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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  Still worth it - 1996 Honda Accord
  By anotherdee - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner and have had no major problems with this car. This is my fourth Honda and third Accord. Im convinced. If and when this car bitest the dust, I will definitely buy another one. I keep up regular maintenance on it.. I take care of it and it takes care of me!

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  The word for this vehicle is "Nimble" - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Billy - September 25 - 12:55 am

  We traded our 5 year old Accord for this new baby and after three weeks of ownership the opinion is mixed. On the positive side this is a very easy to drive and very nimble vehicle, zips around corners easily and the acceleration is great. Ride comfort is okay, not great -but the noise level is a little much for an SUV of even this size. Our first three weeks average mixed mileage is 27 mph driving fairly conservatively, so not sure where that wonderful reported 32 mpg is. The most annoying thing about this vehicle is the controls for the radio and heater- big huge buttons for the temperature control but tiny little useless dials for the radio volume and channel control. Yes if youre not driving you can do lots of things but easy control for the driver does not exist in this vehicle. In addition the braking is very choppy- but perhaps this is due to the newness of the vehicle. We hope to love this vehicle eventually.

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  MORE VROOOM PLZ! - 2003 Honda Element
  By HAZMAT - September 24 - 10:00 am

  The Element shined on a recent surf trip to Mexico. The gas milage and utility features made the trip a pleasure for me. I didnt have to worry about my bros spilling beer on the seats or getting sand all over the inside!

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  The Element is Excellent - 2003 Honda Element
  By Biff - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Its a Honda, its cool, and it turns heads. I cant tell you how many people have asked me how I like my Element. Highway ride is nice - and there is no "drum" sound that many of the critics talk about. I am 67" tall, and I have plenty of head and leg room. MP3 jack and excellent stereo system enhance the sweet ride of the Element! If you are looking for a versatile SUV - this is the one.

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  Pilot cruisin @ 80mph - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Coachjam - September 24 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is all that you need in a midsize SUV. It handles like the 2002 Accord that I own, it does well on the gas(I used to own one of the big domestics) and it is spacious enough for my family of four with plenty of baggage. I have been on two 2000 mile road trips and have been well pleased and pleasantly surprised with the performance. My golf clubs fit perfectly in the rear.

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  Great Features/Value - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LikesOnlyCars - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I hate SUVs/MiniVans, yet needed more space for Kids and stuff. After many hours of research, the Honda came out on top. For its size, carrying capacity, quality, features, and more, this crossover is a great value even at sticker. Very comfortable on trips/town. A drivers SUV with very good handling and MPG for weight. More torque would be appreciated, not necessary. Top notch build quality. Very ergonomic, well thought out.

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  Preferred Choice, no "buts" - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By redirector - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV loves the freeway, the mountains, the back roads, the long trips. Makes driving and carrying a real pleasure. Around town, parking and manueverability is very good. I think some of the long list of "improvements" listed by JLarry, would drive the price to $40k or more, and add weight. Keep it simple, the vehicle is superb and safe and a great value even at MSRP.

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By w360 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  We have had our 2003 Odyssey for four months. It lives up to Honda Reliability, Quality and Performance. Great family vehicle, lots of space for strolller, diaper changing and picnics in the back when its cold or raining. Its worth the extra money to go Honda...itll still be worth 50% after 4 years compared to the competition.

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  Amazing Car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By A Happy Man - September 24 - 10:00 am

  While shopping for my first new car, I drove every compact and mid size under the sun and the Civic was the obvious choice. The Civic was my first foriegn car and Im kicking myself for driving all those American pieces of junk for so many years(except American trucks)! The manual EX is exciting to drive with nice acceleration and seats that hug you like a race car! Combine the performance with a moonroof and a 6 spkr sound system and you have a winner.

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  BEST CHOICE IN ITS CLASS ! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Noonan - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about four months. The accord 0ffered more options and a more sporty ride compared to other vehicles in its class (ie Camry & Altima . The resale value on a honda is unmatched for its price range. The stereo and heat/ac controls are relatively easy to operate while driving. The l.e.d spedometer is entertaining and easy to read. The 160mph top speed on the speedometer makes driving slow even slower.