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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  Honda Pilot sets the standard - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bobdahl99 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very impressive! This is a quality built vehicle. Ride is smooth and quieter than our 200 Mercury Grand Marquis! Excellent around town and cruises the interstate effortlessly. (Getting 20 MPG @ steady 75 MPH.) Honda has lived up to its reputation!

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  Still Getting Acquainted to an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Brizzi - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My intro to the SUV was the result of necessity. I must admit that the vehicle is every bit as comfortable on the highway as my wifes El Dorado but,I miss the "feel" of the road. Another thing that surprises me is that the gas mileage is lower on the SUV and I runnnning almost 85 horsepower less. Inside, there is plenty of room and comfort and it is pleasing to the eye. As far as the outside goes, its just another SUV. The vehicle itself is very good. I just need to get used to it.

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  LOVE my pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mocha100 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The same care and thoughtfulness went into the making of this car as the rest of the Honda fleet. 8 seats? That was the deciding kick. Granted, not really enough room for adults back there, but for children, its plenty. There are also many outlets and cupholders. Great compartments and Homelink system for my garage door opener. Odd aspect of design - placement of the windshield wiper control. Easy to reach for this instead of gear shifter. Honda could also take a cue from Ford and put a compass in the car, as well as rear radio controls instead of just rear climate controls. Other than that, I am in LOVE with my new car!

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jorge pasada - December 1 - 10:00 am

  A Great Value and Great Design compliment eachother quite well. It combines size, power and fuel economy.

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  454 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Pac Man - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I found It to Bellow my expectations for A Honda my my wifes Jeep Liberty is nearly equal in quality and reliability and is more capable and user friendly .

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  I LOVE this car!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By LovAladdin - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I guess the only thing that I have to say is that the CR-V all around is just a fun car to drive. I previously was leasing the 2001 model, and loved it so much I just had to go with another one when my lease was up. And Im proud to say Ive found that some of the features I found minorly annoying in the 2001 model have been improved in the 2003 model.

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  the truth - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kinky - December 1 - 10:00 am

  this is truely a great SUV. there is nothing else u could possibly ask for. high standand/ high performance vehicle. definately get ur moneys worth for this SUV.

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  the dashboard color. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaboy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Go back to the light Charcoal grey color for the intearior, like you guys used in the 1998 honda accord. The grey color is much easier to keep clean looking.

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  Totally Fun - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By JKeith - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive ever had driving. Very quick, agile, and ready to go. Very comfortable ride. Fuel economy is not quite what I thought, but I cant keep my foot off the accelerator either.

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  The best car I ever owned - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By clemm - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I ever brought. It rides very smoothly and handles all kinds of terrian. Great value for the money. Very reliable family car. Its a Honda. Nothing but the best!