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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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Okun093 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my third honda and first accord. Both my prior Hondas were civic models, and allthough I thought I had reason to be impressed with Honda for the reliability of the Civic, this is my first experience with an upper crest honda. I am thrilled with the car. The only objection I have is that the ride is not what it could be, based on my fathers Acura TL, which is close in styling, but it is superior to any domestic make none the less. The ride is quiet, and handles well, but a bit rough versus an acura of similar platform.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Elizabeth W - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Im 59 and have owned a dozen cars in my life. The Honda Accord 4-dr sedan is my favorite of all. Previously I owned a 2-dr Accord for 12 years that never needed repairing. But this new design is fun to drive, luxurious, handsome and has great pickup and gas mileage. It makes me so happy to drive it.

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  Awsome - 2004 Honda Accord
  By leonejack - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. As a driving enthusiast, this V6 6 speed with Navi and leather is a blast. Every time I get out of the car, I say to myself, "I love this car!" Black on black, great looks gets you excited just walking up to it. Quick--YES. Fun --Absolutely. It seema misnamed as a Honda Accord. It is so much more than the name conjures up.Just Awesome. Every ride make me like it more.

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  My new Honda accord 2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hernandezjm - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love it Ive only had it 1 week and I think its great

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  Best Ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RandyTrinity - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Honda got it right with this one. Although wed have preferred a 6sp., the automatic is fantasic. An average of 33mpg highway on a 600 mile road trip, average speed 70 - 80 mph. Consistently gets 25+ mpg in town, even with auto.

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  best car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Team718 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Honda Accord EX(Silver) that my mom bought is great. the features are great and the body and build of the car is crazy. I have to say that the only thing that i didnt like was the back lights at first but i now i know why they put hem on, so that they can be different than other cars.

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  Accords are the luxury cars of low price - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Danny Dannels - November 30 - 2:26 pm

  I am totally satisfied with my 2 accords.The accords are the best price and you seem to have a luxury car. They have both power and good looks. We love the leather and the roominess of the cars. I feel Honda is selling the car too low for how well they handle and look. What else can I say except we love our Hondas

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  Great caR - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Debra Zimmerman - November 30 - 12:03 pm

  Sunroof is worth going to EX. Uphill acceleration not good but bad using eco setting. Eco setting very worth it. Easy to use cruise control

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  Not a day of trouble... - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Tidepride824 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My Accord has had no problems since the day I bought it! It now is approaching 125,000 miles, and never even had to replace brake pads, just tires at 65,000. The Honda benchmark has always been high, and this is one reason-this car!

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  A great MiniVan - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By odm321 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  We have had the van for 2 years and have enjoyed owning it more than any other vehicle we have ever had. The van has plenty of get up and is very comfortable on long trips and just around town. Ample room for seven adults wich we have had on many occations.