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:

• 

  more fun than a gas pump - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jcpaciera - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great mmileage, all instruments are in the right place cept for one. the gear shift can go into a low gear when you dont want it to and the site of the reading on shift lever is the only hard thing to find in the car. having no sound at stop lights is great. my oil plug came out while doing 55 mph and all went well.it shut down and wouldnt restart. i luv it.

• 

  Like a toy car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By terri - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The civic is an easy car to drive and operate, I love it. You will feel bumps, but that is the only fallback on this car. It is roomy inside and I am not short, I have a lot of head and leg room.

• 

  the best - 2003 Honda Civic
  By acidjaxz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  As a family of a generation of imported street racing car the newly designed civic has kept up to todays standards, not only in price but also in stlye. I have own a 2001 honda civic which is exactly the same as the 02 and 03 and i have upgraded to street performance (racing modifications) and i am tellling you hold on for the ride. The new civic definatly can be call a civic. Just remember one thing drive smart not fast, youll always win.

• 

  Accord Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By leonaloca - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a few cars prior to the Accord, but this car is the BOMB. Its exactly like my friends 7 series BMW w/the exception of cost & engine liter size. Its got 260 HP & its a scream to drive. When you pull out into 60 mph traffic, you take off & they cant catch you anytime soon.

• 

  THE BEST ACCORD EVER!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ALEX120 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  GUYS IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SPEND MONEY ON A CAR THE ACCORD IS YOUR BEST INVESTMENT. I WONT TELL YOU MUCH, JUST TAKE YOUR TIME AND GO AND TEST DRIVE ONE AND YOU WILL SEE HOW NICE AND COMFORTABLE IT IS.AHHHH SOMETHING ELSE YOU WONT HAVE A BAD NEGATIVE EQUITY LIKE ANY OTHER COMPETITOR. (THATS REALLY GOOD)

• 

  1 Hot Hombre - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jos - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is quick..I have kept up with some of the best road cars without a problem.With this setup 3.0 V6 and the 6-speed manual transmission I am getting roughly 32 mpg city/highway combined.

• 

  Excellent ! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ms Feagley - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bouught my Honda Accord 10 months ago and I love the reliability and performance with this vehicle...im still in heaven...After buying "FORDS" most of my life I know that this vehicle is a "KEEPER"....

• 

  LX Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Old and Weak - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Terrific all around family car.

• 

  2003 Honda Accord Coupe Auto 4 Cyl - 2003 Honda Accord
  By swolfram - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my Accord. The 4 Cyl has just enough pep to make driving comfortable. You cant beat Honda engineering.

• 

  Best Honda Ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Fred Joseph - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Honda vechicle and i think its the best yet. It has great performance and the navigation system is also the best yet( its my 3rd one ).It seems more solid and the build quality is great. Ive had as much as 35 mpg on trips. As long as im as satisfied as i am now ill keep it.