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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  Makes driving fun again! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mamarsiano - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I am having fun driving my shiny new and oh so comfortable honda pilot. last mothers day, my life changed. my son got me my first honda! Hes the best son in the world to give me the greatest car ever! The best part is the comfort. i forget about that arthritis when i climb into my high seat and have all the room i need. when im inside my dream car i suddenly feel real good. it gives me that extra feeling that only having this car can give. thank you for making me happy.

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  Good Deal - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rlbbsb - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Moved up from a 1997 CR-V; Good ride with comfortable seating and good visibility; plenty of power; decent fuel economy; Fair amount of road noise. Expect to last longer than American counterparts.

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  Large Interior and Fits in Garage - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Lisa NH - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. I wanted an 8 passenger vehicle and the interior is much larger than it looks from the outside. This fits in my small garage (unlike the large domestic tanks). Interior is very flexible, spacious and comfortable. All controls are in the right place. I have several friends that have bought a Pilot after seeing mine.

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  Quality Vehicle!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By walterE - March 7 - 10:00 am

  After putting 235,000 miles on my 94 Accord, it was time for an upgrade. The CRV is roomy, comfortable, and reliable, what you would expect from Honda. I do a lot of camping with my kids, and this vehicle suits us perfectly. The fold down seats leave plenty of cargo space, and the real- time 4 wheel drive is really handy in the snow. Love it!!!

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  The Price is Right - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Christison - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Look at all of the other SUVs, notice something the CRVs have that the others dont? Yes, thats right, they dont have a crazy price! You cant go wrong with the CRV when you also figure in price. Please take note I didnt say cheap I just said price. The quality of Honda speaks for itself.

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  98 was a great year! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Flybinder - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2003, and after two months, traded, BACK DOWN, to a 98! Why? Because the new CRVs are built more for someone that "HAS TO HAVE" a SUV, to keep up with the Joness, not for the reasons we love them. The 98 has cleaner lines, less cluttered exterior and interior and is small, the way this particular rig, was originaly designed to be. The Vette, T-Bird, all started OUT SMALL but were, like the CRV now, ruined by enlargement. "Bigger IS NOT better", where the CRV is concerned. The 98 is what the CRV started out to be, and should still be, Im glad I traded back down!

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  Sassmaster - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By EMPY - March 7 - 10:00 am

  My car is the best. It gets great gas mileage and works great in the ice and snow. I feel empowered when driving it.

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  Best Honda Ever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Martys favorite car - March 7 - 10:00 am

  When my salesman called to see how I liked my CRV, I told him I had never this way about an inanimate object before! I love it! And I am a 50 something female. I loved my Civic but was feeling vulnerable because it is so low to the ground. The CRV is higher and still is easy to climb in and out of with a skirt and heels.

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  good car for the money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By petrica - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I got it in March, 2003 and already have 7500 miles on it. So far so good. Have not tried the Realtime 4WD yet, hope it works. After a carefull break in period, and considerate driving, the car "settled" arround 5500 miles, gas mileage improved, handling is better. Probably I just got used to it. For the money spent, it is what I expected and a little more.

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  Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sgtspike - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I was lookig for a small SUV with great mileage but was comfortable for a big guy (61", 280 lbs). It was like they took a midsize SUV interior and managed to put it inside a small body. It is ROOMY, comfortable, gets much better mileage compared to the midsized SUV and it is a Honda so it is reliable. If I was in the market for a small SUV again today, I would go straight to my Honda dealer. The ingeneous interior design and features, the reliability, the room and comfort, the AWD all add up to one phenominal little SUV. PS when are you going to build a small pickup truck?