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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  Nice Car to have! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Will-wallace - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive been droven Civic Ex for 2 yrs. and my overall of Civic is nice! first of all, it is much bigger than looks. pretty comfort and can run around 400 miles for 10-11 gallons. it is really nice car to have.

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  Yes!, It is Honda, Civic. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Astra - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have Civic Ex for 2 years. It looks beautiful and still people check my car out sometimes.(only has full nose mask and tinned)It is much bigger than it looks inside. Back seat space also fairly enough. Gas mileage is great. Run over 400 miles. 6 speakers Sound system is Nice. ABS is Good to have. However, I have side air bag light turnned on sometimes, so I have to adjust passenger seat. And battery went off when it was 2 months. After recharged it, no longer problem. overall, it is Nice car to drive.

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  The One Year Review of the Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By buzz70 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my hybrid for just over a year now. With the honeymoon phase over, I still enjoy my hybrid. Ive not had a single problem with it. Ive averaged almost 53 mpg (calc). After 8K, the mpgs jumped some, so hang in there, folks. I have very similar feelings about the car as others, so Id just like to add that this is an economy car. Dont expect leather, GPS units, entertainment packages, power seats, etc, etc. I do think it has a nice array of features, though, and ones that youll use the most. Also, remember that Honda doesnt have anything to do with the EPA estimates-- although they do promote them in their ads.

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  Civic Lover - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Qt Wit Da Civic - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 Honda Civic since November 2002. The pick up isnt as fast as I expected from a vtec engine. Its an attractive car and in general is the car is overall a good package. The price is good and the car is very reliable

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  Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By malo - October 27 - 10:00 am

  A Honda Civic is a good economic car for a student. It has good gas mileage and I have not had any problems with it besides the crappy Firestone tires that came with it.

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  The new Accord is the best yet by far! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bn2002bn - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Accord EX is my 3rd Honda Accord EX in a row that Ive owned and its the best one yet by far. The resale value of my 95 Accord EX was so high it was almost unbelivable. That was a factor in purchasing the new Accord. The build quality and level of refinement are excellent. I had looked at the Camry too when I bought this car but chose the Accord hands down. Beyond the Camrys Buick-like styling..in my opinion of course..and the significantly lower resale value of Camrys, the handling and the ride of the Camry(XLE and SE)just didnt compare to the Accord. The 2003 Accord EX is a great car!

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  This car is awesome!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mich5199 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  LOVE IT!!! Great pick-up, even though I only have the four cylinder. The cabin is quiet and comfortable.

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  I love my Accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By negrantma - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I come from a long line of Acura/Honda owners and this vehicle is the best I have seen. The wonderfully re-designed body lends interest while the luxurious interior draws you in. The powerful engine makes driving a pleasure -- I cannot recommend this car enough!

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  Hondas - 2003 Honda Accord
  By EdmundsAlex - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The only problem i have with my honda is occasional long ignitions.......... I have 500km on my odometer right now..... that is like 300 miles and im having this problem wtf. The brake also screech and sometime i feel its not even there! I had to brake HARD. There is a sound in the driver side door also, annoying as hell..... The car is also very hot because i use to drive a 1.6EL and i park it in the garage and i never feel the air in the garage hhot, but this accord you can feel the heat!

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  Never Thought I would own a MiniVan :) - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By P. Daddy - October 27 - 6:06 am

  But with one 19 month old and one on the way, the Mrs. thought it would a good idea. And boy, what a great idea. The 2006 Honda Odyessy is FANTASTIC. Space galore, comfortable, and humms just like the Honda I remember. Our second choice was the Toyota Sienna. That van never wowed me. The Honda will and does. Nice cruising with the Honda. Enjoy getting the 19 month out of the car without straining the lower back. Great storage, stroller and groceries are not a problem in the least. ps Our other car is the Infinity G-35 Sports Coupe / Still kinda cool :)