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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  How Sweet It Is . . . - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LEA - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The 03 HONDA Accord EX V6 offers pure luxury car features at moderate mid- sized car pricing, much less than Camry, Altima SE 3.5, or Passat, on a par with Mazda 6; and the V6 Mitsu Galant is not in this class any more, I think, having just rid myself of one. For an all-around passenger car with all the features you could opt for, this is the car to buy. The "driveability" of this car is awesome. But add in the refinement, quality, and the reliability of the HONDA, and this becomes a world class bargain.

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  Great Value for Money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AL P - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Honda and both my wife and I drive this car. Great handling, fun to drive, very good gas milage, and descent power for a 4 cylinder. This car looks luxurious in black and we receive alot of compliments. This car is a bargin however it should include more standard features like traction control, outside temperature readout, and cargo net.

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  Great car-CMVDA - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JambaJuiceChris - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife just bought a Honda Accord Coupe. I rode in it for the first time today and I was very impressed!. Im glad she bought this great car. This car is very peppy, safe, stylish and comfortable!

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  Good car for the price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Photoarts - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive bought an Accord V6 EX in January. The 5sp auto transmission is much smoother than typical Hondas but it still hesitates to downshift. The ride has very good damp and not too harsh like the Maxima SE but it does not corner as well (trade off here). Too bad they leave out some of the convenient features that should be standard in this car: memory seat, heated outside mirror and steering wheel, fog lights and auto dim rear view mirror. The fog lights and auto dim mirror cost a fortune as a dealer options. All in all, a decent car but I think that the Maxima is a still better car for the money.

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  almost a home run - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Scott Mitchell - December 7 - 8:26 am

  I have the CVT 1.5 L turbo sedan. This car is outstanding in every way except for two things, one big and and one small. The display screen is just as bad as everyone is saying. Its not at all intuitive, is way too complicated, and simply has too much technology which is accessible only by staring at the screen and figuring out how to find what you want. That dangerous when youre driving and dont have anyone to do it for you sitting in the front seat. Changing a radio station, for example, thus becomes more complicated than in a car with simple dials to turn and buttons to push. This is a major drawback. A second drawback is the tilt and telescopic controls cant be felt, and thus cant be located when youre driving. Theyre hidden away so badly that the only way to know where they are is to pull over, stop the car, get out and stick your head underneath the stearing column and look for them. Despite these weaknesses, though, the car has really good power and acceleration and amazing gas mileage, and lots of room and storage space.

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  A good suv for the price - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dirtdave - December 7 - 4:26 am

  This is my second crv. I had a 04 and I had only one issue with that one - the rear axle fluid brakes done at around 65,000 miles. It made grinding noise when turning. The fix is change rear axle fluid. I love the new crv rides great and I just did my first snow storm ride on the freeway. It was very stable ride. The mileage is impressive I can get 29.5 mpg but you have to watch instant mpg and be very light footed. Also I realized my 30 mile trip to work is down hill SLIGHTLY. The seats are firm but comfy. Fit and finish are good. I noticed the rear door glass no longer opens. And if rains and opened you will get dripped on. Over all I have no regrets.

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  Great Job Honda! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Barb F. - December 7 - 1:16 am

  We have owned our Touring Pilot since May. We drove to Maine with 3 teenagers and Mom and Dad. The trip went great! We attached a carrier on the back and had more than enough room for a 2 week trip. This is a user friendly car. The seats fold down so easily-only 1 person needed. For the long trip I found the space above the glove box helpful for gum, change, etc. Our teens love the wireless headsets - and the ability for us to hear XM - while they watched their DVD. The road handling was excellent- especially in a horrible rain storm. The rear wiper - starts out fast then goes into its slow mode-very helpful. All in all -a very satisfied customer. As an ex-suburban owner- goodbye GM.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jeff - December 7 - 12:36 am

  Ive had the car now about 16 months. Drive it mainly to/from work about 50 miles a day. Get 36 mpg regularly. Ride quality and handling great on freeway. Im surprised it rides as good as it does on bumpy back roads considering its size and weight. Feels like a bigger car due to longer wheel base than predecessors. Sound system good, but not fantastic. Definitely like WMA/MP3 CD play capability. Power (140 hp) definitely adequate for this car. Definitely a great car for those of us with the environment in mind. Less expensive than a Prius with low emissions and great mileage. Cloth interior quality very good with excellent interior fit and finish. Trunk space more than adequate for couple.

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  Honda Known Quality - Not Quite - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda In Texas - December 6 - 6:33 pm

  I have been a Honda fan since 1990 - first Accord. I have had a total of five Hondas. Issues w/current 03 Odyssey: "engaging" noise w/back calipers (brakes) - Honda response: normal "slipping" of transmission seems to be looking for first - Honda response: normal characteristic of new five speed transmission "sputtering" when RPM between 1500 and 2000 - Honda response: EGR valve, replaced didnt help. Interior is awesome - got leather w/dvd road noise still pronounced, but overall comfort very nice. Van has plenty of power fuel economy not bad either (19 town and 26 on highway). Not very pleased at all w/customer service at Honda dealership - nothing seems to be Hondas fault!

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  best car ever owned - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By e feiling - December 6 - 3:20 pm

  replaced driver side elect.window motor, replaced fluid in awd unit, replaced front rotors ( my fault) too much road noise, great car in snow and ice except when making turns even at slow speeds.