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:

• 

  Second Time Odyssey Buyer - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Triplets + One - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My husband, 20 month old triplets and myself (4 mos. pregnant) were hit head on going 40 mph each by a drunk driver in our 2001 Odyssey. We all walked away. The van was totalled by my family, my world was in tact. We bought our new Odyssey within a week. Had we been in any other minivan, I dont know that we would all be alive today. Nothing is more important than safety and the Honda Odyssey proved its worth to me and my family.

• 

  Not your typical grandmas car! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mann - March 19 - 2:00 am

  It has been a God-send to me for the ease of entering and exiting the vehicle, since I have bad knees. I just sit down and swing my legs in or out. No lifting my body to climb out or in! Now I know why I see so many "senior citizens" driving around in them. It isnt just for young moms as a "grocery getter!" Comfort while driving is excellent, as we found out on two recent little road trips. I have never enjoyed a new car as much as I have this Honda Odyssey. It is worth every penny we paid for it!

• 

  Life Saver - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jackkandy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My 1st Honda Odyssey was spun, rolled twice, and skidded upside down for 100 yards when my wife and I were hit by a hit and run driver. The car was totalled - we were wearing seatbelts and walked away practically unharmed. Although every exterior panel was crushed, scraped, dented or demolished, and every window was cracked or broken, the interior was still in pristine condition thanks to the construction of the Odyssey. The vehicle saved our lives! Its smooth driving and comfortable, and the satellite navigation system makes it fun to drive. If you want a vehicle on which you may someday have to bet your life, the Odyssey is the answer.

• 

  excellent - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By phm04 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  excellent van. it drives like a car but has the room i need. the kids are safe. i love it.

• 

  Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Arthur Zayat - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My second Odyssey..rock solid great build quality never breaks, super engine. Wish it (and all minivans) were pt 4wd with adjustable suspensions so you can off road or raise it in deep snow...it would be the perfect all around vehicle.

• 

  Great Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Emilia - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I never planned on owning a mini-van until I became pregnant. I knew that we would need more room and I love the Honda Odessey. I have had excellent experience with Hondas in the past.

• 

  I love my Van!!! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family van We have three children and they just love all the room they have to move around and we love that they dont pick and poke at each other any more.

• 

  Much Better Than My Voyager - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob 357 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 4 Acuras and a Honda Accord, I expected the Honda Odyssey to be a very high quality vehicle, and I wasnt disappointed. Its fun to drive, handles well, and will haul just about anything I could ever need it to haul. My wife and I enjoy the vehicle, and look forward to many years of ownership.

• 

  Not just a mini van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jennifer000000000 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I had an Explorer & traded it for the Honda Accord when gas prices started flying up I got pregnant 2 years later & getting the infant seat into the backseat of the Accord was very difficult especially since my husband & I are very tall I was NOT the type to drive a mini van so I looked only at SUVs A friend had an Odyssey and let me look at it That was all it took I wanted one We went to test drive one I fell in love with it even more We bought one that day I get all the comforts and features of an SUV & I look cool driving it The seats are comfy the third seat really does lie flush when folded down I absolutely LOVE my Odyssey

• 

  our first honda bye bye rover - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By the brauns - March 19 - 2:00 am

  just drive it and the rest will take care of its self.