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:

• 

  My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By F. R. Bruni - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Im glad that I bought this vehicle. I truly enjoy driving it whether on the interstate or in town. Its easy to handle and gives a very nice feeling of spaciousness while seated in any of one of the four seats. Honda built this vehicle for the young but it is my understanding that the average age of buyers is 44 years. Im 65 years old; why should the kids have all the fun!

• 

  Great Car if you have kids - 2004 Honda Element
  By rafale - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have 2 kids (1 and 6) and they love this car. Waterproof interior has come in handy many times with spills and accidents.

• 

  Awsome - 2004 Honda Element
  By superkap69 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife has a 2003 EX 4WD I loved it so much I bought one!!!! I got the 2wd for better mileage Love this car!!!! No problems with either one!

• 

  A great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By BobM - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I upgraded from the CRV because it didnt quite have enough room or capability to take a family of four+ on vacation, or even on a long weekend, easily. The Pilot has that capability and much more. It is an excellent cross- country cruiser but also fine around town for hauling kids or just stuff. It is not an ideal commuter but its tight turn radius, compliant suspension, good sightlines and medium size makes it a very tolerable in traffic and city parking garages. It can carry more people and stuff than the Odyssey and get just as good gas mileage as any mimivan. Its got getupandgo! It is never phased by any weather its seen. The navsystem is really good.

• 

  for a SUV w/ 3rd row seats, the best - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By YS - February 1 - 10:00 am

  we needed a 3rd row of seats... and after evaluating all of them from the volvo xc90 to the mercedes ML, the honda was definitely the best bang for the buck deal. but, even w/out considering costs, it still came out ahead b/c the 3rd row was the most functional.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Zaynab - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Awesome

• 

  Good Truck - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dax - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Good SUV. Easy to drive. Comfortable, and spacious, but the speed oscillates when cruise control is activated. Great driving on fresh snow as well as mud. Kids are delighted with third row seats. Large cargo area. Very comfortable during long trips.

• 

  Better than a Mercedes! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By amkhosla - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned. Awesome. GREAT acceleration, AWESOME fuel economy, seats that are more comfortable for long-range driving than a Mercedes (I sold my old 350SEL for the Pilot, and boy was I grateful for a better ride). I was behind a 70mp freeway crash last summer. A car from the right lane skidded and hit the car (in front of me!) in the far left lane. The Pilot handled beatifully.

• 

  No Title - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nitty - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Pilot in July of this year (2004). So far so good, I enjoy the ride, the handling, the thought Honda has put into the interior. I purchased the Honda Pilot EXL w/DVD Entertainment system. My family has been impressed with the Honda Pilot, espiecially the DVD system and the roominess of the vehicle.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By marnedavid - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is an Acura MDX in sheeps clothing. It is closs to 10k less for the same vehicle.