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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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dmoore - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is really a gem. We just took our family to North Carolina from Ohio and it was truly a comfortable ride. We traded in our Chrysler MiniVan for this and have no regrets. With two out of three kids in a child restraint seat, the second row still has plenty of room for an adult. The only thing I can say negetive about it is that the third row is quite compact and unless you are a small adult (like 52 and under, you would not be too comfortable. Otherwise, its a great choice for a family and anytone who likes to travel.

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  Perfect and Practical Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By R-Z-G88 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car not so long ago, however I am convinced that I wont buy anohter car for a long time to come. The interior is very spacious and also extreemly useful - there are 22 storage compartments. Since it is a Honda it is definetly reliable and durable. The performance is nothing compared to a sports car, but suits the car perfectly. The fuel economy is very reasonable - 23 mpg. It is a very well built and fun to drive car.

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hawaiiguy - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Love it--though have had it just a few months. Only gripe is back window when reversing--difficult to gauge when/if contact will be made when doing parallel parking. Have ordered the backup reverse mirror from hondasuv.com

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  Amazed!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Der2455 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I had looked into many other cars in this category, and the Civic EX was by far the most impressive, after learning about the almost non-existant depreciation rate, it seemed like a no brain-er. Love the new dash!

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  Excellent!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bigldawg - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The new Accord is just excellent! Great performance from the i-vtec engine, bold styling, great factory stereo, good gas mileage, and man is it quiet! I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a long-term investment. Oh, Honda of Bowie has exceptional service!

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  what a deal - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bub - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Car is outstanding. I am a value shopper, and the Accord met and exceeded all my criteria. Great fuel economy, oil changes every 10,000 miles, great image and resale value. Only complaint is the fixed internal radio antenna, I get static in places a normal car gets perfect signal. Just have to download lots of music. :)

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  Very impressed with this Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Analog Kid - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I picked the 2003 Accord EX-V6 over the 2003 V-6 Altima and the 2004 Maxima. It was clearly the best value amongst the three, and I was able to get a great month-end deal from a dealer. This car is bigger and smoother than my 2000 Acura TL.

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  2005 Accord EX V6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rajan Mistry - February 1 - 10:43 pm

  Car is a great deal for the price. I compared the EX V6 sedan with the Acura TL. I know they are very similar cars because they use the same Honda Platform. For the higher price of the TL, I couldnt justify spending and extra $6K more for the TL versus the Accord for few tech goodies. The V6 Accord is an excellent value.

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  Its a HONDA. What more needs to be said - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By joe - February 1 - 9:20 pm

  The Pilot is all that I had hoped it would be in quality and ride. I was a bit concerned about some reviews re road noise but it is quiet in my view. It is too new to judge long term but given that it is in the third year production, I am confident I will be even more happy. The ride feels more like a luxury car than an SUV.

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  My first Honda! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By John Smith - February 1 - 7:34 pm

  I have only had it a month but pretty much love it so far. Honda is well known for reliability and that is what I am hoping for. Very good gas mileage, comfort is ok..could be better seats and radio system though.