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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  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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  My Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Louise Miller - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I really love my CRV. We took it out West & it did great, except for some difficulty with the transmission in the mountains. It is fun to drive.

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  New Mom Loves it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sharibrat - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I went shopping for a vehicle while I was still pregnant. I knew I didnt want a minivan but needed lots of room. THis SUV has been wonderful!!! We load up the back and still have plenty of room on the backseat - our backseat doubles as a changing table, place to nurse the little one, or passengers!

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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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  Great car for my son - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By teeny driver - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Given to my son to drive. I like the reliability and safety for him

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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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  CrV-Heaven - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kidV - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Honda CrV is very nimble and quiet. The ride quality is very Honda Civic like (i have owned several Civics). Does not have the room like other bigger SUVs but is very comfortable for 4 adults. It never stubbles when i put the pedal down. Honda has built a very sensible SUV.

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  Overpriced but Extremely Reliable - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Wuzzifer - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable car to drive but sluggish going uphill & not fast to accelerate.

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  2 time CR-V owner. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Pat Kostial - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is best for its drive train and reliability. The new CR-V is worst for the new plush velor interior, which shows all dirt and is difficult to clean. My 1997 CR-Vs interior looked better after 5 years than my 2003 for this reason