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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  THE anti-bloated SUV for the big city - 2004 Honda Element
  By Marthirial - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Basically, this car is a dream come true for a devouted pragmatic individual seeking the perfect companion for movility needs in a city like New York. Responsive engine to claim your rights against &@#$# taxi drivers, compact body so it fits anywhere side parked, rugged interior so for me (and other 11 million people) without a driveway where to hose the car, cleaning is fast and easy. Interior, very elegant and functional, spacious out of description, almost a magic trick.

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  Honda Accord Review - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dbrut1 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Had trouble with automatic transmission at 24,000 miles. Honda America replaced it completely and extended the transmission warranty from 3 years or 36,000 miles to 7 years or 100,000 miles! I am very pleased with the car.

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  Still love it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dbredvik - August 10 - 2:00 am

  After driving my Honda Hybrid for over 30,000 miles and to both coasts of the country, I still love it. Lots of pep and fun to drive. Two friends have already bought thier own after seeing and driving mine. Only draw-back is that it will need snow tires in prolonged winter driving conditions. It also was sluggish going over Vail pass, or any high, long, mountain pass.

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  Love the Hybrid-- - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Justine - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Love my car although it gets great gas mileage, its not as great as I thought it would be. More leg room would be nice.

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  Love the gas milege too!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By B Talbot - August 10 - 2:00 am

  WE THOUGHT THIS CAR WOULDNT BE AS COMFORTALBE AS WE HOPED....WE WERE VERY SURPRISED WHEN WE TOOK A LONG TRIP TO CANADA IN IT. THE FIRST THING PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE CAR IS "I LOVE THE COLOR" (SILVER BLUE) THEN WHEN THEY RIDE IN IT, THEY CANT BELIEVE HOW QUIET IT IS! WE HOPE THIS CAR LAST FOR MANY YEARS! WE LOVE IT!

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  Civic/Hybrid picture - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Glen Carroll - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall, an outstanding vehicle. Love how the engine seems to come to a complete shut down at stops when the electric motor takes over. So far, the mileage has not lived up to the advertising, but certainly much better than most other cars. The trunk is a bit too small, otherwise, an excelle

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  Its a great car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By LuAnnette - August 10 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Honda Civic Hybrid since August 2002 and have not had a moments regret about buying it. We admit to feeling a bit superior these days as we pass many high-priced gas stations without needing to stop!

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  realy gets 36 mpg - 2004 Honda Civic
  By zzumr - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 2003. 16 months and 24000 miles later no breakdowns, no trouble at all. daily 25 mile commute on coutry roads gets 36 mpg cruising at 65 mph gets 42 mpg, driving really hard trough the mountains with 3 people and luggage still gets 32 mpg.

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  Honda Accord EXL V-6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Anonymous in So FLA - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Went from a Volvo 960 to my first Honda Accord EXL V-6. Love it. It has all the luxury of a Volvo. I couldnt ask for more in a car! Smooth ride, lots of room.

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  Best SUV On The Market for the Price - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - August 9 - 11:46 am

  No other suv on the market touches the Honda Pilot for the price. With advanced features, build quality and Honda reliability, Honda offers an incredible vehicle for the price. It drives like a dream, gets incredible gas mileage for its size, and the assembly is perfect in every way. Dont pass this one up!