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 Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By dparrothead - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am 58 years old, so I know a little about new cars. This is greatest car I have ever owned, not counting the 69 Volkswagen camper.

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  Boo Yah!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By rugged boy!!! - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in October 2004 and I love it.My 4-door 4WD automatic Honda Element is a dream(a good dream at that).It is great for my hockey bag!I am a scout my self and I love sleeping inside.I can laugh at the boys sleeping out side!!This is deffenetly a car for kids.I love the box part of the outside.Also I got bummped from the outside (of course) and you cant see where they hit me!The radio rocks!!

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  My kinda SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By sjbellrose - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have been driiving my Element for year now and I can safely say that I am impress. My family bought two Elements the green and silver. We suggest adding some of the exterior features that are vailable.

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  I luv my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Elly - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Took a 3000 mile trip with large German Shepherd and granddaughter plenty of room good gas mileage comfort and secure on wet slippery roads

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  Pilot Better than the rest - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie22264 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had three different SUVs. This is by far the best one Ive had. Dodge, Jeep and Ford have nothing on Pilot!

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  Love our new Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By car4inwr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We have just put our first 1,000 miles on our new Pilot (2004). We have no complaints, only good things to say. Like comfort, style and ride - the best. Our grandkids are in love with the entertainment system and its many options. We plan on many years of luxury driving in our new Honda, our first.

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  safe car! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By NurseBlueEyes - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! I bought this car on August 23 after my 17 year old daughter totaled my 2003 Honda CRV EX on August 17, 2004. She rolled that car 3-5 times, yet the whole occupant compartment stayed intact. The roof didnt even cave in, although there was dirt and grass sticking out of the top of the doors. She had her seatbelt on, the drivers side airbag deployed, and she walked away with only 3 small bruises! I thank God I bought that Honda! Thats why, 6 days after the accident, I walked into the same Honda dealer and bought the same car!

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  Honda CRV - I love it!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JilleneD - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the manueverability of this truck. Its not big and bulky. Its so much better on my back getting up into a vehicle rather than down and especially getting out of it.

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  GREAT REVIEW - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By revelle - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I COULD NOT BE MORE PLEASED WITH THE PURCHASE OF A CAR. THE DEALERSHIP IS BEAUTIFUL. THE PEOPLE WERE ALL MOST COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL.

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  cool honda pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By john shmon - March 21 - 10:00 am

  i love it, it is so much fun to be in. we drove from arizona to virginia in it very comfortably