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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  2004 Honda Civic VP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By c1nderella - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive and the new front grill has an awesome new look to it.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By christian kozma - May 7 - 2:00 am

  the honda gives power, confort, very high quality better than the most prestigious german car like audi ( i own a audi A4 2002 also) and reliability at a relativelly low price. good for honda

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  Second Time Around - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jamari - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda Accord EX. My first was a 1998. I actually like the body type of the 1998 better than the 2003. However, I like the additional ammenities in the 2003 better. The ride is fantastic. You would never guess you are driving a 4 cylinder car. I love it!

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  New redesign is awesome! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ML2004 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 2000 Accord and traded in for the new Accord. It is completely redesigned and has more power and features than its predecessor. New features such as a 160hp V-4, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD are just some of the reasons as well as Hondas reliability. Great car, guys!

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  Great car with a few rattles - 2004 Honda Accord
  By OTAY - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an unbelievable car at this price. That being said it has interior rattels. Most notably from the dash but also the sunroof. As much as I hate to do it, the dashboard rattles have become bad enouth that Im going to have the dealer take it apart. This may just be new model growing pains and hopefully will be corrected on the 04. This seems to be a common problem on the 03 coupe.

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  Hondas Best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Don Johnson - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I researched several other cars, including the Camry, Impala, Malibu, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, to name a few and no other vehicle even came close to gaining my allegience. Myself, my wife and 3 kids test drove a 2004 Camry over to the Honda dealership, but after getting out and looking just at the sexy body style, simultaneously said "you might as well take the Camry back to the dealership", because it was a no brainer decision. The Accord is far more appealing inside and out. I paid $14,500 for my 89 Accord Coupe LXi 15 years ago and just paid $23,200 for a loaded 2004 Accord EX-L with XM Radio. The Honda Accord is still the best value on the market!

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  MmmyersAccord2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Martha Myers - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Far surpassed the 2003 model I traded in.

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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ruth - May 7 - 1:46 am

  After waiting since November, I just got my new white Accord Hybrid. It was worth the wait! The exterior is sporty with its aerodynamic lines, mini spoiler, and satellite antenna. Its interior is cozy, loaded with features like separate climate control for driver and passengers, voice activated navigation and audio systems, comfy leather seats, and fully adjustable drivers seat.

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  Go Go Coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Eric - May 6 - 10:13 am

  I love to drive this thing. After 300 mile local driving to break it in, I took it on a roadtrip to San Antonio Tx (round trip 3200). I never got fatigued driving, comfort was a constant even though I am 61" tall. Wife (who will be promary driver) pressed for the auto-dimming rear view mirrors and I am glad she did, they made night driving much easier. Gas mileage was acceptable, but I never got the 40MPG on the highway--best I got driving 75-80 MPH was about 38MPG so I cant really complain. This is our road-trip car and the Toyota van will stay home. Now I gotta figure out how to get this car away from the wife. Oh anybody want to but our 99 Mercury Cougar?

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  Economy wallet, luxury taste! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KRISTEN - May 6 - 7:30 am

  I love my 2006 Civic! After my 01 Neon was stolen, I knew that would be my next car would be a 05 Mazda3. My hubby wanted to test drive the Civic, and our saleswoman suggested we test drive the 06. We sat in the car in awe for a couple of minutes before even driving. the inter. design is THE BEST! I love the 2 tier dash design. I love the 38 - 40 mpg esp. with the gas prices soaring. The sunroof is lge, easy 1 button design. All the buttons inside the car light up at night, even the steering radio controls. I feel like 007 with the voice activated Navi. Comfort, quiet, refined! The hump in the back floor is gone making 3 adults in the back a reality. I cant believe this is an econo car!