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:

• 

  a great little suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cory hughes - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a great car family car. Youd think that an SUV wouldnt have that much power but this one has a lot. 160 horses worth of it. Its built really well. Average Honda quality. Its also quite roomy despite what the size looks from the outside. It turns as sharp as you could want. A short wheelbase. Easy to drive. A good car to learn in.

• 

  Love our Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By caseyb1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Read all the reviews, drove the competition. We have never been happier with a vehicle. The pilot has all the features & capabilities that we need.

• 

  If you can find one, BUY IT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By DukeBlueDevil - November 7 - 10:00 am

  We waited quite a while to get this car- -all the while seeing others zipping around in theirs and feeling Pilot envy! I LOVE THIS CAR. Our first Honda but definitely not our last. We are converts from the Volvo crowd. All I can say is that it was well worth the wait for it to arrive at the dealership.

• 

  Very Happy - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By T Frye - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 95 Civic. I enjoy the reliability of the Honda. The CR-V is so quiet I cant tell if it is on or off. My overall expectations have been met and then some. It is great on long drives. One of my best decisions. A "BLESSING" in disguise.

• 

  crv excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By The Boot - November 7 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle even tows my small trailer with my 4 wheeler on it.

• 

  Best van out there - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Guy - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Looked hard at the Town and Country, Sienna, and Windstar. Chose Honda based on reliability and reputation. Up to this point, it was the right decision. We just drove it 3000 miles on vacation and found it very comfortable and responsive.

• 

  Cant Go Wrong - 2000 Honda Accord
  By World Traveler - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Absolutely no problems. Does everything it claims. Engine/power is great. Live in Germany now and drive on the autobahn... Has no problems keeping up.. maintains speeds over a 100 MPH no poblem with plenty of power to spare (to include when it is fully loaded with passengers and luggage).

• 

  Great Little Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Pam2 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Hondas for 17 years and wont buy anything else. I decided to change from the 5 speed manual back to an automatic and bought the Civic because it was inexpensive and cute, cute, cute!! It surprised me at how quick it is. I was going from an Accord 5 speed with 150 horsepower to the Civic automatic with 106 horsepower. But this little car will scoot! Excellent value for the price.

• 

  So far so good! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ck2sb - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda. Almost bought the G35 coupe but finally decided that its not worth the extra $10k(fully loaded). The only problem (probably same for all Honda) is that I live on a hill and this car will roll down hill if the gas pedal is not pressed, which makes it very hard to control when going from parking to drive. Otherwise, this is a perfect car for the money.

• 

  This car is not reliable - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kicmich - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 2003 accord for 7 months and have had to take it back to the dealer for 3 problems. I have had a transmission leak, throttle body assembly failure, and my drivers seat broke. I bought the car so I had something reliable to drive but it is horrible. The throttle body assembly failure makes the acceleration sticky and the car is very hard to drive. It has been this way for over a month waiting for parts. Honda service stinks.