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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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mweiss - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a very versatile vehicle. The seating options make is so convenient for handling large items or passangers and the ease of switching from cargo to passengers is effortless.

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  Honda Pilot 2003 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gizmo - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the car. Very fun to drive, comfortable, reliable. Carrying multiple kids and lots of cargo. Always a pleasure to drive or to ride in.

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  Pagelims review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By PageLIM - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Great sales experience, surprised that you could get a reliable small SUV for the price, love Honda durability and reputation of quality. Would like better gas mileage still, but otherwise a great car.

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  Love CRVS - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sancar - September 21 - 10:00 am

  We researched small SUVs for quite a while. After driving all of them, the Honda won hands down. It is roomy, comfortable and the cargo space is as large as some of its big competitors.

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  elaines review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By elaine - September 21 - 10:00 am

  ilove this car its the best ever resll big and spacey 2

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  Happy Honda Driver - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Happy Honda Driver - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I am so in live with my Honda. It is such a smooth drive, and it handles really well. I love the displays and the gas mileage. I love how the driver controls the locks and windows. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking for a reasonably priced, reliable, safe and fun car

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  GREAT small car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By badodyssey - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Love this civic...fun to drive in a 5 speed, comfortable, great ride, and reliability to boot!

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  love this car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jost11 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love hondas, but this one takes the cake

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  "WINNAH!" - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Supaman358 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done it again with their Accord line. For 2003 the new accords comfort is unmatched for the price your getting it for. Having experience with a 2002 camry too, although the camry may Look better on the Outside, but never judge a car by its hood!, its whats under the hood and whats in the car(interior kicks A$$) and has more luxury features and more options to customize, the accord is more on the conserviative side and priced and built only with highest quality in mind, still manage to blance out with conserving and FUN to drive:-D

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  Best car under $25,000 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mrmikemtr - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd Accord (we bought one in May 2003). The Accord has many standard features that are extra on Camry. Didnt consider the Maxima because of the premium fuel requirement. Didnt consider the Altima because of reviews of the "noisy" 4 cyclinder engine. The Altima V6 is the same as the Maxima V6, so it would requre premium gas so the Altima was out of the question. Toyota has ABS as extra?!?! You must be kidding. Interior design of Accord is much better than the Camry.