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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  Fairly satisfied - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TC IN TEXAS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Biggest disappointment> no auto door lock when put in gear. -No unlock from inside with door handle, have to hunt around for poorly placed, badly situated lock/unlock button. Seat adjustments seem to revert to a setting unlike previous setting -Poor gas milage. -Ac instructions vague and confusing. -Rear (heavy) door is unassisted & cumbersome

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  My Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mattious0215 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best SUV I have ever owned After having a Ford Explorer I will stick with Pilots from now on. I have never had anyproblem withit. To be a SUV it gets the sped great, and it swoops arond curves like a charm.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tparadise - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love it. not great on gas but it is an SUV. Great ride. I would have like to have had the option to add a sunroof

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  Love my Ploit - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Robin jauch johnson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  All i can say its the best i have lots of vechiles and this is my favored

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gerald - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Quite running. It is well constructed. driven for several long trips and very comfortable for 900 mile trip in a day. Handles like a car.

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  2003 PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wxcv98b - September 26 - 10:00 am

  VERY PLEASE.....A FUN CAR TO DRIVE...YOU CAN FEEL THE QUALITY.... WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE....ROAD NOISE A LITTLE TOO PRONOUNCED. THE FIT AND FINISH IS EXCEPTIONAL. HAVE A 2004 TOYATA SIENNA.....BOTH MY WIFE AND I LIKE THE PILOT BETTER FOR RUNNING ERRANDS

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  Rated high in consumer reports - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - Pilot Owner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought in Oct 2002 (after my camry was totaled), one of the first PILOTs bought. Incredible solid comfortable ride, great steering wheel controls to keep eyes on rode, kids love DVD system (great crisp bright video), flexible 3rd folding seats. PROBLEMS: Finish of carpeting and ceiling fabric poorly installed (not tucked in everywhere), Sliding Cargo cover that hides things in the hatch area installs OK but seatbelts interfere with ability to use it (you can use it but cover is crimped at the sides due to seat belts - a clear design flaw - saleman just shrugged). Overall: Highly recommended.

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  honda crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mmjord - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second CRV and I love the changes theyve made - interior and exterior. The tailgate is so much easier to handle now that you can open the door without first opening the window.

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  My 2nd Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kango - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 2nd Honda that I have owned and I dont think that I would want to drive any other car. Although there were two recalls on my car already, I would rather have Honda want to fix something that may become a problem rather then do nothing about it.

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  CRV does well for us - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alley cat - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We have made many trips across the US in our CRV and have enjoyed the reliability of the Honda. The only bad part of owning this Honda has been the horrible experience at the Honda East dealership in Beechmont, Ohio when trying to have it serviced. Their service department rates a big fat 0.