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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  Good Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Baka Yaroo - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We have a 5 speed manual Accord that has been fun to drive. It is bit of a dog in first gear when the A/C is engaged, otherwise plenty of power with the 4cylinder - 5speed combo. The AC the second year does not cool as expected. Paint chips easily on the front plastic bumper.

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  i love it - 2003 Honda Civic
  By malek - April 11 - 10:00 am

  its enough to know that it holds the value

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  Grt Imprvmnts but still not quite there - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chris_pnoy - April 11 - 10:00 am

  My parents recently bought a new 03 Silver Civic and the improvements over the 01 EX Civic that I drive are great! The car is so quite compared to the 01. It feels and more like an older Accord. The chrome accents were neatly placed and add a touch of upscale. The drinkholder looks better with the cover. The dash with the 3 blue gauges is great but the speedo is harder to read at 30, 50, 70, etc... The yellow on the dash is odd. The newer armrest works better because passengers get a small piece too. The rear headrests are great for taller passengers and the fabric is pretty cool.. It should also come standard with alloys, floor mats & side airbags.

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  Honda and quality - I dont think so - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mooness - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bumper loosened and mis-aligned first month. Interior door trim came apart. CV drive boot loosened and tore. Leaking strut.

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  Honda Heaven - 2003 Honda Accord
  By amron - April 11 - 10:00 am

  What a fun sedan!! Plenty of get up and go. Love the cruise control and sound system controls on the steering wheel. The interior is roomy and very nice.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By timmy2003 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car, at first dont really like the back design, but it seems to grow on me the more I looked at it. I helps with a rear spoiler also. All in all, great car for the value, was going for the IS300 at first, but b/c of price decided to stick with an accord. This car kicks all others car butt in its class. Compare to a camry, more sporty, better suspension, feels much faster.

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  2003 Honda - Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bob richardson - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the 5th Honda our family has owned and without a doubt the best. My last one had 265,000 miles(6 mos. ago) and is still going strong. Hondas reliability is outstanding. Nice trim and styling, very good gas mileage and peppy V-6. Visibility could be improved somewhat. Also variuos controls could be improved by location & identification. Offer more colors.

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  QUALITY - 2003 Honda Accord
  By utley - April 11 - 10:00 am

  WHY CANT AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MAKE CARS LIKE THIS

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  Love my Accord(AGAIN) - 2003 Honda Accord
  By David Johns - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my third accord and the best one yet. my kids are driving the other two and are already talking about whos getting this one. I wish they had some type of rebates, but not having them keeps the resale value top in its class.

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  The best car ever made - 2002 Honda Accord
  By merrifield - April 11 - 8:00 am

  This is the best car! Everything about it is wonderful. Good resale value, reliability, and an all around gem.