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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  Baby G Class - 2003 Honda Element
  By DonnyDew - April 19 - 2:00 am

  If you dont have the right job to drive a Mercedes G500 this will be the most cheapest way to have the replica look of one!

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  Annoying items - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alexb - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our 1st Honda and so far its lived up to what we expected. No regrets or second thoughts. Compared to our previous Explorer there really is not a lot of difference in cargo capacity. The Honda has a deeper cargo area. Large enough to haul just about anything you need from the Garden Center.

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  Fun and Useful - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Honda Mark - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Si so far! This car is fun to drive & actually useful (5 pass. w/ real back seat headroom & cargo-carrying ability). My 92 Civic experience was enough to convince me to go w/ Honda again even w/ stiff competition. I am surprised that Honda didnt put a 6-speed transmission or a higher-geared 5th gear. The engine runs very smoothly, but it bothers me to see the tach pushing 4,000 rpm on the interstate! Rearward visibility is somewhat restricted due to the back seat headrests & blindspots on each side of the back glass.

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  Love This Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MicheleM - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. The traction control feature has worked great in the snow and ice (not 4-wheel drive, but you can feel the wheels grip). The seats are very comfortable and the car came loaded.

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  Most Satisfying Honda YET!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Cal 01 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three previous Accords and the 2003 is the fourth and most satisfying Honda Accord, because I am an experienced, aggressive, and passionate driver to say the very least. And the 2003 EX-V6 Accord feels and handles very comfortable and touring in city traffic and very exhilarating, fun, and fast to drive on the highway!!! Also, there is virtually NO "TORQUE STIR" on quick take-offs, small amount of body-roll in hard cornering, and can come out of corners delivering Awesome power and stability. Truly, this is an Accord like know other!!!

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  Wow!! Better than all the reviews!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AccordRules - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 2003 Accord 4dr 4-cyl EX-L last night, and it is amazing!! Definitely better than expected...and all the features you get...WOW!!! I paid $22,500 (plus TTL) including the dealer installed MP3 player!! Thanks Honda and thanks to Coggin Honda (our great dealer, 2nd purchase from them). I cant wait to take this baby on a road trip...This car has it all!! I have had a BMW, and several other cars (Acura, Toyota), and the 03 Accord is by far the best...

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  Went away....and came back! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lisa Lewis - April 19 - 2:00 am

  When the body style changed this yr., I accidentally fell into looking at the coupe style, havent had a Honda in 8 yrs. And was currently in a Volvo..big mistake..tried the new Accord and was perfect for me...low maintenance & pep!

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  First 100,000 miles on car in the books! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By William - April 18 - 6:07 am

  Really loving this car! Its been worry free and totally reliable! I have done routine maintenance without major issues. Full synthetic oil change every 5,000 miles, transmission fluid change every 30,000 miles, front brake pads/brake fluid changed at 75,000, K&N permanent air filter I clean & charge as needed, , cabin filter changes as needed, new battery at about 90,000 miles, and I started running Shell V power nitro+ 93 octane at about 80,000 miles. I was skeptical about the gas upgrade until I ran a tank and saw the difference in performance, as well as improved mileage, so Im a believer now. For the extra cost of basically a small Starbucks coffee per tank, its worth it IMHO. I dont drink Starbucks myself, but I will treat my car to a "Starbucks"! I got 652 miles on the last tank of gas, awesome! Currently on my 2nd set of tires. First set, Michelin MXV4s lasted 54,000 miles, now running upsized Michelin Premier 225/55-17 with almost 50, 000 on them. Will probably go back to 215/55/-17 size next go around, as mileage dropped off more than expected for new tire d/t increased surface area. As other probably have noted, the infotainment system sometimes gets hung up with my iphone, dealership said Honda tried to get Apple to help but no recourse due to "proprietary information", so no update. Eh, its not THAT bad of an issue, usually just turn off and back on again to reset it and its fine, plus it only happens occasionally with initial sync once you start the car. Not a big deal for me. Ive had a rare "false" low tire pressure alarm, but guys at Discount Tire say thats not unusual for any TPMS during times of temp swings, which is when theyve happened. Both sets of tires have worn evenly, steering is true, and this with never having performed 4 wheel alignment. Im debating on actually doing the alignment with third set of tires, if for no other reason just to fine tune and keep things from freezing up where you cant adjust if need be. Ive got a major service coming up at 105,000 miles, plugs, oil/filter, coolant change. Serpentine belt fine so far so Honda Specialist shop said will monitor. Also, its nice having a timing chain so lifetime deal there typically. I would not hesitate to buy a used 2013 with 100,000 plus miles in the future if I knew the prior owner took care of it, and in fact Im thinking of doing just that, get a used one for my kids.

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  Love My 3rd Honda - 2006 Honda Element
  By Element Lover - April 17 - 11:26 pm

  I am not someone who really cares about what I drive but I am PASSIONATE about this care. It is so fun to drive. I gave her my civic with over 15I have had two civics and loved them both. I decided to trade up to the Element when my daughter needed a car. She is about to give that civic with 230K miles to my younger daughter and buy her own Element. I bought my first Honda because I have friends who drove their Hondas over 200K and the interiors still looked good and they had no real mechanical porblems. I LOVE my Element. It is great for carrying people or stuff. Everyone that rides in it loves it. This is the a car that I will keep for 10 years or more. Great traction and smooth ride.

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  Please Sir May I have Another ??? - 2004 Honda Element
  By Doughboy - April 17 - 5:58 pm

  My wife had got hers in march of 2004 it was a 2003 Dx 2wd hold over. I was driving my 2001 gas hog F150 14 mpg in town and 16 highway and it was just killing me in cost to keep it gased up so bye bye to that at $2.00+ per gallon so now after a few months with the ex i had only 1 prob with the cruise button that broke and her 03 dx had to have the drivers seat bracket replaced i was told this (the seat bracket)was a issue with the early models but thats it.