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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  From WA State to Florida - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Border - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a RAV4 to the Pilot. My Pilot was one that was made in Canada, so it has heated side view mirrors. They are great in cold weather. In January I moved from the northern border to Florida and the vehicle performed wonderfully. Going over the snow covered summits the vehicle performed like a champ. The dealer didnt do me any favors, but it wasnt a bad deal.

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  Great car - rated #1 by CR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Philippe - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The best car in the mid-size and large size SUVs. Better than the Acura MDX (whom the Pilot is derived) and $5000 less. A bargain!

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  Great car - rated #1 by CR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By philippe - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The best car in the mid-size and large size SUVs. Better than the Acura MDX (whom the Pilot is derived) and $5000 less. A bargain!

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  Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mdickinson - December 7 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the car in January and it has been great to drive. We drove to beach in Florida and thought that everything would not fit, but it did! I cannot say enough good things about this car. The body style is so much nicer than the previous model. This car turns heads!! The 5 spd is the car to have, it is geared very nicely.

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  No Regrets - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hondafamily - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for nearly 3 years, 30k miles w/o a single hitch. Smooth, quiet, powerful ride. Incredibly versatile for seating and hauling cargo. This is our fourth Honda, we had to give one away because we just couldnt kill it. We have encountered none of the problems Ive seen mentioned here. Outstanding fit and finish, solid as a rock w/o a single rattle.

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  Looking for a transmission? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Upset and angry - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I would never recommend this vehicle to anyone. Ive already gone through one transmission (less than 1000 miles!!). Seems like this is a standard problem with the Honda. It got all these great reviews and suckered me into buying. Stick with Toyota or Kia if you want a minivan.

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  Nice Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By PhillyCivic - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Civic for almost 2 years now. Overall, I am satisfied with the car. Its certainly no Lexus, but I didnt pay the price tag for a Lexus either. I have had a few minor problems that were covered under the warranty. Buy this car if you want something that is reasonabally comfortable, reliable, and efficient. If you are looking for luxury and performance, avoid it all costs. :)

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  What a wonderful car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By I like it - December 7 - 10:00 am

  although the mileage is low

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  Elaines 2003 Honda Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By erumaker - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Extremely good value for the money. Beautiful to look at, wonderful drive, comfortable. Good, solid size. Great fuel economy. So easy to park too!

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  First time Honda owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jay Knows - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Well, yesterday I purchased a 4 door, EX, 4 Cyl w/ Leather. 160 miles later, The car is amazing. I was considering in buying the TSX, IS300, TL, and even a C Class. I have researched every vechile out there, and the Honda, is an affordable way to enter the comfort of lux, while having a reliable and stylish sedan. The car handles tight, the interior is excellent, the exterior grew on me. The gas mileage is much better then my 2001 EB Expedition. I am planning on driving this car for 200+k miles. Well done in 2003.