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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  WOW! - 2003 Honda Element
  By John Doe - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Only have 2K miles but WOW! what a vehicle - great!

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  Love our Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alane - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had our Pilot for a little over a month but weve done quite a bit of traveling in that time. Great solid car - handles curves like a dream. I really feel in control. Very tight. We lost space in going from a van but with a cargo box on top, were good to go. Kids LOVE the DVD player (I have to balance it with their reading!)The versatility with the 3rd seat is perfect for us.

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kathyc - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is awesome -- it rides as smooth as a car and the third rear seat is phenomenal. I went from an Expedition to a Pilot and have never looked back. The third row seat is so user friendly. The car is extremely comfortable inside too. Gas mileage could be a little better. Enjoy.

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  Gotta like this vehicle! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By stevethemonkey - February 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, this vehicle has been extremely reliable. It has decent power and enough space for a typical family.

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  Our VA Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By VAOdyssey - February 28 - 10:00 am

  In our first Month of ownership we have encountered only one problem, and that was not the fault of the vehicle or Honda. We took it on a drive to a family reunion in Nebraska and it handled everything we tried. The only drawback is the security system. When we were stopped in Indiana a criminal broke the window (in the sliding door- driver side) They did not steal anything but perhaps there could be a way to secure the windows.

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  comfort and reliability - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Tricia - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I use my car for outside sales and spend roughly 5 hrs a day driving. My car offers me comfort and reliability. I like the fact that the blind spots are minimal it gives me a wide view of the road and everything around me. I enjoy the huge trunk, great for shopping and hauling things you wouldnt normally be able to fit in a trunk. I test drove several other makes comparable to the Accord and none of them could compare. The Accord has a tighter suspension and lets the driver feel in control.

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  Best Civic Yet Made - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tsdfinn - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a 99 Civic DX Hatchback 5M with 160K on the odometer. The 2003 Civic Sedan has improved the pedigree in all areas. I can see both vehicles hitting 300K easily. Can you make that comment about BMWs? Honda has greatly improved the sound- proofing of the Civic as well as the transmissions quality. If I had a choice between Honda and other vehicles, I choose Honda hands down!

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  Solid Vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By David W. - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive always had Honda type cars and they all have a certain Honda feel to them. Solid if not spectacular and pretty rock solid if one doesnt "dog" the vehicle. Beautiful styling, fuel economy and hopefully, long term reliability. The car sits a bit higher than I was used to on the Integra but am slowly acclimating, doesnt accelerate as quick or handle as well as the Integra but hey, thats the trade off for a more fuel efficient, comfortable car. As a constant commuter who gets bogged in traffic as I do, this is a great car. For the open road, race car enthusiast, there are better choices.

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  Problems from the begining - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Kate - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my civic, really I do. But once I signed the papers and brought it home I noticed that it was REALLY hard to turn the stearing wheel. I thought, by never buying a new car before, that this was somewhat normal. Of course my brother was quick to tell me that it wasnt. I had to bring the car back to the place where I had bought it, and explain to them what was wrong. The salesmen who sold me the car got in and tried to turn the wheel himself, and was really shocked to find it almost next to impossible.

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  civic review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gotcha - February 28 - 10:00 am

  i love everthing about the car!