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 value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gofaster - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle! quite smooth to drive, enough power, decent brakes, stable at highway speeds. Interior is well designed and seats are comfortable. Easy to get in/out of. Visibility could be better. Very popular, so you see yourself coming and going. Not perfect, but for the money, its a 10.

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  Worth every penny - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bcm - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best automible we have ever purchased. everything about it is great. we could not have made a better decesion. Thank you HONDA

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  The Best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By peanut - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and people mover. I have a 2000 Odyssey EX w/about 47,000 miles on it. Its used constantly especially for carpooling and running around. The 2003 Odysseys are even better w/more horsepower, better brakes and even more refinement.

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  The Best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Peanut - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and people mover. I have a 2000 Odyssey EX w/about 47,000 miles on it. Its used constantly especially for carpooling and running around. The 2003 Odysseys are even better w/more horsepower, better brakes and even more refinement.

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  80000 miles and no problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By hondaguy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The Accord just runs and runs. I really DRIVE this car and it is a performer. The engine is smooth, powerful and quite. The car actually rides smoother with the "V" rated Bridgestone than OEM so give them a go. Fuel economy? Hummm! I drive 80- 85 mph whenever possible, lots of stop and go traffic in Metro DC area. Brakes are fantastic and definitely use Honda replacement parts. Also the scoop makes the car look sexy.

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  80000 miles and no problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HondaGuy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The Accord just runs and runs. I really DRIVE this car and it is a performer. The engine is smooth, powerful and quite. The car actually rides smoother with the "V" rated Bridgestone than OEM so give them a go. Fuel economy? Hummm! I drive 80- 85 mph whenever possible, lots of stop and go traffic in Metro DC area. Brakes are fantastic and definitely use Honda replacement parts. Also the scoop makes the car look sexy.

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  SI - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Monster Man - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Underrated. Fun to drive and reliable compared to its competitors

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  Great Value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kp_sailor - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great value balancing performance with gas milage. I average 32-36 miles per gallon and have found the car to perform well even above 75 mph. The areas I found most disappointing were the acceleration and steering. I would have gladly traded a few miles per gallon for for pickup and tighter steering.

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  2003 Accord EX Sedan, 5 Speed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Officer_ndogg - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned. Build quality is unmatched. You feel like your driving a car that costs $30K but mine stickered for only $22K. Interior design and features are top notch, and I like the sporty exterior look. The 4-Cyl 5-Speed work very well together and there is plenty of power for most anyones needs (and no one minds 30+ mpg). The ride is supple and smooth and it handles much better than previous models. There is plenty of room inside and out and the back seat has more leg room than my dads Crown Vic. All of this with Hondas reputation for quality and reliability. Overall one of the best cars on the road for the money.

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  Silver S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Pat - October 8 - 9:41 am

  Bought this car as a birthday gift for myself in March 04. Had been reading about it and salivating over it since 1999. It is a truly wonderful car with a sexy classic appeal. I have pushed it to its limits cornering wise on several occassions. The back end will get loose if you are not careful. It is definitely a great handling car and I upgraded the tires to Bridgestone PSO2s to make it better. I plan to have this car forever and would take it to heaven with me if I could.....But I hear Angels can fly....:)