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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  best car in the world - 2003 Honda S2000
  By wade and jay - April 29 - 10:00 am

  this is a very fast car i would recommend it to anyone who loves driving extremely fast

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  Wow - 2003 Honda S2000
  By daveiedoo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  TOO MUCH FUN for a Japanese Car

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  perfect - 2003 Honda S2000
  By shaun - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Just buy one you will be happy and amzed!

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  First Place Convertible - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Sang Jun - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Switched from an 2001 BMW M5 to a 2003 Honda S2000 and it has been a blast to drive since day one. It has perfect balance of power and handling. Only "flaw" is the stereo/cd but... who needs stereo when you are driving with top down? I rather listen to sweet sound of VTEC.

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  Super toy daily driver - 2003 Honda S2000
  By khdavis - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My s2000 is the finest sporty car I have owned. Fit & finish is what is expected from a honda product. The price is very competative for the product. Anyone looking for the fun head turner car, the s2000 is it.

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  Honda S2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Scooby - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the most exciting and fun to drive car on the market. The transmission is flawless and exact. The body is solid and remains flat in the corners. The build quality is top. The cars ergonomics superior to any other. This car is right off the race track. If you are a driving enthusiast, you will love the Honda S2000.

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  Street Bike with 4 wheels - 2003 Honda S2000
  By chuckd05 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The Honda S2000 had me from the first time i drove it. Its a true sport car feel with a 9k rpm revving motor that screams when you get on it, but is quite and perfect for regular traffic driving when not in Vtec. I can not put down anything about the car except for a poor factory stereo system that is hard to hear with the top down. That was an easy fix for me with an aftermarket deck and some tweeters on the pillars. I love it and reccomend it to anyone.

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  A "TEN" - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Este - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Faster than any car on the list for 32K, plus Honda quality. Have to spend over a 100K on a Porsche 911 Turbo to get this performance. Remember, this is only a 2-liter engine.

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  The Long Way Home...... - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mike33 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Since purchasing my 2000 Honda S2000 more than two months ago, I find myself often driving the long way home from work. Everything about the S2000 just feels right. From the exotic exterior to the fit like your favorite jeans interior, the Honda S2000 is an amazing car. I traded my 2002 RSX Type-S in for a Honda Certified 2000 S2000 with 12 thousand miles over two months ago. Being that the car is my daily driver, I was concerned that the while the car would be fun to drive, it would deliever a rough overall ride. So far the car only feels slightly stiffer than my last two Hondas (GS-R and a RSX-S)and is very easy to drive around town in.

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  Its everything they say it is!!! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By mercedguy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the funnest car ever built. Takes me back to the days of my MGBs, only with the comforts, conveniences and reliability of a Honda. Quite a few people dont even know what it is! But they are all impressed with its looks and styling. Dont use for everyday commuting and grocery store runs...this is strictly a fun, take-to- the-mountains, "getaway" car. Its everything the reviews say it is. The engine SCREAMS!! It is so fun its almost scary. You want to go faster and faster thru the corners, and it just STICKS to the road. Keeps the adrenaline going for sure. Best car purchase Ive ever made.