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 VEHICLE EVER OWNED - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LBREWER - June 26 - 10:00 am

  TO START WITH, EVERYTHING FITS RIGHT. NO RATTLES. EXCELLENT PAINTJOB. TRANSMISSION SO SMOOTH YOU CAN HARDLY FEEL IT SHIFT. VERY, VERY QUIET. SMOOTH RIDE. PLENTY OF POWER, ON A LEVEL ROAD WITH AIR AT 70 MPH, 26 MILES TO GALLON.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Duley - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Honda that I have purchased and it did not disappoint. The ride is the best that I have experienced in a SUV. It is quite and smooth and quick to respond as far as acceleration and turning. The only negative I have found was the fuel economy. Its not bad for an SUV but not quite what I expected from Honda. I average about 17 in city driving and 22 on the road. A similar type of engin in my friends Acura gets 32 on the road. Overall I very satisfied.

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  Gotta Love this Honda... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CH1997 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle. We traded up to get additional seating and storage capacity. We are extemely happy we made the jump to this new model. Anyone who has driven a Honda will be instantly familiar and comfortable with the controls and the handling of this vehicle.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tdwong - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is really an excellent car and you dont need a deep pocket to own the top line of the car. The buying experience was also pleasant. To find a better price, we requested several quotes online from local dealerships and brought the lowest price with us when visiting the dealer. To our surprise, the salesman even tried to give us an even better deal 8-). If you would like to know the salespersons name, drop us a line.

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  Solid Performing Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Steve - June 26 - 10:00 am

  We have owned the van for just three weeks, and love it. Very quiet ride, smooth, powerful, and the kids dig the entertainment system (keeps em occupied!).

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  High Performance and maximum utility - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan Wright - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This van probably should be called the Honda Optimum. It is like having your cake and eating it too. The performance is better than most cars. It can tow up to 3500 lbs. It has a lateral acceleration up to .73. The leather seats are very comfortable. The navigation system enables you to never get lost again. Just simply flip the rear seat into the floor and you have a huge cargo bay. The steering control knob for the vol. and selection is great too. This vehicle does it all well. Zero to sixty in 7.8 seconds with 240 ponies sipping about 19 mpg combined city Highway and lots of idling in park. This the best ride Ive ever owned.

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  oddessy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By riedelmn - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The problem is that it lacks amenities like outside temperature and miles to empty as well as a compass and gas mileage. I may consider a Chrysler just to get these.The placement of the spare is horrendous!

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  Civic Si- mini Zoom Zoom car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DrK8 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I was somewhat skeptical of stepping down from Honda Prelude 2000 to Honda Civic Si, however I am pleased to say it handles and it is just as much fun to drive. One drawback is the claim it is fast, by no means is it a rocket yet it does the job and gets pretty decent gas mileage. Handling is terrific and the stiff shocks make it a blast particularly on corners. Overall I like my new Honda Civic Si, although next model I would boost up the power.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Oldguy - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Civic EX 4 speed auto for about a month and love it. It is quick enough for town driving and handles well. It is sharp looking (I get compliments from strangers) although it is not a standout. I got the optional 5 spoke alloy wheels and those are a great addition to its looks. I am anxious to see if the gas mileage improves as I drive it (first tank of gas got 26 mpg). Summary to date: LOVE IT!!!!!

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  New Honda Lover - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kathleen Turner - June 26 - 2:30 am

  I love my new Honda. My previous car, which was a convertible was totalled due to tire failure. I needed to get something that would be practical, extremely nice looking and economical. I had the interior upgraded to leather - and my car looks very smart!