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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  Awesome Pick - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By D - July 15 - 2:36 pm

  We love this vehicle from top to bottom. Rides like a sedan but gives you a nice field of view of the road while driving. The variable cylinder options is great for fuel economy and having the DVD system rocks! My kids are appeased while driving which in turn makes road trips bearable! The wife is in love with the Navigation system, which is VERY user friendly! A must buy if youre in the market for a minivan.

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  Little Blue Toaster - 2005 Honda Element
  By Chris - July 15 - 7:23 am

  I have loved the blue toaster since the first day off the lot. The manual transmission has great pick-up and can get out of its own way. This is a great little car for someone like me who has three dogs and a back yard that has needed lots of love in the last year. That means lots of trips to home depot to use the mop clean interior of the car. Also the bike mount on the interior of the car has come in handy. But here is a tip...you can make one yourself instead of paying the dealer $300 for the accessory. Get the mount at REI and a large screw some washers and a small piece of wood from home depot. Happy toasting and see you on the road. Remember to wave hello in your new toaster.

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  Loving my Element! - 2004 Honda Element
  By miss kat - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Let me tell you I LOVE MY ELEMENT! FROM THE FIRST TIME SEEING IT, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN I SAW IT IN THE ORANGE I WAS SOLD! I TOLD THE DEALER IF HE COULDNT GET ME IT IN THE COLOR I WANTED I WOULD JUST GO TO ANOTHER DEALER! FROM THE FIRST TIME I PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER I HAVE BEEN GETTING SO MUCH ATTENTION, FROM BOTH MEN AND WOMAN, ALL RACES COMING UP TO ME AND ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRUCK! IVE LET SO MANY PEOPLE INSIDE MY TRUCK THEY COULDNT BELIEVE HOW ROOMY IT IS AND SO AFFORDABLE.

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  Enjoyable Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Happy Senior - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed overall, practical design, comfortable even on long trips, booming cd/stereo, all as viewed by a senior citizen.

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  Elemt Review - 2004 Honda Element
  By coast15 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  i am only 16 and i have had it for a little over three months. The car is well made and extremely cool to drive. Although the windows in the back do not roll down,they do not need to because the front windows are so wide they ventalate the whole car. It feels sturdy and safe to drive. Although there is only two seats instead of three in the back there is always enough space to put drinks, food, and you feet. i am almost six foot tall and i can stretch my legs in the back. The sunroof that is located in the back of the vehicle makes people want to ride in the back. It cleans easily because you casn taake a wet cloth and wipe down the floors and the seats.

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  Smooth - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Fibblefester - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Smooth. Everything about this van is smooth. Coming from a 1995 Windstar to this vehicle was like going from the ridiculous to the sublime. The Windstar was bulky, noisy, slow and unreliable. The Honda is not three out of that four. I cant answer to reliability yet except for what Consumer Guide says. Everyone rates this van tops in reliability and value, two things the Ford could never deliver.

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  Love my Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family of Five - July 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Honda Odyssey since 2000 and we love it. It is very spacious and comfortable. We are a very busy family and are quite frequently transporting our kids and their friends to games or scouts. This minivan comes with great features that you would pay extra for with other vans.

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  I love this car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rochelle - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I got this car beacuse im a new mother and wnted something safe. I love the way it fits everythind I need like strollers and my dogs kennel. it has power outlets for everything I could possibly need. I feel safe in it because its bigger than my car was but not to big for me to manage.

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  honda review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kelly francia - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Its one of the best cars i have ever own. Its so comfortable. It has a really nice style to it

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  CRV=EXcellence - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By gr8crv - July 15 - 2:00 am

  All things considered, engineering, performance, reliability, economy, exterior and interior design, Hondas CR-V is as best they come. For commuting to and from work, and for weekend camping and fishing trips, my 2004 CR-V suits me perfectly. Its power is surprising, leaving many larger SUVs in my rearview mirror!