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 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By SFL Jerry - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the CRV , fun to drive

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  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Navy Doc - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have been Toyota owners (Camry & Previa) for the last 10 years. I was dissapointed for the overpriced 2004 Sienna. I contacted every Toyota dealer within 200-300 miles and none wanted to sell the car less that MSRP ($28,800) because "the vans were selling faster than they can keep them on the lot". I got more with the 2003 Honda Odyssey EX plus full nose cover and towing package for a total of $27,000 out the lot. The Honda dealer was very courteous and extremely helpful. I sold the Toyota Camry and got another Honda: Civic LX. You can get more for less by buying a Honda.

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  Best Choice Ever!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By A family - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This was our first choice of a mini-van and we love it! Its only been 3 weeks and weve put over a 1,000 miles on it. Everytime were on the freeway we cant even feel how fast were driving, its such a smooth ride!! We even looked at a 2004 Sienna that a friend just bought but the Odyssey seemed more spacious than the Sienna. Didnt get the DVD entertainment system, wasnt worth the money ($1,500)especially for a 5 in. screen.

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  Over paid Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JaeP - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle, wish it was quieter. I rented a 02 sienna the last year for a trip and could talk without raising my voice. Over rough roads, pretty noisy. I even had $1200 soundproofing done but it needs to be designed from the ground up. This on top of $1000 over list.

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  best of the best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By c_marshall - July 30 - 10:00 am

  incredible power, great erfonomics, unbelievable ride.

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  One Great Car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By PSINGER - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had Hondas for 26 years and this is my 2 Odyssey.Drives smoothly with lots of room for luggage and/or groceries.Handles very well.I live in Florida during the winter so I cant give any ratings as to how the Odyssey handles on ice/snow.I will continue to get the Odyssey again and again.GREAT CAR.on a basis of 0 to 10,Id give it a 10.

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  Honda Convert - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By myfirstminivan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My first Honda, always had German cars, but Honda is excellent value and was closest I could get to Eurpean quality and driving experience in a minivan. My first Minivan, tested them all! New Sienna $6K more for similar features and did not compare - the Honda van drives like an executive car. Very very happy customer.

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  Excellence! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By whassupd - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had a bad experience with any Honda Ive ever owned.

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  Happy Wife/Happy Children - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Manuel Salazar - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt planning on purchasing a mini van but I did. I took a test drive and was satisfied with the performance. I like the trunk space and the ability of the third row seat to fold into the trunk space. Relocating the spare tire between the 1st & 2nd row seats was a great idea. Why did I purchase an Odyssey versus American brand and Toyota? I previously owned a 1986 Honda Accord and own a 1996 Acura 2.5TL and never had problems with both cars (Honda - 275,000 miles/ Acura - 155,000 miles). Honda is a quality product that I and my family can depend on.

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  Love Mine - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Angel_Gina - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Went from a 2001 Z 28 Camaro to this.. so i have to get use to driving alittle slower. handles very good.. love the color ( blue ) and the gas mileage beats the Z by far..