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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  Best value for dollar - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Last 450 - August 22 - 12:00 am

  Purchased a new 05 Odyssey after comparing and driving both the Odyssey and Pilot. A difficult choice but as my wife is principle driver she chose the van for a more roomy interior. I wanted leather interior but its only available with the VCM (variable cylinder management) system which I believe is a problem waiting to happen. A six cyl running on the same bank of three cyls intermittently for its whole life; electronic controlled solenoid actuated liquid filled engine mounts to offset resulting vibration; sound waves piped in thru stereo to offset engine noise; all so that you dont know its running on 3 cyl., and a benefit of only 2-3 mpg.

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  Family Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By CL - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We liked the Odyssey and the CRV but were just not a minivan family and the CRV was just not as family functional. We waited in line for a test drive behind a few 30-something families (with kids)and 50+ year olds. No 20- somethings in sight. With two little boys we absolutely love our Element EX. Positives: Ton of room for them in the back seats, the moonroof right above them (we purchased a cover to protect them from the sun, solid and easy anchoring for their car seats, easy in and out, enough room for mom and dad to get in back to latch the car seats, no worry clean up!

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  Another Odysses - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dj - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We had a 2001 Odyssey with 45,000 trouble free miles on it that we traded for our 2003 Odyssey. The biggest differences were the leather seats and the 240HP engine. Its tighter, quieter, much stronger, shifts much nicer with the 5 speed auto. Looks the same, but what a difference. We love it.

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  silver fun - 2003 Honda Civic
  By erik - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car a little over a month ago, this car is so incredable to drive. It is a smooth ride it handles road bumps great, it has great acceleration. With the windows down the moon roof open and the Florida breeze in your hair you cant loose.

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  best value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By civic - August 21 - 10:00 am

  you get all your moneys worth

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  2003 Accord Initial Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ordTrib - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Honda Accord EX-L Automatic is what you expect from Honda: safe, reliable, and equipped with many useful options. The 2.4L i-VTEC provides decent performance in the 4 cyl class, and is only slightly less powerful than the VW/Audi 1.8T motor. Automatic transmission performance is smooth, and fuel economy is excellent.

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  Pretty happy so far - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lolly - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Loved car in showroom. Driving has some limitations, especially poor visibility on right rear side, as high rear end and rear headrest impede visibility when switching lanes to the right or exiting freeways. Have to check and double check that nothing is in very large blind spots even when turning around. Door lock controls do not illuminate on arm rest althought window controls do and so I have trouble finding it to quickly lock doors at night. Preferred last years door lock controls. Seat belt retraction leaves marks on pillar and side of backrest.

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  2003 Honda EX Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By R. Mac - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Great engine peformance and looks. Many extra features included with vehicle. We had a pleasant dealer experience.

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  Still love it - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sickbxy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling and ride and the interior ergonomic are great. The only issues I have had is within 6 month one of the cup holder tabs broke and the just recently the inside drivers side door handle broke and now I have to open the door from the outside.

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  Gen Y Extremo - 2005 Honda Element
  By Biker Box - August 21 - 4:46 am

  This car proves that Honda knows what to do. Nothing the US produces can even match this car. I am a mountain biker so I am often dirty or wet. This thing gets me where I want to be and back. I have shown so many people the inside that it is becoming boring, but they love it. Most everyone had mocked me before. It is affectionately known as "the box."