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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  Honda Accord LX 2003 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ghaleb Nasr - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought an Accord LX, but underneath its a "plush" BMW... I keep reminding myself its a Honda.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Richard Fenters - September 26 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car with quick response and smooth riding. Has many luxuries that one can get only in a more expensive "luxary" car; voice recognition, navigation, heated seats, outside temperature guage, driver/passenger interior thermostats, etc. Well done!!!!

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  A Joy to Drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DavidB - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a joy to drive. It is remarkably peppy and responsive, and has exceeded my expectations in both performance and economy. This past winter I drove very economically just to see how well the car could do. I consistently got over 32 miles per gallon on several successive tanks of regular gas. I do a lot of freeway driving and have no problem getting up to speed should the occasion demand. My normal driving, mostly freeway but some stop and go, results in milage over 28 miles per gallon week in and week out. I have also been very pleased with the seating, it is probably the most comfortable car that I have ver owned.

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  MY FIFTH HONDA AND MY BEST! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MAF1997 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  IN THE YEAR IVE DRIVEN THIS CAR, IT HAS NEVER CEASED TO AMAZE ME. I STILL SMILE WHEN I GET IN IT IN THE MORNING. I KNOW IT IS SECURE AND RELIABLE. I STEP ON THE GAS AND I AM SURE ABOUT PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC WITHOUT HESITATION. I AM SO AMAZED BY ITS SLEEK EXTERIOR AND COMFORTABLE INTERIOR IT STILL FEELS NEW AFTER A YEAR. I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY YEARS OF SERVICE FROM THIS VEHICLE. I KNOW IT WILL CONTINUE TO PERFORM FAVORABLY. THANK YOU HONDA.

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  A great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Hebe - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We have taken two long distance trips, the car is comfortable, handles great, and has excellent fuel economy. We couldnt be more pleased with the car. We feel that the touted Honda reliablity will be there.

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  Love my New Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kjc - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Between all of us, weve owned 4 Hondas. Always reliable, always youthful, always fresh. But still a Honda. Can never go wrong!

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  great car for a great price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By smr - September 26 - 10:00 am

  it is a great car for anyone i love it and have never have had a problem

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  ONLY THE BEST - 2003 Honda Accord
  By eagle1001 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  As a previous "domestic owner" in the past I can tell you that I am absolutely sold on Honda quality, engineering and overall value. This is without a doubt the finest car on the market in any price range. Forget the others and buy a Honda....the rest of the country apparently agrees. Thanks Honda for building a car for the real world.

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  owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bob Thomas - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Over all a great car!!

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  I Love my Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lisa Hamilton - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I own the EXSedan, 4cyl. w/leather-2003 This is the 4rd honda we have purchased in the last 3 months. My daughter has the 2-door Accord-2003 and she loves her car. I purchased my first Honda in 1983-4 door Accord. The only reason I got away from honda was kids and I needed a van. I truly believe Honda ia very good car to own.