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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  Forget the rest - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By See our V! - May 4 - 10:00 am

  If you want a reliable vehicle with loads of utility, good MPG, the handling of a car and the best safety rating in the segment, this is it. While it isnt as frugal as a Civic, its fantastic when you consider cargo volume and its AWD ability. 5 Star crash test rating all the way around. There arent many of those on the road for under $25,000. The CRV is truly an SUV for people that hate the ugly side of SUVs.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By tonyjosie - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car, especially on the gas usage side.

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  Environment- and human-friendly - 2003 Honda Civic
  By chrislee - May 4 - 10:00 am

  In 99% of my driving its hard to believe Im driving a hybrid. My decision to buy it was partially influenced by New York States $4000 incentive tax bonus, but I think I would have bought the hybrid anyway. It could use more horsepower on the highway, but Im not a speeder so Im very happy with its performance.

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  great little car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By PMF - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We like this car a lot. It is extremely thrifty on gas -- we averaged well over 55 m.p.g. highway, and have averaged 46-47 in the city. Weve owned it about 6 weeks, and have had no mechanical problems.

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  Love My Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By domer2 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Accord, 4 cyl. automatic for 6 weeks now. This is my first Honda. Did a lot of research on Honda and Toyota. Both ride well and have good reputation but styling sold me on the Accord. After I got the car I was just blown away by the quiet, smooth ride and solid construction. Gas mileage has been fantastic-over 30 on the highways. Plenty of pick up and passing power for me. Got the silver Acord and when clean on a sunny day I get lots of approving looks. Couldnt be happier.

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  Value + Refinement = GOOD CHOICE! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By LXLOVER - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Accord LX is much improved over the older models. The constant din of road noise has been significantly reduced, the 5 speed automatic makes the standard 4 cylinder responsive and quick- enhancing overall performance. Im glad I didnt pay an extra 3 grand for the V6! Workmanship and fit are very good, and choosing a Japanese assembled unit over its Ohio or Mexican counterpart helped. I compared all three!

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  Better than everything else - 2003 Honda Accord
  By chrislee - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Even though Consumer Reports rated the Passat slightly higher than the Accord, the latter is by far the best family sedan on the market.

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  Awsome - 2003 Honda Accord
  By GoNewman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I am 21 and this is my 16th car. This is by far the best. It looks great, handles great, and the brakes are awsome. I couldnt have asked for more for the price!

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  A Quantum Leap - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tot - May 4 - 10:00 am

  2003 Accord EX V6 Fit and finish is exceptional reminding me of the fine European cars. The new exterior design borrows from German design trends and looks great. The interior is well done and the controls have that tight German feel to them. 240 horsepower is really fun. The car is an absolute dream to drive. Thank you Honda.

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  Honda Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Donald Bandy - May 4 - 2:13 am

  Traded in my 2003 Honda Accord V-6 for the new Hybrid model. Overall, there is not a lot of difference in the two, but the Hybrid seems a little more solidly built for some reason, and quieter also. Handles a little differently, but I cant really say which one is better. Acceleraton is better with the Hybrid, and of course the mileage is better.