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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  The Long Way Home...... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mike33 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Since purchasing my 2000 Honda S2000 more than two months ago, I find myself often driving the long way home from work. Everything about the S2000 just feels right. From the exotic exterior to the fit like your favorite jeans interior, the Honda S2000 is an amazing car. I traded my 2002 RSX Type-S in for a Honda Certified 2000 S2000 with 12 thousand miles over two months ago. Being that the car is my daily driver, I was concerned that the while the car would be fun to drive, it would deliever a rough overall ride. So far the car only feels slightly stiffer than my last two Hondas (GS-R and a RSX-S)and is very easy to drive around town in.

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  Its everything they say it is!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mercedguy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the funnest car ever built. Takes me back to the days of my MGBs, only with the comforts, conveniences and reliability of a Honda. Quite a few people dont even know what it is! But they are all impressed with its looks and styling. Dont use for everyday commuting and grocery store runs...this is strictly a fun, take-to- the-mountains, "getaway" car. Its everything the reviews say it is. The engine SCREAMS!! It is so fun its almost scary. You want to go faster and faster thru the corners, and it just STICKS to the road. Keeps the adrenaline going for sure. Best car purchase Ive ever made.

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  excellent ablities and very fun to drive - 2003 Honda S2000
  By drkhoury - April 29 - 10:00 am

  i have owned C5s, M3s, VR4, eclipses, camaros and now i have finally settled on the S2000...witha greta price tag youget many high performance ablities ...trust me for all you speed demons you will definetly love this car, and so will She.

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  MY02 Spa - 2003 Honda S2000
  By HoopJester - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The S2000 is not for most people. It is a car dsigned for a true car enthusiest. Ive driven most 2 seaters, the TT, Boxter, Z3, Z4, and the new 350Z. Each of the cars has their own up and downs, but for my money its Honda all the way.

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  Completely Satisfied So Far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rcn - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 96 Toyota Camry on my new Pilot and havent looked back. I was used to a quite ride with the Camry, and the Pilot offers the same (which is surprising for a mid-size SUV). Ive only had it a week, but so far its been everything I wanted in a new vehicle -- comfort, roominess, smooth ride, performance and style. Honda has done a superb job of focusing on details, from the placement of controls to the feel of the leather seats. The interior is spacious and the center console is a great organizer for CDs, DVDs, cell phone, etc. The DVD player is a "BIG HIT" with my two 5 year olds.

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  huh? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jane dickerman - April 29 - 10:00 am

  great reliable though not exciting

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  Great Effort by Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By whatever22 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with my purchase of this vehicle. It feels like it has more than 93 horsepower. I am truly getting close to the 50 mpg this car is supposed to get you. The gauges are fun to look at for many reasons, and the car is actually peppy when pushed a little. Even when I push it hard and with the AC on, I get about 40 mpg.

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  seeyaray review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By seeyaray - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this car since Nov. 2002, durring what I consider a tough winter. This car handeled very well in the snow, and is a pleasure to drive anytime. the only thing I would like to see added to its options is a GPS, other than that it has everything I need in a automobile. Fun to drive and excellent on gas.

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  I Love My Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lara - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Let me start by saying that I am unabashedly a Honda fan. This is my second Accord and Im almost positive it wont be my last. The new Accord has a smoother ride and much better acceleration. Really I think to purchase the V6 would be a waste of money. Front and back seats seem roomier. The controls in this model seem much more intuitive and easier to use while driving. I love being able to control the radio from the stirring wheel. The wood grain accents, which come with the ex model, give the interior a more polished look. I honestly cant imagine owning a better car for the money.

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  Its a super safe car~ - 2003 Honda Accord
  By miniKT - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My parent bought me this first car as my 19th birthday. Unfortunely I had a big collison on the freeway with one passenger with me. The car was total, all airbags pop out, the amazing new is both of us are safe, only had some minor seatbelt burns. I love the car when i first bought it, after the crash, i love it more because it can truely protect me and my friends from any accidents. I am planing to buy back one next week. The 4cylinder is fast enough for me, so i am not thinking of upgrading it, therefore, i put the money into the interior, i am planing to get the exact same one with the navigation!! (((i miss my car)))