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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  My New Honda Elephant!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By franks - August 13 - 10:00 am

  WOW!!! Is it a new HUMMMER ! no Its one of those new Benz! Nope!!! Its a Element!!! or like my son say a a Honda Elephant!!!.. Lots of room!!! Sooo easy to get my son in and out of back seats!!! Great for those trips to the home improvement store.. Great overall car... Only from Honda....

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By McDonaldD - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle!! Bought it in March and drove to South Carolina in May!! What a joy. Tons of space, quiet and comfortable.

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  MY THIRD ONE... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jweber - August 13 - 10:00 am

  If I did not like them, I wouldnt keep buying them. They keep getting better and better.

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  GREAT MINIVAN!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rabbit204 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Wow! This is a great minivan- there is no other that can beat it! I used to own a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager- they are great vans but they have TERRIBLE reliability. The Odyssey is quiet, comfortable, and drives great!! I have had no reliability issues. The Odyssey is a lot better built than American cars such as the Windstar, Venture and Voyager- they dont even come close! Trust me this minivan is the best on the market! (along with the 2004 Sienna) You will love this van, and it will last for years!

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  Great car, engine loud, suspension poor - 2001 Honda Civic
  By tichonm - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Two years and 39,000 miles and have had very few problems. That says a lot as we beat the living heck out of this car daily in Atlanta traffic. We are constantly flooring the gas (due to the week engine) and then slamming on the brakes due to crazy Atlanta traffic. New Dunlop SP Sport A2s tires dramatically improved the ride quality, traction, and cornering. My local Honda dealer is replacing the entire rear suspension due to squeaks. Luckily they are going to cover it because the problems started while under the original warranty.

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  Thanks Honda!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By KLES - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a car that would be fun to drive, but also affordable with all the bells and whistles and they provided it! Its only been a few weeks, but I love my new car more than I can say. Its so much fun to drive, has excellent power and handling. Thanks Honda!

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  Low low price to own an Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kko - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Paid $22K out of the door price. Great buying experience.

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  My First Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By s2j - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Considered the 03 Camry SE V-6 and 03 Impala LS, but am very glad I went with the Accord. Car looks sharp and performs great. Feel like I got an Acura TSX but for less $ and with a bigger engine. Been getting great mileage from right off the lot. Power is there when needed but still easy to cruise around. Love it. P.S. Braking is way better than Camry!

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  My Third Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By omarbec - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Reliable and priced fairly, is the best way to describe the Honda Accord. The 2003 seems to be best yet. For the price its hard to beat, you can pay a lot more and get less of a car.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rochers - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Get this car if you enjoy long smooth drives full of power, tight turns, and awesome handling. The interior is gorgeous, the stereo rocks, and the engine will roll. Great car!