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:

• 

  Worth the Investment - 2003 Honda Element
  By TJS - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great car for my wife and with 2 children. Easy to get in and out and overall a very safe feeling.

• 

  You cant beat this vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Gfxdriver - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car about a week ago and already drove it half way across the country. It is by far the most functional vehicle I have ever been in. Great interior space. Great headroom, legroom and the washable seats made the long voyage with a dog a joy. It also handles wonderfully. I may look a little boxy, but it handles almost as well as my Civic and far, far better than the Explorer I traded.

• 

  Best SUV in USA - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By crbandrlb - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Very sure footed vehicle,better gas mileage than most other suvs,hauls very heavy/large loads better than my pathfinder,(it doesnt squat down with heavy loads). very wide and roomy inside for larger people,awsome sound system with the bass woofer in the rear, best console design Ive ever seen in a vehicle,lots of power outlets,

• 

  Great Value - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bdunne - April 6 - 10:00 am

  After some initial problems - headliner, ps noise, rear suspension noise - this car has been flawless. Love the roominess of the interior. For the money, an excellent value.

• 

  Shes The One! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Watchman269 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  What to drive? I picked the Honda 2003 CR-V EX over the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV 4 and Highlander 4. Better rear leg room than the RAV, higher than the Subaru, only 5" shorter an 10 cubic feet less than the mildly underpowered Highlander 4, it had better gas mileage, better ride, acceleration and pricing than any of em. A very good SUV among very good SUVs.

• 

  Good Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CETCRV - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a sweet car

• 

  2003 Civic- The best Civic ever... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JoshAZ - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 2003 Civic, and I couldnt be happier. I traded in a 2002 Accord Coupe LX V6, and I must say, the interior quality, and design, is better on my Civic than the Accord was. I had a 2001 Civic, bought when the 7th gen design just came out, and this 2003 has so many improvements over the 2001, it almost feels like a different car. The handling, ride, and steering are light years ahead of my 2001, and better than my 2002 Accord was, as well. The only thing Ill miss from my Accord was the 200hp V6, but I think the Civic will make up for that in the handling and gas mileage department.

• 

  SI really buitl European - 2003 Honda Civic
  By honda boy - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. I wish I could say the same for the dealership, Brad Barker in Bloomington, Il. My experience is they are very dishonest and the used car sales manager has a temper like I have never seen from a professional.

• 

  this is an economy car? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By wai2fast - April 6 - 10:00 am

  800 miles on the odometer and I am still smiling everytime I drive this car. The suspension is a bit harsh on NYC streets, but then again what suspension isnt in this city? Im really impressed with how the car feels so connected to the road. Ive driven other econoboxes before (Corolla, Impreza) and none of them have the same "feel". The front seats are second only to the ones found in more expensive German models.

• 

  Great car, Nav system is tops! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By NewHondaFan - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Tested Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Chevy, Cadillac, Mercedes- Benz, and others. The Accord is the best family sedan currently being manufactured (7-series excepted). The Honda voice-controlled computer/nav system is the best on the market, beating Cadillac and MB hands down. Its a shame that most reviewers arent avvy enough to report on it more. Its not all about the computer system, though. The drivers seat is incredible in its ability to soothe my aching back. Ive owned cars with good back support, but none compares to this Accord. All around, this is a fabulous car.