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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  Element Rules - 2004 Honda Element
  By gearedupcowboy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  LOVE my new Element. Always owned Ford in the past, never again. Versitile, stylish, fun, young, and a head turner...the Element has its good points too.

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  Quite a Bargain! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard Murphy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Honda has a way of "doing it well" with anything that they do! The Honda Odyssey provides exceptional performance (240 HP)with great gas mileage (18-25 mpg and a 5 speed auto transmission, in a 4400lb vehicle... and thats quite an engineering accomplishment. They also provide Exceptional QUALITY! Everything fits, no rattles and no squeeks.

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  Odyssey Approaches Perfection - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Smith - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my third minivan. To me, it is pretty close to the ultimate expression of the type. I have only had it for about eight months, but the quality and attention to detail is stunning. You would be well advised to consider the Odyssey if you need to carry people and things and words like "practical" and "value" mean more to you than "stylish" and "trendy."

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  oddssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By goofy1407 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  We love this car. It is comfortable, and fun to drive. We have had no problems with it and love it.

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  great car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By David R - July 28 - 2:00 am

  great car.no problems. very quite. nice layout

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  great suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jayhawk - July 28 - 2:00 am

  perfect mix of family car and fun. so far seems to be the best built car I have owned. Love it

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  love it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By woohoo - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car that balances everything you want in a car at this price perfectly.

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  THIS Si is so POWERFUL!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By josh_ph2003 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I tried the Focus ZX3 at 2.3L and is powerful but lots of gas consumed. This Si is 2.0L but the power is superb!! Unbelievable!! and the gas consumption, they are telling the truth when they say 26/30 .Dont mind the price, its worth it!!!

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  A nice surprise! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bekuh - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was such a nightmare. I love my new 04 Accord! It has great pick up for only being a 4-cylinder. The interior is very sophisticated. Im getting great gas milage too! 22mi/gal city miles. So far no complaints!

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  Happy EX Owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Buckeye - July 28 - 12:08 am

  This is a very reliable car that gets very good gas mileage. I am getting 41 mpg on the highway and 34-36 mpg city. I have the 4 door sedan that has plenty of room for 4 people. Trunk capacity is very good. Bought the vehicle brand new and now I have 45,000 miles on it. I have never had to take it in for service for anything more than the normal oil change and the regular maint. Resale value is great! I am a very happy Honda owner.