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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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Harris022401 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It drives very smoothly. Handling is good and the overall opinion is that this is the SUV to own!!!

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  My Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Louise Miller - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I really love my CRV. We took it out West & it did great, except for some difficulty with the transmission in the mountains. It is fun to drive.

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  New Mom Loves it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sharibrat - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I went shopping for a vehicle while I was still pregnant. I knew I didnt want a minivan but needed lots of room. THis SUV has been wonderful!!! We load up the back and still have plenty of room on the backseat - our backseat doubles as a changing table, place to nurse the little one, or passengers!

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  Great car for my son - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By teeny driver - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Given to my son to drive. I like the reliability and safety for him

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  CrV-Heaven - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kidV - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Honda CrV is very nimble and quiet. The ride quality is very Honda Civic like (i have owned several Civics). Does not have the room like other bigger SUVs but is very comfortable for 4 adults. It never stubbles when i put the pedal down. Honda has built a very sensible SUV.

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  Overpriced but Extremely Reliable - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Wuzzifer - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable car to drive but sluggish going uphill & not fast to accelerate.

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  2 time CR-V owner. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Pat Kostial - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is best for its drive train and reliability. The new CR-V is worst for the new plush velor interior, which shows all dirt and is difficult to clean. My 1997 CR-Vs interior looked better after 5 years than my 2003 for this reason

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  it is ok but needs improvements - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gstoitsis - October 16 - 10:00 am

  drive smoothly but high level of noise, engine should be more responsive (i.e. faster acceleration), already the model has two recalls, stereo needs more power.

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  30000 miles in 9 months - 2003 Honda Civic
  By 30K already - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for just 9 months, over 30K miles, NO problems - FANTASTIC mileage - strongly recommend!

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  more fun than a gas pump - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jcpaciera - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great mmileage, all instruments are in the right place cept for one. the gear shift can go into a low gear when you dont want it to and the site of the reading on shift lever is the only hard thing to find in the car. having no sound at stop lights is great. my oil plug came out while doing 55 mph and all went well.it shut down and wouldnt restart. i luv it.