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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  Cant go wrong - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kmore15 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I wish I could afford a BMW x5, but then again this is an excellent vehicle in its own right. Nice to have the third row having four kids. The DVD system is a nice touch. Priced much less than the Acura but lacks a sun roof. Hope they change that.

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  I just LOVE it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JennyK - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt wanting a minivan until my husband made me sit in one. It is so wonderful. If I travel alone with the kids I dont have to get out of the car to help them. When it is raining or snowing you can help them get coats on before getting out of the car...the list goes on. You dont have to crawl over anything to get to the back either. When you go to a park or game the back seat flips in a way the you can sit and look out. Will be great for tailgating...

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  Its A Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By vicp - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This will be my fourth Honda in the last 10 years. What can I say!!!! Its a wonderful vehicle to rely on. Owned a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. NEVER AGAIN. Wife Likes it as well. My four year old and 16 month old love watching their favorites on DVD.

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  FIRST HONDA EVER! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By GUNSTAR1 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAVE SO MANY FRIENDS THAT DRIVE THEM BUT WE NEVER OWNED ONE UNTIL NOW.AS A THIRD CAR(WE ALREADY OWN A QX4 AND NISSIAN FRONTIER CREW CAB) THE 2003 CIVIC THAT WE BOUGHT IS A GREAT LITTLE CAR.WE GOT THE 1.9% DEAL FROM HMC AND FREE OIL CHANGES FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR.HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS,I SPOKE TO THE TECH AND HE TOLD ME IT HAD A BAD WIRE MODULE FROM THE FACTORY.OTHER THAN THAT I WOULD SAY TO ANYBODY WITH CONVICTION BUY THIS CAR!!!!

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  Civic Review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wvcivicman - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic is an excellent car, far surpassing the other cars in its class, when considering original cost, trade-in value, and outstanding fuel economy.

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  Cool Car..!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By berr - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely the best in its class. Runs very smooth, powerful, fun to drive and affordable. It feels like you are driving a $50.000 luxury piece. I trust my Accord deeply. I belive it wont let me down for long years. It is dependable, safe and very reliable.

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  Another great Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jsherm007 - April 17 - 9:46 am

  This car is my 15th Honda. I must say these cars have been great over the years. I traded in a 2005 Accord on the 2006 Civic due to the cost of gas, and the length of my daily commute (120mi RT). The build quality is fantastic, the interior is pure luxury for this price range, and the engine is as powerful as my Accord. Not to mention it has ABS, all power options, side air bag, quite interior, etc. It is a great package for the price and you know its a Honda.

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  Love the EX - 2010 Honda Civic
  By wak215 - April 17 - 1:50 am

  Ive had this car for over one week now and love it! The fun to drive factor is out of this world regarding the 5 speed. I test drove an automatic and it just does not compare to the do-it-yourself rev happy manual (6,800 RPM red line)! The way the manual interacts with the drive by wire system is phenomenal and the engine loves to sing the further you get on the RPM scale. Fit and finish are excellent. The digital MPH / analog RPM is most ascetically pleasing. Kudos to the standard sound system. Factory installed XM Radio was my only option. The grin still hasnt left my face, even in heavy traffic as the clutch is very light and the shift throws are close ratio.

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  Voice recognition and Navigation are TERRIBLE - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - April 16 - 12:01 pm

  The Voice recognition and Navigation 0n 2116 Honda CRV is TERRIBLE. Its hard to use and wont work the rest of the time. Even the service department and sales department cant figure it out . Service Dept. told me to have Sales Dept figure it out, Sales Dept told me to have Service fix it. This is the only Honda I have ever bought that I have regretted buying.

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  yes - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By laura lyon - April 16 - 9:17 am