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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  EXCITED - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By holly77777 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my first minivan but I have had several luxury cars. I absolutly love this van. It drives smooth and I feel like I am gliding on the road. The features inside the car are all within reach without taking your eyes off the road.

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  The Odyssey is Awesome - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By otis - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The van is the greatest. Test drive the Dodge caravan and then testdrive the Odyssey. You wont be able to resist it. The only thing it needs is a larger gas tank. Other than that I dont have one complaint.

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  Odyssey, When You Need The Best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By waboops - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Honda has done a remarkable job with this vehicle. I am surprised that they did not bring it to market a few years earlier though. I am also surprised that they have not added a sunroof as an option either. I suspect these features will be added with the new Odyssey for 2005. It is a very pleasant vehicle to drive. It feels very nimble as if you were driving a mid size car. The acceleration is excellent, it out- accelerates some V-8 powered trucks and sport utility vehicles. The versatility of the third row seat is wonderful, and now that my family is used to it, we cant do without it. As close to a perfect family vehicle as you can get.

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  awesome van!!!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By natrusso - March 19 - 2:00 am

  we love this van, we have 2 children and evry trip is better than the last. I use to have a honda civic and i felt when we bought this van it feel big or too hard to drive, but i still feel as if i am driving my civic. it is so fun to drive.

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  Dream Come True - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By JBro34 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The Oddyssey can accomodate two cats in carriers, as well as litter box, cat food and water. Luggage for snowbirding in Florida and carrying home improvement and gardening equipment is easily managed. The motorized side doors provide easy access to the cargo area. I also carried six of my friends to the Lyric Opera in Chicag. They were impressed and comfortable.

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  Honda review - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By CassBarton - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Pablos - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Pablo206 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Its a nice quiet riding vehicle depending on the type of road you are on. A cement road is noisy but you still get that smooth ride.

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  God buy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Piptris - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After driving Ford cars for nearly 40 years I switched to Honda because of price and performance. Friends had raved about the Odyessy and after a test drive I was sold. I havent been disappointed.

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  Depressed its time for a Minivan...look - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By JCOats - March 19 - 2:00 am

  When my wife became pregnant with kids #2 & #3 (twins!), I got my marching orders......The Sequoia and the boat need to go. We needed a minivan for the 3 kids....especially need a van with two infants. So, I immediately began looking for a minivan........of course I wanted it to pull our boat. We got that in our EX and at a much better price than the "new-release" Toyota minivan which cost $5-6K more!

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  excellant van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By angelena - March 19 - 2:00 am

  it has good engine performance and durability.