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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  Honda Element -- user friendly in spades - 2004 Honda Element
  By LMNTLE - January 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife bought a 2 wheel DX in 03, I just picked up my AWD DX 3/31/04 and I have already bonded with it. Owning an Element is like having a reliable friend. I know it sounds corny, but it is true. I use it mostly with my road bike and plan to use it for camping at music festivals. All things considered, I just cant imagine a better all-around vehicle.

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  Honda Scores - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CamanoPilot - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Cherokees, 1 Grand Cherokee and a Liberty. All have had literally all the options. They all pale in comparison to the Pilot. Honda once again built the best - comfort, ergonomics, reliability. The Pilot has it all. The more I drive it the more I love it.

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  New Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Freakshow - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our new pilot for 3 weeks and are really enjoying,only problem that we encountered was having to wait for the dealer installed accessories. It is a great overall package, sure there are some fine competitors out there that are stronger in one particular area, towing, or overall offroad ability to name a couple, if however like us you just want a good all round suv the pilot is a great choice.

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  The best suv for the MONEY - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By marker - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The pilot has a quite interior,soft comfortable ride an great turning radius The electronic controlled awd works great on snow covered roads.

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  Accord Time - 2000 Honda Accord
  By coastaljohn - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned my Accord for close to 4 months but have loved every day of it. Its kind of hard not to considering what I was driving in the past. The ride is extremely smooth, and the care handles quite nicely. I purchased the car with 57K miles on it and it still seems like a new car. For some reason the rear passenger door isnt quite right - sometimes when I make left turns the dome light flickers on or just sitting in the driveway the alarm will go off b/c the door somehow triggers it - thats kinda frustrating.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By hot 2 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is not my 1st honda nor will it be may last. This is a great small suv;hovever,it still holds a family of five.

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  Its like a video game! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jjmcubed - January 13 - 10:00 am

  GREAT gas mileage! Averaging over 52 now a days with lifetime average of 49. You need to keep it in "lean burn" in order to get the best mileage. Great car in general. No problems in the 6 short months ive owned it.

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  Initial Response - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JohnG - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it 321 miles so far, but got 39.5 mpg on the first tank of gas. The car rides nicely and handles well. The build quality seems excellent. Working through Fleet/Internet Sales, I only paid $12,461 for the car and got 2.9% financing for 60 months. What a value!!! There were no hidden fees or dealer added on junk either.

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  honda hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bernn - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car - fun to drive

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  Try before you buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By marks1 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery a week ago. Overall it is a good vehicle which is smooth, powerful, handles well and fairly quite. Honda could have gone a few steps further to make it into an outstanding vehicle by increasing comfort(seats)and safety features (Day time running lights, auto door locks. Make sure seat is comfortable, a 10 minutes test drive is not enough