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:

• 

  GB review of 2003 CRV-EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Geff Bourke - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Good quality vehicle

• 

  Window Noise - 2017 Honda Accord
  By lnhasz2 - August 10 - 7:28 pm

  I have had my car for only a few months. From the start, the front passenger window sounds like it is not shut tight. Makes an air leak sound. I took it back to the dealer because I could no longer take that sound. We travel long distances and after a few hours this noise become extremely aggravating. The dealer took it out for a drive. He then came back and said that he too heard the sound. He then took another Honda out for a drive. This one too made the same sound. He said it appears to come from the front edge trim. He then said there was nothing they could do. That, I would just have to accept it. This is unacceptable for a new car to have a defect. Needless to say, I was not in a happy place after he told me that. Even my husband was taken aback from the lack of a solution. I am now in the process of demanding a fix or give my money back. We will see what happens. Recommendation, take the car out for a test at a speed of at least 60 mph before buying this car.

• 

  Great car!!!! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Twoscalfs@aol.com - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Honda Accord Ex new. I have had great luck with the car. 71,000 miles later the only thing that I have changed on the car has been the brakes and tires. The orginal brakes went 65,000 miles before I had to change them. The interior is excellent and I love the 1997 exterior design. Great Car!!!!!!! If you have a chance, buy this car.........

• 

  Well screwed together - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Mark Mayes - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car because I started a new job and had to commute. My previous car was a 2002 Altima 3.5 which I really enjoyed driving especially from the acceleration point of view. Had many fit/finish and quality problems with the Altima, but not the Honda. Its completely reliable and everything fits together as it should. Gas mileage is excellent.Its a lot of fun to drive, but could definately do with another 20 horses under the hood to make passing more relaxing. Amazed at how high the engine revs and how quiet it is at such high revs. Definately a car thats more in touch with the road and as a result can be tiring to drive over long hauls.

• 

  2006 Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ggsdrummer - August 3 - 4:40 am

  Great AWD system for folks who love to ski. Overall handling quite nimble for an SUV of its size. Lots of comfort in head and shoulder room. Im 65" and couldnt fit in a Toyota 4Runner which I was considering.

• 

  MY THIRD HONDA - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DANA MOE - July 30 - 10:00 am

  HAPPY WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE CRV. BUT THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT I DONT LIKE VERY MUCH. THE MIDDLE BACK HEADREST IS TO LARGE AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE REARVIEW MIRROR. WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER STARTING THE CAR, THE BRAKES MAKE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE ON FRONT END.

• 

  I love it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tonia - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I went form a sportscar to this car because of a need for room and fuel economy. I have both in a great car that rides like a car. I have all the room I need to transport the stuff I require for work and play. I love the fact i can see what is going on too! It sits just high enough but I dont feel like I take up the whole road. I do wish the fuel economy was better.

• 

  Over paid Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JaeP - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle, wish it was quieter. I rented a 02 sienna the last year for a trip and could talk without raising my voice. Over rough roads, pretty noisy. I even had $1200 soundproofing done but it needs to be designed from the ground up. This on top of $1000 over list.

• 

  Making The Case for the Canadian Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rainierman - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have taken my 2002 Civic EX on six SFO/PDX trips (750 mi each way). Harsh potholes, sand, scratched the bottom hard, and routine 90-110 mph commute at 5am. Despite warnings about the Canadian-built Civics of 2001 & 2002, I remain impressed with how much abuse my Civic has taken. I drive it like a maniac with NO PROBLEMS whatsoever. Rattles are starting to surface after one year of abuse. Rides quiet like the old Accord. US-built tranny in my 2002 might be a problem in the future but so far so good. 2003 transmission is Japanese- built, car now made in Ohio, a good thing. overall, I suggest skipping Civic- get the Accord.

• 

  okay - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ex - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Only problem is I have been back to dealer 3x for the annoying problem of center console door problem. once closed it will not open (where I have CDs that I cant get to)and I have to go back again because it STILL isnt fixed they obviously never test it prior to giving it back to me. Otherwise dealer is responsive to my needs