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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  Should has not bought the first year - 2003 Honda S2000
  By concon - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Loves to go fast. Not much torque on the low end but it sure kicks in after 6000. Fits like my favorite jeans and t-shirt like it was made just for me.

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  1996 Civic HX - 1996 Honda Civic
  By razzy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I drove this vehicle for 33,000 miles without any complaints. Great gas mileage, sporty feel, and fun to drive. I recomment the civic to anyone on a budget.

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  New Element Owner - 2003 Honda Element
  By MESOILEAU - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Orange Element 2 days ago. I love the way it drives - it is smooth. It is also very roomy and I love the styling. It has good pickup, but could offer an optional V6.

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  So funky its cute, like a lil o turtle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Little turtle - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Element about a month ago, I had to have it. Its been great so far other then the mileage which everone is complainig about. I think the design is fantastic, funky, orginal, FUNCTIONAL, and just down right cool. Its like a modern day Woody. It drives much better then I imagined, more like a car then an SUV/truck. The pick up/power is great especially for an in-line four. I get lots of attention in it, mostly positive. In summary this vehicle is the most refreshing and original thing out there right now. Great job Honda, other auto designers have a thing or two to learn from you.

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  Why PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Douglas N - July 31 - 2:00 am

  An SUV V6 size surprising roomy, smart design between the driver/passenger seats. The engine is exceptionally smooth and quiet. Stereo quality that one can only expect in a more expensive vehicle. Starts as 4 wheels, changes to 2 wheels when cruising, auto-switchs back to 4 wheels in sleepery surface. The Pilot is heavier--> stable than, let say the Highlander, and a bigger engine, but uses only 1 mile more per gallon. The rear does not shake when cruising like the Highlander. Share most with the ACURA MDX, with minor differences, with .4 higher, more head room... for 10K less than the MDX.

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  Perfect car for our new family - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Steve111000 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 2003 EX CRV automatic. My first though on this car (before test driving it) was that the four cylinder would be anemic. However, Ive found it to be fairly peppy and definately fast enough for us. There was more torque than I imagined it to have. The car handles well and the turning radius is excellent. Also, the interior build quality is spot on with plenty enough room for our new baby. All around its a great (small) family hauler. If our family gets larger, Ill look forward to getting a Pilot.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chris001 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for almost week. All controls are easy to reach and use while driving, nice cup holders and storage. Adequate power off the line and passing. Handling is responsive and comfortable, the brakes are touchy. Auto-stop is nice when at a drive through (easier to hear and talk with the people for ordering, etc) Adequate sound system. Easy to install child seats into it. Minimum of wind and road noise. Fuel economy on my first tank of gas was only 37-40mpg highway (I commute 110 miles a day, so it was dissapointing) I refilled the gas tank, my trip odometer read 466 miles and 40.4 mpg, I put in 12.4 gallons which calculated to 37mpg.

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  Dream car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Angelas Accord - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive been coveting this car since last fall and was on pins and needles as the dealer tried to find the car in white. Having finally taken delivery of it, it is everything I expected and more. The car is responsive and quiet. The seating is comfortable and can fit my family of four easily. The leather and wood trim are nice touches that "luxury- ize" the vehicle. And, the 6-speed is a blast to shift through. I previously drove a 95 Civic to 170k miles -- Im looking foward to another 170k in this Accord.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Honda Accord
  By zjoewang - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The interior of this car is nice. The ride however is a bit rough (I guess thats why you have Lexus and Mercedes ;-). The audio is so-so. Handling reasonable. I got 29.5 mpg on strictly high-way (cruising at 80 mph). A bit disappointed there. I dont regret my purchase decision, except I should have given Camry more thought next time...

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  The Best Buy ! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lesli Eisenhart - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first Accord on 1994 and just traded it in (could have kept it) for the new 2003! Redesigned with more room, leather is fantastic and the sound system rocks! I love the new dash, the heated seats are nice and comfy. it handles very well, smooth ride, little road noise but that is ok, unlike the Camery, were you cannot hear anything (not good for EMS/Police) Highly recomend!