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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  lil hummer - 2003 Honda Element
  By boardingasinsnow - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car to have if you are an outdoors peson of any sort also its easy to keep clean

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Satans helper - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle

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  Greatest SUV in the Market - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda always - May 4 - 10:00 am

  One has to drive this to see how good it is. Having driven Other SUVs such as the Rodeo, Durango, Jimmy, Explorer; this is just great. Drives like a car, with off road capability. Great family vehicle, for seating and cargo..

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 741chop - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great all around vehicle. Had a minivan, definitely made a move in the right direction. This vehicle rides like an Accord and has the roominess of the Oddysey.

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  Forget the rest - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By See our V! - May 4 - 10:00 am

  If you want a reliable vehicle with loads of utility, good MPG, the handling of a car and the best safety rating in the segment, this is it. While it isnt as frugal as a Civic, its fantastic when you consider cargo volume and its AWD ability. 5 Star crash test rating all the way around. There arent many of those on the road for under $25,000. The CRV is truly an SUV for people that hate the ugly side of SUVs.

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  The best for your money. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie C. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We have owned many cars, most of which have been Hondas. We always come back for the value and reliability. Our CRV is no exception. Though we have only owned this one a short time, it is our second CRV. We purchased a new one only because we discovered we needed a 4 wheel drive.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By tonyjosie - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car, especially on the gas usage side.

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  Environment- and human-friendly - 2003 Honda Civic
  By chrislee - May 4 - 10:00 am

  In 99% of my driving its hard to believe Im driving a hybrid. My decision to buy it was partially influenced by New York States $4000 incentive tax bonus, but I think I would have bought the hybrid anyway. It could use more horsepower on the highway, but Im not a speeder so Im very happy with its performance.

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  great little car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By PMF - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We like this car a lot. It is extremely thrifty on gas -- we averaged well over 55 m.p.g. highway, and have averaged 46-47 in the city. Weve owned it about 6 weeks, and have had no mechanical problems.

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  Fun Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By funkyb - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Some might think I stepped down from my box of a Jeep to a Honda Civic HX, I think I stepped into a reliable, sleek, just plain fun to drive car. I cannot agree with some who say it lacks power in the upper gears, I find it quite tenacious at high speeds on little-traveled highways in Montana. However, in the lower gears Im not as impressed. With its slow acceleration from stop, left turns across lanes of traffic are sometimes hair-raising experiences. Quiet, dependable, long gaps between gas stops make this a great car, especially for those who are just breaking out of college and living on their own.