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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  Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Pasquale Campanile - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This minivan is by far the best vehicle that I have leased in the past 10years. I can say nothing bad about it . It is the most comfortable ride,it has great handling in any situation and is above all the best vehicle I have ever purchased to date.

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  I love my Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By amandapie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best investment in a car I have ever made. After having two kids both in carseats we needed the extra room. Now everyone has extra room! The auto sliding doors are wonderful. It makes it very easy to open with the remote when your hands are full.

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  Hands Down the #1 Van for Families - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SoccerDad1 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Superior fuel economy, interior layout, and comforts second to none. It provides the added passenger space needed to travel in comfort and rear storage area behind the third row is tremendous. The interior gives families several seating options. A folding third row seat provides added storage space for transporting items. The turning radius allows the most insecure to park and move around small areas with ease. Visibility is stellar. The optional DVD system is a must for families. The front seat passengers can still control their own audio entertainment. Duel power sliding doors provide easy access at the touch of a button. What a great minivan.

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  Forget US manufacturers - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CAduck - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Hve never driven a car other than those made by USA companies. This one sure changed my mind. Dont think I will ever go back to Ford, GM or other Us mfg. Too much quality in this Honda as well as great service from the dealer.

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  the best van out there! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 98van - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having owned both a Mazda MPV and a 98 Sienna xle in which we still have, our new 03 honda is by far the best van on the road. We test drove the new 04 toyato and did not like the new layout of the interior. I will be interesting to see what Honda will change in the new 05 van. How about a rear power door as well as the side doors. 98van

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  Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By neenee - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like how spacious my civic is. The back seats are great because theres no bump in the middle of the floor in the back, and theres tons of leg room even when the driver or passengers seat is moved back. Also the trunk is awesome, it holds so much stuff, so much space. And if you need even more space, the back seats fold down very nice to make more room. Finally, this car drives like a dream. Ive driven other small cars, and none of them are as smooth, or drive as easly as the Civic. This is an awesome car.

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  30000 miles in 9 months - 2003 Honda Civic
  By 30K already - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for just 9 months, over 30K miles, NO problems - FANTASTIC mileage - strongly recommend!

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  My best car yet... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Piet - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having put 12,000 miles on my Honda Civic Hybrid CVT over the last 15 months, I can say I like it better than the 3 Audis and 4 Mercedes-Benz, bought new, that I had previously owned. (I traded in a late model M-B on the Civic.) Unfortunately, the Hybrid did not come with a moonroof, so I had a top-of-the-line ASC moonroof installed as part of the purchase order. (ASC is the supplier for the moonroofs that are installed at the Honda factories in Ohio.) This is one great car, as near to being environmentally sound as one could hope for at this stage of our technology.

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  My Third Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Stan Dounn - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I had owned a used 1979 Honda which gave 150,000 miles. Got 1991 Civic Hatchback based on previous performance of 1979 Hatchback. 1991 gave me 124,000 up to when I saw the 2003 SI. It is a very smooth operating 5 spd vehicle. I would rate it as one of the best small car values on the market. The 160 hp engine is quiet and powerful for town or road driving. The standard sports car features on the SI make this the best driving vehicle I have ever owned.

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  excellance - 2003 Honda Civic
  By harry lime - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Best all a round car I ever owned