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:

• 

  Great Achievement - 2004 Honda Element
  By Scoutsun - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The experience of owning an Element cannot be overlooked. It is the perfect vehicle for active lifestyles, raising two children, or just going on a road trip. Plenty of room for all. The 4wd model we purchased has been tested here in East Texas. It pulls my bass boat with ease. It handles rough lake roads and is excellent in heavy rains and snow. We have put 11,000 miles on the vehicle in 5 months. The Honda engineers have simply done wonders with the overall design. We tested just about every SUV on the market before we test drove the Element. We havent looked back ever since. We are contemplating the purchase of another 04 EX as well.

• 

  Its A Great Vehicle For The $ - 2004 Honda Element
  By CappyClassof70 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2002 Toyota Avalon XLS with a ton of options -- at age 52 I was bored with it. After seeing a few Elements on the road, reviewing consumer comments around the Net I bought one without even test driving the darn thing. I love this vehicle. Many (most) will laugh and snicker at first sight, but after they realize its a Honda and see the inside, they known then the laugh is on them.

• 

  Cant get much better - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jeannebh65 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We have had to minivans now from Honda and these are an amazing vehicle. I like that I dont feel like Im driving a box, and yet I can see around me quite well. It is roomy inside for everyone. We live in the midwest, so I put a high priority on climate control systems--this one heats and cools quickly! Comfortable for any size adult to drive!

• 

  MINIVAN MAN - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By flj67u - June 2 - 2:00 am

  THIS VAN HAS GREAT ACCELERATION TURNS ON A DIME JUST A GREAT M-VAN LOVE THE POWER DOORS KID LOVE IT TOO

• 

  Safety - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By fritze - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We were just hit in the rear by a 18 wheeler. The damage was over $5000.00. I really beleive if we were in any other vehicle we would have been killed.

• 

  Second Honda and Lovin It - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cjk1026 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my much beloved 2000 Odyssey (97,000 miles) and couldnt be happier. Why the heck cant an American manufacturer make a vehicle as nice as this.

• 

  Quiet competency - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Shoguntkd - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Following several of my friends recommendations, we test drove the Pilot after several sedans. While the exterior is not altogether exciting, it is understated and quite palatable. The interior is enormous and very well laid out for a family. The step height is quite low and buckling in my son in a car seat is now a breeze. The fit and finish is top rate, as all Hondas are, and the thoughtful touches to the storage spaces and ergonomics are outstanding.

• 

  Why spend more for the Acura? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Hawkeye 23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Pilot EX is the 2nd Honda Ive owned. After doing a great deal of market research and sitting down to identify the characteristics I needed (and in some cases wanted) in an SUV, the Honda stomped the competition. Bottom line, I was ready to step up to a more refined vehicle. The Pilot is the best all-around vehicle on the market. I bought the vehicle at Edmunds True Market Value and was happy to get the deal. If youre in Southeastern Virginia, Checkered Flag Honda in Virginia Beach is worth the drive. No high pressure sales pitch. Test drove one day and came back two days later and bought the vehicle.

• 

  Pilot is performance perfected! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By djmassey - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The car off the lot is well equipped; however, if youre looking for bells and whistles youre gonna pay! e.g. running boards/ air deflector/ ski rack/ cargo cover/liner/ wood trim/ 6 disc CD changer/ etc./ These can easily set you back another 5 grand or more depending on your ability to negotiate. Bottom line off the lot all the right things are right with this car. You cant go wrong, especially if youre looking for craftmanship, performance AND gas savings!

• 

  Wow - what a great vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shelbell - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to follow up to two Accords which set the bar pretty high. I love sitting up higher among the sea of huge vehicles out there today, and this car has some pep! Great turning radius and everything within easy reach. I recommend adding the side step, the moonroof visor (for sound at high speeds), the front splash guards, and the cargo cover (esp if you are used to having a trunk - and for safety reasons).