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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  Great Honda SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kaybob - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Passport, Odyssey and CR-V and had planned to buy the CR-V with some hesitations, but then the Pilot came out in June of 2002 and when we drove it, we knew it was the best Honda made to date. Comfort and power galore. We love our Pilot just as we loved our Accord before. Honda makes the most dependable vehicles on the road.

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  All Favorable - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LindaB - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling and comfort. Formerly owned a Nissan Pathfinder and found the Honda handling far superior. Very comfortable with all features handy. Honda thought of everything.

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  Firs Honda Is Great Experience - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By shy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  After 2 Subaru Foresters, which we loved, we outgrew this fine car. Shopping for something bigger, we drove the Toyota Highlander and the Pilot. No comparison--Honda won hands down on features and value. Very pleased to date and highly recommend.

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  the best - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By edwin ortiz - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is great!!!!!!!!!!

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  Awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gerardcan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is full of power. I drive the Pilot a lot of times in full passenger capacity in uphill climbs and never had problem accelerating. The cargo space is roomy when the middle and third seat is folded. The only drawback i have seen so far is that the wiper control would sometimes be accidentally turned on when changing gear from the park position.

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  Love This Car/Truck - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By aeye - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We looked at many AWD vehicles including Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Pathfinder and Saturn Vue. We test drove most and the Pilot felt great. We love the extra seating, but mostly the extra room with the rear seats down. Since we come from a van we feel weve given up nothing in cargo space. Love the Honda, had an Accord before and loved that too.

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  2004 Pilot Great Car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By wayoway - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot for 2004 is an improved version of the 2003 model. The leather seats and outside mirrors are now heated. It is powerful, accelerates and brakes well, and steers easily. The new smart air bags are standard, and it gets a very good safety rating. The navigation system is easy to use. Holds up to 100 personal addresses - use them for destinations; for instance to easily return home after a cross- country trip. The voice prompts are nicely tied into your location and give count downs to a turn. Much better than the portable navigators. My 2004 was discounted $1700 off MSRP!

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  crv rules - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chas - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is my first suv and i love it, i will never go back to driving a car. very comfortable and i like all the compartments.

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  Why I Switched From A Volvo - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Rob911 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  After reviewing all of the features available with the CRV, I decided that this vehicle was best suited for our familys needs. We previously had a Volvo, which would not compare for quaitly Vs. cost per vehicle. We actually purchased two CRVs to replace the Volvo.

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  love my cr-v - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By joanie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  i love my cr-v!! its very roomy and fun to drive. although i wasnt sure about the tire on the outside when i was looking at SUVs im very happy with my choice because of the extra room i have in the back...if i had to say one negative thing about it, i would say that the ride is a little rough..i would highly recommend this suv...