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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  i love my honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By M P - January 27 - 10:00 am

  not too small, not too big, affordable, we have 2 my husband drives the white one I have the newer model and its black. love my sunroof, the air conditoning always works cool and strong (i live in florida)It has the feel of an European car, has pizzaz and good look,very happy with them.

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  Rock Solid - 2003 Honda Accord
  By N/a - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is rock-solid, stylish, and creative. Cant get any better than this!

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  Amazing Veh - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Moses - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Buy far one of the best cars I ever owned or driven

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  Dependable as death and taxes - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Highway Star - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I will not be long-winded with superlatives and adjectives. I need a good looking, dependable car--and Honda delivers year after year. I traded my last one with 150,000 miles, and it still felt solid and tight. I feel I get my moneys worth. And that is the bottom line.

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  Honda Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rickb - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Honda/Accura products since early 80s, almost exclusively. They are without a doubt the most reliable and dependable automobiles I have ever been priveledged to drive. As a salesrep, I cover most of four states of which 95% of 40,000 miles I average a year call for me to have a car I know will start every time and get me to my destination with minimal maintainance. Out side of oil/filter change and periodic checkups, Honda fills the bill for me!

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  This car is INSANE! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jim Platteter - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car from a freind of my brother at a Chicag dealership and just drove it back home to Boston. A 1,000-mile drive is a pretty good crash course in what a car is like. I considered them all, but this car is INSANE! The power of the 3.0L V6 is just beyond words. The design and attention to detail is a cut above whatevers #2 in this class. This car is an Acura in all but name. I got it in white with the tan interior. People ooh and ahh when they see it. Shes a beauty.

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  Great Car...lacks features - 2004 Honda Accord
  By janky43 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Honda needs to add improvements before competitors catch up with all their standard features. An EX should have many features regardless if its EX EXL or EXV6. The V6 is way too pricey but when compared toa camry xle 4 cyl. (which has more useful features than the accord) the camry is a lot more less pricewise, but id have to admit. it sucks driving it. so kudos to honda for making a great machine that only sips fuel, but features are a little lackluster. Cmon they need those gassy support hydraulic hood things, those manual rods can get really dangerous...its an EX HONDA!!! it needs better thoguht to other details as well.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Acidwire - January 27 - 10:00 am

  If I were to write a detailed review... I would go on for days. This machine is at the top of its class. It is stylish, comfortable and sporty at an extremely affordable price tag. The interior is roomy with plenty of leg and head room for both driver and passengers. The car looks beautiful from the outside. The driving is amazing. I have a 4 cylinder engine, but it provides me with more than enough speed and power for driving in the city and on the highway. This car is a must have for people who like to be pampered, but do not have the budget to get a BMW or Mercedez.

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  I didnt expect it will be like this... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GianC - January 27 - 9:56 am

  I liked the accord coupe since the first time I saw the Concept car back in 2007... it was other level of creation for a coupe. This car has everything, it looks GREAT in and out, and the sound of the engine (V6) uuuuufffff... Amazing!!!

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  Better than Mercedes GLA - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Dick Head - January 27 - 9:13 am

  I think we should all buy this car. I was going to buy Mercedes GLA but Honda... is going to save me $10,000. As always reliable and good resale value. There is no downside. Alternatives? None.