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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  2003 Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy Stephen - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any problems with my Pilot. It has handled well in all kinds of weather (ice, snow, and rain) Sometimes the cruise control is a bit jerky.

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  wonderful - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By nancy bella - January 24 - 10:00 am

  i feel very safe in this auto. its fun to drive and i love hondas. this is my 3rd honda

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  2003 Honda Pilot, thumbs up! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mark prusa - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We live in Denver but the dealers here were unwilling to negotiate. In Omaha we were able to save over $1K off list price! Only option we went for was back-up sensors. In the short month we have owned the Pilot the sensors have already saved us twice. Gas mileage on the ride from Omaha to Denver was 17 MPG. Best mileage in the 2000 miles we have put on the vehicle was 19 MPG. Performance is adequate but NOT fast. This thing is heavy and big, a V6 is okay but a V8 would be better. What the heck, the mileage is already marginal... Drives great and continues the Honda tradition of good build quality and design.

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  the perfect vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kimmill - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has done everything promised. It is a wonderful alternative for a family that is anti- mini-van. It has a truck capacity while still driving like a car. As a woman it is the perfect vehicle.

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  Bills Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Carstoons - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I was a 37 year GM/Ford person. Glad I made the switch. I tow a boat and also load it up with gardening stuff. This is by far the best tow vehicle I have ever owned, in both handling and power. It also has the smallest engine. I did have some problem with an A/C leak but that has been corrected. I do not like the air flow system very much. On a cool day the vent doesnt give you cool outside air- you have to put on the A/C or open the windows. Which brings up another problem. At highway speeds with only one back window open I get this wierd air compression thing that bothers my ears. Playing with windows or turning on the A/C corrects it. Bill

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  Best SUV to least amount of money! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NChewy3 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Wow! What a great car! I shopped around for months looking for an SUV that had everything that I wanted without all the money. This car is fun to drive, has plenty of room, great styling, and wow lowest sticker price of them all! Honda makes a great car!

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  Great comfort with awesome reliability - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Driver - January 24 - 10:00 am

  For an SUV, it has a ver comfortable ride. The steering is also good with very little body lean in turns.It has a very quiet interior. Gas mileage is also very respectable for this SUV.Great powerful engine. Im 61 and this SUV has ample space front and rear to acommodate me.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By JJT - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After weeks of shopping and test driving my wife and I decided to buy a Honda CRV. We test drove the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Durango, Toyota Rav4, Subaru Forrester, Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Tracker. Each vehicle had pluses and minuses. The Honda is in a class all by itself. It handles superbly, even with its 4 cylinder engine it easily out accelerates the other SUVs in its class. We continue to be impressed with the Honda. Granted we were looking for a daily driver that can handle an occasional off road trip.

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  Honda CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By omarino - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle (03 EX) is a replacement for our 98 model which was totaled by being broad-sided by a vehicle running a red light at 60 MPH. My wife was the driver and only occupant. She walked away from the accident with only minor bruises. Aside from the safety features, we are impressed with all of the improvements made to the 03 EX model. More horsepower (big improvement over the 98), sunroof, 6cd changer, better handling and slightly more room.

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  02 crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Don x - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car, offers awd and a nice little engine. One of the best deals on the market. People are paying for mercedes/bmw/lexus 50-60 thousand and this car is just as good. Agree with everything in the review. The review was positive until the offroad section, but think people, who off roads in a brand new car, no one wiht a brain atleast! Don