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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  03 Honda Odyssee - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By W. Trump - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Odysse is fun to drive. Steering is positive, visibility is excellent, brakes are excellent, and the acceleration is smooth. On the down side: Road noise is a bit pronouced, could not get navagation system and cassette together (which is very annoying), vehicle and accessories are overpriced, the backs of the front seats need more side support to hold you in place on curves. The Sienna has curtains and the navi system with a cassette player. Might look at that for next van.

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  Simply the best! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Boston Bopper - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Simply the best! No tricks, just pure driving precision and enjoyment!

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  I am very happy with my Honda Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Vanrider - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to convert back and forth between rear seats and cargo area. The power doors are a very positive feature since I have a very active 2 year old. I was afraid he would stick his hand or arm in door as someone slammed the sliding door shut. No concern with the power doors of the Honda you can let it close on your fingers and not be alarmed. The Toyoto salemans would not do this during his demostration of the 2002 Sennia. It was a selling point for me.

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  Super Commuter - 2001 Honda Civic
  By popeye - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great commuter car. Excellent gas milage. Seats are difficult to adjust for driving comfort and lack support. Had a couple quality issues with interior trim items. Also a faulty door switch on drivers side.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Frogstink - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the way my civic looks both inside and out. The backseat is very comfortable for a two-door car. The dashboard, including the gauges, are much more impressive than other compact cars that i was looking into buying.

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  My Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By honda_owner - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, its great

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  best honda yet - 2003 Honda Accord
  By willy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  needs to improve the brakes and suspension

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  awesome car for this price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dddhhh - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, quiet, handles very nicely. Back seat legroom adequate but not generous. Sun visors interfere with mirror,audio controls excellent. Single piece front bumper VERY expensive to replace. Can adjust driver seat to very upright position...great feature. Great value.

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  HONDA 2003 ACCORD - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Huna Tuck - January 27 - 10:00 am

  EXTREMELY QUIET COMFORTABLE RIDE AND EXCELLENT FUEL MILEAGE. INTERIOR ROOM IS SUPERIOR TO OLDER MODELS AND IS HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL AND TASTEFULLY APPOINTED.HANDLES VERY WELL AND ACCELERATES WELL FOR 4 CYL.

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  Accord a great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By frankie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car thas I can say