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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  Love it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By klg1227 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Its been great. No comparison to the RAV4 especially with interior room. The back seats dont compare.

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  Totally satisfied!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Arty bong - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Why is it nessesary to base a vehicle on its looks......this one rates an 11!!! on comfort and interior room. I moved bigger cargo than you can imagine in this bad boy!!!! Best yet, I get the resale value and service second to none!!!!Not that Ill ever need either....My crv is dependable and its going to be in my family for many years to come. Honda is # 1

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  I love my CRV!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By JuliAnne - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have 35,000 miles on my 2002 Honda CRV EX and I am still madly in love with it. It is such a perfect car! It drives great, does well in safety tests, is extremely reliable, has plenty of power, has the in-dash CD changer and the moonroof, and is just a totally cool thing to drive!

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  Best Family Vehicle To Buy - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RK Allman - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odessy that we bought has turned out to be the best new vehicle that we have ever purchased. Outstanding in every category, no flaws or bugs and zero problems very highly recommended! RKA

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  honda beliver - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mark dunbar - December 1 - 10:00 am

  we have always loved honda and last year almost went with the toyota glad we didnt after driving the ultimate in mini vans the ride is so so smooth and the power under the hood cant be matched. the auto doors are a must with young children. the latch and tethers are easy to use and in convenient locations. the folding rear set is such a help with moving things. the spare tire is in a great place behind the driver leaving the deep space for the 3rd seat.

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  I own this car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Zaki - December 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS THE BOMB. IT IS THE BEST CAR FOR THE FAMILY. IT IS A % SPEED AUTOMATIC(FASTEST VAN)SO YOU CAN RACE YOUR FRIENDS THAT HAV VANS AND WIN> IT BLOWS THE SIEENA AWY>VERY SAFE> I HAVE 15k miles on my van and ther are no problems with it. GREAT VAN. WORTH EVERYPENNY.

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  Great car but that CVT tranny - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Slide666 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the miliage.Easy controls.Timeless style that will look great for years!I had the car for 2 years and not a glitch to cry about except for the CVT tranny. The starter clutch assembly was worn! Never abused or pushed to the limit! Just regular driving! Strange. Honda replaced the clutch under warranty. Overall quality is top notch! I know the HX is hard to find, but I think it found me! I walk into a dealer and there it was! In the show room! The dealer said that many people who dont know any better,dont like it because it has no power windows! So what! I installed after market power windows! Problem solved! I highly recommend the HX! Thanks Honda!

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  HONDA CIVIC EX 2001 - 2001 Honda Civic
  By thecuteone1302 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic EX is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It runs well is an eye catcher and has some of the best gas milage ever.

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  Ritas Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RitaL - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I needed a reliable car for a daily 2 hour/ 100 mile commute. Looked at the Toyota, but liked the looks of the Civic much better. Handles great, good gas mileage, and I feel safe in it. But kept my big SUV (Mountaineer) in case of really bad weather!

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  Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cooney - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Civic Hybrid was an excellent purchase. I was a little disappointed with the mileage on the first tank (about 38mpg). I then let the real time mpg indicator teach me how to drive the car and to change my driving habits. The first 20000 miles I averaged 49.9 mpg. I get mileage ranging from 45-54 mpg on average per tank. It has certainly reduced my gas bill.