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:

• 

  my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By eyedoctor - September 26 - 10:00 am

  purchased an element 2 months ago and feel mixed about it. love the styling but my last 2 cars were a 6 cylinder 2000 sonata and a 2000 bmw 528 i. noise level is much higher and the pick up is less and whiney and with the 4 wd in the city only have marginally better mpg about 19. the ride is fairly rough in the city have been practicly knocked over on occasion. sound system and reliability have been fine but not sure i would do again. would look at a scion if had to do it again.

• 

  Handling Woes - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Barbara Kollar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a replacement for a much beloved mini-van but found that I do not like what I call the wobblies (basically not great handling on back twisty roads which my area is loaded with).I have been told by the dealership that this is normal with such a large heavy vehicle, I still dont like it.

• 

  plain jane for the average joe - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mr.x - September 26 - 10:00 am

  hondas reputation was a huge factor while considering suvs. and i owned an acura integra 13 years with few problems. 3rd row seat much too tight for adults to squeeze into and styling is, at best, generic. i liked the styling of the highlander better but i felt honda offered more for the buck. rides great, leather seats super comfy, but i feel the engine could be a tad peppier- it seems to slightly wheeze under acceleration. but for the money, you cant beat it

• 

  Family SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By maus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i really like the speed and performance of the pilot. the interior looks very elegant and luxurious but the exterior looks sporty.

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Less2PTS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The most sensible automobile I have ever owned and its a Honda.

• 

  Fairly satisfied - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TC IN TEXAS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Biggest disappointment> no auto door lock when put in gear. -No unlock from inside with door handle, have to hunt around for poorly placed, badly situated lock/unlock button. Seat adjustments seem to revert to a setting unlike previous setting -Poor gas milage. -Ac instructions vague and confusing. -Rear (heavy) door is unassisted & cumbersome

• 

  2003 PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wxcv98b - September 26 - 10:00 am

  VERY PLEASE.....A FUN CAR TO DRIVE...YOU CAN FEEL THE QUALITY.... WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE....ROAD NOISE A LITTLE TOO PRONOUNCED. THE FIT AND FINISH IS EXCEPTIONAL. HAVE A 2004 TOYATA SIENNA.....BOTH MY WIFE AND I LIKE THE PILOT BETTER FOR RUNNING ERRANDS

• 

  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By illhornet - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car into the ground. We have the EX with the entertainment package. It is absolutely wonderful to travel in with children and family pets. We had to order it a few months in advance just to get one which was disappointing, but it was worth the wait. I did research on all the mini- van before purchasing this one. It had the best service record, milage, horsepower and amenities. The magic seat is so convenient and makes hauling cargo so easy. I would purchase it again after we wear this one out!!!

• 

  My "Bad " Little Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jfranklincarden - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I use the word "bad" in the title as many young people use the word - "Bad" is good and my 2002 Civic is just that - Good! Good gas mileage (36 per gallon on the road) Good in that I can use regular gas as opposed to Premium, good in that it is easy on my pocketbook to maintain, good to look at and easy on the eyes. Good in that it maintains its value and has little depreciation. Good relationship with my dealer. Good continuing contact with the salesman who sold me the car, Good, good, good. My "Bad" Little car is GOOD.

• 

  Mileage - 2003 Honda Civic
  By john/georgia - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Actual Mileage is 42mpg @80 mph,47mpg around town, and 52mpg in the Florida Keys. Cant get it away from my wife. 1.9% financing with 10 year 100,000 mile warranty, 3.9% without. No problems so far.