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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  Nice Car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Honda John - October 16 - 10:00 am

  They should give you the 6 CD changer standard. Other than that a fun ride.

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  Love My Honda Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gamutwife - October 16 - 10:00 am

  When asked how I like my Pilot, I reply, "If I could put my arms around it and hug it, I would! A true pleasure to drive anywhere with all the comforts of home. I feel good knowing the quality behind a Honda product. Holds eight persons vs. the usual 5-7 in others. Ample cargo space. Our passengers enjoy the entertainment option on trips with an awesome sound system that replicates theater levels. Everyone who has driven it says, "I want a Pilot, too!

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  great suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By arteyepro - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Honda owner since 1980. This SUV feels like I am driving a regular sedan. I have traveled between Miami Fl. and Phila., Pa 3 times this year and this car has made the trip a joy.

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  Honda=Quality - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By luis cruz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  exterior styling could be better,always putting gas

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  My Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By shirley pope - October 16 - 10:00 am

  LX does not have as a standard feature the keyless door entry. I had this Honda product installed after the purchase. Automatic headlights would be helpful

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  Quality SUV with great Versatility! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Nick Avgoulas - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Dodge Durango for 5 years. I liked it well enough, but I was lured to the Pilot because of Hondas quality and price. After riding both I can say that the Pilot is a far superior vehicle. Better fit and finish and believe it or not better power out of the 6 cyl versus the Durangos 5.7 liter V8 and much better MPG. Comfortable interior that seats 8 is a huge plus. Quiet ride and good handling for an SUV.

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  Cant Be Beat - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Krzy33 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Pilot is the only choice when considering mid-size SUVs. Compared to the Acura MDX, any domestic SUV or even the BMW and Volvo, the Pilot holds its own and the price beats the competition by a landslide. When asked, no other dealership could sell me on why their more expensive SUVs were better than the Pilot. Extremely roomy, well equipped, stylish - what more do you want?

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  The Pilot is great! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KimsPilot - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle! I shopped many SUVs over a 3 month period and the Pilot was the best vehicle for the price - and worth every dollar!

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  2003 carpool truck - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mrswoim - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my pilot. I have 3 kids and many carpools to deal with. I feel very safe in it and enjoy driving it very much. I like the fact that I am up higher than a car on the road.Except for a couple of issues such as the front passenger seat isnt electric, and I would have liked a memory button for the drivers seat, I am very happy with its design.

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  g.m. needs to learn from this one - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ricerocket - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i had enough of general motors build quailty on my suburban(tranny gave out at 50k. we went to look at the hondas and were impressed. the test drive was what did it. we put it through the paces in the dirt and everything. when we were done we pulled into the back lot next to all the pilots and he said take a pick. the whole buying senario was a pleasurable experience(did i say thay that?)