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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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By PMlad - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is easy to drive, handles exceptionally well, accelerates gracefully and quickly, and has plenty of storage capacity. Air conditioning and heating is excellent. Plenty of cup holders and storage trays and compartments.

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  Very happy owner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By adale48840 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Solid, reliable, comfortable. How can you ask for more. No flaws, no dealer service needed. The auto all-wheel drive is very good, you literally cant spin the wheels and you cant tell if all four wheels are engaged. Very quiet and smooth on the highway, very stable at high speed and manuvering. Acceration is very good for a 4,000+ lb vehicle. Has the usual outstanding Honda engine. No clunks, no front wheel torque. I guess Im happy with this SUV.

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  We Really Like Our Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot is super - February 1 - 10:00 am

  We purchased one week after introduction in June 2002. It has been free of any major problems. Our Honda dealer seems to make a good effort servicing the vehicle and has kept us happy. I like its extra width which provides a luxurious roominess. The stow area in the center console is a very good design feature--easy place to place hand-carried items. Im glad we got leather seats.

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  comfortable/fun - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By vs - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Pilot is functional, comfortable, fun to drive, it is also ergonomic and user friedly to operate. Highly recommend for family or individuals.

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  Great vehicle for drivers of any age! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By hkjcrv - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Im a recent college graduate. I had my eye on the CRV throughout the last 3 months of college, and decided to go for it after I landed my job. A month after purchase, I have 1000 miles racked up on it. Ive taken a 300-mile weekend trip, and its taken me all around town. I love my blue CRV! I love being high up off the ground to see over other cars, it has great pick-up, cargo space is amazing. I previously owned a 91 Civic so the gas mileage is a step down for me, but Im still pleased with the numbers Im getting (23 city/27 hwy), and Im told itll get better when engine is "broken in." I love the look of the interior plastic, but its easy to scratch

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  BECAUSE IT WORTH IT! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Vealot - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Exellent choice for the big cities and small towns. It is extremely reliable gas saver. Smooth transmission, and its easy to drive.

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  Accord EX - 2004 Honda Accord
  By tui - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Toyota Camry LE and just added the 2004 Honda Accord EX to the stable and this horse can run. Its a wonderful car to drive. The steering feel is agile and very responsive. The suspension is not to hard or too soft. Theyve put a lot more feel into the car then the previous 2 generations. Ive owned a 96 Accord, 98 Accord, and a 91 Prelude. This current 2004 Accord feels very much more like the Prelude then it did the other 2 Accords. Its a great car and you cant go wrong with buying one.

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  4th Accord, keeps on getting better - 2004 Honda Accord
  By MauiHonda - February 1 - 10:00 am

  My first Accord was a 1977 Sedan right hand drive (Dad was stationed in Japan). Then I drove my parents 1994 Accord in law school. Recently I reluctantly replaced my beloved 01 for a 04 because of the $199 lease. The 04 is a big improvement even over the 01. The engine is powerful, smooth and quiet. The cabin is well designed. The materials used are first rate. No rattles in the 04, the 01 rattled incessantly. The tires are bigger and stick to the road better, not bad for OEMs. Although I wanted something sexier, I always go back to the Accord. Why? because its fun to drive, has lots of room and it never gives me problems. Good price too.

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  Great SUV!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - February 1 - 4:03 am

  So far at 30000 miles only problem was with the rear wiper motor. After test driving the awkward and cumbersome Expedition, I found the Pilot a pleasure to drive the leather seats are divine and the vehicles ergonomics are delightful! The modular setup of the center console makes organizing gadget easy. The Pilot is great in the snow but due to its minivan platform serious off-road and towing capabilities are limited. The fuel economy is better than most SUVs but the industry has miserably failed consumers in fuel efficiency. If serious off-roading and/or towing arent important youd be hard pressed to find a better value SUV. I love this vehicle.

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  Mostly disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Marley - February 1 - 12:46 am

  Quality doesnt seem to be that great and fuel economy disappointing. Spec indicates city MPG at 19 with expected range of 15 - 23 mpg. I get maybe 15 mpg. Two months and only 1400 miles on the car, my tennis shoe or docker shoe has worn a hole in the driver side floor mat. Mat quality is the worst of any car Ive ever owned! Brakes already starting to grab and make noise now that there is 2300 miles on the vehicle. I expected a lot more from a higher end Honda and am mostly disappointed.