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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  My Favorite Car in 30 years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By trawick - February 18 - 2:00 am

  We have owned several Honda - 99, 2000, and 2003. To date, this is my favorite Honda and my very favorite car of all time. It handles very well and has excellent pick-up. You cant go wrong on this car.

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  Honda Versus America - 2003 Honda Accord
  By shaun44 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the best vechicle that I have ever drove. enough horses that street power is a prescence. Looks are enhanced by the designing of the headlights. Sound System is incredible for being stock.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tbill - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money. The 240 hp engine has plenty of power while getting excellent fule economy at the same time. This car has more power, room, and many more features than the 1995 EXVL I previously owned and a lower MSRP. It can be beat for the money.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TN2003 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I do have the same rattling problem in 2003 Honda Accord (EX 4dr Sedan) as indicated by “jp1234” for his 2004 Honda Accord (see 2004 consumer rating) The rattling problem started when it just reached 8000 miles. The worst thing I’ve experienced, when I went to my Honda dealer (Curry Honda, NY) for this problem, they just told me they are not hearing any extra noise! I bought Honda for its quality, but now I am really very disappointed with Honda family.

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  Never another Chrysler product - 2003 Honda Accord
  By inluvwithmyhonda - February 18 - 2:00 am

  How did I live without my navigation sytem? Even living in the same area 40 years, Ill still need it to find out of the way places. In Ft. Lauderdale, which is laced with canals, it was invaluable in getting me around them. The pick and go has gotten me in trouble with the law; first speeding ticket since I started to drive at 16 (now 62).

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  New Accord LX w/V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mike Quinn - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car has much more interior room and trunk space than my 94 Accord, though the car isnt as sexy looking. The V-6 engine has more power than I can use and has provided the "midlife crisis" excitement I wanted without sacrificing 4 doors and seating for 5. The stereo with CD-changer is great. Driving comfort is unmatched. Reliability is - you know - Honda. The breaks are great but a little sticky in initial touch.

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  i love my HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By immortaldee - February 18 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST CAR UNDER 30,000 IN THE WORLD. YOU CAN BET YOUR HOUSE THAT THIS CAR WILL GET YOU FROM POINT A TO POINT B IN ANY TYPE OF CONDITION.

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  Total Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Walleye Bill - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought another Honda. This makes the sixth Honda product my family (3 people) has purchased over 15 years. The EX V6 with Navi has all the goodies. The biggest improvement is the silky smooth transmission, now a 5 speed, power and rigidity. Its simply a ball to drive! Why pay $35-$40,000 when you can get the whole package for under $27,000.

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  Great SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Nalini - February 17 - 7:21 pm

  So far I have 1100 miles on it. I am really enjoying the smooth ride. I traded in my 2016 Toyota Highlander for the pilot. I do miss my Highlander but the pilot has so much more options. I dont need the DVD player that you automatically get with this version but it will add value later. The car appleplay is okay. I dont like having to plug in my phone each time to use it. It could be improved. This vehicle has a auto engine idle. The navigation is neat. It shows you exactly where you are as if you are looking from the sky. It even has pictures of exit signs. The sensing is not as sensitive as people have stated. Its doing what is it suppose to do. Lots of interior storage. Leg room is good. The car seems so much bigger from the inside. Overall I am very happy with the purchase

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  Best Honda I have ever owned. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John of Columbus, NC - February 17 - 5:30 pm

  Have owned several Honda Accords before and the new design was really interesting. One test drive convinced us it was a superb car for us, I am 61" and it has lots of leg room. Traded in a 2007 Hyundai Azera Limited that depreciated too fast for my comfort zone. The 2008 Accord EX-L with 190 hp 4 cyl is a powerful driving experience. It gave me 25.3 mpg on the 3rd tank of fuel over both city and highway driving. Leather seats are very comfortable. My car is silver with black leather. Exterior design is handsome and a decided change from previous years. Added color matching body side molding for extra protection from careless door openers. A really super vehicle.