civic hybrid gets better mileage(civic hybrid gets 50mpg highway). The ride is exceptionally smooth, with double wishbone suspension in the rear and racing struts in the front. The car seems glued to the road during turns, acceleration and braking. The EX civic coupe also give you the sense of driving a luxury car with all the standard features like: Sunroof with tilt capability, adjustable telescopic steering wheel, AUX jacks to plug in your IPOD, XM ready stereo.

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  Very happy with purchase - 2006 Honda Accord
  By new honda owner - August 16 - 11:36 pm

  Fun and easy to drive car. Switched from Dodge Stratus. Accord is first Honda purchased. Good interior room. Like the minor exterior styling changes from 2005 to 2006. Lots of standard safety features.

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  My Little Deuce Coupe - 2007 Honda Element
  By FB-HOF Joe - August 16 - 6:57 pm

  I have 3,000 miles on my black 2007 SC and have not been dissappointed with its looks, performance, ride comfort, transporting capacity and its good looks inside & out. The XM radio performance is outstanding! Front seating is quite cmfortable and provides very good stability in turns. The disc brakes are super smooth and stop the vehicle quickly without any nose-diving or pitching. The factory Goodyear tires give a luxury-sedan ride and road grip with responsive handling. I added a rear spoiler to top off the good looks. I would have added fog lights but they are overpriced ($400.00 is a bit heavy on the wallet). You wont be disappointed at all getting an SC! Enjoy!

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  FUN and Practical - 2007 Honda Element
  By John - August 16 - 3:33 pm

  I chose the EX because I did not want carpeting,just vacuum and wipe down with a sponge. EX features are worth the extra cost over the LX, map light, arm rests, stereo, ect.In Florida rainstorms,the AWD is great.I carry lots of gear and you can configure the back end many different ways.I love the feel. A bit of road noise but the sound system in the EX drowns it out. I would like better mpg.I get 19cty and 24hwy. I recommend fog lights and the optional console for extra storage space. I HATE the sunroof! There should be a sliding cover to keep out the heat. In Florida, my backseat passengers are cooking! I plan on getting extra heavy tint for that. I recommend it and would buy it again.

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  Loving my Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron R - August 16 - 10:33 am

  Ive had my Ridgeline for 7 months now and put around 7500 miles on it. I traded a 2004 Acura TL on this truck due to a change in commute requiring AWD in the Winter. I never thought Id be a truck person, and to be honest the looks are not my favorite, but you cant argue with the total package. This is the safest thing out there in the Winter in terms of AWD, airbags, stability control, traction control. It did really well last year during our late Winter storms. Fuel economy got better once broke in. It went from 15 to 17 around town for me. I have a mixed commute of about 24 miles including 5 miles on a mountainous road and Im averaging around 18.5 MPG. Not bad for a truck.

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  Love my 06 Civic hybrid! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John - August 16 - 8:53 am

  In the low 30s (cold N.E.) I am getting 45 mpg on my first 4 fill ups!! At 60 mph I get 52+ mpg in relatively flat terrain. I love my 8 gallon fillups after travelling 380 miles. I love the handling, climate control and all the air bags. Go Honda!!!!!

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  Mini van hater loves Hondas Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By K hanson - August 15 - 10:09 pm

  I swore I would never drive a minivan and 3 kids and 2 dogs later, here I am. I love my van. The only thing that I wish I had was the rear camera. It should be standard on all models. I love the way the van handles. It is as zippy as my Acura integra was. The rear opening windows are a must for kids as is the remote doors. We were involved in a near miss t-bone collision when someone ran a stop sign, and I am positive that my stability control saved my families lives. I cant say anything bad about this van!

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  Very safe suv!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By THelliwell - August 15 - 10:03 pm

  Our Honda Pilot saved my wifes life, she recently had a VERY serious freeway crash (hit center devider wall head-on at 65 mph.) and walked away with only a sprained wrist!!! The airbags worked perfectly and the front end crush zone took most of the impact. Our Pilot was a total loss and we will be getting a 2005 soon. We love this SUV!!!

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  Good Little SUV - 2007 Honda Element
  By John - August 15 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my 2007 Honda Element EX in May, 2007, and Ive put about 3,000 miles on it so far. Its run fine with no problems. The 166 HP engine is smooth and peppy, but it isnt going to win any drag races. Fuel economy around town is only about 18 mpg, but Ive been getting 29-30 mpg on the highway. This car is great for hauling my eight-year old son and his gear and is great for hauling my bicycle to rides. I dont have to take the front wheel off. I just fold one of the rear seats up on the side of the car and throw my bike in the back. The front seats are comfortable and firm. Plenty of head room (Im 62"). Plenty of leg room in the back seat, too.

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  Should have... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BRL - August 15 - 6:38 pm

  My wife and I bought a new 2004 Honda Odyssey which now has 53000 miles with no maintenance but oil changes. When I decided to trade my 2000 Mercury Mystique LS with 80000 miles, I found out that there was not trade-in value and that I probably could have/should have bought a Honda Accord back then. When I got into this 2003 Accord LX and drove it, I knew this was the car for me. I really enjoy driving this car-smooth ride, great handling, great workmanship