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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  Easy to Love - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Bohemian - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased my last new car! For $approx 18,500 cash, it without a doubt is the best and most thrifty car I could ever hope to find at this point in time. No Micky Mouse look to this one, as outwardly it looks like a reqular, top of the line, Civic sedan much better looking then the Toyota Prius or Echo. With the electrical boost I have no problems merging into express way traffic. A really nice machine.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Egflower25 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is great for everyone. I just bought for my daughter and Im thrilled for her because I know its very reliable and gas mileage is GREAT!

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  great - 2003 Honda Civic
  By cruser0603 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  great, its an awesome little car! i got a brand new one when i was 15. I am about to turn 16! i love the car!

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  WONDERFUL! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Sara121582 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  10s across the board for me.

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  great - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jake smith - January 31 - 10:00 am

  this is a world class car well built inside and out it is my third accord and they keep getting better and better.

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  all around great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DrunkEd - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Accord was my first new car and I dont think its possible to purchase a better one. It rides so nicely and although its a 4-cylinder, the car wants to go. It is so much fun to rev it and feel the V-tec kick in at higher rpms.

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  One Helluva car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tool Fan - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This is a great car. Thanks Honda for producing such a great piece of machinery. The V-6 engine has PLENTY of power and the 6spd tranny definately puts all 240 horses to the pavement. The interior is well designed and the perforated leather seats are comfortable and supportive. All instruments are laid out in a well organized and thoughtful pattern and the LED gauges are easy to see in day and night. The exterior styling is not for everyone, but personally I really like the looks of this car, especially with the 6spd exclusive 17 inch wheels. Overall, a very well thought out and put together car.

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  Insight is Excellent - 2004 Honda Insight
  By ainternetguy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is awsome. It gets fantastic mileage as well as excellent performance.. one would never guess its a 3 cylinder, 1000CC powerplant. You can figure on getting gas mileage that is in many cases double what a large displacement motorcycle (Harley, Honda, BMW) is getting. That plus A/C, stereo system and power everything make this a vehicle that can be driven in any weather. And finally, theres the tax deduction that the Federal govt. will allow you for the purchase of this car.... whats not to like?

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  Love this car! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Lorham - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Fast, Fun and awesome gas mileage. The best commuter car around. Zips through traffic. Never seems to have to be filled up. The best investment Ive made in a long time!

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  Good Car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Cory Gude - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Living in the Denver, CO area gas prices arent that cheap. I own two sports cars and needed a everyday driver for my long drives to work. I got talked into the Civic hybrid and I love it death. It doesnt have a whole lot of power, especially for somebody like me who is in to horsepower and torque like in my Acura Integra Type-R and Honda Prelude Type- SH. But those sports cars are gas gugglers and for my daily driver I enjoy the 50 miles to the gallon that I get out of my Civic Hybrid. A very good car!