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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  2003 Honda Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kiminca - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I initially test drove the Pilot and then test drove the (new) Lexus RX SUV. With that said, I ended up buying the Pilot! Had the same luxury feel, performance, space, etc as the Lexus for $20,000 less!

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  Third Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By David and Donna - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle! Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Very quiet and gets pretty good gas mileage (25 MPG). Reasonably peppy but would like a little more horsepower. Real-time FWD works very well. Love the 6-disc CD changer. Air conditioner works extremely well, cooling the car in seconds.

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  A Crash Survivor - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Crash Surviv - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Just wanted to let everyone know that the 5 point Crash Rating is absolutely correct. I had an accident in my Odyssey last week and walked away from the crash even though my van was totaled. Unfortunately, the person in the other vehicle was not so lucky. My husband is an auto body repairman and he agrees that he doesnt see autos in the condition mine was in and hear that the person survived. I have nothing but good to say about my Odyssey. I will be shopping around for a new one as soon as the accident is settled. I had my van for 14 months when the accident happened, and havent had any problems with it.

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  Great Bargain - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Bob esq. - July 16 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle new in December 2002 and have taken 2 trips to Las Vegas, Nevada both times averaging about 40 miles to the gallon on regular gasoline. The automatic drive system functioned perfectly on cruise control in the mountains keeping the desired speed constant.

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  my first civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By yahaira toledo - July 16 - 10:00 am

  love my car. i can hook it up all the way

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  Camry Beater - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TuscaloosaTom - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Car tracks straight and true with excellent engine power and M.P.G. for a 6-cylinder using regular gasoline. Unfortunately, I have bought my last American auto. The U.S. cars do not hold their value very well.

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  perfect coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jordan2003accordwht - July 16 - 10:00 am

  my experience with my honda accord V-6 has been great. its the best car i have ever driven and wouldnt have picked anything else. my parents both drive luxury vehicles and the my honda is just as nice without the high price. my brother who only drives bmws is considering trading his 2002 3 series convertable bmw for an accord coupe.

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  Great value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By areitu - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Taut but comfortable ride, little wind noise, less tire noise than old honda. The car make a "clunk" or scraping noise shortly after startup. Very quiet engine, and despite less low end torque than the Altima 3.5, the engine is extremely efficient and flexible at low RPMs. Ive averaged 26mpg per tank (Altima 3.5 sticker reads 23 or 24 MPG on 91 octane), and could probably get a little over 400mi on one tank. Ive experimented with 91 and 89 octane, and 91 gives the car a little more punch at high speeds. I felt like I discovered a hidden secret of the universe when I found this car.

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  Very pleased with this car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Joann Doyle - July 16 - 5:13 am

  Overall the car is great. The cargo area is a little skimpy. I would like to be able to individually turn off the vents on the right and left of the audio system display.

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  Honda Pilot 2005 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Kathryn - July 16 - 3:33 am

  Although I recently purchased the Honda Pilot, I am very pleased. I looked at many other mid size and small suvs and found that this one had all that I needed. I am really impressed with the auto 4 wheel drive aspect. Since I have to climb muddy hills and deal with snow and ice, I find that it handles very well. I also haul many things and it is very spacious in this respect. The simple fact that it has room in the back,for luggage or our dogs, and still has room to travel with at least five adults comfortably is extemely useful and important to me. I also enjoy how it looks which is an added bonus!