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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  Glad I picked the civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sam11241 - September 15 - 7:03 am

  I drove all the comparable cars in this class and I fell in love with the styling and interior of the civic. The front seats have plenty of leg room and I love the digital speedometer close to the windshield.

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  Dissapointed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica - September 14 - 2:56 pm

  I have a 2002 CRV and my AC compressor just went out. I have about 55,000 miles on it and I hardly ever use my AC. I had a mechanic tell me off the record that he has seen this problem with quite a few CRVs. Funny, I was considering buying a new CRV before this happened. I have owned three Hondas before this one, and I have never been dissapointed until now.

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  2004 Honda CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Leo - September 14 - 12:33 pm

  Excellent overall smaller SUV. MPG should be better for a 4 cyl. Lacking some power, vehicle should have been a 6 cyl

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  GÅ•eat Car, just need a car for transporting post-o - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pamela Berkemeier - September 14 - 12:18 pm

  Some wear and tare due to age.

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  GÅ•eat Car, just need a car for transporting post-o - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Pamela Berkemeier - September 14 - 12:18 pm

  Some wear and tare due to age.

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  Great, fun, small SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Zema - September 14 - 12:04 pm

  Great use of the interior space. Easily holds four adults in a remarkable use of space. We normally carry two adults, two children and a large dog (Siberian Husky). Everyone loves the car. The kids especially like that they can see forward (because stadium seats). We orginally bought it because we need to regularly go from no-snow states to high-snow states (Canada also) - works great for this purpose. The only option that we bought were the heavy rubber floor mats we bought them so the dog would not slide around. If you buy it, the manual is a lot more fun to drive than the auto. We often drive at 85+ mph on interstates with no fear other than speeding tickets :) More used than our BMW.

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  Great Noncomerical Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - September 14 - 11:53 am

  I love the truck,it rides great, the pick up is good . Gas mileage is ok 22 mpg highway. Just an allaround great truck.

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  The SUV for Any Lifestyle - 2007 Honda Element
  By BalkanGlen - September 14 - 11:31 am

  Initially, I wasnt too sure that the Honda Element was for me, but then I drove it and I became totally impressed. This SUV by Honda is one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned. It is economical and can accomodate any lifestyle with ease. The active adult will definitely appreciate the features of this vehicle. The interior room rivals any limo and the rear seat legroom is phenominal. The ride of the vehicle is very smooth and, yet, is surprisingly agile through the curves. The power of the engine will not throw you back in your seat at take-off, but is more than adequate whether in the city or on the highway. This is one vehicle that is worth the test-drive...you will love it.

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  Fun Fun FUN - 2003 Honda Element
  By wonderwoma - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle that makes driving anywhere fun. It can haul and get very dirty but cleans up nicely. My guests think the back seat is comfortable especially in rides two hours or less.

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  I Love my Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr.Coleman - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned and I really cried when I traded my VW Jetta Trek in for it, but the tears werent for long. This van drives better then most cars and is just great... Theres plenty of room for me and the 3 kids and we all LOVE It. Weve travelled out of town 3 times already and have only had it for 2 months... It handles GREAT and has a very smooth ride... Of cource my wife drives it more than I do, but everytime I get behind the wheel I have the biggest smile. This is truly the best van out on the market...