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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  Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By cardr - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I thought it was really ugly at first. But after I looked inside then drove it, I just had to have it. So far so good! My Element is even better than I thought! The salesperson at the dealership was really professional. Theres just so much to say about this car!

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  A fun and practical car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By CheifWiggum - December 23 - 2:00 am

  What can I say about the car? I love it to death. From the spunky 1.6 VTEC engine to the precise handling. I bought this car use for around 11,000 and it has been a great investment. Its fun to drive around hitting redline in this thing. Its also really reliable. Ive had no problems in the 7 months Ive had the car. My only gripes are the lack of torque, but hey its a honda.

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  So far its awesome! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By royboy - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot rides like luxury; handling is good - reminds me of my old Acura Legend. Pulls our 17 pop-up camper (2600lbs) and family of 5 w/out a problem. Plenty of power and torque. Very roomy except for 3rd row, which is for small children. Paid $500 below MSRP in August 02.

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  Just Because its Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Prityboy - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Just because its Honda made this SUV a bit overpriced. No doubt great ride and such ... but, a little bit more options should have come out as a standard feature because of its price.Good Luck to all of us 1st year buyers.I wish Honda would take into accounts our comments and give us a recall and reward current owners(only75k units) to make some features standard. Keeping my finger cross ...

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  Love the Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bdell - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love driving this vehicle. Its my first Honda and wont be my last. I paid under sticker and had a great experience with this purchase.

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  A True Mid-Size SUV Has Finally Arrived! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By S.Dam - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve looked at Tahoe, Expedition, Explorer, Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia. We finally came across 03 Pilot at Huggins Honda in North Richland Hills, TX. Looking at Honda Pilot from the outside can be very deceiving; it was the INSIDE that got us hooked. The moment we realized it has a 3rd row seat, we immediately asked for a test drive. Pilots well- built 240-HP VTEC engine truly delivered. We bought our 2003 Pilot from the dealers show room with 10 miles on it! Though negotiation took longer than expected, we were extremely satisfied with the purchase. Huggins Honda staffs were nice and professional.

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  CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Pierre Plourde - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy owning and driving my fully loaded CRV 2002.

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  You cant go wrong with the CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Luke989 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The Cr-v is awesome.ITs v-tec 160 horespower engine has plenty of power for your daily commute.Its Realtime awd is great and can get you through the snow and slush.

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  watch out for falling snow - 2001 Honda Civic
  By a little aggravated - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I would have to agree with some of the other reviewers who say that even Honda does not make a perfect car. There are little idiosyncrasies that you have to either get used to or get rid of the car. I guess every rose has its thorn.Last winter we didnt get much s New England. This winter we have. Now I know that my cars trunk is designed to dump any and all precipitation on the top of the trunk directly INTO my trunk when I open it. This is particularly fun when you are coming home with twenty bags of groceries. Because paper bags and water do not like each other very much.

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  A Favorite with Flaws - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Peter12345 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The LX rides well in the city. On country roads and freeways the sound of the road comes through the floor, annyingly so. The body feels as sturdy as a box; it literally feels like a go- kart with panels. Its been quite reliable in terms of the engine, but the body is falling apart. The exterior panels are so thin and the electrical windows are poor in quality; the passenger window sticks in open position when its humid or raining. A fun ride with definite flaws.