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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  For small drivers only - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By giovannais - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For a Honda devotee, this SUV model is somewhat disappointing in the comfort department. If driver is taller than 55", get set for cramped legs. No ability to extend front seat for comfort. Moon roof does not open to a fully opened position. A pressured vibration exists when one window is opened, only subsiding when two or more windows are opened. Floor controls for gas and hood release take up so much space that left ankle is forced in an awkward position.

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  Cant match it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Perlette - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had MANY cars through the years, Im in my 60s. I thoroughly enjoy this one.I LOVE the disappearing back seat and also the well where I can put my groceries etc..The seats are very comfortable too. I also like The 2nd set of seats( behind driver).One can move against the other to make a bench seat or separated as bucket seats.And It is extremely easy to remove the seat if you need to. I can haul a lot of things and fairly large ones.I dont know anything about under the hood however my husband does and is VERY satisfied.NO problems whatsoever!!!I LOVE IT and wouldnt think twice about getting another one!!!!!

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  My Little Munchkin - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Munchkin - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Terrible on uphill freeway entrance. If you drive fast watch the tranny fluid level it burns up FAST!! thats $3500 i wish i didnt have to spend Honda said "Its not a Race Car" when they replaced the tranny!! Got squished between 2 cars on the freeway and now the tailpipe drags on big bumps. Watch that front bummper youll lose it in a big DIP. Shes been broken into TWICE !

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  THE BEST - 2003 Honda Civic
  By HERRERAJOSEA - June 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY THIRD HONDA CIVIC AND THEY ARE THE BEST IN EVERYTHING FROM GAS TO DURABILITY

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  Great Ride! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By lindsey22 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Civic. The best thing about it is that it is sporty, yet still a sensible purchase. Plus, this car comes with lots of good stuff like a CD player, anti-theft system and an automatic sunroof. I also really like the great gas mileage and the fact that I feel safe driving it. Not only that, but a lot of the other cars I looked at were the same price--only they were three years old and had at least 30-40 thousand miles on them. I am so glad I decided to get a brand-new car for the same price or less!

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  WONDERFUL - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RACRACERX1 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  MY CIVIC HAS BEEN SO WONDERFUL. IF I HAD TO DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY I WOULDNT DO IT WITH ANYTHING ELSE BUT A HONDA CIVIC.THIS IS THE MOST RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY CAR I HAVE EVER HAD.THIS IS NO JOKE.

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  brunis civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bruni - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car but poor seating for a 6 footer. The worst design for vents . It blows in your face with no lower vents. Fix these things and you wil get tens!

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  dont buy any other!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By roseah - June 22 - 10:00 am

  smooth drive easy to handle picks up speed quickly (love that) all interior such as radio,controls are at eye level easy to access.

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  my civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kitten1127 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  i love my car!!!!Best car on the road next to the accord.

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  Honda civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dreamslav - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Great first car. Or second car. Or third car, you get the point. Im sold, its great all around!