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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  A new Honda Fan is born! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By new Honda FAN - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I must say that I was rather skeptical since I had never owned one before. I Previously had a Dodge Intrepid with the 3.5L V6 and thought that car was good. But it did have a few squeaks and rattles. This Accord has no noise, its still quiet and the leather is great. I drive a lot and the only thing I would ask Honda is to do something about the gas mileage. My Intrepid could go 455 miles on one tank of gas, the Accord only makes it to 325 and thats with the SULEV 4 banger. I love the car and look forward to my next new Honda... the Pilot.

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  Honda is smooth - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bocasteve - October 17 - 10:00 am

  awsome car, love to drive, great gas mileage, smooth ride

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ETam - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I was comparing this car against the VW Passat and Camry. With V6 and Nav. It is a no brainer. It is fun to drive, more like a Bimmer. It is a much better car than the VW and Toyota.

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  NICE CAR TOP!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rmpranoto - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Somebody give me this 2003 HONDA Accord a few month ago, and I sell my 2002 Accord and the price still good, make me happy!! I use this car for special ocassion I have accord EX 1992 with more than 123K mil, I always use this car everyday, still GREAT until now, and the value still good also. Never shame to drive with HONDA ACCORD.

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  Anyone reading this should buy an Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By nutter2759 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is MONEY! I cant wait to get off work just for the commute home. A great car to drive and just to be in. Excellent road trip car...

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  2003 Accord Coupe 6 Speed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By legalese77 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I wont bore you with everything I could say about this car. Its an ideal blend of subtle styling with just enough performance to get you in trouble and as well appointed as a bemmer 3-series for fewer clams.

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  Tuff Truck for Family - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Craftmanship - October 17 - 6:56 am

  Solid comfort - ind suspension is excellent - tows my 24ft trail very well. VTEC V6 is strong - all truck for a family unless you are a dirt nut. You get Honda Technology, Reliability and Resale - period. So many features and lots of interior room!!

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  Nice Drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jorge - October 17 - 4:16 am

  I love this car... is really fun to drive and easy in the traffic. Id buy it again.

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  Uh, Hello Mr. Eddie Pryor... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Helios - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Its nice that you like your S2000, but you might want to know just why the car is so exceptional. Honda built the S2000 as a 50th anniversary present to itself to commemorate its Formula One racing heritage. Theyve always been the best at squeezing maximum performance from small (i.e. light) engines -- so no, a "supercharged V6 or V8" was never part of the plan. Believe me, Honda knew what it wanted: theyre the worlds largest manufacturer of engines. P.S.: if you cant drive it fast, give it to me!

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  After the newness wears off... - 2003 Honda Element
  By kosheral - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After the newness wears off, you being to realize how many little features are lacking in this vehicle. I got the EX because I imagined it to be factory "loaded" like the other Honda models. Not having keyless entry is a big drawback with kids. Also, the lack of passenger lock/unlock is crazy! I like the look of the SUV, but there arent enough everyday conveniences to keep me happy. My Honda Civic was my favorite car ever, and I guess this just doesnt live up to the Civic.