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 kennyg - October 16 - 10:00 am

  we love our pilot...from the smoothness on the road to the third row seat to keep our kids apart to the way the third row folds down flat when we need to go camping...its a great car

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  another great honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Lisad4re - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is our familys 5th Honda & it is by far the most fun I have had driving their product to date. Only complaints are the weak lumbar support in the drivers seat & the CD/DVD player controls are hard to work while driving. Other than that, a great & reliable SUV that is great for hauling our busy kids, their friends & sports equipment around!

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  Happy in a Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PastorJim - October 16 - 10:00 am

  So far, we have been very happy with our Honda. We have taken one long trip (2600 miles)that was very comfortable. We love the size of the vehicle for everything from taking trips to hauling groceries. We have two children in car seats and when needed, mom has room to comfortably sit between them. The stereo sounds great! Overall, we could not have asked for more in a vehicle.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KarenH - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is fun to drive. It is zippy and easy to handle.

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  Great buy! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JJMOBILE - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love it! I didnt know if I could handle an SUV, but it is easy to drive, handles great and has enough room for all the extra guests!

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Harris022401 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It drives very smoothly. Handling is good and the overall opinion is that this is the SUV to own!!!

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  Honda quality does not disappoint! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By martig - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle feels luxurious. It handles beautifully - its responsive and comfortable, but safety and reliabiity were the selling points for me. Excellent quality and value.

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ivan1144 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had for two weeks and it is the best ride. I will never go back to a small car again.

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  What a car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Oberholtz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  With just a couple of exceptions, everything about our CRV is excellent. Its zippy around town, good on our local dirt roads and dependable on long trips. Its got good loading capacity and is a very attractive car. Were anticipating a long ownership of this 2003 Honda CRV.

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  I love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By debbie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car. After much research, this was the car that had excellent crash test results in addition to other benefits. What a great vehicle.