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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  grumpy honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By grumpy car - January 13 - 2:18 pm

  Grumpy car. Doesnt like to start in the winter. Expensive to fix when the AC broke 2 times and a pain to fix when the car would randomly stall and not start again on hills. Espically during rush hour. The gear shift occasionally decides not to budge, leaving me without a ride. And the trunk and windows leak. otherwise, not bad

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  great buy for the money - 2003 Honda Element
  By jrave - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is most the best car yet. I bought it because I was having a baby and it looked to be a good car to load the baby seat and the stroller. I have found that I was right. I also recently bought a washer and a dryer adn I placed them BOTH standing upright into the honda element without a problem. This is not just a teen market that the element gears towards, it is geared towards a family adn all the car loads that goes with it....A MUST BUY!

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  fun fun fun - 2003 Honda Element
  By jkr2003 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  It was my intention to buy a 2003 CR-V. While visiting a couple Honda showrooms this summer the Element kept catching my eye. My wife suggested that I test drive one and wow that sold me. The CR- V test drove great but the Element was so much more exciting and fun. I love the funky way it looks and the interior is really cool and practical. My 18 year old daughter isnt quite sold on the looks but my 22 year old daughter loves it. I took my two archetect frends to the ballgame and all the way there and back all I heard was cool.

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  LuvMyOdy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Crod - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Now is the time to buy a Honda Odyssey. After a lot of research on Edmunds, we traded in our ’99 Sienna and purchased the ’03 Odyssey EX-L. The car like ride, reliability, and safety record was the key for us. We considered the redesigned ’04 Sienna, test drove it a couple of different times and found the Odyssey handled better and had a more “car like” ride. We got $2,100 off the MSRP on our Ody in the Raleigh, NC area. When buying accessories, check out www.handa-accessories.com. We love this minivan and have not had any problems with it.

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  Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Razz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This fully loaded Odyssey is a great buy. Its rear seat fold away is one of the easiest to deal with to create more cargo room. Driving is extremely comfortable.

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  oddossey rave - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rkmills - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This may be the best automobile I have ever owned.

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  New finding... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By sanjayz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Well, made a deal for a new EX-L just 7 hrs ago. It was a great buying experience. I got a great salesman and reasonably good deal. I picked this Honda under 27,500 (including destination) - though we had to spend over 5 hours at the dealership. I wanted to share a feature which I wanst aware of and I dont see mentioned in either editors or anybodys review. During the features round-up just before car-review - the salesman showed how the third row seat can be turned 180 degrees to convert into outside facing seat for tail-gate party. Since I have a three year old - this would be a great feature at rest-stops during long freeway drives.

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  Hondas r #1! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By louise Ann - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Honda Civics are wonderful cars. I mean for a starting out person in their 20s i would reccomend it! The price of the car is resonable........its a wonderful deal!

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  Very Satisfied with Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By 3boys - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 Civic EX 4 door automatic at the Honda Clearance sale. Was able to get a great price just slightly above invoice and a wonderful finance rate on a car with all the options. I was NOT pressured at all by the salesman or finance manager. So far, I am very satisfied with my purchase. The car runs great; the extras like the moon roof and the keyless remote are fun to use; the anti- lock brakes make me feel safer; and theres just enough back seat space to fit 2 childrens booster seats and one infant car seat.

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  ugh - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tommyb - January 13 - 10:00 am

  all it does is rattle, rattle, rattle...and the abs brakes shake the whole car...Im pro-Honda and Im having buyers remorse...