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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  I love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By debbie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car. After much research, this was the car that had excellent crash test results in addition to other benefits. What a great vehicle.

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  Love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By BThird - October 16 - 10:00 am

  An SUV without being so big. (I was driving a Tahoe.) This is just as comfortable inside but better with the gas. Handles great too!

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  perfect suv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kelly in nc - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this is my second cr-v! its even better than the first. honda just keeps improving it. other suvs in the price range dont even compare to the cr-v.

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  Like the Tibute, Love the CRV! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Stacey - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car after owning a Mazda Tribute for two years. While I liked the tribute, the shifting became stiffer as time went on and the drivers seat wasnt comfortable on longer trips. I liked the tribute enough, but I didnt love the car the way I love the Honda CRV. I enjoy getting in it everyday!

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  Cool car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By austinsmom - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive, excellent ground clearance, and very roomy. I really like the fold and tumble seats. You can even haul 8 lumber inside!!!

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  A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By KarenG - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great looks, PLENTY of pep, wonderfully fun to drive, great in the snow, handles like an automobile, although the corners must be taken with care--it IS an SUV after all. Gas mileage is excellent for an SUV. I love the looks it gets, especially the surprised looks as it goes floating by all those big honkin "super" SUVs. I also love being higher up off the ground.

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  Love my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By aquarian2366 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle!! It gets great gas mileage, it is VERY comfortable and handles beautifully. If I could change one thing it would be that the current luggage rack design whistles. I have finally gotten used to it, but I understand it is a complaint among people with this vehicle.

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  Worth the wait! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CES - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I waited 13 years to buy a new car...and after much research, mostly through Edmunds, I narrowed my choices to the CRV, Jeep Liberty and Ford Escape. Driving test did it for me...plus the help of a non-pushy, very soft sell salesman. This is a terrific vehicle, fun to drive, reliable, good looking and, for this Grandma, just the best decision I have made in a long time! Was dismayed to receive two recall notices this week though...I hope its not a sign of things to come.

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Nord - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Recent trip from KC to Mpls and return. Really enjoyed the trip and how the auto performed. Traded a 98 CRV for the new one. Previous CRV was a little under powered and work pretty hard with headwinds and hills. The 2003 had no problems in either case. Really enjoying the vehicle.

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  Everything Youd Expect from a Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gramcrkr - October 16 - 10:00 am

  A very sound vehicle. All I expected as a previous satisfied Honda owner. It is a very comfortable ride, has lots of room in front, rear and cargo area. The seats fold easily for extra room. It has plenty of acceleration when needed and stops easily. Although the gas mileage isnt as good as my old Civic, its still economical to drive. Im still discovering new things about this vehicle. I would recommend it highly and intend to have my CRV for many years.