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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  Hondaful - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sheahaus - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an Outstanding vehicle! With the manual 5 Speed tranny and the 160 HP eengine it exceeded my expectations and those of the many people I passed. The handling coupled with the 5 Speed really made the car great fun to drive.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tmitchell2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE this vehicle! It has much more pick-up than I expected for a 4-cyl engine. Much quicker than many cars that are much more expensive. Handles well and a lot more interior room than it appears from the outside.

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  99 crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By linc - January 24 - 10:00 am

  29 mpg highway,27 mpg city,lots of features,the others dont have !!

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By llbrmin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had another brand new vehicle(VW BEETLE 2000)and this one has definitely not let me down. The only trips to the shop have been for oil changes. This is a fun SUV to drive and is very dependable. My sister just borrowed it to take on a long trip. That is how much we trust the CR-V.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hblood26 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We have used this vehicle for everything from transporting furniture to long- drive vacations in snow, rain and even hail! Whether its everyday use or long distance drives we have always been 100% happy with this CR-V. It handles great, and I think it is easier to park than a car. I love it!

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  honda crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By djon - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Crv is a great car, it makes very long trips enjoyable ones. The suv is spacious and has a sporty appearance. It beats the hyundai and toyota rav 4 anyday.

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  Honda CRV EX with Leather Interior - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Windjewel - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The 4cylinder CRV EX Honda may not be as powerful as a V6 but you may notice the difference more at the gas pump than while driving. Sporty handling and a joy to drive; tight turns are a breeze and the AWD handles bumpy, wet dirt roads like a dream. I opted for special order leather interior since the standard options are not very attractive. Running boards are truly more for show than practical use but give the CRV an attractive bulky appearance. Roomy enough for three in the back complete with individual head rest (EX model only)

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  We Love CRVs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By carmentaylor - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive, and we have had no problems since we purchased it. We might even buy one for the teenager! It feels very safe to drive, even in bad weather.

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  highway noise - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By washoegary - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The only thing we don’t like is the highway noise, when we are on the highway/freeway it is noisy and we have to turn the radio up so high to hear it that we just end up turning the radio off. We had to have the wipers electronics fixed one time. The first winter my wife was driving over Donner Pass Hwy 80 West in a snow storm two cars in front of us lost control, she was able to keep control and keep going

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  Love My CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tk MIller - January 24 - 10:00 am

  If you want a great product for under $25k, then the Honda CRV EX is the one to buy; it is roomy, comfortable, fun to drive, great gas mileage, or compared to others in the market, and its very dependable, its a Honda! Try one, you will enjoy, unless you are looking for a biggerand/or more expesive line, like BMW X5, Mercedes ML, or any of the luxury models, Volvo has a new SAFE model out, looks good.