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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  Still On Top - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bob Schumacher - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Accord is the third in a row for us since 1987. It just keeps getting better! We almost never have a problem, including the 1991 that had over 100,000 miles when we upgraded late last year. And most amazing, we are getting better highway mileage now with a 240 HP V6 than we did with the old Honda 4 cylinder with half the HP. It is a very responsive, roomy and well built car that is always there when you need it. What more can you ask for?

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  2003 Accord Rocks!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Boxer123456789 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. It is the closest look, feel, and ride as you get with out dropping 50K+ on a Beammer. I cant say enough about how much Honda has outdone themselves.

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  Honda Accord Ex - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jack Burke - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellence in automobile performance,we bought one for our wedding

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  Our first Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By karoled - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car looks terrific and accelerates very well for a four-cylinder. It also gets great mileage: on a recent trip, we got 37 miles to the gallon. The interior is roomy and the ride is smooth and quiet. In fact, we think it deserves Car & Drivers car of the year for 2003.

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  Accord EX V6 -AWESOME - 2003 Honda Accord
  By maze - January 13 - 10:00 am

  What a fantastic car...I had a 1990 Accord DX manual trans. for 5 years and decided to give American another try. After four different vehicles I have returned to the Accord. This time going for the top of the line; the EX V6 with leather. Every time I get in the car I am so impressed with it. Hondas tremendous attention to detail is second to none. Also, the amount of car you get for the money makes this car one of the best values on the road.

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  My Dream Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TStrick12 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The perfect car for me. Handling, comfort, ergonomics, design. CD changer in the dash. Moon roof. Seat warmer. Its perfect.

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  Smooth - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Satisfied-driver - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is about the smoothest riding car youll ever drive. Both my wife & I fight to take it every AM. The dashboard lights are cool. The "4" 160 horsepower, 161 pounds of torque motor has enough power for the mountains and passsing. The material that the seats are made of is just great. This car will take you for a ride.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sherry W - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Honda. My previous vehicle was a Blazier. So you must understand after driving a small SUV for 4 years, I am extremely happy to be back in a car, and I am a Honda fan. I test drove the Camry, nice but not for me or my husband, the Altima, no contest, and the Mazda 6, which was cute, but lacked the quality. My husband, who was not a Honda fan, was sold as soon as we test drove the Accord. The smooth pickup, the handling, the comfort is excellent. Im sure the more expensive luxury vechicles may be better, but for us in the $25,000 price range, the Honda Accord is great.

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  My Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jaustinjr - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car handle great and is fun to drive.I drive 700 mi. a week and get 28 mph city & highway.

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  I love my new Accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gerto - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect car for me. I am a middle aged woman looking for comfort, affordability, quality, fuel economy, and all around conservaitivity. I love this Honda Accord V6. It even has heated seats. I got every bell and whistle except for the navagation system. I am very happy.