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:

• 

  Honda 2000 CR-V SUV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By iluckeei - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy driving my Honda CRV!!! Great mileage, leather interior, At 37,000 mi still drives like new.

• 

  Cheap Quality SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ttn - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We put over 13,000 miles within 8 months of ownership. There is no problem or whatsover with this quality SUV. I could not notice the difference between this SUV and the MDX that my brother just bought. Mine is just quiet as his except for $20K less.

• 

  Top Notch SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By RonBowden - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I think Honda are wonderful vehicles & CRV is one of the best Hondas! I Love that vehicle--the dealer was wonderful,too!! RON Bowden

• 

  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 3timer - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased for a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX 4dr Minivan w/Navigation for $27,800. Added an aftermarket DVD entertainment system. Had some initial problems as the people who installed the DVD/TV shorted out the dash by connecting the ground wire to the dash lights. After that it has been smooth sailing. This car drives and handles great. The ride is a bit less luxurios than the Town & Country limited, my other mini-van, but the handling is superior. The touch screen navigation system is unbelieveable. Punch in a businesses phone number and away you go. Overall a great mini-van for the price.

• 

  Great van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Mentonedad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I Love our new van it is great. Awsome leather, And my two kids are in heaven watching dvds in the back.

• 

  Good for the money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Porter - October 20 - 10:00 am

  A very reliable vehicle, very low maintenance. The only problem I have had is there was a defective part in the transmission that had to be replaced, which the on-board sensors picked up almost immediately. The performance of this car is superb and it handles exceptionally well. The gas mileage/fuel efficiency is tops for anyone that has a substantial commute (about 30 mpg with 87 grade gas and about 40 with 93 grade). Not only is it a "green" vehicle, it is a very well designed and is definitely worth more than what you pay for it.

• 

  Honda Civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By thelostspy - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Whithout a doubt i believe that this is the best car in its class, it has exceptional stability on the road, and has the power availble when you need it incredible since its comming from a 1.7 4 cyl

• 

  Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Anisa - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Just buy this car!

• 

  Great Car and Very Safe - 2002 Honda Accord
  By iam5050 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 12k mls on it 5 monts ago.It now is approaching 30k. I have had no hints of problems at all. The car is very comfortable to be in for long periods of time and it handles very well. I would like to note, I was in an accident recently in this vehicle and it held up remarkably. I was rearended at a dead stop by an older full metal car that was traveling at 30 miles per hour.ALthough there was over 5grand in damage and sever whiplash, i think that it could have been worse. By the way, the airbags didnt pop. I like the car and would suggest it to anyone who is looking for quality at an affordable price.

• 

  2 Days: Amazed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By The Jansens - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The car is beautifully engineered, and we have few complaints. The pillars give a somewhat large blind spot, and the wipers are easily turned on by knucles when turning the steering wheel