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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  Finally got my S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By chrisnofar - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is truly an "enthusiasts" sports car. To sum it all up, this car has everything you need, and nothing that you dont. Definetely a significant amount of interior noise from the wind and tires. However the best noises are heard from the twin oval tipped exhausts. She revs like a F1 and sounds like a banshee. Fuel consumption is conservative at 20/25 city/hwy. Hondas S2K definatley provides the most bang for the buck, no doubt. Where else can you get drop top pleasure, with an engine like a bat out of hell, with one of the best transmission in the world, and killer looks for about $30 grand?

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  Great Little Rocket - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jbkraemer60 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was originally in the market for a 1- 2 year old 911. A friend who owns a 2002 S2000 recommended I look at the 2004 model. He was right on. Even though Im 62 I still fit comfortably even with the top up. The reviews written about the 2004 are pretty much right on. If you want a car that feels like a car set-up for the track and you crave F1 engine whine this is the ticket

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  Military Buyers Beware! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jess311 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV/Truck/Car, however, if you are in the military, and receive orders to go overseas, Honda does NOT work with you so that you can take your vehicle with you. Its too bad they cant work with the men and women who serve this country. Next time, I am buying a Ford!

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  1st Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Don G - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, grand kids love the DVD entertainment opt. Smooth ride with a performance "kick".

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  Best Minivan/ Best Auto Maker - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Back2themoon - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 2003 Windstar, 2004 Freestar, and a 2003 Sedona. I used my father-in- laws 99 T/C Limited and 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan (falling apart)as baselines for the Chrysler products. These guys are not in the same LEAGUE as Honda. We so happy we made this purchase. I dont know where to start: design, quality, structural integrity, handling, drivetrain (3.5L/240hp)...Buy the Best (Safest/Quality/Design/Engineering/ Resale) for your family, Honda! Chrysler may sell more minivans than Honda, true, but that is due to the rental fleet sales and production volume. Why do you think Chrysler introduced an "EX" model??? Still playing catch up...

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  2004 Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By VJP - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery of my 2004 Honda Pilot on November 1 2003, so far this vehicle has proven to be the the best car I have ever purchased. The quality is excellent (as you would expect of a Honda), fit and finish are supurb and is also very quiet when you drive it....nothing rattles! After driving mostly Chevy Blazers in the past, my neighbors were shocked to see this new Honda Pilot in my garage! Having compared these 2 vehicles in terms of quality and overall dollar value, I found the Pilot to be the bigger bang for the buck. This vehicle is great, highly recomended!!

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  Best SUV fir the money - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Amici45 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  First time SUV buyer, for less than $30k,no other carmaker can match this car. Isnt perfect, but again a great car , just very happy...

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Wynnie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A safe and comfortable ride--not only in the city but on long road trips. This vehicle makes driving a pleasure with its smooth glide--and enough power when needed. A GREAT FAMILY CAR!

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  CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By TMag - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Im 33 and hesitated to buy a "Cute Ute," as so many call it. After having more expensive cars it was a difficult move but I feel a very smart one. Everyone loves my CRV.

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  honda civic dx - 2004 Honda Civic
  By tterry - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car , Great style and fun to drive have made several long triops and even with a full load gets 38 -40 better than my motorcycle, if you want a sharp fun car that want send ya to the poor house this is it