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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  crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By king m - January 24 - 10:00 am

  nice car and price

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By pae35 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought this newly revised model after test driving them since 1997. (Previously owned a Prelude for 14 yrs.) Remarkable improvement in horsepower and comfort. Many, many well- thought out storage compartments. Lots of room in back to put a bicycle, etc. Rides very well. A/C is top notch, as is 6-CD changer w/ 6 speakers. Have had no problems with this car to date.

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  Ashleys Cr-V Review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DatGirlAsh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its wonderful I have no complaints the ride is smooth, its comfortable, and it has great gas mileage for a SUV.

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  Im in love - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sheena seay - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This crv is not our first and wont be our last. We owned a 1998 crv and used it to tow behind our motorhome we never had a problem with it and could always rely on it. We used it in the winter and it did better than some 4 wheel drives, we were never concerned about not making it home safely. Our family now owns two crvs and we feel that we wont need another car for awhile.

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  Fun to drive! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jelybean - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I Love My new 2003 CRV. It is so much fun to drive and handles well on the road. I spend a good 2 hours at least in my CRV on a daily basis. All the buttons are right where you need them. Ive driven out of state twice since I bought it and it was great on gas both times! Ive always bought Honda products and will continue.

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  Love My Car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kitten4333 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I really Enjoy my 2003 CRV. I have never driven a bigger car before and this one is the perfect size for me. I feel safe, comfortable and confident while driving in the city, suburbs, or country.

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  Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jasmin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car that drives like a sedan. The V6 gives the Odyssey extra power which makes the car even more fun to drive.

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  Nothen but problems - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Never again,Honda wae suppose to fix Trans problems.NOT This van is and still a peace of crap.Honda has had nothen but problems with this van,$6.000 for a Transmission.We are trading this peace of crap in on a new DodgeMini Van.

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  Van with a Cars soul - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Udaydc - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my 4Runner, due to a baby we had and wanted a nice ride, but I was not willing to buy a van. We took a trip to Nashville from Atlanta, and I fell in love with the Odyssey. The next wee I went and got one. This is not your typical mothers van. This baby can move and hadle like a coupe. It has plenty of juice and the features are execelent. Yes, my friends do make fun of me because I am only 26, but then again, this the our choice of transportation for trips out of town. You can go 95 and not know it, it is soooo smooth.

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  Drive Left Only - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By cmd - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Although my wife and I love the Honda (the DVD with wireless headphones let us can talk while the kids watch) the Odyssey has a serious alignment problem and pulls hard left at highway speed. Cannot be attributed to "road crown", wide tires, or other potential causes. In for service twice for over five days and the Honda dealership Operations Manager is not satisfied with the results. This is a design flaw and cannot be fixed unless taken out of manufacturers specifications, which would cause extreme tire wear. If your dead set on buying an Odyssey, drive the actual vehichle youre buying (not a demo) on the highway, and let go of the steering wheel.