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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  CR-V (Cool Running Vehicle) - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By bfannon - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Somebody should tell Hyundai they dont need to put a 3.5 liter V6 in a car to make it go fast. The 2003 CR-V only has a 2.4 liter 4 cyl and it rocks! I test drove virtually every compact and mid-size SUV there is, and the CR-V won out not only in safety and reliability, but in low-end pick up, aesthetics, roominess, and price. It drives like a car, fits like a glove, and turns on a dime.

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  Awesome car, I love it - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Mark3939485 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely worth every penny I have paid. Great gas mileage, nice handling, very reliable.

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  EX Honda Civic Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeff Stas - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful fit & finish. Roomy interior and comfortable. Little dissapointed in the fuel economy. Could use a 6th gear. Car revs around 3500 rpms at 70 mph. I heard the automatic model revs around 2500 rpms at 70 enabling it to get almost 5 miles more distance to a gallon of fuel. Best value and resale in its class!

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  I know you will LOVE it. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JennaStl27 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I decided I needed to get a car that was 100% reliable, had good gas, and affordable. I looked and compared for a LONG time. I ended up buying a 2003 Honda Civic. I am in LOVE with it. Save your time looking at other vehicles. I get great gas mileage, and everyone compliments me on how they love my car. The inside is really neat, the dashboard lights up orange and purple. I was surprised how much room there was. All of my passengers have plenty of leg room. I feel very safe driving my Honda.

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  Accord EX V-6 Coupe w/Leather - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Biffie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very good looking car and very comfortable to drive. Had a problem with the sash moldings around the windows wrinkling up on both sides and the trunk latch was not installed correctly.

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  Civic Upgrade - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Honda_Guy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Five years and 126,500 miles later Ive traded in my Civic EX for an Accord EX V6. Ive only driven it a few times, but on my first test drive I knew it was the car for me, just as I did when I bought my Civic. Its sporty, luxurious, and nicely priced. Though my experience with the Accord is very short, my experience with my Civic gives me great confidence that this vehicle will also be a joy to own.

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  Needs Something - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jimbo986 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I do believe this car to be an excellent buy. Good all around grocery getter. It can sure get up and go! 0-80 in nothing flat. Just hope theres no corners! Car does not handle well if you push it in corners, very unpredictable. The front end likes to dive hard when braking and cornering then it seems to not know were to go when you back out of the gas. This is were this car NEEDS SOMETHING. I know this is just a family sedan but has the potental to be up there with the BMWs and other heavy weights. Maybe a wider tire and wheel? I do like the car and would recommend it.

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  Love it!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chipper99 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Only had it for one day, but extatic....planned on buying Infinit G35, or Acura TSX. We can do alot with the extra cash, and bought an awsome car!

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  My first SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Oldengineer - November 10 - 5:16 am

  The CRV is the first SUV Ive ever owned - having driven sedans for 40+ years. The vehicle drives and handles like an excellent sedan. I find it very comfortable on long trips. The engine performs decently enough and is well matched to the smooth shifting 5 speed automatic. I like the interior room and the large cargo capacity. Even though my CRV is an entry level model, its reasonably well equipped. Build quality is excellent, and the interior appears to be of high quality. My only beef with the CRV is its so-so fuel economy at interstate speeds. Other than that Im very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  problem with radio or? - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cali4all - November 9 - 8:19 pm

  I like the car, think it is very comfortable, agree with other issues, center console lid should slide so can use as arm rest, but get use it and I am short. Anyways, having issues with the radio with static and have had all the presets disappear one time now (they did come back after a while). The issue acts like a short, went to the dealer and they said have another similar complaint, they said Honda says it is a software problem, wish they told me when I called an made and showed up for the service appt. The problem is not fixed, googled the issue. I didnt see anything about it. This is irritating. Asked if Honda would call me or if I had to call them again and told didnt know.