Considering the conservative, best-selling Accord, Honda stretched its manufacturing boundaries substantially with the Element.

Since its debut in 2003, the vehicle has frequently been described with two succinct comments: "It's ugly" and "It's a box with four wheels."

There's no disputing the Element has among the most conspicuous appearances on the road. But good looks (or lack of good looks) are subjective. More important, Honda doesn't make a car without a plan.

The Elem ...
Author: James Raia
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As Honda's entry level, subcompact vehicle, what's not to like about the Civic?

As an ideal example of getting what you pay for, the 2004 Civic includes almost 40 style options - 2-door to 4-door to hatchback, gas to hybrid and 5-speed manual to automatic.

For my weekly drive, I tested the 4-door EX sedan with a 127- horsepower, 1.7-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine. The appealing magnesium gray metallic exterior was complemented nicely with a mixed dark and lighter gray interior ...
Author: James Raia
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The Honda Odyssey and its minivan competitors - Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Toyota Sienna - are often touted as family vehicles.

In television commercials, the Odyssey is showcased with a mother or father transporting the neighborhood youth soccer team to practice or with a family packing up for a summer camping trip.

But what if a large family isn't part of the equation? Is a minivan still a prudent choice?

With the 2004 Honda Odyssey, a strong case can be ma ...
Author: James Raia
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