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 Vehicle/ Interior Scratches Easily - 2004 Honda Element
  By jkemrick - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Our Element is wonderful. Its fun to drive, its roomy and it gets a lot of compliments. Our 5 dogs love it! However, considering it is advertised as a rugged vehicle designed to carry all sorts of gear, the interior scratches way too easily - including the dashboard area that the dogs dont have access to.

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  The best Honda yet! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bush - June 19 - 10:00 am

  If you havent tried it, youre missing out. Drive one and youll never have another car.

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  Happy Days - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Test drive - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and reliable. Great for small drivers.

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  2004 Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Chinook47 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Peppy, good acceleration, great gas mileage. The swing up back window makes for easy loading of small items without having to open the entire back door, which by the way, has a very large opening. Cargo space in back is plenty big. Location of instrument cluster is easily readible. Standard CD/Cassette player one of the best features. Seats comfortable, but a little stiff.

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  Its a keeper - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By spikebgood - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Honda build quality as usual. Fits my needs for size and look forward to awd during its 1st NH winter. Took it FL with the two kids and had plenty of rear cargo room for our stuff. Highly recommend.

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  cr-v 03 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By g thiebaud - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Outside of the disapointing average gas millage, the car is very practical, looks great, is built well, and a lot of fun to drive.

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  gotta love the SI !!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By sk8r64sno - June 19 - 10:00 am

  it is an all around excellent vehicle. the 2.0l engine gives plenty of horsepower and torque. rally style shifter is ergonomicly superior to the standard shifter and the suade race seats are extremely comfortable. i installed a 2 inch lowering kit on mine, and it grips better and still retains the factory ride. not bumpy at all. if you want a car that looks great, runs fast, has great gas milage and is still comfortable and fun to drive i would HIGHLY reccomend the civic SI. gotta love the SI !!!!!

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  Incredible/Fun/Fast/Beautiful Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PaulyG - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been reintroduced to the pleasures of driving ever since I purchased my 2004 Accord. This car is powerful! Even after 5 months I am still surprised by its acceleration. Navigation, touch screen controls, XM radio and voice-controls are just incredible. I love driving again!

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  Hot car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By NZKiwi - June 19 - 10:00 am

  So far it is a dream come true. I wanted stick shift but none were available within a 700 mile radius (in white), so I have an automatic and am satisfied. Lots of neat, innovative features.

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  Best Car in Decades! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Ray Watters - June 19 - 5:34 am

  I was looking for a low price quality sedan and I certainly got it with the Accord! I bought it new mid-2013 and now have over 62,000 miles on it. The car handles well and is comfortable. If I were to post a negative, it would be the road noise, however, its not all that bad.