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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  Fantastic & Fun - 2004 Honda Element
  By frdglove - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This is just a fantastic & fun vehicle to drive and own. It is smooth and peppy on the Interstate. It is quiet and comfortable in the city. The washable interior and the fold up seats make it a natural to haul feed or seed or lumber for my farm. It is large enough with the rear seats folded up to carry many appliances and furniture. It is shorter than my wifes Ford Focus but the ride and interior space seems almost to be that of a luxury SUV. We have more than 50,000 miles on it in about eight months so I have the length of usage to speak confidently of its abilities. Oh yes, its audio system is great also.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By johnaoki - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 2003 Honda Pilot used with 30,000 miles on it. Traded in my 1999 Honda Odyssey. The Pilot so far is a great SUV! Fun to drive, yet it has a luxurious feel to it too, expecially with the leather interior. So far... I love my Pilot!

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  Thumbs Up from Bob - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Bruggeman - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Until I purchased the Honda Pilot, I had always been a "GM" guy. My wife is the one who wanted to purchase the Pilot. I must say it is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is fun to drive and very easy to get around in traffic. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is in the market for a mid-size SUV.

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  Honda Pilot Initial Impression - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Piloto - January 25 - 2:00 am

  A quick initial review based on limited mileage: Overall todate 3350 miles, of which 2721 was a trip that netted 21.571 MPG (including I-81/I-77 VA hills). Steering is somewhat sensitive - actually twitchy if one is used to a less responsive vehicle; road noise on coarse surface roads is high (may be function of tread). Spouse finds it very comfortable.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dsturgill - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a realy great car. I needed to have something I could put some kids (big kids) into and this seems to be the answer. We occasionaly take a 275 mile trip to the Outer Banks and it performs well. Gas mileage isnt bad considering I have a lead foot. The whole family likes it.

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  Third Ones a Charm - 2004 Honda Civic
  By 4evrhonda - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my third honda. First bought a 94 hatchback, traded it in for a 98 CRV. I kept the CRV for weekends and bought an 2004 LX for the everyday commute. We wanted a sedan for better gas milage and went with the LX since it has all of the features we were used to with the CRV LX. Has the same light ride as the CRV but hugs the road better. I was surprised at the 15 inch wheels! Makes it look sportier. The lines remind you of a 3-series BMW. I love the new Magnesium Metallic color. First tank got us 30 to the gallon. Im glad they got rid of the the center lap belt. Internet sales helped us get it $500 below invoice.

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  Noisy Engine - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gt7154d - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda. Heres a couple of negative, yet pertinent, comments: 1) noisy engine while idling, which should not happen to a mint new car. 2) noisy power steering at 90 degree turn. 3) not enough power on a 1:8 slope, no passengers and loads. 4) headlight still on after locking door.

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  Best car for your money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Acemtg - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car 2 months ago and I love it. I was looking at the IS300, Maxima, and 325CI. I began to realize that I could get a brand new accord with more HP and features than any of these cars used. This car is great in any comparison. Resale value is great, reliability is great, and price is perfect.

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  Honda Element: Almost Perfect - 2005 Honda Element
  By Lex - January 24 - 7:29 pm

  Ive been driving my Element for about a month, and I still get excited just looking at it. It really cant be beat. There are only 2 negative things I can say: 1) The area on the bottom where the door closes gets scratched up easily if you have anything other than tennis shoes, and 2) The tires seem to slip a little when I start moving semi-quickly and the ground is wet (once moving, there is no slippage, breaking is fine too, I dont know why it does that). You can speed up quickly once moving, just dont "Put the pedal to the metal" at take-off! (Again, that is only when the ground is wet). All in all, I love it 100 times more than the Rav4 I was previously driving!

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By COPILOT - January 24 - 10:00 am

  BEING IN THE HONDA BIZ FOR OVER A DECADE I CAN HONESTLY SAY THIS IS THE BEST HONDA PRODUCT MADE. IT SURPASSES THE ODYSSEY AND CRV BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND FIT & FINISH. THE PILOT LOOKS A LITTLE PLAIN BUT MAKES UP FOR IT IN COMFORT AND POWER. MY WIFE AND I ARE COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH OUR NEW PILOT AND HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO MAKE...A STRONG RECOMMENDATION FROM VERY FUSSY CONSUMERS!!