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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  Great car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By xander - April 11 - 5:16 am

  All the reviews are right...great value for the money you pay. This is the best affordable car out there right now. You cant find any better.

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  super roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By n1k - April 11 - 2:00 am

  great handling, quiter, interior metal look is nice, overall Honda made a nice change.

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  Honda 2004 Review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rglover - April 11 - 2:00 am

  XXXX

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  Honda CRV Handling - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By william Johnston - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was very functional. The interior extremely well designed, materials excellent. The one major draw back is the handling. The least amount of moisture on the road the tires do not grip and spin from a stop. Also the care has a pronounced pull to the right when accelerating from a stop.

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  Why spend more? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By LexLowkey - April 11 - 2:00 am

  If I had known the Civic was this good, I might not have bought my last car, an Accord V6 coupe. The Civic isnt as much car as the Accord, but its about $8,000 cheaper. Its also easier & more fun to drive in the city and much cheaper to operate - the Accord got 14 mpg in city driving, the Civic gets about 30.

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  2003 Accord DX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Rabih - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 2003 Accord DX Auto from Gillman in Houston. I think the DX is the best value around as it is on average 2000$ cheaper than the LX. It is better equipped than ever with a CD player, power windows, ABS, Automatic and AC. The engine is smooth and the gas mileage is excellent. The build quality is up to Honda standards. The interior is comfy and attractive. The exterior is conservative but elegant. In brief, it is a very practical and reliable car.

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  Great Purchase by RickyO - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RickyO - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great price for the accord, great interior features, solid built car, Realiable, fun to drive. Purchased accord over altima because you have to add packages to the altima, to get what the accord provides standard.

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  It works - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dannyjoe - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Peppy, tight, rough-riding, fairly quiet, roomy, and accecptable is what comes to mind. The disc player skips sometimes, and the car pulls to the right - I am told by the dealer that they all do that - a safety feature for those who fall asleep.

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  dealership sold me a lemon!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By amanda2 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  the reason why I bought a 2003 Honda Accord was the fact I loved the exterior design and I thought since it was a Honda it would last me for a long time. at this rate, I dont think thats possible. the dealership sold me a lemon and whenever I call the service dept. they give me the run around. one person working in the service dept. had the nerve to tell me a certain smell was normal for my car. which I know is false information. does Hondas employees seriously think whenever they hear a female voice on the other line they can give out b/s information?!

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  Excellent buy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By iluvgolf1 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great experience overall. Smooth ride with plenty of power. Relatively quiet cabin at freeway speeds.