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 LX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By aquaeyz1984 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Worth every penny

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  My RattleTrap - 2003 Honda Accord
  By davo - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for about 10 months now and the interior trim is starting to loosen up. I have squeeks at the top of both front doors, two rattles deep inside the dash, the headliner above the driver sunvisor has a very disconcerting "crack" sound when its cold. Their is a rattle somewhere on the rear shelf. The most annoying rattle of all is in the center console. The console has already been replaced once but a new rattle has appeared and it is highly annoying!!! The front rotors warped at 4k and are warped again at almost 11k!!! The passenger side airbag cover is warping. The rear bumper is discolored as well (satin silver is the vehicles color).

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  worth the money and time - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Derrick D. Mason - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that you will enjoy having and driving. Ive driven cars like the Infinity, Acura and the honda drives the same but cost a lot less with some of the same options.

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  Cant be beat! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jwatts - August 12 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this is the best car I have ever owned. Youll find yourself looking for reasons to drive!

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  One of the Best Vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bob Billak - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been an owner of a Honda vehicle the last 15 years. We have a 2002 Acord Ex, but this 2004 V6 with a Nav, system and Sat Light radio is the best of all the Honda. I just cant praise it anymore it a great vehicle.

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  OK so far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Akela - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Odd to have a small odometer share display space with other options (ambient outdoor temperature, two trip mileage monitors). Aside from that caveat, the car seems to be just about perfect.

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  Another Great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By PAS - August 11 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned the Crosstour for about three weeks and have taken the vehicle on a 650 mile trip. The driving was Interstate cruising and the experience was on the par with my Cadillac DTS. Mileage was adequate at 27 for the tank used solely on the Interstate but the Crosstour is a large vehicle.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bf22 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with CRV. No complaints. Take out one of the back head rests for better view to the rear.

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  quality - 2002 Honda Civic
  By dberg - August 11 - 10:00 am

  STIIL THE BENCHMARK FOR SMALL CARS.HIGH REV VTEC A BLAST TO DRIVE. GET RID OF THE FACTORY FIRESTONES AND PUT ON A PERFORMANCE TIRE THE DAY YOU GET IT!

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  Fun to drive - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By gorillady - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the fifth Prelude weve had in our family, and my favorite. The 4WS makes it a fun car to drive, and it has great curb appeal as well.