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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  best of all my 400 owned vehilcles - 2004 Honda Element
  By notrab - January 24 - 10:00 am

  good milage 25, 4x4, 4 wheel disc, 4whel abs etc---- great car/truck/van

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  Our Cute Box - 2004 Honda Element
  By Barb Clark-Elliott - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We specifically looked at Honda Elements because we haul around 2 big Lab. mix dogs who shed year round, pant a lot and have wet noses.... Its absolutely perfect for them to ride in the very back, they have windows and a skylight for air, and we can easily clean the floors and occasional back seat hair fest very easily. We are a little disappointed that the gas mileage isnt better, but we are happy with all else about the Element. It could be that we have gotten spoiled about the mileage since we bought a Honda Civic Hybrid at the same time! Thanks. Barb Clark-Elliott (BCE1028@aol.com)

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  Fun Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Randy Woo - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The only problem that I have had with the Element is the wind noise. The unique door configuration lends itself to exterior sounds. The original armrest is pretty useless and you should get the larger functional armrest with compartment. But it is a fun SUV to drive. Im a big guy and it is extremely comfortable. And for the highway, it has plenty of zip.

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  Out in the elements ... - 2004 Honda Element
  By fondaourhonda - January 24 - 10:00 am

  If you are NOT into conventional ideas of status and comfort, the element is fun to drive and the ultimate functional vehicle. We have two elements, and find each is virtually identical in function to a Chevrolet Trailblazer owned by a family member -- yet the two elements (purchase price as well as insurance and license) cost about as much total as the 2003 Trailblazer. The elements have no unecessary electronica and features -- just simple and cost effective transportation. Of course, as they are made by Honda, they dont ever seem to need repairs, either ...

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  Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By BriBoy01 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the Honda Element its a great SUV with a great price tag.

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  Love my Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By KPC - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my Honda Element for 2 months and I love it. The steering is very precise, its comfortable around town and on the highway, mileage is not quite a good as my Honda Civic was but for a larger vehicle the mileage is still pretty good I am getting about 28 miles to the gallon. I have 2 dogs and the Honda Element is so perfect for traveling with them. I like the unique body style at first I wasnt sure but after I drove it I had to have it.

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  THE BEST - 2004 Honda Element
  By IGLESIAS - January 24 - 10:00 am

  What can I say but that it is the best car Ive ever had. It has all the features I need for work and daily life . Last week I took out the back seats whent to Lowes loaded it upo with building materilals and was amazed at the room and not to metion the clean up was a damp rag!

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  FunE - 2004 Honda Element
  By MastiffsOnE - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive hauled a complete 1930s Antique bedroom set in the back (seats removed), Ive hauled 4 English Mastiffs and a Pit mix and still had room for myself and a passenger. Ive even pulled someone out of the Snow in PA this past year. Folks paying 2 bucks in gas every fews days around here, I was averaging a full 6 days on 1 tank of gass. I have only experienced the Rocking drivers seat and the crack in the front windshield. This SUV is so much fun and the plastic and seats make for super easy clean up after hauling drooling dogs. :D

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  Youll love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By bonewake - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its like youre gliding on air.

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  I love this van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Megiesmom - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I cannot rave enough about this vehicle. It has power. It has an excellent turning radius. Everyone who rides in it cant believe how smooth the ride is. We struggle between this and the Sienna. I am so glad we went with the Odyssey. We went through Costcos Fleet dealership program. We got an awesome deal at Penske Honda. We live close to Rock but their costumer service was awful.