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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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By RJ146 - July 27 - 10:06 am

  I thoroughly researched this vehicle prior to purchase and it sounded perfect for me, my previous vehicle was an 05 Colorado crew cab. I generally use the vehicle for commuting and occasionally use the bed for homeowner chores. This vehicle was well thought out, everything functions as it was intended and every square inch of this vehicle is used to its potential. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the overall feel of the vehicle is solid. As far as looks go, I opted for the Formal Black with the optional chrome wheels and I must say that this is a mean looking truck. I couldnt be happier.

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  Element - Long Overdue - 2003 Honda Element
  By OOX-MAN - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I tried to choose other vehicles over the Element, due to the styling. But, as soon as I test-drove it....I overlooked the styling. I compared the Xterra, CR-V, Escape, 4-Runner, etc. You cant beat the value, safety, standard options, reliability, and security all in one SUV for this price.

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mhanfland - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. I would purchase again. Honda really found a good niche with this SUV

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  Great For What It Was Built To Do! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Laxman - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for what it was built to do. It drives like a car, handles well in mud, (I drove it in deep mud during a rain storm without any problems at all, except it took for ever to get the mud off!) snow and rain. Fits everything I want to put into it, including bikes, a baby, dog and plenty of stuff. I have a long drive to work and I never feel like I hate the drive. My only complaint is with the design of the roof rack, but that is an extra item.

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  great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kragler - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. We are very happy with it. 5,000 miles and no problems so far. Great gas milage for an SUV. New engine (2002+ models) has plenty of power. Lots of interior room for mini-suv.

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  Very Impressive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hondamunda - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda.. and first SUV as well.. Everything about this vehicle is so zippy..love the engine.. I happend to pick my car in the middle of a snowstorm.. and am totally bedazzled with the REALTIME AWD..

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  Very happy with my 2016 Honda CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie - July 27 - 1:26 am

  I am very happy with my purchase of the 2016 Honda CRV. It is very roomy and has plenty of cargo space for my two German Shepherds. I could even fit in another dog very easily. This was mostly the reason I purchased this vehicle. I needed to transport my dogs and they just love it. The layout of the dash is outstanding and the ride is smooth and quiet. The dealership, Cardinal Honda, is #1 in my book as this is the second car we have purchased from them. Our salesperson, Sandra, did an outstanding job and was able to secure the color I wanted.

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  Like driving a go-cart - 2004 Honda Element
  By cleanqueen - July 26 - 1:59 pm

  This car is so fun to drive! I got a manual transmission which makes it even more fun to drive! I find that with the stick, it has more pep than an automatic transmission. Since the car has no carpet, its great for hauling my dog who sheds around in it. It has a tremendous amount of knee room in the back even for tall people. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who wants an affordable SUV style car that has a lot of room in it without paying big bucks!

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  Mother of three boys - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lawrence dorsey - July 26 - 10:33 am

  Its big enough for me to drive my three boys around yet I dont feel like Im driving a van. I am able to drive it like a car.

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  Excellent All-Around Vehicle - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Francesco - July 25 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my EX-L after a thorough review of the competition. In fact, I was set on the new Forester 2009 until I saw this CR-V parked in the dealers lot. I have had it for a week. I am extremely pleased with it. I had an Audi A4 beforehand. Now, with two small kids, I need something more practical. It is a great car: very refined on the inside, pretty on the outside. The ride is great, even if the engine can indeed appear to be a little weak when on the highway going uphill. But everything is relative: it is a fine ride even then, just not as powerful as it could be. The car is intelligently designed, lots of space in front and back and cargo, and all in all an excellent buy.