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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  Never thought it would happen - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Neo Anderson - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I spent a lot of time looking for a mini-van hoping that I would never find one that I liked. Well that all ended when I went to the Honda dealer and discovered the Odyssey. With three children and a fourth on the way this vehicle is exactly what myself and the wife needed. The interior is loaded with practical features that were not present in other mini-vans we looked at. The Odyssey handles and feels like a car not a van or truck. It has great acceleration and is very comfortable. I drove my entire family including the three dogs to North Carolina with no problems. I highly reccomend this vehicle but it is not cheap.

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  great car for teenagers - 2003 Honda Civic
  By david sanchez - October 24 - 10:00 am

  its great becasue it is fun to drive your kids would like it

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  Perfection - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ari - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the most bang for your buck. Great style, economical, and balanced performance. All of this for under 25K. I am already planning my next HONDA purchase.

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  $60,000 car for $less than $30,000 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By uttim75 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Wow. This is my 5th Accord and this car surpasses anything out there up to $60K. As nice BMWs, Mercedes, & Audis are, they canÂ’t compare in quality and reliability. This car rides, handles, and is assembled with better quality than the last Mercedes CLK430 I had the chance to drive. Finally, its absolutely beautiful-I get looks and compliments all the time. Did I mention the speed? This car rides and handles better than anything in its class and above. It is the most solid, well-built car I have ever driven.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Marco - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought a new Accord 4 months ago and Im loving every minute of it. My wife says that we spend more on gas now than before we bought it simply because I live to drive more than I did before. It is everything I could ask for without spending over $25,000, good performance, quality, design, the whole package.

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  Great Car!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bubbyco - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, great road handling, great features at finger ease and reach!

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  Love My Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Melinda - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven trucks, Rangers, and for the first time a car has caught my eye and after owning it for 8 months now I would not trade it for the world. My family and roommate are saying their next purchase is going to be a Honda after seeing and riding in mine.

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  My second Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Markman - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Good gas mileage, just got 31 mpg on the way up to the Finger Lakes. Love the the power of the V6 engine. Last but not least, fun car to drive with the 6 speed manual.

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  Love this car - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By TB - October 23 - 7:06 pm

  Handles great, sound system with the exl-res dvd system is fantastic because you get the 510 Watt premium sound system with it as opposed to dealer installed dvd system. Also if you you join aaa you get a great price from participating dealerships. Tried it with and without them and automatically got the best price. 34,000 for exl-res. Yes I know you can get a stripped down lx model a lot cheaper but it was worth every Penny. Was still to cheap to spend for touring model with navi, I always have my tom tom gps to fall back on LOL.

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  Wonderful mini-van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Regina - October 23 - 2:43 pm

  After a million or so hours of research, we finally chose the Odyssey over the Sienna. So far, weve been really please with this vehicle. It has every amenity that you could ever want, and its wonderful for our famliy of four. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Odyssey to anyone looking for a great mini-van.