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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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Hondaluv - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a Honda guy since 1982. Ive also owned a couple of Toyotas in that time. Last December my wife decided it was time for her to move up to an Accord from her Civic. She settled on an LX and we happily drove it home from the dealer. I was blown away with all the features and immediately began to fantasize about A 2003 of my own. Problem was I had a 2002 Accord EX with . I gave in though and took delivery on a 2003 Accord EX V-6. What a car. It has power like I havent had in a car since my old Ford with the 390 ci engine. The comfort and handling are superb.

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  Ahhhh the V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Joecord - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I read alot of reviews and checked it out. I was very impressed with the power of the V-6 and how nice the interior looks in EX model with leather. Interior is better than the Acura TL type S I test drove the day before. The TL might look a little cooler but other than the tail lights, the Accords cool too.

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  Great in a Blizzard - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Gunnar - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot performed exceptionally well during the Denver Blizzard of March 2003. I had no trouble driving through 18 inches of unplowed snow in my neighborhood. I pulled 4 of my neighbors from the main streets through the subdivision streets using a tow strap. I pulled a subaru 4 wheel drive, a lexus 4 series, a buick late model, and a honda civic to their homes. The owner of the buick said they should have done a commercial for the Honda Pilot becasue he could not believe how well it operated in the blizzard snows we received. I have a stock EX. I could not be happier with my Pilot.

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  Creme de la creme - 2001 Honda Accord
  By magpub - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This Honda was the best car for the money when I bought it and it still the best car 2 years, 30k miles later. Anyone complaining about a Honda lemon must be sniffing something or abuses their car. Ive owned another Accord, a Jeep Wrangler, a Pontiac Crapfest, a Camry and a couple of Nissans -- none compare to the quality of this car.

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  Wow, what a car. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JMB - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Just recently bought an 2003 Accord Ex 4 cylinder automatic, (traded-in my 2000 LeSabre)and really .... wow!! What a pleasure to drive, solid, quiet and as roomy inside as my full size LaSabre. Admittedly, I havent had the car long, but it has really impressed me with its quality.

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  Best of the best in this catagory - 2005 Honda Element
  By paul - May 13 - 11:26 pm

  Fun to drive, for 4 cyl. goes like hell, great in snow, easy to park, turns on a dime - can not say enough good about it.

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CIVICLVR. - May 13 - 1:30 am

  Ive had a 99 Honda Civic before this - just the basic model- and it was a really reliable car, compared to an 06 liberty I drove. Ive only had my 09 CIVIC for a week and I love it, I can hardly wait to drive it every day. I bought the EX-L version because I wanted all the bells and whistles, and I dont regret getting this one. It honestly drives like a BMW - loads of fun to drive, even if you are just cruising and very comfortable to ride in. I always turn heads in this car. Perfect for a college student looking for a sporty, luxury, economical, reliable car.

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  This element rocks - 2005 Honda Element
  By mac - May 12 - 9:44 pm

  Ive driven this car hard for 25 k in year with not a single part to break or malfunction. Ive hauled a 16 foot touring kayak inside the car to and from the beach. Interior is awesome for space. Great stereo with xm satellite radio. My ten year old son loves it "because I get a lot of fun out of it." He likes to fold the seats back all the way flat.

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  Its Great - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Civic Hybrid - May 12 - 3:25 pm

  I had forgotten just how much fun driving a car could be. I love the performance and the fuel economy makes my gas cost half as much as other cars. I can get 600 miles on one tank of gas. With gas prices skyrocketing the way they are, I am sure glad I decided to by my Honda Civic Hybrid.

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  Saves Gas - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ted B. - May 11 - 11:10 pm

  Honda has truly outdone themselves with this car. 255 total hp (240 V6 and 16 electric) provide a quiet yet substantial driving experience. This car has tremendous acceleration through the mid range to top end. From 50mph to 75mph with gas/electric combination in 4 seconds is impressive. Max fuel efficiency for me seems to be in the 62-64 mph range. At this speed on I-95 I can get just shy of 40mpg. Around town the mpg is just above 28.