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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  Whats Not to Like? - 2003 Honda S2000
  By one1bmwnut - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The screaming 9000 RPM engine is a heavenly sound that awakens me every morning to prepare me for another day! Ive heard criticisms that the engine evenually wears on one because of noise and high RPM requirements. Quite to the contrary, after 5500 miles, the four cyclinders thrilling sound still awakens the teenager within me. Suspension and ride? Absolutely incredible! No shakes and not as harsh as the M Roadster. Tight and firm! Build quallity? Second to none! No irritating returns to the dealership. Looks? Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but Ill take it over BMWs Z4 any day of the week.

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  Excellent Mid Size SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Spartan63 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellent family vehicle. Versatile and fun to drive. Great handling and performance. Safety is an important feature- the Pilot has the best safety rating in its class. This is important for my family.

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  Better than All Others!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Phytoplankton1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I go this about 6 months ago and have had nothing but fun driving it. While an 8-cylinder may have been more fun, this has everything I wanted and at a better price than all the other SUVs. Has more room, better gas mileage, more comfort and a smoother ride than even its more expensive older brother the Acura MDX. I cannot say enough, I just love this SUV... I have had Honda Accords most of my driving life and this is better than them.

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  A Great Mini SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SGP - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Love it! First SUV. Also looked at Forester and Rav. Has more space than either. Took one-day road trip of 170 miles in hard rain and driving wind (from the side)on interstate (speeds 65- 70mph). Tracked extremely well and much less wind buffeting than our sedan. Not as quiet as a sedan - wind and tire noise is noticable, but probably not as loud as a mid- or full-size SUV. Seats are firm (a bit on the hard side, even), but during our 170 mile trip we were not uncomfortable. Impressed with the rear seats - lots of rear seat legroom, rear seats slide forward and back, seat backs can be adjusted, rear seats fold up and forward to add more cargo space.

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  Great, Cheap, Safe Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jedrankin - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an all around great car. My wife crashed hers last week, and we loved the vehicle so much, we bought another one identical. My only complaint is that in a 5-speed, there is no armrests.... other than that, I wouldnt change a thing!

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  TEST DRIVE A HONDA AND YOULL BE SOLD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PAULINE GRAVAGNA - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY HONDA A YEAR AGO FROM THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IN SMITHTOWN. SUPRISINGLY THE HONDA NEVER REALLY CAUGHT MY EYE ON THE ROAD AND IT WAS MY EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO RECOMMENDED I TAKE A LOOK AT THEM. I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND WAS SOLD. I WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY IT HOLDS THE ROAD - YOU SEEM TO JUST GLIDE THROUGH THE TURNS - EVEN IN THE WORST OF WEATHER. IVE NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM OR COMPLAINT IN THE YEAR I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR AND I WOULD DEFINATELY PURCHASE ANOTHER. IN FACT ALL OF MY CARS WILL BE HONDAS FROM NOW ON.

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  "Sleeper" of the year. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Len Espinosa - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Best damn vehicle I have ever driven. Everything "works". A "Sports Sedan" in the tradition of the Jaguar 3.8 Sports Sedan. My wife got "T-Boned" a couple of weeks ago. The steel-reinforced door and side airbags worked perfectly. All she got out of it was a bruised lower left leg. The other car was "totaled". Effortless driving machine. I did 1450 miles in 24 hours non-stop from Melbourne, FL to Lansing, MI. Use premium and you pick up another ~10 hp. The 5-speed auto is mated perfectly to the VETC engine. The Formula One heritage is obvious. 30mpg cruising at 80mph. it is the most beautiful vehicle I have seen!

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Michael & Kathy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda to own. Previously owned Toyota and Nissan. Will definetly look at a Honda on our next purchase. I am so happy with my decision.

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  My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Peggyrose - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned. Drives like a dream, flies effortlessly. You are in total control. Clings to curves. Unbelievable ride.

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  Honda Accord 2004 by Donna - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Nanny DG - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new Honda. It is very comfortable, easy to handle, and a beauty on the road. I spend a lot of time in my car, and wanted one that met the critieria that I have mentioned already. Honda came highly recommended by my friends and family. I previously owned Chrysler products, and Ill never own another one. I am sold on Honda.