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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  dont hate if you dont know how to drive! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By i H8 dee-te-dees - September 16 - 5:00 pm

  I cant stand people who give truly bad reviews then end with but its a good little car! car handles great, gas mileage is better than sticker! trust me, my car only knows 2 speeds, park & 75. Honda really did a great job with this one, compared to all in its class and by far the fit was the best in its class hands down! better equipped than the yaris and more fun to drive than the versa!

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  Civic Minded - 2005 Honda Civic
  By James - September 16 - 3:40 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic EX Coupe. I decided to give the Civic another chance as a commuter car. My other cars are an 05 EX Accord and an 05 EX CR-V. So far so good, no major complaints. This is a very good car within limits. Ive owned 12 cars in the past 25 years. It doesnt matter if they are domestic or imports, theres problems with them. The Hondas Ive owned have been no more reliable than Fords or Chryslers. People need to realize these are machines that can break down regardless who builds them. Theyre cars; take them for what they are, not who builds them!

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  Great van, disappointing MPG - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pete - September 15 - 10:56 am

  I love everything about this van with the exception of the gas mileage. We expected 19-20 around town and we get 15-16 mpg. We sold our 03 Pilot to have more room for family etc and the bonus of better gas mileage. Even with the VCM technology, the best mileage weve gotten is 16.5 mpg in town. We took a trip to Disneyland and got around 22mpg on the road. These numbers are completely different than what is on the sticker. That is my only gripe with this van. Overall, its the best van on the road.

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  Worth every penny - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Chief&Jay - September 15 - 6:00 am

  This car is exactly what we were looking for in a mid size sedan. It has enough room for passengers, all of the stuff for us techno geeks, some luxury, the power, efficiency, build quality, and residuals that we were looking for.

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  it is worth 19K! - 2003 Honda Element
  By mn2063 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  its a realy nice car it is worth the 19K!

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  Better than a bimmer - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ray dogs - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe how much I love this car! It has to be the most I have ever received for my money. I have had BMWs, Ford Explorers, they dont even come close to the Element. The interior room is monsterous. It corners like it is on rails. Everytime I get out of it I just stare at it and it brings a smile to my face. I am 29 and it is so fun to drive.

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  Everything I wanted and more - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Veloslave - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Ford has a couple more bells and whistles like the rear sensors and handling control but the Odyssey has better power, less noise and lets face it... what would you trust more on a cross country trip for reliability? The Navigation was a must for me since I am a Realtor. I own a 2002 Windstar and like it too but it, like its predecessors has had plenty of trips to the shop for little things... heck, it didnt even make it off the lot the first day without issues. I still like the Windstar but think the Honda is the best choice.

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  The Best all purpose SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By EAGLES - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 2004 Honda Pilot. I had a 2002 Ford Explorer 4x4 Limited (I hated it). The Ford was junk. The Honda Pilot is typical Honda. Well built, well engineered and I am confident that I wont be in the dealer every other week, as I was with the Ford. If you want a really good SUV, buy this vehicle. Most dealers get full MSRP. Dont worry, it is worth it and still less then equally equipped Ford, GMC, Toyota, etc. LOVE IT FOREVER.

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  car owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hamid - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent what can I say?

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  no that good - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By joesph - September 15 - 2:00 am

  pull to the left transmission noise wind noise