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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  It does it all - 2003 Honda Element
  By JakeInTexas - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I HATE SUVs. With a passion. But I needed something to pull a jet ski and haul things. This car is amazing...it holds tons of stuff and pulls a 3-person WaveRunner without breaking a sweat. Its interior is terrific, and the exterior design really grows on you. The stereo on the EX is outstanding. Tint all the windows, it makes it look way better. The Element is in a class of its own...forget the Xterra and Escape. Theyre old school. The Element just makes sense.

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  Best SUV ... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sjkonig - October 12 - 10:00 am

  We test drove a lot of SUVs, but couldnt find the right one until we drove the Pilot. We were looking for an SUV that drove more like a car than a truck, had good power, 4WD capability, and versatility between cargo space and seating. The Pilot is exactly what we were looking for.

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  island of fun - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tiny - October 12 - 10:00 am

  i never thougt that i could be comfortable in a suv.the pilot is just as smooth as any mercedes.

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  Great compact SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bobrobin - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding features and ride for a vehicle in this class. Well put together and great interior versitility. Base model comes well equiped.

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  one year later - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hondavet - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 02 around one year ago and still love the car. Have especially enjoyed comfort, interior design and build quality. Car is still fun to drive, though it probably could use 40 more horse power and larger wheels. Has very good handling and aside from oil consumption in first 6000 miles no real problems (just turned 16K). The exterior design grows on you, but the large slab sided doors are an invitation to dents. Would be nice to have some sort of side molding or other protection. Sun roof controls should be near steering wheel.

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  joes review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By joe martinez - October 12 - 10:00 am

  its sooo cool. the performance parts are wonderfull. you can customize it in anyway u want .

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  Very Nice Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Benjamin Garcia - October 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is the greatest!

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  GREAT LOOK! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Blanco - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is very fun to drive and the ride beats any past civic. If you have ever owned or driven a honda civic in the past you will appreciate the difference in handeling and suspension on the 2003.

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  90 Day Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Boo Boo - October 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd honda and the best of the three. Like the power, and gadgets. In fact, just about every time i drive it, i discover something new...like the sliding adjustable armrest, and features on the Navigation system...i really enjoy the nav. Exterior could be a bit better, something is missing (style) on the front end.

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  I cannot stand the Honda Pilot Touring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kelly - October 12 - 6:22 am

  I have owned Hondas all my life. This is my 5th Honda, and it will be my last. Words cannot describe how frustrated and disappointed I am with this vehicle. I test drove the lower level version and thought it was great, but it was a huge mistake to upgrade to the Touring. That infotainment system is a joke. Ive almost gotten in accidents just trying to use it. Attempting to control the music/volume is a nightmare. Oh, and when were using maps the passenger has absolutely no control over the music. The 9-speed transmission is terrible. I feel like my neck hurts after driving because all of the jerking around. I am constantly fighting with this car to be in control. God forbid I have to do something quickly, like get around a stopped car with traffic coming, because the car doesnt react quickly to my foot. I despise this car, and we have it for sale, though no doubt will lose a ton of money on it. Im so glad were not the only ones having issues. We have registered the complaint with Honda Motor, and have brought it back to dealership a few times, but they are mostly dismissive of our concerns.