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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  Fast and Smooth - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Fast Eddie Canada - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Silk-smooth V6 masks rapid acceleration. First few weeks of highway driving found myself ended up closer to the car in front than intended after passing. Amazing seats makes my daily 60-mile roundtrip a pleasure. Car as delivered had no defects and remains so after six months. Enjoy the communicative steering.

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  Very good car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By AAC - July 11 - 4:53 am

  Purchase a 2006 VP with M/T. Excellent car, comfortable but at the same time provides a sporty feel. Well designed interior with above average fit and finish. Best 4 cyl. engine in its class, revs without effort with good power delivery. Nice steering feel, just needs more on-center feel. After 14,000 miles only problem is a little bit of noise coming from the front passenger area, something is vibrating on bumpy roads. Trying to identify the source before taking it to the dealer. Do not like the maintenance reminder system, would prefer a table in the ownerÂ’s manual with miles and/or months at which the car should be service. Beware of dealerÂ’s preventive maintenance.

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  Great car looking for a few improvements - 2003 Honda Element
  By ckole - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with our purchase. Fun to drive with ample power for most people. Averaging 21.5 MPG on mixed driving. We love the "ugly" factor.

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  Good Lil Workhorse Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By strindbergmania - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is classic Honda: wonderful fuel economy and reliability, agile in driving (Im a stick-shift fanatic so I chose the 5-speed), virtually worry-free, and overall nice looking. Drawbacks: being a small hatchback, naturally, the back seat leaves something to be desired-- barely enough room for kids but I imagine people who buy this car probably dont have kids to begin with. Bottom line: if you like small, zippy, Euro/Japanese cars, this is definitely the one for you. Am a lifelong Honda fan.

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  be civiclized.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dirtynail - July 5 - 10:00 am

  baving driven trucks and suv all my life, i thought i would never buy a civic. but you cant beat the value and high gas mileage will put more money back into your pocket. car is all around a good car. much fun to drive. the car is not as ugly inside as outside. 127 horse power is quite adequate for this light car.

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  Bobs comments - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bob Malcolm - July 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2003 V/6nav. to be our "work horse". We take one way 600 mile trips. The car performs very well, even over the CA "Grapevine". We drive in the fast lane and still get 26.0 - 27.5 mpg. Only problem, the hook for the driver sun visor broke. We love the car. We added a wide angle rear view mirror that helps for blind spots and a full front mask to prevent stone chips. The leather seems to suck up conditioner and dulls quickly.

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  Great car for reliability and road feel - 2012 Honda Accord
  By kenmasters - July 4 - 10:14 am

  This car is great for the family. 5 star safety rating and very good reliability rating. I had this car for 4 months now and It feels very solid and performance seems good for a 4 cylinder family sedan. decent acceleration and great handling, defiantly the sportier of the mid size sedans besides the mazda 6. I have been getting 28 mpg going to work and back in light traffic 30 miles round trip with about 4 traffic light stops average. It does not have any tech package just your basic radio and air conditioning but that was not important for me. I wanted a car that I can work on myself if the need be and this one gives you lots of room in the engine bay (due to it also offering a 6 cylinder) My last car was a 1992 Honda accord that I had for 19 years so hopefully this one will last me at least 15. My only gripe is it does seem they used more hard plastics in the dash and back panel where the speakers are. No rattles though.

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  Cant beat a honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By pete - July 3 - 10:50 pm

  I baught my honda about a year ago, and I have to say that I am very pleased overall. It could be a little better in the snow, but still does ok in the winter. My only dissapointment was when I went to trade the car in a few weeks ago to upgrade to an 07, and the dealership told me that they would give me $16,500 on trade in for it. (baught new for about $25,000) a little dissapiointing seeing as thought I thaugt hondas were suppose to keep their value well. Still a great car though. I have no problem holding on to.

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  alot of truck for a high price - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By james - July 2 - 11:06 am

  The new Honda truck is a very nice truck, but I feel it`s too much money for what you get, You can still get a truck at 80% of a Honda in a Ford 150 at about 10,000- less when ford is on sale. Honda needs to compete. On the truck, it needs more leg room in rear, also the gauges are tilted away from you behind the wheel, that has to change, and for sure you will pull out your back when you try to get something out of that back trunk,you have to lean over the tail gate. And the radio set up is very blah. But the seats and truck looks are very nice.

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  I am in my Element with this vehicle. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lululu - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Element is fun and easy to drive. The only draw back is the visibility out the rear side windows seems obstructed. I love the vehicle and it suits my dogs, me, and my lifestyle.