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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  Unbelievable driving fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By DrBG - November 13 - 2:00 am

  WOW! this is No Frills, Wind in Your Hair, Go Like Hell, REAL SPORTS CAR!! You can drive it with crisp sedateness around town, but with a little pressure of the right foot light a fire under a tiger. Its a dual personality with no conflict between the two. It will idle in traffic all day and get you to the top of the on ramp doing 85mph (and still give you 23-26 mpg). If you really really like to drive, you absolutely cant find a better car for less than twice the price. I cant say enough good about it. Get in one, press the starter button, and get those revs up over 6500 and then youll know exactly what Im talking about.

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  different kind of suv - 2004 Honda Element
  By jimboz - November 13 - 2:00 am

  i really like the element.i gave up a trans am , but am not disappointed. i can use it for anything.it is a nice tight ride and the gas mileage is excellent. i fill up about every week and a half.the roominess is unbelievable. i have a friend with a tahoe and i can get the same space and not have to pay $45 to fill up. great car that gets a lot o looks.

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  A cool car - 2004 Honda Element
  By artguy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Just traded a 1 yr. old Expedition for my Element. I absolutely love it! Very functional interior which looks European in its simplicity. Great cargo hauler, good mileage, fun! Im over 50 so it definitely appeals to older people as well as the younger crowd.

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  Great Value for the Buck - 2004 Honda Element
  By allenbills - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This Honda "Element" is exactly what the real world needs in my opinion. Not having to worry about all the expensive leather and other accessories being abused. The pactical usage of the "Element" as well as any other vehicle purchased for the purposes that most SUVs are used for, is well considered when Honda built this unit. Knowing it was designed and geared for the X-generation. Perhaps they also without realizing it, made a vehicle that serves the real needs of all generations. Having the need for a SUV in the first place means that you either have active young people, children or animals.

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  In My Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By KayKayAych - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Surprisingly peppy engine Unbelievable interior head/overall space Very comfortable, supportive seats Big, big back-seat leg space Easy access in to & out of Lots & lots of fun Very good camping vehicle Spectacular sound system

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  Family Car Extraordinaire - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By KayKayAych - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for the extended-family outing The DVD-system is great for young & old Engine smoothness & power are superb Holds more cargo than my pickup! Heated leather seats are marvelous Front&Rear A/C-Heat systems are super! Excellent road handling ability Leg space great, any seat, any row

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  2k4 honda civic ex - 2004 Honda Civic
  By nick kapp - November 13 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned. its fun to drive and has all the features i want.

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  quality - 2004 Honda Accord
  By goldie2 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  drives like a sports car and has sound craftmanship throughout. i love "all the standard" equipment.

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  Studied Accord, Camry, Passat - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jerry.....Wis - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have studied all four cars for the last three months, drove, researched, service, asked others............ drove a second time....same day... the Accord comes out on top....the smoothness of driving from 0 to 70, you cannot tell, when it shifts. Very sound tight, as I drive 35,000 miles a year. The body comes together with very uniformity on the body lines. The servicing is far better than the others. I have bought six new vehicles previously from GM, Toyota, Nissan, this is far the best!

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  Exceeds all expectations - 2004 Honda Accord
  By cpriest258 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Every time I get in my Accord, I feel like Ive cheated the system. I cant believe the value I have gotten for such a great price. This car stuns everyone who gets in it. The quality interior design, and plush accommodations, not to mention power and handling make this car a joy to drive. I still cant beleive Im in a Honda when I am driving around town, because by the looks and feel of this car, I feel like Im in a $40,000- $50,000 luxury coupe!