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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  a night in bad weather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Scott Abbott - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased a 2003 pilot with leather, it is heavy and great handling, 1 experience i had was in the night i found my self heading for a foot of water and when i hit this water at 40 miles per hour, this pilot handled it very well, no pulling to the left or right it handled the situation perfectly, like no other car i drove. this auto is safe in all weather conditions.

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  Love my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jeanbean - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Honda CRV. It is a pleasure to drive. The car handles well in all types of weather. It gets fantastic gas mileage. I am presently leasing my car and will most likely either buy or lease another CRV.

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  Perfect Appliance - 2001 Honda Accord
  By CharlesE - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This initally was a spare car for us. It was a lease deal at $159 / mo! Not as "fun" to drive as the wifes 98 ex v- 6, but it is a heck of a family car deal!

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  A keeper!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HondaguyPHX - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This Civic is my fourth Honda. Ive driven them since I was 16 years old. I feel that the build quality has slipped a little, my Civic seems to rattle quite a bit over rough surfaces and I only have 33k on it. That is my only complaint about it. Its fun to drive, has good pep for 127HP, a smooth shifting 5-speed, and I like the way it looks. It also gets great gas mileage, and I drive it hard.(34+ MPG) Overall, you wont be disappointed. I work for its biggest competitor and continue to buy Honda products. GO HONDA!!

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  File - 2003 Honda Accord
  By old joe - February 18 - 2:00 am

  my experience has been uniformly excellent

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  Honda did it right - 2003 Honda Accord
  By facajam - February 18 - 2:00 am

  While the new design took some getting used to, I now think its beautiful - what I would describe as the Japanese/Euro look. With a strong power train and a VERY comfortable interior, this is a well-thought out and designed car. I havent bought a US model in 30 years (I drive plenty of them as rental cars). My wife and I have had several Toyotas, one Nissan and two Acuras. This Accord joins the list of excellent, solid, reliable cars produced by the Japanese Big 3.

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  Best Value on the Road! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JC22 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  After test-driving everything from the Audi A4 to the Nissan Altima, I could not resist a Honda product. I sat down and crunched the numbers, and there wasnt one other vehicle that came close in comparison of the options, reliability and safety that I wanted in a car. I am a true Honda lover for life!

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  Workingmans Mercedes - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gvallance - February 18 - 2:00 am

  There is simply no finer build car on the road than a Honda. The engineering and craftmanship of a Honda are second to none. No other care is more dependable or more fun to drive than a Honda. It is amazing how far ahead of the competition that Honda is and will always be because when you drive one you know its built by people that care about comfort, value and safty. I personally will own no other car than a Honda no matter what kind of income I may have.

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  I want my Camry back! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TxLilac - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Camry (with 139,000 mi.) for the Honda. I regret it. Heres why: dealer installed tint shred, car delivered dirty - once cleaned, I found dings and scratches that took the dealership 3X to fix, lights have almost gone out 2X, wheel cover busted off while driving, power outlet went out once, two factory recalls, wrong size brake pads put on at factory caused jerking and are getting replaced, alternator shreaks and will be replaced when it worsens, motor mounts were not correct from factory and caused the whole car to shake and were replaced. It has been in the shop more than I have driven it. I want my Camry back!!!

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  six W/ attitude - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DR D - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Hondas and american cars over my driving life. My american vehicles may get me 125,000 miles. My last Honda had 267,000 when I gave it to "the lad" who drove it for another 5,000 and traded it for a new one. The Accord six has plenty of pep and is sure to stay with the best of them. The ride is smooth and quiet. I only have 4,000 miles but so far so good. Built solid and fun to drive and ride.