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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  Awesome - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By audiemom - March 7 - 10:00 am

  So far... we have loved it... not a thing we hadnt liked about, to include taking it on vacation a week after buying it... Dealer has been fantastic

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  almost a perfect 10 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kccat - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the CR-V for almost 3 months and so far our family love it! Its a great family SUV and has cool gadgets inside and is decent on gas. Was also very affordable compared to some other brands. I get alot of compliments from friends and strangers alike!!

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  Versatility and real "Utility" - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jorge han - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven family cars (Honda) until I saw and drove the CR-V 2002. I liked its design, its versatility, its poweful engine. Every day I discovered more details and features in the CR-V. It is elegant, roomy, comfortable, and very versatile for the city, camping, moving, etc. It does not expend too much gas depending on the way I use it. Its engine power amazes me. It is a monster even though I try not to speed it since it has a higher turn over risk. Only thing i can say, it is aI am satisfied with my CR-V. The fact that it has a higher turn over risk bother me; but, driving it carefully, makes it extremely worthy.

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  i love my car!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By saiyastar - March 7 - 10:00 am

  my car is great... its a 97 and it still runs smoothly and is very reliable. i love to drive it, its an easy ride. wonderful car - but im biased ^_^

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  I Love My CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By judynaz - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV because: its navy blue, its really fun to drive, its got a great turning radius, the radio and air conditioning controls are easy to use, its got a moon roof (or maybe its a sun roof?), its easy to handle and maneuver, the passenger windows go down, the back storage area is big enough, sitting in the front passenger seat is very comfy, my son can recline his part of the seat in the back and be really comfy, when someone coming toward me suddenly turned left in front of me and I hit them going 40 mph and my airbag didnt go off, I wasnt hurt at all.

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  my honda crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By auntymomo - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my CR-V--the only little problem Ive noticed is that it tends to skid in rain when making a right turn.

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  Love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By WV CRV Fan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my CR-V for just about a year and I could not be happier. I have always had 2 door sportier cars and this is my first SUV. I will never go back to a car after buying the CR- V. The ride is great and it handled very well in our first bad winter in years. The CR-V has tons of space for the price and the extras like the 6 in dash CD player, moon roof and alloy wheels. The milage is very good too, not to mention all the compliments I get on the CR-V

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  Best of 3 Hondas owned - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Chloe - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned in the last 6 years 3 Hondas (Accord, Passport, and CR-V). The CR-V offers me both a little of each past car. But, the CR-V gives me better gas milage then the Passport. More room then the Accord with the security of all wheel drive. I think it is a great choice. Do you really need the bigger gas guzzlers? I found out the hard way - NO. The CR-V can transport just as much. I drove this out west for 2 weeks. A great ride.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By buckeyes - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great looking SUV. Fun to drive and comfortable. I have had other SUVs in the past the CRV is a much better ride.

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  great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mastiff owner - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Love everything except the seats. They are uncomfortable on long trips. No back support. Great for English Mastiff owners.