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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  Very satisfied!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hollifer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my Element. I have two large dogs. It handles like a car but is like a large van inside when I put my sits up. The seats are also light enough for me to put in or out by myself.Its large enough to sit four comfortably and still bring my dogs along!

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  EX Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By lkeough - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It handles, corners and accelerates like a sports car. Polyurethane flooring, sleeping accommodations, removable back seats make a for a highly versatile vehicle -- SUV, van and truck. Best vehcile Ive ever owned.

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  Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Johnsnh - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Best ever. The most comfortable drive. The "Best Buy"

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  Honda Van Review 2004 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By G Scott Graham - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed the vehicle so far with the following exceptions. Inoperative windshield washer ( warranty ), rattle under dashboard that the dealer has been unable to fix, non standard operating noise from right auto sliding door, terrible lease terms - 5K down, 356 / mo., 48 mos, 15K mi. / year

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fricke - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, very dependable, nice styling, easy driving - we are very very happy with every aspect of the vehicle.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mrdrums2 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Best SUV vehicle I have driven. Love the feel behind the wheel and the pickup. Lots of room and options with the seats. Added back up sensors which are great. All around good bang for the buck.

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  Fine Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By L.Patton - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is a fine vehicle, loaded with amenities, it is larger inside than the outside appearance would make one believe; also we are pleased with the short turning radius and that the car takes regular fuel, a real economical plus. The only complaints I would have with the car is that on our Pilot the front passenger seat is manual with few settings for comfort. Another problem I see is the lack of ac/heat vents in rear of vehicle this does cause some discomfort for passengers in back area of car in hot weather. And on our 2003 model the outside temperature gauge does not register the correct outside temp.

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  Tops - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Fgdavis01 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Pilot in July, almost six months ago. It has 7100 miles on it now. I have had no trouble with it at all. It is almost due for its first service (7500 miles) and I have been trying to think of something that needs adjusting or tweaking. Cant come up with anything. Seats fold down very easily and I often use it to carry heavy loads. It accepts them with no complaint. Even my wife loves this car.

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cgrubb - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We actually purchased our 2003 Pilot in June of 2002. We were literally, one of the first in our area of have one at that time. We initally wanted an EX model, but didnt want to wait 3 or 4 months to get one, so we took an LX which the dealer was expecting and ended up waiting 3 weeks instead. We have always been happy Honda drivers and the Pilot just adds to our happiness!

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  Family SUV finally arrived - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Alberto Garcia - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Weather city or highway the pilot performed very gracefully. It has all the essentials a family of 7 needs; room, speed, luxury, power and dependability.