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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  Know what youre buying - 2003 Honda Element
  By JPL - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Element for 2 weeks now. I surf and snowboard, so I was automatically intrigued by the vehicle. In this regard, it does everything it claims to do, or better. Unlike some other reviewers, I really have nothing to complain about. Performance is fine, it handles great, and no real wind-noise even at 80 mph. Im also now getting 24 mpg city and highway and fully suspect that number to rise a bit as the engine further breaks in. Keep in mind, this isnt a BMW, a Honda Odyssey, or a Mercedes. For what it does, and what it is meant to do, it does great! Just understand what you will be using it for when buying.

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  Just bought it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By peachyt23 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my new 2003 CRV EX last Saturday. I traded a 98 Acura Integra and put some extra down. I had a great Sales person, but I mainly dealt with the numbers guy..They low balled me on my car, but I had researched on this site previously and was pretty confident. He tried to sell me the car for $26k which included a $1200 markup. I said no way.. Ended up 8k for my car, $22k (the asking price on the CRV) and put some down. Walked away feeling great about the deal. I love the spacious interior and the CD changer in dash. Lots of room and fun to drive.

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Mehran - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 90 miles a day commute, so I just hit 1000 miles.I got a CVT for 18,500.If you are trying to go from 0 to 60 in 5 sec,dont read any further.This car has ample power.I pass easily at 65,drive comfortabley at 65- 80 mph,get into and out off the hwy easily.I am getting an average of 48 mpg.It has a better pickup than my Golf.Dont like the placement of the radio,crouise control,side miror control,&power window buttons.The radio sound is OK.The environmental controls are cool and efficient.Interior is great and comfortable.Overall this has been a great car and smart investment.If youre in the marker, I highly recommend it.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mista 662 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought in Feb. Great car so far. Lots of compliments. Strong V-6 gets awesome gas milage. Navi works great, missing a few little features, but other than that it is one of the best cars there is for the money.

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  LX V-6, 5spd auto. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Strgazr - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had right from the start. It is powerful and agile and fun to drive. The build quality is near perfect. Id recommend this car to anyone

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  Sun Visor/Rear View Mirror - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vince6269 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall Great! Honda always manages to make a great car even better.

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  100% Improvement over previous years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By new honda guy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Honda has really outdone themselves. There is more standard features like, keyless entry, abs brakes. The new transmission is so smooth, the older models very rough. All my friends love it, and it was very affordable.

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  This is a great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BlackSheepNY - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything that I imagined when I ordered it. There is not one bad thing to say about it. It looks great, has a great ride that is solid and oh so quiet! 21 mpg on the first tank of gas...27 mpg on my first road trip.

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  Great Value - Lots of Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Tim - February 24 - 3:40 pm

  I started out looking at the LX and ended up with the EX sedan with Navigation - Gallaxy Gray. This feels like a lot of car for the money. Im so glad I got it. I went into the process thinking the Navigation system was a waste of money, but a friend talked me into it and Im really pleased he did. The car is sporty but has plenty of room for a 6-footer. Ive only had it a week, but Ive been pleased with every aspect. Plenty of pep on the highway, fuel economy seems excellent so far, and its a fine- looking car. Ive read about the blind- spots, but after driving a Cabrio for ten years, I feel like Im in a fish- bowl now! I now actually look forward to driving - how cool is that?

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  A wonderful minivan! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim - February 24 - 12:39 pm

  This vehicle has an exceptional smooth ride and no real blind spots that I could detect. I have become a fan of the Odyssey since my first purchase in 2002. I dont think I would ever own any other vehicle. Overall, this vehicle has a high rating in both safety and comfort. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has a large family and likes to travel or likes space and comfort.