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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  The Review - 2004 Honda Element
  By davidrlyon - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Good Truck. Only seats four. Noisy Overall nice unit would suggest the auto to my friends. Would not suggest the dealership. One of the worst. Will never, yes I said never, get any of my business again.

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  New Element Owner - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jawjr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The vechile looks a little different but once people get of there that is just the right size for me and had lots of extras that I really enjoy.

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  Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By bharvey67 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  If you can get past the styling, which grows on you after a while, the Element is a very functional car that will give you years of trouble free driving. The utility of the vehicle is outstanding. The "suicide doors" and the clamshell rear hatch are great selling points to the vehicle. The plastic floor may be great for some people who have pets, but if you dont Id suggest the carpeted floor mats that the dealer offers as an accessory. Dont be fooled by the 4 cylinder engine. It has more pickup than a lot of 6 cylinders Ive driven. Remember, the Element only seats 4 people so if you have a big family the Element may not be for you.

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  my opinion on the oddessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat48 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  it is to new to rate annual gas milage the hatch window should be taller, the headrests interfere with the rearview for short people the gas pedal is to far away for short poeple, and its to small. The gearshifter on the column interferes with the interior lite toggle switch when you put the car in gear and the windshield washer handle should be on the other side the map lite shines in your face when it is dark the heated seat switch is on the bottem of the door which makes it difficult to shut off when you are driving overall I GREATLY dislike the interior of the van. I probably will never buy another one the car is also to new for some of the ratings

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  Substandard Automatic Transmission - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By BPA - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this Van, I like most. Also the regular services costs less. But only problem is now and then Engine Check light goes on, even if gas cap is loose. And top of it recently at 39,000 miles Automatic Transmission was required to replaced. Thanks to dealer who help me alot. But if dealer want me pay for this I had no choice, since it was out of warranty. So for this cost of the car, need better warranty.

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  Whimpy "Pretend SUV" - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Stuck in a Snow Bank - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Honda cars are pretty good...but their SUVs are pretentious Wannabes!! I traded my 2000 Civic on this pilot and quickly found myself stuck in small snow bank. A passing by Jeep Liberty had to pull me out and tore the front end of my pilot clean off and commented how Whimpy my Honda is!! At anyrate, I traded my pilot on a liberty and the difference is like comparing a coke can to a bank vault!

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  Almost a 10 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By EasyRider - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. Big enough to haul stuff around in the back, but small enough to get decent gas mileage for a car that size. It is turning into the best car Ive ever driven or owned, and I have owned seven.

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  Honda Accord Coupe EX - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bett - April 3 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car would buy one again

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  my 2003 honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Debbie Morgan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT! I have two small kids that are required to be in car seats, the four of us fit really good in it,

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  Nice car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JMI1030 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great automobile! It is way faster than you would first think. It just gets up and goes! There are some minor rattles and once in a while it is slow in starting, but overall a wonderful, fun car. I feel safe and powerful in the car.