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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  Accord...You Cant Go Wrong! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Julie08 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Drove from Ohio to California and back the week after it was purchased. Ran great, super fuel economy, and my back felt great throughout the drive. Also, the 6 CD changer is easy to use, even while driving. You cant go wrong when purchasing an Accord!

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  New Owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jim2416 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A super experience. The car handles beautifully, pick-up, cornering, cruising. I had muscle cars before and the only thing I still admire about those is the take-off power.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Flyboy38 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, drives well, Handle well, Looks Great, Price right, Nav system excellent

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  car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By projectmngr - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. One of the fastest and best running cars I have ever owned.

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  so glad I have the V6 Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By nor - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Awesome ride; interior is a gorgeous leather, comfy seats, great sound system. Did I mention the incredible pick-up power? Well, its all that and then some. Folks whove taken a ride in the back seat usually marvel at the spacious room it has.

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  Dewpub - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dewpub - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The new design for 2003 seems to have been designed with the driver and passengers in mind. The controls are very conviently located and easy to glance at. It seems to have more of a European ride than previous models. Very solid. Very comfortable. The sales and service at Saratoga Honda in Saratoga Springs, NY are top notch!

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  Accord V-6 Coupe- Honda Does it again! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Doctor Mark - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1998 Accord Coupe and Honda really raised the standard to new heights with the introduction of the 2003 V6 EX Coupe. The car is amazingly fun to drive, precise handling with exceptional road feel. There is less window glass compared to previous models however with the seat elevated visibility is fine in all directions.The engine is not as quiet as previous V6 coupes and has a titch of vibration when idling.

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  Clase y Mas - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Kenhymura - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1979 Honda Accord 4dr and that was back on 1987, when my father gave me the car to go to my last year of High School and for College. Since then I always owned Hondas, and my latest acquisition is this 2003 EXV6 Accord which I believe is the best car anyone can obtain for the price. I consider the Honda Accord to be the most reliable and with the best performance you can obtain. Trust me when I tell you that you can buy an Accord without any regret.

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  2003 Honda Accord EX v6 w.leather - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MillenniumPAPI - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I first began with a 2002 honda civic ex & yes i loved it.. But, when my son way on the way i needed a bigger car. so, i went to willis honda and got the 2003 honda accord ex, v6 with leather interior.. It is truly amazing! I love this car! It handles everything i need it for.. Very powerful 240HP.. 3.0 liter VTEC Technology.. I simply cannot ask for more.. I would live in this car is I didnt have a home.. It looks better in the 2 silver colors they can come in.. love my Honda Accord.. Honda Proved that you can get a powerful engine and still manage to get pretty good gas mileage, even on the V6...

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  Great Car, Fun to Drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Kibble - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car for driving anywhere. Good pick-up even with a full load. Would recommend this car for any family.