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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  Versatile Family Mover - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By golfer1 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I own both 2003 Pilot and MDX. While Pilot is bulkier in size and handling it is also a softer ride and has superior ergodynamics. MPG is a bit disappointing especially when your loaded up on those ski trips but it has plenty of get up and go. Ive had tough time selling mine and trade in is tough with dealers(I was given MDX as part of new job).

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  Poor Mileage - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gam14 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The good: Handles well; Fun, smooth drive; Good performance and seating options. The bad: Terrible mileage! My Pilot averages 14 mpg city/17 mpg hwy. Dealer explains my cruddy mileage as being the result of "vehicle to vehicle variance". Consumer beware! Another problem is that the driver is unable to control unwanted backseat air conditioning. Finally, leather used in seating stretches and makes new seats look old and worn.

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  Good, but... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JLarry - January 9 - 10:00 am

  OwnerÂ’s man needs to correct grammar & errors like use dishwash det to wash car & failure to note only elec spray to clean clear plastic. Manual should say replace fuel vapor canister every 50K mi & gas tank not go below 1/4 so no overheat. Needs: timing chain rather than timing belt, split tailgate design, tailgate window to roll up/down, rear seats to adjust & recline, telescoping steering wheel, 42V elec sys, sun roof, compass where outside temp is, 7 yr/100K war, frt & rear side air curtains, color- match metal door-edge guards & elec tire pres monitor sys like Corvette has & govt will mandate soon.

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  suv that drives like a car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lulu367 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  best suv on the maket for safety and fuel economy and fun to drive, feels like a car not a suv. Its not if 4wd all the time so you save on gas.

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  Its the Best - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jerryl - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely pleased with my Honda CRV. It is well made, pleasing to the eye, very functional and a pleasure to drive. I purchased the all wheel drive model as I have a long commute to work. It turned out to be a very tough winter weather wise and my CRV performed extremely well. My best description is that I felt very safe in exteme road conditions. All you had to do was drive like you had some brains and the Honda never lost traction. I would purchase this vehicle again and recommond it to anyone.

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  Our First Van We love it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Strangelove - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Being our first Van I dont have much to compare it to but I do enjoy the power of the V6 engine although it does drink the gas like water. I drive pretty fast about 80-95 mph and am only getting about 18-20 mpg. Other wise I love it. It looks great and is very comfortable.

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  nice car but bad trany - 2000 Honda Accord
  By guido - January 9 - 10:00 am

  the car looks nice but i like to get on it once in a while, the trany is week and cant handle the power of the v6 engine, my friend went through three of them and mine is already slipping gears. im very unhappy

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  2001 Civic EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By hondahabit - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall this has been another outstanding Honda (5th one). Top notch dependability and good performance. Front seat is finally comfortable for 6ft+ adult. Only negative has been a couple of paint quality issues and a rattle in the sunroof area that wont appear when the car is in for service. With a repaint in a few years this one should be good for 300K miles!

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  02 Accord Coupe EX V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rnrmom03 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Got this car on a 2-year lease and regret we didnt just buy it outright. We lease all our cars and always love giving them back to dealership, but not this one, the dealer is going to have to pry the keys out of my deathgrip! (New baby wont let us keep it) The power is pretty good for 200 horsies and an automatic. Great all around car for non-family types; add the suggested improvements below and it would be unbeatable. No wonder you see them everywhere.

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  stylish - 2003 Honda Accord
  By marian - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The new style grows on you after awhile - it seemed strange at first but now I love it after seeing so many on the road- I love the comfortable leather heated seats - very roomy inside . I do find the ride is not as smooth over rough roads and bumps as I would like it to be - I feel them all - I also wish there were more color choices - I have the rodondo red which is beautiful -- the green and blue are just too dark !!! sound system is fair- no Bose like the maxima, which can not be beat----