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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  Loved it! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By nutty-1 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  My 1992 Accord was my second Honda. I had traded my CRX for it. I absolutely loved this car! It was totalled w/100M miles on it and still looked sharp. I got a 1998 to replace it and to this day, when I see a 1992 (or that body style) I wish I had it back. Dont get me wrong, my 1998 is a great, quality car but I never held the same affection for it. The 98 seems to have a noisy engine and air conditioning and I personally did not like the body style as much.

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  IRONic - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LARDI - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Drives smooth like a car and can feel those 240 horses working. Pretty fast for a truck like this. Entertains my kids to the max by just putting in the DVD. My kids love the truck very much and they prefer that I bring it everytime we go to the mall or visit friends.

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  A great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Iris - August 26 - 6:51 am

  A great truck. At first (first 800 miles) it didnt get the mileage that was on the sticker but now it is getting 20.5 with the air on on the road and driving 70 to 80 mi hr. Handles great in rainstorms.

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  world class - 2006 Honda S2000
  By dgojet - August 26 - 6:43 am

  Have had my 06 s2k for 2 months now... unbelieveable drive. Black on black turns heads, interior layout just right, performance unmatched. True sports car!

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  Love this ride - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Cory - August 25 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1995. I never had an issue with this car. It was even good in the snow. I have owned other cars since I purchased my Civic, but I never kept any of them. The guys at the garage that just recently replaced the original belts said I could easily get another 100,000 miles from this car as long as I keep up with the oil changes every 3000 miles. It currently has 161,600. The body was in great shape until a few days ago when I got hit head on. The crumple zones and airbags worked well. Unfortunately, insurance has listed it as a loss. I am going to miss this car more than the Mustang I traded for it. I will definitely buy another Honda.

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  so long Porsche....HELLO Honda! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By raymond - August 24 - 11:29 pm

  I thought my Porsche 968 was just the best...cabriolet, only 360000 miles, gorgeous car. And then I got into a yellow pearl metallic s2000 (2005). this car is so so so much more fun than my Porsche. The transmission is so much better geared. Love the exhaust sound. And to top it off, I am no longer paying the college tuition for my Porsche mechanics son! What peace of mind i get knowing that nothing goes wrong with my Honda AND if something does, it is easily diagnosed, cheaply and quickly repaired. This car is without a doubt the finest bargain out there for a performance car. Dump your Porsche and get the Honda s2000!

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  I love this SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LoveMyPilot - August 24 - 7:07 pm

  This is my fourth Honda (3 civics and now my pilot). I bought this car sight unseen at the auto show in 03-first year for the pilot, and have never been happier with a car purchase!! I love the size and yet it still handles better than most sedans and compact cars. It is 100% honda reliable!

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  My black baby - 1998 Honda Civic
  By chronodev87 - August 24 - 4:35 pm

  Im the second owner of my little black 5-speed hx. I absolutely love this car. The mileage is wonderful, it never seems at a lack of power (low weight), and the 5-speed works like an extension of my body. Honda really made a hell of a wonderful car here. The paint has held up really well and it starts without fuss every time. I get pretty good gas mileage with it as well. Probably around 35-36 combined (I drive pretty hard). I recommend this to anyone who can find one that isnt tricked-out, pimped, or in any other way stupidly modified.

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  Perfect - 2005 Honda Element
  By katy7964 - August 24 - 12:51 pm

  This vehicle is fabulous! The interior design is great. Despite only seating 4 it holds a ton and is roomy due to the design and flexibility of moving seats etc. It has a tiny turn radius, better than my previous coupe! I have the 5 speed and get really good gas mileage.

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  Sound Buy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dean - August 24 - 12:43 am

  This is the third Honda Accord I have owned. I find the car to be very well built and reliable. Perhaps the auto could be a little higher off the ground to enable more view. Also I feel the head lights should have a sensor and please put heated seats in the rear.