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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  Fanastic Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vince testa - July 30 - 10:00 am

  A greatr vehicle. Plenty of power f0r a four cyl.The navi system is awesome, I dont get lost anymore. It doesnt always give you all the short cuts, but man its worth it. I could never own another care without this feature. Lost my air conditioner when a rock penetrated the opening in the front grill, a $1,000 repair the dealer picked it all up,I only had to pay $75.oo, although they said if it happens again I am on my own, I believe this is a defect in design. Overall one of the finest cars for fit an finish, I dont think I will ever own another car, its a HOnda all the way.

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  silverbullet - 2003 Honda Accord
  By silverbullet - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had this accord for 3wks and so far i love it better than my 98 accord exv6 that i traded for this one. The only complaint I have is that the steering wheel is off set I brought it in once and they said they fixed it, just brought it back today and they claim it needs a wheel alignment but I can deal with that thats not a big deal. other than that its a great car and great looking.

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  Honda Accord V6 2003 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dean2222 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted a car and I wanted a SUV. After driving the V6 Accord I was very impressed and I look forword to driving it when my wife is not behind the wheel.

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  best car i have owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By silversk8e - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love this car! I went from an suv to a 4dr sedan...i thought it would be hard to get use to but in a few days i was loving the car more than i ever loved the truck! the ride is exceptionaly smooth and fun the car handles very well. the navigation system is exceptional with voice activate controls. the interior set up of the car is well designed everything is within easy reach and pretty much idiot proof. i highly recomend purchasing a honda accord. you will love it.

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  big fan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By perks - July 30 - 10:00 am

  brandy new accord is fun fun fun. loving it. kills a couple buddies of mine that have an 01 and an 02 that are missing many extras the 03 includes with the ex package. again, cant say how pleased i am thus far.

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  My Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By usmcltc - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have had Hondas in the past, and our 2003 Accord more that meets our expectations concerning Honda quality and styling. The ride is smooth and quiet, and unlike most other cars we have owned, the accord is quite fun to drive. Honda has outdone themselves when it comes to the styling of the 2003 Accord, as it is a tremendous improvement and sets the standards for the industry.

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  03 accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By leetch - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car, looks good and drives great!

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  Reliable Comforting Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Eightmimi - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Honda that we have used daily over the past 21 years. It is easier to maintain and operate than any of the other vehicles we have owned. During our 21 years of Honda ownership we have always had a second car which was never a Honda so we have had something to compare our Accords to. This is the first LX we have owned---I did enjoy the EXs more!

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  Pretty Good-Electrical System has Issues - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By johnnymize6 - July 29 - 11:13 pm

  We purchased a 2010 Accord Crosstour used with 39,000 miles. It has a smooth ride, is quiet, has a luxurious, roomy interior, and drives well. It is great for our family. The engine is smooth and has oodles of power and is pretty fuel efficient. The features are great and the design is very eye-catching. The problems: VCM sometimes shakes the car at certain speeds, and the electrical system is not great. The original battery had a cell failure at 45,000 miles, sand then the ac compressor shorted out, draining the replacement battery 3 times before we figured out the problem with 57,000 miles. Hopefully no more problems come up because its a great car and everything else is reliable .

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  What Corolla should learn from...! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Cali_guy - July 29 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this car due to its non- cliche styling, reliability, and performance. I love the way it rides, handles, quietness and the overall uniqueness. I was caught between the Corolla and it was a great revamp but it looked to cliche "family" type, the horsepower never changed, and the interior looked ehh, boring. It took me awhile to get use to the clunking when out and putting in gear... the dealer told me the brakes are magnetic or so. Although, for 140 horses it has a lot of go especially on overdrive but I think a lil more pep should be added. Anyways I love the car -- it was a great deal and I get compliments and looks because its just different from the rest.