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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  The Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chrisinotown - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle so far. I traded in my 2000 Ford ranger in for it. It handles well in corners. Has a great stadium seating view for the rear passengers. The radio alone was worth the purchase.

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  Good crossover - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dat - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Multi-purpose vehicle. A SUV/minivan hybrid for those who dont want to own a minivan.

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  Great but sound & 4WD could be better - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilot_pilot - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle; but radio/CD sound could be better. Honda Pilot speakers deliver very uneven frequency response (big dip around 500 Hz, followed by a big peak around 1 KHz, judging by my spectrum analyzer). My 96 Dodge Grand Caravan has much better sound (factory Infinity speaker system). Hondas 4WD system seems designed to help Pilot get unstuck when needed, but under most circumstances, this is a FWD vehicle (supposedly delivering better mileage).

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  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David Del Rosario - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Very easy to drive and visability is very good. Excellent turning radius. Plenty of power.

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  tremendous style and acceptable speed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jakgn - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car catches everyones eye. Most people cant tell who makes it until they see the emblem. I get compliments all the time. The ergonomics are the best, and the stock racing seats and the rally shifter as well. This car shouts "UNIQUE." Its not the fastest of cars these days...wait for the type-r, but these things can always be changed. Drop in a jdm integra-r engine easily, and turbo-charge, and you can probably start trying to compete with an mitsu evo.

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  Crossover Clonemaster - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Neverbeaten - July 24 - 2:00 am

  When I was looking for a new car I was admiring the Toyota Matrix (pretty much just a newer version of my 1987 Corrolla FX) and the Mini Cooper. I happened to run accross this beauty by happenstance. Even though it may be a year later than the "innovative" matrix and cooper, they can both learn some things from the designers at Honda. Theyve mastered the sporty feel and ride while retaining creature comforts (its so QUIET!) and style--soo sleek. Honda borrowed good ideas from toyota and bmw/mini, then made them better in the Civic SI Vtec

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  The more I drive it, the more I like it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By pablo - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Im quite impressed with the Hybrid and how seemless the IMA works. The more I drive the car, the more I enjoy it. It is especially quiet and once you get used to the CVT and the fact that the engine dies at stops, it feels/drives like a typical car

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Honda Accord
  By John West - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that kept me from buying a 2002 Accord was the styling but when the 2003s came out. WOW! It has the looks of a more expensive car. But here is a shocker, after 5 days the steering rack needed replacing! After only 5 days! A Honda! Well I was very satisfied with the service and the car has had no problems since. Even Honda can have an occasional defective part. Everything else is great except the ride quality. It seems a little harsh the way it takes bumps in the road. This was typical of previous year Accords. I was hoping they had improved that. But overall I know I will get over 150,000 with minimal problems

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  Love my Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kdub198 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Test drove 2002 looking for a deal, then made the mistake of test driving the O3. Unless you are ready to buy dont do it, because you will fall in love with it. From the Comfy seats to the nice interior design and room it all makes sense. I did notice that I had some rattles that I couldnt find, but probably just a new car settling in. Also, the brakes squeek, but hey its vegas (dry and dusty). I do like the radio, but I dont like the antenna (stations fade in and out).

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  The Most Fun Value - 2009 Honda Civic
  By civicpony - July 23 - 8:23 pm

  I was skeptical at first about a Civic. I previously drove a 2005 Corolla and wanted to "step up." I thought the Civic would not really be a step up. I drove many other cars from Toyota, VW and Acura first. Then I drove a Civic. Loved it. Has great steering, handling, ride and is pretty quiet. I have almost 1000 miles on my silver 09 civic ex manual and I couldnt be happier with my car or my payment. And I rest easy knowing that Ill be happy with a car that will most likely have few or no problems for many years to come. Its a great car. Go drive one!