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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  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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  it is ok but needs improvements - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gstoitsis - October 16 - 10:00 am

  drive smoothly but high level of noise, engine should be more responsive (i.e. faster acceleration), already the model has two recalls, stereo needs more power.

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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.

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  This is my second CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mugsy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second CRV. Ive had NO problems whatsoever with my 1998, so I just had to get another one. Of course, we kept up on all the maintenance and will do the same with our new CRV. Now that Ive owned a Honda, no other vehicle will do!

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  Best Van Ive owned to date - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ThrustVectorZero - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This has been an enjoyable vehicle to own. Odyssey provides the necessary power when needed and is very comfortable on long journeys. Ive travelled to both coasts twice over the past 15 months. The placement of cup holders is well thought out. Two problems - 1st, city gas mileage is 16 mpg and highway driving is 22 mpg, not what Honda claims the vehicle gets; 2nd problem is the pull out drawer located under the front passenger seat. Its cheaply made and difficult to pull out and push in. Honda should have spent the extra $2-3 to make it out of thicker plastic and put it on rails. Overall, I love my Odyssey.

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  comfort - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By geotrammell - October 16 - 10:00 am

  drives like a luxury automobile, all the comforts of a luxury automobile with all the features of a full sized van.

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  best one yet - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By westrox2002 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I was so floored by the performance by this van I was speechless. I drove it one block and said Im buying it.