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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  Great! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By sarahgadd - October 1 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our new Odessey, and it is great! We bought the new EX with DVD version and there is no other minivan out there that can offer you so many excellent features for the price, with the great reputation of a Honda. I test drove the Ford Freestar, and the Odessey is so much more smooth driving, more comfortable, and much better looking. Coming from a SUV the gas mileage is great, and the kids car seats fit wonderfully. The seating options offer great versatility. We love it!!!!

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  Pilot vs Others - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By GEMW - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I never heard of "Others". This is my 6th Honda and my first SUV. The comfortable ride and ease of handling is comparable to the Accord EX which I previously drove. All my Hondas have been 100% reliable and I have no reason to think the Pilot would be any different. The safety ratings are particularly appealing to me. As I told the General Manager at Wade Raulerson, if Honda ever went out of business, I would buy a horse!!!

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  Hoda Rocks! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lond - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderful. Great about everything. Although it does have two problems-when the road is slushy it wont stop, and the shifter is hard to use. The space is great, and so is the DVD player. Japan is my new car place!

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  Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By joeblow1 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot is a great car to drive with plenty of room inside, while not giving you that truck feeling. Vision is not impeded by vertical beams.

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  Love it! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ItsRhonda - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I actually bought this vehicle in July 2002, and almost two years later, Im still loving it. This is the first time Ive ever had a car that I still love after this length of time. I havent had anything go wrong at all. Ive had vehicles in the past that I had problems within the first two weeks of ownership.

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  One Great Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By kcallahan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is one great car to own and drive. Very reliable - no major problems to date. Comfortable and easy to drive. Power is very adequate for the type of vehicle.

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  Personal Review - 2001 Honda Accord
  By JeremyLockhart - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This isnt my first Honda. I had a few other accords along the years as well. The car is ok for good fuel economy. I think because there is money spent the resale value/trade in value should be a little higher. I have never had any major problems with any of my accords except the motor mount and the "boots". I however will not be buying another accord again just because they all seem to stay the same. I have a V6 and still drives like the first 4 cylinder I bought back in 93. I do like them but changes need to be made... I have had a 93,95,96,98,2000 and a 2001. So, enough for me.

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  car for aging mom - 2004 Honda Civic
  By epigea - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car for my mom, whos in her 80s and is used to bigger chryslers. shes ecstatic about the car, its economy, safety and comfort. she loves the remote keyless entry and also being under 5 tall, loves the seat adjustment range. its virtually the only car in the price range that fits the small driver well. she can see out of it, and im so happy that she is safe behind the wheel

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  Near-Perfect Family Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rob-jan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best Family Sedan I have ever driven. It has a lot of power and gets pretty good gas mileage (its advertised at 30 mpg, I have been getting about 28.5 at an average speed of about 80mph on the freeways). Opt for the top-of-the- line Ex-V6 and you will NOT be sorry!

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TNG4EVR - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Not only is the Honda Accord 4-dr V-6 with leather interior and Navigation system loaded with all the luxuries, it rides like a dream. Power, performance and looks - My new car is a triple threat and I will always look to the Accord when I need a new car.