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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  Great compact SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bobrobin - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding features and ride for a vehicle in this class. Well put together and great interior versitility. Base model comes well equiped.

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  joes review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By joe martinez - October 12 - 10:00 am

  its sooo cool. the performance parts are wonderfull. you can customize it in anyway u want .

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  Very Nice Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Benjamin Garcia - October 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is the greatest!

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  GREAT LOOK! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Blanco - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is very fun to drive and the ride beats any past civic. If you have ever owned or driven a honda civic in the past you will appreciate the difference in handeling and suspension on the 2003.

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  90 Day Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Boo Boo - October 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd honda and the best of the three. Like the power, and gadgets. In fact, just about every time i drive it, i discover something new...like the sliding adjustable armrest, and features on the Navigation system...i really enjoy the nav. Exterior could be a bit better, something is missing (style) on the front end.

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  Economical Fun Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Rear Wheel Drive - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first new car as a Honda Civic EX Coupe in 1993. The car was a joy to own and drive. The Civic EX Coupe came with many power features, like PW,Moonroof,PS, great brakes, power mirrors, and super gas mileage. The car is a bit light weight and also becomes noisy climbing up hills and mountain roads. However, the four cylinder V-Tec engine with 125hp can handle most situations. The best feature of this car is the power moonroof, something rarely offered on cars of this class. Also you cant go wrong with Hondas reliability. Normal matienance items were all that were needed to keep it happy and going.

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  Best Minivan Going - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By NickFl - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Very spacious versatile vehicle

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  One of the first touring turbos in Seattle area. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Dominic - October 11 - 8:27 pm

  I ordered one of the touring addition civics well before they were available. Im very pleased with my purchase. The car is awesome-great style, good electronics, great handling, and comes with Honda reliability. I was blown away at how quiet the car was in comparison my Acura. Its about the same size on the inside as my TL but significantly quieter with better fuel economy. The interior design and electronics are excellent, and Apple CarPlay is a homerun. I only have a couple of small gripes on the vehicle. First of all, they should make one adjustment to the Honda sensing package. Specifically blind spot monitors are much better solutions and the lane watch camera. Lane watch only helps you on the passenger side and doesnt do anything for the driver side. Putting the sensors and for blind spot warning would be A significant improvement. Secondly, and only time will tell, my fuel economy combined is running about 27 MPG. With the ratings on the car being 35 combined, this is a bit of a disappointment but Im hoping it improves over time. Finally, the fit on the leather seats just isnt nearly as good as the fit on the cloth seats. The clock is much more comfortable and the leather just isnt as tight. Overall I am extremely pleased with the vehicle and suspect that Ill see a lot more on the road and coming months.

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  Practical AND Cool - 2005 Honda Element
  By Lorri - October 11 - 11:03 am

  I live a couple miles off of a paved highway, so I average 4-6 mileas a day off the pavement. The Element handles the hills and bumps as well as a larger SUV, and the lower center of gravity makes it corner more like a sedan. It is surprzingly roomy inside. The seats are comfortable and spills wipe up like a breeze. The hatch doors make it easy to get larger objects inside. With the seats folded up to the sides, you can get a set of patio furniture inside easily. In addition to all of this, its just plain fun to drive! Pop out the removeable sunroof and open the windows and youre ready to enjoy the day! Drawbacks - not many, Its a well thought out and fun vehicle.

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  Ill sleep easy but....... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By honda fan - October 10 - 8:13 pm

  Smooth, honest drive but vanilla styling and not quite the Honda build quality I am used to. Excellent gas mileage but not as quiet as the new Camry.