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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  Moved from Mercedes, but not down. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Poughkeepsie Family - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2001 Mercedes ML-320 that was plagued with problems from the very beginning. We bought the Pilot largely based on Hondas high reliability ratings. The car is well designed, handsome we feel, and a pleasure to drive. The third row seats couldnt be easier to use; this was not the case with the Mercedes third row which was too cumbersome for my wife to fold up on her own. We got it with the entertainment system. I was ambivallent about it, my wife wanted it. She won. After one three hour drive during wich the kids quietly watched a movie while we sat in the front enjoying our own separate music, Im a convert.

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  A vehicle to be proud of! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot 101 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot has met or exceeded all of our wants and needs. A perfect minivan replacement with 4 wheel drive. Getting a great price is stil not posible. The pilot has made it easy for my 5ft wife and me with our 1yr old daughter. The second row seat should be adjustable, seeing the seat slides on track already. This is our second Honda vehicle.

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  Sports Car of the 21st Century - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NormanU - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded up from my 3rd van, wanting something with a little pizazz but still utilitarian. I tried all the mid- sized SUVs, not wanting something trucky. Narrowed it down to the Highlander and Pilot but overall the Pilot is just head and shoulders above the Highlander.

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  All Around Perfection - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Andrew Starks - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are sometimes derided for being like washing machines: they work all of the time, do their job, but dont give you a lot in terms of excitement. The CRV is a little like that, and while car repairs and quirky gimmicks are exciting, they may not be desireable anyway. One thing I would like to note about the CRV: While the CRV has a four cylinder, it is by far and away the BEST for cylinder available. If youre looking for something with more punch, there really isnt anything else out there. A test drive of the Tribute/Escape six will prove this. The CRV pulls very hard straight from idle.

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  Odyessy is the only one - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By gtags1 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt even consider another van. the ride is excellent, and still delivers very good gas mileage. It offers plenty of room with a deep well in the rear that can hold plenty of gear. Seats remove easily and the rear seat folds into the floor. Excellent crash test results

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  An authentic review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By accordian - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Anyway, weve had our Odyssey for 10 months now and we love it. We are most impressed with the fun to drive factor. Most people stray away from mini vans because marketing folks make us believe that mini vans are boring. Well let me tell you, we test drove about 10 vehicles (vans and SUVs) before making a decision and no other vehicle at the time was as well rounded and versatile as the Odyssey. The SUVs have about the same room as cars and cost allot more to operate. While the mini-vans have enormous space, a high seating position, and better MPG. In addition, most mini-vans have traction control which helps allot in inclement weather.

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  An authentic review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hondaguy - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Anyway, weve had our Odyssey for 10 months now and we love it. We are most impressed with the fun to drive factor. Most people stray away from mini vans because marketing folks make us believe that mini vans are boring. Well let me tell you, we test drove about 10 vehicles (vans and SUVs) before making a decision and no other vehicle at the time was as well rounded and versatile as the Odyssey. The SUVs have about the same room as cars and cost allot more to operate. While the mini-vans have enormous space, a high seating position, and better MPG. In addition, most mini-vans have traction control which helps allot in inclement weather.

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  I love everything about the Odyssey 2003 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Nuodyssey2003 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and it is intend to family usage. Before my wife and I decided to purchase the Odyssey we have been asking, researching, and do many home works and wed finally choose Honda Odyssey. We are fully satisfy with this vehical. We are loving it. In addition, we will recommened to friend and family.

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  Fun commuter - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Zap - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The car easily achieves 37mpg avg. If I take it on a trip it will breach 40mpg. Car corners very nicely but Honda fumbled with the shock/spring settings on the rear end. Car feels a little too bouncy some times. Especially under higher cornering loads. All controls are well placed and convenient. EX stereo is splendid for a stock unit, especially when using the CD player. When it is cold, do hear a few creeks and squeeks. Sunroof slide cover has a minor rattle. Have had to go to the dealer a few times for 1) Side Airbag light, 2)persistant idle problem and 3) a rocking drivers seat. All of these have been taken car of.

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  In shop 5 times in 6 weeks - 2003 Honda Civic
  By js - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The review title says it all. Ive owned the car 6 weeks and it has been in the shop 5 times. The build quality is *not* what I associate with the Honda name. This car has quite a few rattles. Also some of the carpet on the side of the trunk has already come off where a screw was missed. These are minor inconconveniences, but once again not the quality I expect from Honda.