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:

• 

  Excellent SUV Overall - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jbnibs - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokees for the last 12 years and was very pleased with them. This year, when it was time for a new car most of my research kept pointing to the Honda Pilot. I have not been disappointed with my choice. The interior design, style and spaciousness are all top quality. I have driven only 3500 miles, so I cant comment on reliability but Honda has a long history of reliability so I have no concerns there. I would recomend this SUV to anyone looking for a midsize SUV.

• 

  love my pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mommaload - September 21 - 10:00 am

  comfortable, just the right size without being a minivan, handles beautifully, rides great

• 

  The Pilot is Excellent! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By happygirl - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot in January 2003 after much research and test driving of many other SUVs. The Pilot by far is the best mid-sized SUV on the road today. Suprisingly comfortable in its seating of 8 (and 8 adults!). The DVD entertainment package is a MUST for anyone with kids and long trips. I have always owned Honda, and this vehicle does not disappoint!

• 

  my pilot info - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By absorb - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Our experiance thus far has been excellent. We believe this car will serve our familys needs for the next 10 years. We have already been on several road trips and even thru the mid-west with it and are impressed.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mweiss - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a very versatile vehicle. The seating options make is so convenient for handling large items or passangers and the ease of switching from cargo to passengers is effortless.

• 

  Honda Pilot 2003 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gizmo - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the car. Very fun to drive, comfortable, reliable. Carrying multiple kids and lots of cargo. Always a pleasure to drive or to ride in.

• 

  proud to own one - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Natwalt - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I live my life on the road with 4 active children. The versatility and power, combined with the seating capacity is the best value for your money. On long trips with my family it feels as comfortable as being in our living room. I previously owned the Honda Odessey and traded that van in for the versatility of the all wheel drive. Although the van offered more spacious comfort while seating 7, the Pilot, which can seat up to eight, can take me more places using the same gas milage. Being able to put the back seating down and use as cargo is like having a truck. Very durable with luxurious comfort. Its a big hit with my family.

• 

  honda pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By beverly morris - September 21 - 10:00 am

  traded a 96 toyota forerunner for the honda. all was well until i washed it.paint is awful with many oversprays.the plastic front end is way too cheap. honda has gone to far in cutting cost. the plastic in a tide bottle seems far stronger. before you buy look underneath the front end.

• 

  Pagelims review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By PageLIM - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Great sales experience, surprised that you could get a reliable small SUV for the price, love Honda durability and reputation of quality. Would like better gas mileage still, but otherwise a great car.

• 

  Love CRVS - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sancar - September 21 - 10:00 am

  We researched small SUVs for quite a while. After driving all of them, the Honda won hands down. It is roomy, comfortable and the cargo space is as large as some of its big competitors.