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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  Best Car I Ever owned - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jay in Ocean County - February 11 - 12:55 pm

  Great car, had 221,000, then I think the private local mechanic changed the starter and ruined my transmission, Never replaced anything but the catalytic converter Had 1 tune-up at 110,000 miles.

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  I love my Element! - 2007 Honda Element
  By GSDmom - February 11 - 11:14 am

  I just purchased my 2007 Element a couple of weeks ago, and I love it! Its great for my two german shepherd dogs! The back seats flip up out of the way easily and the utility floor is easy to clean. Its fun to drive, and handles well. The interior is very spacious, with plenty of leg room for everyone. The steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls are easy to use. And the XM radio is great! The tailgate configuration in the back makes loading dogs or groceries easy. So far, Im averaging 24-25 mpg for a combination of city and highway driving. Overall, I love it. Its a great, practical vehicle thats fun to drive!

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  superior to any competitor in class - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By So Cal on the go - February 10 - 12:18 pm

  Just why does anybody buy an SUV? Practical, go anywhere, looks, roomy, fun, features, price...and a few more. Without being an offroad pretender, this unit meets it all. My favorite, I never have to take my golf clubs out to run errors or pick up the kids.

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  Still love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Delighted Traveller - February 9 - 11:12 pm

  Its been 3 years and 47,000 miles and I still love this car. Good acceleration, responsive. It still sings under my hands. And still gets great gas mileage (24 city/28 highway)

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  Great car for what it is - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Love My SI - February 9 - 9:23 pm

  I purchased my Civic Si 3 years ago. I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle. transmission is amazing, clutch feel is great, handling is excellent for a front wheel drive. Understand its a civic, and while its the performance model of a civic, its power is only moderate or a bit lacking by todays standards. gas mileage is great and reliability is fantastic.

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  great car, couldnt ask for more - 1994 Honda Accord
  By weiland03 - February 9 - 9:11 pm

  bought the car with 140,000 from a good friend. her mom had bought it brand new off the truck in 94, still runs and drives like a new car, tons better than the ford thunderbird it replaced!

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  luv my civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ann Sutton - February 9 - 6:01 pm

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  Buy it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mrmas - February 9 - 3:58 pm

  Outstanding car. Plenty of power, great stiff ride, German feel, good fuel econ. about 27mpg avg. I have had this car since it was brand new, and I will drive it until the wheels fall off. Of the cars in this class, this is the best one. Hatch is handy. Deceptively roomy. Great seats and steering wheel. Brakes are better than average for Honda.

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  Great car, expect many years out of it! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By markusei - February 9 - 9:24 am

  I bought this car from Roadsport Honda in Toronto in July of 2006. I have put about 22,000 km on it so far already and have to say that it is a far cry from my 98 Malibu junk. The honda is responsive and gives pretty good fuel economy. In the cold winter I get about 25 mpg (I did the calculation), Summer gives me about 29-30mpg. Not bad. Good automatic, very reliable vehicle. Does everything better than my 98 Chev Malibu could do. It felt like I was stepping into an entirely different class of vehicle.

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  From GM to Honda... smart move!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By blink1342 - February 8 - 10:56 am

  Having been a GM fan for years, I see what I have been missing... I am impressed with this vehicle I have had it for a week now, and I cant stop driving it. It makes me want to drive, is fun to drive, gas is great! You cant go wrong with this choice, in my opinion. At least test drive one and youll see what I mean. Good resale value as well. Lease rates are amazingly low compared to other Japanese automakers.