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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  HONDA MISSED THEIR TARGET - 2003 Honda Element
  By hvm - November 3 - 10:00 am

  ALL OF THE "EXPERTS" AND HONDA SAY THIS CAR IS FOR THE 20-26 YEAR OLD. IM 51 AND MANY IF NOT MOST OF OTHER ELEMENT DRIVER I HAVE SEEN ARE OLD GEEZERS LIKE MYSELF. IM ALSO 67" AND 320LBS. I AM VERY COMFORTABLE AND HAVE PLEANTY OF ROOM. GREAT CAR!!!

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  enjoy driving it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie_Five - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my Pilot. I wanted the third row seating withouth the HUGE SUV. Also, I love the sage brush with the fern leather interior. I am not unhappy with my decision. I do not have the rattles and unexpected road noise I read so much about.

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  I LOVE MY PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CH1NADOL - November 3 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST I LOVE IT

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  owner - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By threebusybees2 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had two new vans and I will continue to buy the honda until I find something else that I like.

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  Odyssey Drives like Accord with SUV Powr - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By compuserbs - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Searching for a strong SUV, I found myself returning to the Odyssey for its incredible interior comfort, ease to drive, size above the road, stability, Power and towing capcity, which out ranks many SUVs. Every seat is plush, comfortable and at 63", I can sit comfortably in the back with plenty of headroom, air and sound quality. Truly it drives like an Accord with the Power of an SUV and rides higher than most SUVs as well, but handles the corners and turning radius is amazing.

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  My 2nd Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jeo - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I cant honestly find anything wrong with it.I put 200k on my last Accord (94) Ihope this one is as good to me as my last.

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  All-around Best Sedan under $30K - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vris - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I like small security which not listed in the spec/anywhere until you bought the car and read the manual, like: - Anti-Theft Radio/CD Player (need PIN to re-activated it) - Auto-reverse power driver-window (will save your kids finger) - Auto re-lock power doors, within 15 seconds will relock all doors if you dont open one of them - Engine warning signal if you forgot to close or not close it fulle the gas- tank lid when you fill gas. - If brake on any wheel failed, you still be able to brake with two wheels (one front and one opposite rear) instead of 3(which could caused car to spin) I dont believe theres something perfect, but this one very close.

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  Great Ride - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Wally B. - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I love my silver Honda Accord EX. The 4 cyl engine is powerful and smooth. The composition of the dash, radio, CD and clock is great. Love the moonroof controls. The only negative is that I would have preferred another interior color than black but in the final analysis that situation is minimal. This is my fourth Honda and my first EX. I am really enjoying driving this car. As you can tell I am sold on the Honda Accord. Its realibility is very noteworthy.

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  My Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Linda Carreiro - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1999 Honda Accord for the 2003 new design. I love the ner sport look. It is a great reliable car.

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  Just One Week Old... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sobek - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I drive very little but wanted a solid and safe car. The 2004 Honda Accord EX-L (leather) has side, curtain air bags which I wanted for added safety. After testing the Mazda 6i (wasnt very refined with 4 cyl. engine and automatic, but great brakes, handling, and ride) and the Toyota Camry LE (as boring as taking a bus--oversoft suspension and soft brake pedal feel),I drove the Honda Accord and thought it was clearly the best car among those I considered.