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:

• 

  this is an economy car? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wai2fast - April 6 - 10:00 am

  800 miles on the odometer and I am still smiling everytime I drive this car. The suspension is a bit harsh on NYC streets, but then again what suspension isnt in this city? Im really impressed with how the car feels so connected to the road. Ive driven other econoboxes before (Corolla, Impreza) and none of them have the same "feel". The front seats are second only to the ones found in more expensive German models.

• 

  I just like hachbacks - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Honda Boy SiR - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I started out convinced that id never like a japanese car. I was in the market for a sub-compact hachback, so i gave it a test drive. My whole outlook on japanese cars changed that day. The Civic SiR (Civic Si in america) hase a very nice short throw "raly style" shifter and exelent throtle response. It corners as if on rails and sports some of the best front seats in any car. The sterio is quite impresive for a facory unit, the rear seat is surprisingly roomy. All in all: this is one sweet ride.

• 

  cheap junk - 2002 Honda Accord
  By faulty advertising - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Im a little over a year into a 3 year lease on a Honda Accord SE Coupe. My cash will NEVER go to Honda AGAIN! Little is as promised, bad mileage, pitiful quality, most of the 150 horses appear dead, headlights offer little light, rattles and squeeks everywhere. Service will have a long list of warrenty repairs before I dump this loser later this year. LOOK ELESE WHERE!!

• 

  Great car, Nav system is tops! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By NewHondaFan - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Tested Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Chevy, Cadillac, Mercedes- Benz, and others. The Accord is the best family sedan currently being manufactured (7-series excepted). The Honda voice-controlled computer/nav system is the best on the market, beating Cadillac and MB hands down. Its a shame that most reviewers arent avvy enough to report on it more. Its not all about the computer system, though. The drivers seat is incredible in its ability to soothe my aching back. Ive owned cars with good back support, but none compares to this Accord. All around, this is a fabulous car.

• 

  My 13th Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Phil Tatum - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Civic in 1975 and then 12 Honda Accords. Previously I owned everything from Volkswagons to Cadillacs and none compare to the quality and reliabilty of the Honada. I love the power of the 2003 V6 (240 HP..it will zip when you put it to the floor. Like I said this is my 13th Honda...highly recommend to everyone!!

• 

  Great Value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rsr72 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a SUV for the Accord. What have we been thinking... Car buyers lusting after these SUV beasts! The Accord has so many features! We paid just $21400! Leather, dual-climate control, power moonroof, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 5-speed automatic plus 30 mpg and a great safety rating. Do you think you could get all that in an SUV? The 160HP 4 cyl has plenty of power and I feel is a better value than the 240HP V6.

• 

  More Bang for Buck - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rinaldo - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Compared to Sebring LXI and Hyundai Sonata. Car has more features very well built.Honda had total driver comfort in mind.Peppy 4cyl and for reliabilty/price you cant go wrong. 100% satisfaction.Great resale to other two cars i looked at.Got car for good price also.

• 

  One Pretty Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Taracat - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt decide between Accord and Camry, all I had to do was sit in the Accord, didnt even drive it first. Love the new style, lots of luxury features without the cost. Got a great deal with great financing.

• 

  Love our used car - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By M. Crawford - April 5 - 7:09 pm

  We bought the Honda 2000 Odyssey in 2004. The warranty was still valid. This can has been super-reliable and super-comfortable for our family of five and two dogs. After the warranty expired, an automatic door stopped working easily. Eventually we stopped using it. We had a mechanic do the 100K service of changing the water pump and timing belt; that cost about $950, which was much cheaper than the dealership. When the car reached 16 years of age it needed a new transmission. The repair cost is too much for the age of the car, so we are trading it in.

• 

  Super Bargain SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By JZinAZ - April 4 - 1:16 pm

  I had been considering smaller SUVs (CRV, RAV-4, CX-7) when I dicovered Honda was selling Pilots at the same price of these lesser vehicles. Hello! With almost $7,000 off of MSRP, this was an easy decision. Im a city boy so the FWD-only option was attractive. Honda builds great cars, this is one more example.