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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  My S2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By vel7wil - March 25 - 2:00 am

  At 46 this is the most fun Ive had driving a vehicle in quite a while. This is the purest definition of the phrase "driven".

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  fun and reliable - 2000 Honda Civic
  By P Diaz - March 25 - 2:00 am

  At first glance the car looks pretty basic. However once you start the car and hit that pedal you will forget the car only has 106hp and 103 torque. Although sluggish with more than 2 adult men in the car. The potential for tuning this car is almost limitless.

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  Ice performance - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tatrinh - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I dont usually write any reviews but after this weeks ice storm in Dallas, I had to testify for the performance of this vehicle. The 4WD system handled the completely iced roads beyond my expectations. I loved driving past other non-4WD SUVs and cars who were slipping and sliding just to find grip. I have read many past postings where people say the Pilot isnt a true 4WD vehicle and it cant go off-road, but I will take it in the sleet and snow anyday. Im not much into technical jargon such as "center locking differential" or AWD vs. 4WD, but I do know that the Pilot will get you to where you want to go safely while others could be in the ditch.

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  Good SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By murali - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Value for money. and honda quality makes it a winner

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  2003 CRV-EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By pauls - March 25 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is fun to drive, if you are looking for off-road action do not buy this SUV.

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  2003 Honda CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crv me ex - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the spacious feel and drivability on the road. Was looking for something larger but still decent gas mileage and it fits the bill. Good milage on the open road.

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  My new Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By akshay - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is by far the best Minivan that I have ever driven. Love the 240 HP V6 engine. The 3rd seats which magically disappear are a huge plus. The high safety rating combined with a very comfortable ride have made me an extremely happy owner.

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  Disappotined - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Raguu - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I thought Id love the Honda. My last minivan was a Dodge and boy was I wrong. The biggest selling point is the fold down 3rd row and I think the reason is its the only thing better than the dodge!

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  Im actually PROUD to drive a minivan! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mfallo - March 25 - 2:00 am

  3 years ago I purchased my VW Passat because Consumer Reports magazine rated it best family car. HA! What a joke! From day one I had no idea what the editors were thinking. But when I was due for a new vehicle, again I listened to the experts, giving them one last chance. The Odyssey is everything it claims to be and more. A mom definately had a say on the design of this thing. The best car I ever owned before this was a 1991 Honda Prelude, and this minivan has the b---s of that little Honda. Once you step in you are surrounded by ingenious design, luxurious leather, and such a smooth ride that the big bus feels like a small sporty sedan.

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  Radio Trouble - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wdr - March 25 - 2:00 am

  My daughter bought this car thinking honda was a great product. She bought it from Rick Case Honda.I advised the service manager the radio has static while driving (not all the time ) They said the radio is working according to factory specs and I should just accept it. Honda america hung up on me when I tried to create a case #. And a manager W/ Rick Case was to call me 4 days ago. Beware of the lip service the Rick Case adds have because its not true. They have yet to fix or help me with my problem