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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  Plain Vanilla - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ignelson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Pilot, as delivered, suffers from such bland styling that one of the men at my regular tire dealer doesnt ever remember seeing one! It is a very competent vehicle, and the third row seating is what made it the vehicle of choice for the principal driver, my wife. We have 4 young grandchildren. We added the factory chrome trim on the bumpers, 18" chrome wheels, and the custom Honda front grill/bumber module. It looks much better, and we get a lot of looks, especially from other Pilot drivers. We think they believe it is a "Special Limited Edition" model, or an unavailable "test model".

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  We love our 2004 Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By OdysseyLover - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We love our Odyssey! We had a Venture previously and our Odyssey far out does the Venture in all aspects.

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  Not as satisfied as others - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By georgette - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Very uncomfortable seats. Headrest that neither adjust nor fit properly. Dangerous position of parking-break pedal in reference to the left leg. Inconvenient A/C vents (do not adjust enough). Burns too much gas (average about 15 mpg).

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  Great Suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By The Ox - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Really like the Pilot.Its got all the things we needed .Rides good ,handles ever better ..Looked at all the Suvs out there and this looked best Good performence for a Suv ..And Really good gas millage ..We are geeting better then 20 ..And for a suv its fun to drive.The interior is very nice

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  Wins over the Highlander hands down. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Raj 1471 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased the Pilot after testing several other SUVs. We were expecting twin infants and my wife did not want to be a typical "soccer mom" with a minivan. We narrowed our choices to the Toyota Highlander and the Pilot. We test drove the Toyota and came to the conclusion that it was a capable SUV but lacking in some departments. The most obvious differences being that it lacked 3rd row seating and that it had to be optioned out in order to have the same conveniences that came standard with the Pilot. The price was also instrumental in the Pilot winning us over. Comparibly equipped, the Pilot was about $2000 less.

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  THE PILOT WON - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MELSUTH - December 3 - 2:00 am

  WE COMPARED 8 SUVS IN THIS PRICE RANGE WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FOREIGN MADE. WE WERE GETTING RID OF A 99 TAHOE WHICH WAS A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT. WE CHOSE THE PILOT AND WHAT A GREAT DECISION. WE LOVE IT. HIGH QUALITY, A DREAM TO DRIVE, GOOD MILEAGE, AND ITS A HONDA! WE LOVE IT.

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  my pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By don duck - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I was very impressed with the pilot after driving a passport for 3 yrs.It was bigger and more comfortable

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  My Honda CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pascanellii - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my CRV. I had a car before I got my SUV, and now I will never go back. The CRV has great gas milage and is so comfortable. I drive every weekend a total of 4 hours and I love my ride home. I will always have a Honda. Thanks

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  I Rave For Rav - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Timsey - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Lot more get up and go than the Toyota Rav. And seems quieter. But a little bumpy on rough roads. But tested them all and seemed the best for the price!

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  4 wheeln - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bsteel - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The fuel is the only problem I have with it, but this is the first SUV Ive owned