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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  03 Pilot EX leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sbs4536 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  front passenger seat uncomfortable, needs more options not enough leg room. Center console is nice size for other SUV this size. 3rd row seat thankfully are not used everyday would be a pain and not much room. Paint job is very CHEAP chips easily!!!!

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  Love Hondas - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Wittyone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I did a great deal of research before buying my 2004 Honda Pilot. My first Honda was an 1989 Accord and I never owned a better more reliable vehicle. I always said when Honda made a Mid- size SUV, Id be all over it. They made one and I bought it. Im very happy with the car and feel secure and safe when driving alone or with my family of 5.

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  all around good SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SC01 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a brand new 04 CRV EX. Did a lot of comparisons b/w CRV, RAV4, Mazda 3 and Subaru. wanted a long term keeper of a car with great gas mileage. So I chose the CRV. I love everything about the car except for the low gas mileage. Highest so far was 200 miles on a full tank.

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  CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nhowl - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great in the snow. Only complaint is the road noise is a little high.

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  I m happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Smileyone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first suv. I am very happy. Just big enough, yet not too big. Plenty of interior space. Gas mileage just ok.

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  Another satisfied Honda Owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mrnjr - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is easy to drive. Handling is excellent, better than most SUVs. Great amount of vision out the front. Plenty amount of room for five adults and suitcases. The best buy for a SUV. There are a few things I dont like, rear seat head rest limits vision out rear window. Stereo is far reach for someone of average height.

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  Rogers Ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Issy - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my CRV! Its my 3rd one.

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  Thanks to this great car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Civic_Mike - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. This is my second new model civic; my first was a 02 LX. That car saved my life. The accident crumpled and ruined the car, but at least IÂ’m still alive, if it didnÂ’t crumple IÂ’d probably have died. Took the money I got from their insurance and bought the EX. If youÂ’re deciding between the two models GET THE EX. I have an automatic, but there is still a nice difference in the engine, and the ABS is nice too (especially for insurance). The only thing I donÂ’t like is how easily the panels dent! But I love the reliability. Car looks great with the sunroof visor and spoiler, but visor limits sunroofÂ’s opening a lot.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By spacetimematrix - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car to buy new and own for fifteen years. If you dont mind a two door car--in this class of cars, the Honda cannot be beat. It hardly depreciates in value--it rides much more smoothly than ever before. The Value Package is perfect--no need to spend thousands more for unecessary automatic this and that. In silver with a dark grey interior--the car looks as cool as anything else on the road (save a BMW). The new body type is terrific-- with great rear lights. Sporty and fun to drive with built in CD player. Fantastic gas mileage!!! Trunk is significantly bigger than before.

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  Less money on gas, obviously...Dah!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rey rey - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car sofar! I orginally got this car for my wife and she is loving it as well. She drives it more than I do, but when I get a chance I am all over it. Overall, I like the way it handles. At first, it didnt seem like it was utilizing the battery power mentioned at the dealer, but as time goes on, on refueling the mileage appears to be getting better each time. I love this car!!!