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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  Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bob1234560023 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Test drive one if looking. It will sell itself

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Stephanies Honda - December 1 - 10:00 am

  All in all its a great car. The pick up is great and the style is very sporty.

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  2003 EX-L V6 w/Navi - Graphite Pearl - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jebinc1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. Sold my 2000 EX-L V6 and bought this one. Got the soundproofing for $350, the full wing for $500 and the car for $26,500. Much quieter than the 2000. Tranny hesitates a bit going from Rev. or neutral to Drive. Once there, it is very smooth. Love the interior, but I felt the need to self install a day/night mirror with compass. Dont buy from dealer; buy online. Same parts. Overall, Id give this ride a 9.1. See suggested improvements

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  2003 Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By accord2k3 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Accord Coupe for the past 10 months and the fun has yet to stop. Heads still turn and questions are still being asked, definately a conversation piece. Not only does the Accord boast a sleek, stylish design, the v6 packs a PUNCH! Theres nothing cheap looking or of cheap quality about this car. I enjoy my Accord so much that I sometimes need an excuse to go somewhere! Spend the extra money on the v6, its truly well worth it.

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  great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By civic29 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great performance and luxury machine. Take off the traction control by pressing a button, and oyu have an instant turbo like feeling when you hit full throttle. One thing i would have gotten different would be, get a 6 speed!!!

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  Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Vin/alphakhl1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great sedan with everything i need in it.

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  EXV6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kreweb - December 1 - 10:00 am

  All the power you want. Very comfortable on 4,000 mile road trip. Has rattles in both front doors that drive me nuts. Everything else is outstanding.

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  2018 Accord. Another Terrific Generation! - 2018 Honda Accord
  By VMK TX - December 1 - 8:19 am

  After owning a 2013, 2014 and 2016 Accord I was excited about the new generation. The first thing that stood out when I sat in the vehicle is improved his visibility. The dash is low and the pillars are thin giving you terrific visibility. Navigation and heads up display are now properly placed (high) on dash. I was a little troubled initially because there was no full-time tachometer visible on the display. The factory ships this in the off position. It can be turned on full-time in settings and all of your other information is displayed in the center of the tach (looks great). There is a lot of discussion regarding the 1.5 L turbo. I have always bought the four-cylinder in the past for gas mileage. I keep the vehicle in eco-mode and have not noticed a difference in power with this engine versus the previous 2.4 L Others have mentioned engine noise but it is not noticeable in the touring model due to the acoustic glass on the front and sides. Engine is not broken in yet and I have already achieved over 40 mpg on the highway on several trips

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  50+ MPG! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mochaman - December 1 - 3:20 am

  The car is excellent in build quality and design. I drive 46 highway mi round trip and average 52 mpg with 64 mpg being my best under ideal conditions. If you relearn how to drive, anticipate stops (so you do not have to), coast downhill starting just before the Crest, etc. You can really improve on your Miles. It took me about a month of a feather touch on the throttle but if I can maintain 45-50 in moderate traffic I can achieve 60 mpg. If I drive More city routes or drive it like a normal car than my mileage drops to an average 40-45. Great car, comfortable drivers seat, excellent ergonomics, navi is a plus.

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  the next best thing to a lexus IS300 - 2000 Honda Civic
  By michael jackson fan - December 1 - 2:31 am

  I just bought this car used, got a great deal on it. Im 16, just got my license, my dad bought it because he has to commute and his Tundra gets bad mpg. I share it with my dad because i normally drive a 94 camry, good car but really slow, the civic is just more fun to drive. reliability + performance + good mpg = honda civic. there is really no other car to get.