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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  be civiclized.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dirtynail - July 5 - 10:00 am

  baving driven trucks and suv all my life, i thought i would never buy a civic. but you cant beat the value and high gas mileage will put more money back into your pocket. car is all around a good car. much fun to drive. the car is not as ugly inside as outside. 127 horse power is quite adequate for this light car.

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  Snow and Cold no problem - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jeffme - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic fuel economy even with winter treads and subzero temperatures (44-48 mpg winter / 46-55 mpg summer). No problem with battery pack or vehicle starting on several winter mornings with temperature at -30 deg F. Handles hilly, snow covered dirt road driving very well and is easy to control in slippery conditions. A very substantial, fun and sensible car to drive!!!

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  excellent car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By atlantadriver - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car all around. Interior design cannot be beat, you must see it and experience it. Good handling, great acceleration, relatively quiet, well built. You will not be sorry, but compare it first with Camry V6, Passat, and Maxima.

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BobbyQ - July 5 - 10:00 am

  If you plan on getting the accord sedan or coupe, you HAVE to have the V6!!Its so much fun to drive, it handles like its an extension of your consciousness. Wow!

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  Bobs comments - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bob Malcolm - July 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2003 V/6nav. to be our "work horse". We take one way 600 mile trips. The car performs very well, even over the CA "Grapevine". We drive in the fast lane and still get 26.0 - 27.5 mpg. Only problem, the hook for the driver sun visor broke. We love the car. We added a wide angle rear view mirror that helps for blind spots and a full front mask to prevent stone chips. The leather seems to suck up conditioner and dulls quickly.

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  What car did Edmonds Drive? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gradywhiteman - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I looked at and drove a BMW 330i, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, and VW Passant GLX. I looked at an Accord last only because I have been unsure of the exterior styling. The truth is that on an overall scale the Accord is 95% of the car of the BMW and Audi (except for the status label) but at 65% of the cost. At the fact that I only had one very small problem in 5.5 years with my old EX V6 and the Accord is unbeatable. Incidentally the ride quality is quite balanced and good and certainly not mushy - I have no idea what car Edmonds drove.

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  always buy a honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By claudia - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car two days ago!! I cant believe how it drives. We feel very safe in the car. I am glad I bought it. We looked at the civic, but for only $48 more a month we got the accord. The interest rates are the best. At 2.9%, my payments were low and all I put down was $500. It is roomier than the last years styles. We had a 93 accord for 8 years and it never failed. Go for it. Hondas dont die.

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  Love IT - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Te - July 5 - 8:23 am

  Bought from out of town dealer.Better deal and correct color. Transmission leaking first day. I returned to local dealer and Honda replaced with new tranny in 2 weeks time I had it back again.I really enjoyed the service dept. and the free loaner. My loaded Ridgeline has no more leaks and drives brand new again. I would buy another one for my wife.

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  Great, Towable, SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsilvertrecker - July 4 - 10:20 pm

  I needed a second car that I can tow behind my motorhome with all four wheels down, so that screening criteria eliminates many autos. With one exception, a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD, I have owned Honda and Acura products for the last ten years and this car meets the quality that I have come to expect from Honda products. A V-6 would be nice, but everything else is superb. I like the styling, the fit and finish are perfect, the interior space is surprisingly adequate, and the fuel economy is what I hoped for. I also like another aspect of Honda ownership and that is the joy of reading articles that consistently rank my cars among the best or the best in almost every reasonable category

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  08 Accord EX-L V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JTC - July 4 - 10:30 am

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. I have had several people ask me what model BMW it was. The ride is very comfortable. The variable cylinder management is smooth and flawless.