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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  Ridgleline is A+++ - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - September 7 - 7:10 pm

  Very well thought out truck. I drove one for the weekend (our shop truck) and realized my Dodge Ram was not as practical and did not drive nearly as well as the Ridgeline. This truck has enough power to do what 95% of truck owners need. If people would just drive this truck, they would love it. The looks grow on you, and it is a head turner for sure. I would recomend this truck to anyone with no hesitation.

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  My first Honda - 2007 Honda Element
  By mark - September 7 - 9:35 am

  I looked at SUVs that ranged from BMW, Volvos Nissans and Toyotas. I have owned most in the past and the Element is my favorite. It is what it says it is. Excellent value. Basic but fun to drive. Add the XM radio with the super sound system, I can not want any thing more.

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  New addition to the family - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Susan Powell - September 6 - 11:40 pm

  Spent 6 weeks researching this class of vehicle. Even though none of them met all my requirements, the Pilot met most. Unlike its competitors where I felt like a sardine in a supposed "mid size" SUV, the Pilot just makes me feel overall comfortable in it! Kind of like your favorite chair! Just got it home last night due to having to wait 3 1/2 weeks for it to be delivered to the dealer. Apparently they are in big demand and dealers cant keep them on the lots. So, I havent put it through its paces yet. A trip to the North Georgia mountains will be its first non-urban driving test. Some things Id like to see Honda change: more insulation against road noise, more cup holders up front, less tilt to display screen, lower the back hatch entrance to help with lifting heavy objects into back (its too high), offer standard moon roof on lower end models, brighten up exterior color options (way too much gray/black...yuk!). So far I love it!

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  2013 Honda CR-V EXL CERTIFIED - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Mc - September 6 - 10:28 pm

  Decided to look into certified preowned and am glad I did. Looked at a couple of dealers without much success. Ran from dinged up to smell of smoke, then looked at Herb Chambers in Westborough Ma. They had a much better selection at what I think was a better price. 12 month bumper to bumper and power train to 100000 miles. The car was very clean as if this person that leased it was going to keep it, they put 4 new tires and replaced the brakes. The car rides like new, my wife has a 2014 that we bought new. There isnt any difference really between the two except for color. On my last trip from Boston to Bartlet NH and then to Cape Cod we are averaging 30.7mpg cant do better than that with a car this size. We can load an awful lot of stuff in the car and still have plenty of room. Best Buy for the buck I think.

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  Honda Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By leinad - September 6 - 7:19 pm

  Element drives well and handles like a car, actually better in some respects. It has been fun owning a unique vehicle like this one. I do get lots of looks from everyone. People love the car. I think mostly because it is unique as far as everything else out there on the road.

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  Absolutely Fantastic! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By MarcieM - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Im an "oldster" with a love of sleek design sporty AND the love of hatchbacks and this Crosstour is one of the best I have owned replacing a 96 Saab 3 door. Wish it had included a mileage tender showing mpg as the Saab did but its really most comfortable small-mid range car I have driven. Let you know more after a year.

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  Love it - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By pat - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned the vehicle for 2 weeks but it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Middle aged. Kids gone. Wanted a crossover without the box look and 4wd. What a surprise. I love the look, the drive, the handling and comfort. After spending hours with the navi, we have it down pat. We go for rides when we dont have to and that hasnt happened in a long time.

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  1 Ridgeliner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rex - September 6 - 8:37 am

  I like the fact that it was new. I love everything about this vehicle. Its my first pick-up, my first Honda anything, and its well known reliability records among other owners I know. Its a lot of fun to drive, and it still turns heads in traffic. In fact, I have conducted a few tours to friends, co- workers and one time while I was fuelling up. Anyone that sees me with are always asking questions. I had 1 incident when I was asked to bring my mother-in-law home from the hospital after she under went knee surgery. She asked me as a favor to transport her home because of the roominess of the interior allowed her stretch her knee in comfort. She enjoyed the smooth car like ride all the way.

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  2nd CR-V fEX or me - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By watson - September 6 - 12:59 am

  this is my second CR-V I just traded in my 2003 CR-V EX (with 88,000 miles on it) for a 2006 model, because I loved my first one. this is my 4th Honda. Hondas really made some great addtions since 2003. First, the EX is now available in 2WD the AWD was nice, but I did not need it, and felt it robbed mileage. Second, it now has 16- inch tires, so the ride is MUCH improved. Third, the stability control is a nice addition, especially the with the braking assist. Fourth, the new side curtain airbags were a great safety touch. I have had the 2006 for 2 weeks, and I love it. Its fun to drive, and peppy. I am looking forward to improved gas mileage. Glad they kept the in-dash CD changer.

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  No fluff...pure pleasure - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Lola - September 5 - 10:31 pm

  I never imagined one would fall in love with a car...I traded in my 2003 350z auto for the honda...I will never own another automatic...that plus the higher refinement of the makes it a dream come true to drive and much more pleasurable than any car I have owned in the past. The interior noise or harshness is a plus to me...its just all part of an experience that goes beyond a normal commuter car....and yes, this car can certainly be used for an everyday car...thats what mine is and it is as reliable as any other honda, which means very reliable.... The minimal design with no fluff is also very nice...why does one need 1000 buttons to push in a car....