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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  Service Department Attitude - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jvwheel - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My Accord Has had brake problems. At first they were grabby. Then at 5000 mi they chattered. The service writer said it was my fault for braking hard - forgive me for using the brakes. They resurfaced the discs. (not replaced - I paid for a new car). Now at 7500 I again have brake chatter. Service is poor and service writerss have an attitude. I have driven new cars every couple of years and have never had a brake problem. Ill never been treated more poorly when requesting warranty service. Buy something else.... Serviced at Tempe Honda of Tempe, AZ

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  quality vehicel - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Eric978 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Driving the 2003 Honda Accord, anyone can tell its a real quality made vehicle. Its a great car that fits most peoples needs and the V6 model offers something for those with sportier tastes.

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  side impact...say no more.. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kpm - December 19 - 10:00 am

  we had a 2000 accord, and we got that one over a camry and more expensive sedans like the passat due to the fact we have kids in the back seats and the gov side crash tests for accord were nice. Then after a van hit totalled the passenger side of the car, but all three kids walked out of the accord (the car spun adsorbed full impact confined to the door structures).. well we got another accord 2003 LX.

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  Solid enhancements - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Deborah McDonald - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Honda has another winner with the 2003 Accord.

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  EX-tasy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By good-ha - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good buy especially if you want a sunroof, alloy wheels, etc. They all come standard in comparison to competing brands which have them as $$ options. I like the handling (not boaty like the Camry), construction, interior comfort, and overall driving experience. My only complaint so far is the mild wind noise from the drivers window (my 93 Corolla did not have that problem). I dont think you will be unhappy with the car unless you pick a defective one off the dealership lot.

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  awsome car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dkb - December 19 - 10:00 am

  i own a v6 accord and the car is awsome

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  Happy with Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Boy - December 19 - 6:30 am

  I am very happy with the CRV SE. I have had Hondas for over 16 years, I went from the Oddyssey to the Pilot in 2005 and now to the CRV in 06. Since all my kids have Hondas, I decided I didnt need a big vehicle anymore. It took me about a week to get use to the small size coming from the Pilot. I am very impressed and like the 4 cyclinder engine and ease in whipping around. My wife loves the car and this is the first time she ever said anything about the cars I buy.

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  The Civic EX has got it all - 2007 Honda Civic
  By lilodian - December 19 - 4:00 am

  Ive owned this car for a very exciting 17 hours now! Looks awesome, very smooth and quiet ride (engine revs pretty low even on highways), very comfortable interior, very handy steering wheel audio controls (for audiophiles like me), great Premium sound system w/ sub, XM is great to have, havent tried nav yet, havent tried sunroof yet. Definitely could use more hp, but this is an economy car so thats ok. Great overall ride and comfort, very good value for your money. Perfect car for high school/college kids or an entry level working man like me! I definitely think this car has got it all. If youre car-shopping with about $18000 to $22000 to spend, you must check this car out.

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  My Wagon Saved My Life - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Ryan83 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I am currently looking to buy another as I just totalled my EX Wagon on the highway in a snowstorm. I just purchased the car 6 months ago, had no problems whatsoever, and will definitely buy another one.

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  Another tranny failure - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By rolly - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Our tranny gave out at 71K. Lucky for the extended warrantee. The failure was very fast with little warning. I am not happy with the fit and finish of this van. Paint chips easily, dashboard has very thin color coating which scratches easily. rattles and shakes abound. Anti-theft key system failure left us stranded for two days early on.