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:
Showing 22291 through 22300 of 31,869.00-
not bad - 2003 Honda CR-V
By kammer - January 31 - 10:00 amfun to drive, roomy, poor gas mileage sticker said city 24, HW 28, the best I get is 22
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The Best Damn Vehicle On The Road - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Mrs. Weaver - January 31 - 10:00 amI love my CRV.I wouldnt have any other vehicle.It is the best looking vehicle, it is tough looking, sporty, great family vehicle, power is great, and everytime I look at it, especially standing back, it makes me feel good at what I purchased.I havent ever been pleased with a vehicle like this one and I have had 5 others and Im only 24.
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Love my Honda!!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By philandmolly - January 31 - 10:00 amBought my 2000 Honda as a second car so I would not tear up my Eclipse...found myself not even wanting to drive my other car. As a matter of fact I have only started my Eclipse up once since I bought my Honda to make sure it would start.. Honda has spoiled me.. wish I had bought the CRV first...am thinking of trading both for a brand new CRV.
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Good Going - Do More! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By dondon - January 31 - 10:00 amLove the inventiveness of the interior design of my 1999 Honda CR-V. Feels very roomy, feels bigger and taller than actual, but very nimble and safe all the same. If you use any of the suggestions please send me a new CR-V as payment!
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Happy w/ Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By lotsajim - January 31 - 10:00 amIt took a trip to Chicago to find the style ane price we wanted, but it was worth it. A 2 month wait and $$ higher price was all we couold find in St Paul.
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car stalls constantly - 2001 Honda Civic
By goody2shoe1 - January 31 - 10:00 amIve had my car for less than 2 years and its been fixed 6 times. Ive had 2 new transmissions, a new computer thing, a new starter, they fixed the idle and have had a new alarm computer and the car still does not work! It stalls whenever it is put in to gear even though it is an automatic! I just filed for the lemon law so Hopefully i wont have to put up with this stupid car much longer. also it dongs very easily.
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My Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
By BETH - January 31 - 10:00 amThis car is so fun to drive and is great on gas! I would recommend this car to anyone. I also think it looks pretty good and is easy to keep clean!
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Easy to Love - 2003 Honda Civic
By Bohemian - January 31 - 10:00 amI have purchased my last new car! For $approx 18,500 cash, it without a doubt is the best and most thrifty car I could ever hope to find at this point in time. No Micky Mouse look to this one, as outwardly it looks like a reqular, top of the line, Civic sedan much better looking then the Toyota Prius or Echo. With the electrical boost I have no problems merging into express way traffic. A really nice machine.
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GREAT CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
By Egflower25 - January 31 - 10:00 amThis car is great for everyone. I just bought for my daughter and Im thrilled for her because I know its very reliable and gas mileage is GREAT!
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great - 2003 Honda Civic
By cruser0603 - January 31 - 10:00 amgreat, its an awesome little car! i got a brand new one when i was 15. I am about to turn 16! i love the car!
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