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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  Everything I need but I would have liked - 2003 Honda Element
  By Buzzbomb - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The Element is a great vehicle with everything I want but I would have liked..... a. the sunroof in the back to be electric sliding. b. the sunroof to be able to be popped out with bike attachment on. it does not. c. a fifth seat would be nice. i do not need it but i am sure some people do.

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  Ready for take=off - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By diggie - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This SUV rides like a champ-floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. Feels like Im in a sedan with smooth automatic transmission and comfortable seats. Gages are all easily reachable, and the steering wheel has radio controll buttons to keep my eyes on the road.

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  A great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By symon - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a great car. Purchased 12/27/02 by going online at Honda.com to find dealers and got a response back from this dealer in Mobile, AL within 15 minutes and 10 minutes later made a deal. We saved a considerable amount over the asking prices of our local dealership and another closer dealer - ws below MSRP (local dealer did not respond to e-mail until after the beginning of Jan.) We took a check the next day and picked up our new Pilot. They also offer many extras when you have service done. It might be worth the drive from Pensacola to Mobile to get the service taken care of.

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  My 2nd honda vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By almunday - April 22 - 2:00 am

  this is my 2nd new honda purchase, 1st being in 2000 on a ex honda accord. I just took delivery of 2003 crv ex with auto. Ride is good for a mini suv with awd, so far I enjoy everything about the crv. although Ive only had it less then a week, Ive already put almost 400miles on it. Just a fun vehicle to drive. internet/fleet manager (Kevin) was excellent to deal with. Got me a good price, walked me throught the whole crv, just a good buying experience via Los Gatos Honda

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  great suv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alfaron1 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  this car has proved its weight in gold on road and off. burning rubber on and kicking up dust off.

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  cr-v ex4wd - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kevin hodges - April 22 - 2:00 am

  all around great car

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  Wow, what a car... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ISD - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car ... I had a Mazda Protege for 3 years and really liked it - before I drove the Civic! I spent one month test driving every conceivable small car and the Civic Sedan LX is miles ahead of them all. My wife drives a Nissan Maxima and the front passenger leg room in the Civic is almost the same as in our Maxima! Incredible space for a small car. I love the dashboard and gauges.

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  Outstanding AGAIN! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Davidapennington - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I just replaced my 1993 Accourd SE (kept)170,000 miles & like new!

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Karen Malecki - April 21 - 7:53 am

  The car is great. It rides very smooth, steering is wonderful and gets good gas mileage.

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  The last good Honda Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mark - April 19 - 1:01 pm

  This is the type of car where you buy it and you never want to let go of it. It just drives so well. The steering is perfectly weighted and laser responsive, acceleration is silky smooth, braking has the perfect, even distribution of stopping power, transmission is extremely smooth shifting and intuitive. Everything about the car just feels so sharp. Its rock solid reliable and will last forever. It doesnt just feel like a car. It feels like a machine. And a very solid, well-crafted machine at that. Probably the last "real" Accord well ever see. The 8th gen. got massive and lost the 7th generations refinement and sportiness. The 9th gen. is simply the jack of all trades and master of none. The 7th gen. Accord just has a timeless design especially from an interior standpoint. Its so simple, yet so elegant and premium. I love this car.