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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  Go For it - 2003 Honda Element
  By Southpause - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I own two BMWs (740i and 325 Convertible) and I love driving this SUV. I traded a miserable Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Element is more spacious, handles better, rides better, is no doubt more reliable and was 10k less. My son and I are over 6 tall and the headroom is terrific. Is it noisy? Certainly but hey, its a box on wheels. Fuel economy could be better. but it still beats most SUVs.

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  Great SUV . . . I think - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By EdHan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a good looking SUV. Not fancy in anyway, some may even say bland - but the look will grow on you. The ride is dependable and smooth. Fuel economy is not that great but then again this is much bigger than my old Maxima so its only logical. Its not quick or nimble on its feet but handling is smooth. Check out honda-pilot.org for more info.

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  Would buy again - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By logcabinguy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After much research and many test drives it came down to the RAV-4 and the CRV. The Honda dealership was much more attentive to our needs. That factor plus the long term reliability of our 4 Honda Civics tilted the deck to the CRV.

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  Best Value SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By KungPhu - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, high-revving engine that gets most jobs in most situations done-and done well. More spacious than the Accord wagon I had back in college and looks better too. I get about 22 mpg which is more than I expected. All in all, I love the thing.

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  Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gary01 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This vechile is really what it saids "GREAT" if you are looking for a compact SUV this is the one ot buy the Honda CR-V and it has very good and recommmened by Consumer Reports.

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  Honda Certified? Not Really.... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By FokuSan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and it was honda certified. They claimed to have the whole 150 point inspection and everything perfect with the car. I had problems from the beggining of purchase. The SRS airbag light kept coming on. We had it fixed twice. The transmission shift isnt smooth at all. When going uphill and accelerating, the car jerks and seizes, the cupholder cover doesnt stay closed. The service at this Honda dealership was horrible, they didnt service the car at all, they brought it to a private mechanic to fix it instead of their using their own facility.

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  Economy Meets Sporty - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cory - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Civic EX, because I wanted a car that would be freindly to my wallet, but still fun. When you upgrade to the EX you loose some in city gas milage, but I still average 330 a tank, and thats all city driving. The upgrades are what make the EX so cool. A 1.7L V-tech engine Delivers more than enough power, and you also get alloy rims, power everything, moon roof, tilt steering, and premium sound. You feel like you have a sports car instead of an economy car.

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  My Honda Accord - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Big daddy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I got a wonderful deal on my 2002 Honda Accorda LX 4dr/4cy. Great gas mileage while on the open road; 33-36mpg, less than desirable in traffic; 15-20mpg. Im hooked on its looks, have no idea why they changed its great looks, but who am I. Very quiet on the open road, the steering is right on the money, and the little four is able to tackle almost any size mountain/hill while in cruise control when the AC is off. Great overall car for the amount we paid for it $16,400 for a brand new one with 5 miles on it.

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  2003 Honda Accord LX Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lagerman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful automobile. The best I have ever owned. Its too bad that the "Big 3" cant build a car thats half as good as this Accord Coupe....with the exception of the Corvette perhaps. This car is so well balanced and thought out, I think it would be a mistake not to test drive one if youre in the market for a new car. (Where else can you have this much driving fun matched with practicallity and unmatched reliability for $18K? Also, the five speed 4 cylinder is probably the best way to go, since its about three hundred pounds lighter than the V6.

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  Simply the best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Chirag Patel - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle on the market. No other vehicle handles better, drives better, feels better, looks better, or performes better