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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  its Great - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jennifer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We got the car in Feb this year as soon as they Came Out...we frequent the beach often, and my old car Toyota camery I had to vaccume out all the time this car I just sweeep and throw some armoral on to clean it. Perfect looks like new. Im 26 with two children 5 and 3 it is also perfect clean up car for them, messes dissapear fast. It drives well I have never had any problem and have about 15000+ miles on it. The only thing I dont love, just because I drive so often is gas milage, not the best coming from a Camery but its worth it in the end. I coulndt have picked a more perfect vehicle.

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  Honda Pilot Experience - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By A.G. Anderson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is close to perfect in every way; including instrumentation, interior and exterior lighting, ride and performance.

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  Handling Woes - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Barbara Kollar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a replacement for a much beloved mini-van but found that I do not like what I call the wobblies (basically not great handling on back twisty roads which my area is loaded with).I have been told by the dealership that this is normal with such a large heavy vehicle, I still dont like it.

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  My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jann - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my pilot, I always had Hondas and was actually going to buy the Honda van. Though I decided to wait to see the Pilot since it was coming out that week. Its just my family needs. Everywhere I go people ask me about it. I think I might of sold a few on my own. Ive been in parking lots showing how the third seat works to people. My kids call it the "White Beauty" Thanks

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  Well-Rounded Anything Hauler - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Boarder Guy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is a very capable vehicle on the road and adequate in most instances off-road. It doesnt have anywhere near the standard list of features that my Land Rover did (i.e. integrated factory hitch, rear mud guards, interior rear cargo cover) and it cant be purchased with other features (such as electronic traction control and front seat heaters) but.... It can handle almost anything we can put into, onto or behind it. It has good torque from 2,000 rpm up and gets great mileage on the freeway. Nuf said.

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  I LOVE MY PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TONIA - September 26 - 10:00 am

  AFTER OWNING AND DRIVING MY PILOT FOR THE PAST 8 MONTHS, I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. ITS VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY AND I CAN HAUL LOTS OF LARGE ITEMS IN IT, SUCH AS FURNITURE. THIS PAST WEEKEND I HAD TWO SETS OF BUNK BEDS AND MATTRESSES IN IT AND THE DOOR STILL CLOSED! THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM I STILL NEED HELP WITH, BUT THEN I CANT SET THE VCR AT HOME YET EITHER!

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  GREAT SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lruperto - September 26 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TO DRIVE VERY RELIABLE

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  Honda Pilot 2003 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kelly Mock - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My favorite car Ive ever owned.

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  plain jane for the average joe - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mr.x - September 26 - 10:00 am

  hondas reputation was a huge factor while considering suvs. and i owned an acura integra 13 years with few problems. 3rd row seat much too tight for adults to squeeze into and styling is, at best, generic. i liked the styling of the highlander better but i felt honda offered more for the buck. rides great, leather seats super comfy, but i feel the engine could be a tad peppier- it seems to slightly wheeze under acceleration. but for the money, you cant beat it

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  Family SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By maus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i really like the speed and performance of the pilot. the interior looks very elegant and luxurious but the exterior looks sporty.