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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  Perfection...for me - 2003 Honda Element
  By JCM - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Im amazed...I got a fun car (surprisingly quick with the 5-speed manual) that has a great stereo system and doesnt conform to the typical soccer-mom SUV. Right now, its the deal of the century at 20 grand. Im in college, just turned 21, and would recommend this bad boy for anybody who dares to be different. Enjoy

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  This is a cool vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Minnie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I got my pilot 2 months ago, and still think its the most sound, best investment I ever made in a car. I got the Havasu blue which is BEAUTIFUL, (the internet pics do it no justice, its more silver). It cuts through the NJ snowstorms like butter, even my husband was impressed. Icy roads and bad weather are not a problem, as this vehicle is extremely sure and stable. IT IS SO ROOMY!!!!!

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  Wifes vehicle and she loves it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RogW - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this to replace our BMW 528 and have never looked back (we still have our other BMW). My wife loves sitting up and the features. We recently took a 700 plus mile trip, and averaged 22 miles per gallon driving 75 mph. The only "ODD" thing it took getting used to is the arc of the transmission lever, but that soon passed as we got used to the vehicle. We even had a friend say it looked like a Mercedes on the inside. Some have said that the exterior is somewhat bland, but we like it. I am thinking of adding the factory fog lights to the front end.

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  Terrible reliability - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sad Buyer - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My van has had the following things replaced or repaired; Trasmission(2), rotors, window mechinism, radio, door sliding motor, compressor, and power seat swithch(2). It has left me stranded many times because the transmission will not switch out of first gear. The second time I was on vacation in Florida. It ruined my whole trip. I would tell everyone to stay away from Hondas. I have seen many of the new Pilots and CRV in for service also. I know all of this becuase Im am, at this moment, sitting in the waiting room AGAIN while they fix this LEMON!

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  Surprised - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DrJ - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We really like the room and versatility, but frankly were surprised at the many features lacking for this price point. For example, it does not have the following: trip computer, outside temperature gauge, compass, auto lights, leather wrapped steering wheel, seat memory, backup sensors, CD changer, or good stereo system. On top of this, it comes with a rather skimpy warranty (3yr/36k miles). Many vehicles we looked at came with these features and others, but in the end, it was Hondas reputation for quality that sold us. I guest Ill just have to wait and see if this reputation is deserved. So far so good.

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  Smooth as silk - 2003 Honda Civic
  By abimeus - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I got this civic coupe in jan of 03 ..since then the only problem is the windshield washer which is kind of sissy at higher speeds when it sprays. car is lot of fun ...I used to drive a souped up saturn stick before i got this one and a Mitsu Mirage before that and drive the sentra every now and then but well when it comes to driving fast without making a fuss the sentra gxe is no match it feels its going at 100 when its just doing 60 while its the other way round in the civic

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  Love It!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By joac2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love the car! It is fantastic! The new body style is sleek and sophisticated. The dash board and all the controls make a BOLD statment and are very accessible by the driver.

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  New Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By 511737 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely best driving vehicle I have ever driven. Exceptionally well thought- out interior. Drives like a sport car, surprisingly quick (the V-6), and very agile, road-hugging.

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  Bad Clutch - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Leeroy300 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great Car execpt for three things 1. I hate the shifting of this car ( 4th honda with manual tranny ) the clutch works smoothly only when it wants to . 2. no HID headlights odd for a top notch 240 horse sports coupe.3. and finaly the blind spots from the front pillars are horrible when tring to enter left on road and you look right.

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  Great Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By H Morvant - July 31 - 5:23 am

  Would buy again