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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  03 Owner Review - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Marcus G Croman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle after many months of comparison with other roadsters. I love this units body design and lack of availability (Miatas are everywhere). Around town and on the highway its an eye catcher.

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  Not Just for Young Folks! - 2003 Honda Element
  By dahunt - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Superior handling and roominess. I am a tall person who wanted an economical SUV. Love the looks, love the performance, but hope the gas mileage meets the window estimates. Covenient design and follows impeccable manufacturing standards Honda is notorious for.

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  Big Box of Fun! - 2003 Honda Element
  By InMyElement - November 24 - 2:00 am

  A great utilitarian design - functional and fun! The suicide doors take some getting used to, the drivers armrest could be improved and the gas mileage isnt what Im used to getting from a Honda, but I love this vehicle!

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  Justgot1 - 2003 Honda Element
  By justgot1 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Element 4WD EX I love it but my only concern is the gas milege and the way you have to open the front door before you can open the side doors. Plenty of room defintley a conversation piece.

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  In My Element, too - 2003 Honda Element
  By micmoren - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my Element on 2-7-03. Was at the dealer on 2-6-03 for routine maintenance on my civic. Saw the Element, my kids saw it and loved the suicide doors and reclining seats. Drove it the next day, was hooked. It is peppier than my civic, as easy to throw into curves, and tons roomier. Gas mileage not as good as civic but I can live with 23mpg (what I am averaging). This mini-cooper/Hummer is not just for X-games dudes. Honda should also market to parents like me who have active kids and need a kid- proof interior. My dealer was great to deal with as well.

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  Honda 2003 EX CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By brian kennedy - November 24 - 2:00 am

  MPG 25-27 for first 6200 miles. Sure footed in rain and snow. Wife is principal driver and this is her favorite car or truck of the many we have owned.. Comfortable with plenty of room for all her "stuff". Loves 6CD changer. Good seats with room for adults in the back seats. Loads of storage nooks. EX is loaded and maintains its value. Ours is black and color blends nicely with none metal exterior trim. Dealer was a jerk. Charged for roof rack saying it could not be removed. Caused wind noise as he did not also install shield over the moon roof. Rack was removed in 15 minutes and I was given a refund. Dealer aside. Great car for the money!

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  2002 CRV - Almost Perfect! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By beemerider - November 24 - 2:00 am

  We love everything about this vehicle - great in the snow, lots of convenient features for storage, loads of rear seat legroom.

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  Want a great SUV? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Hooper - November 24 - 2:00 am

  After looking at a bunch of admittedly nice-looking but chintzy feeling american SUVs (Envoy, Denali, Cherokee) we despaired of finding what we were looking for. Honda must have read our minds. The Pikot is neat looking, well built, comfortable to drive and has enough "stuff" to keep us happy. You may have to pay slightly over list but even so, the value is there.

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  Why get anything but a Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Liz K - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive purchased my Pilot in Dec. 2002. I ordered it back in July 2002 and it finally arrived. Its a great vehicle! I used to drive an Accord and the transition is very well received. Its a solid car. It accelerates well and drives smooth. The space is great. I can fit my dogs large crate in the back with room to spare. For the price it handles just like the MDX for less. If you can live without the luxury of an MDX go for the Pilot. Its a practical alternative. If your a woman and would like a SUV that drives like a car consider the Pilot. I recommend it! :)

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  Great Value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rsr72 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Tested quite a few cars, Civic, Jetta, Accord, Focus. The civic seemed to be the best value for the money. Got rid of a Toyota Tundra (pricey, horrible gas mileage!!!). What fun it is to drive a car again! I had a 94 Civic at one point and should have never got rid of it. It feels good choosing a Honda again.