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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  5 Speed Fun - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Petra - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great on gas and fun to drive

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  Honda CRV 2004 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kawailani - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately there has already been 5 recalls on this 2004 CRV. The miliage promised with this Honda is not what it is. Many of the special ammenities which came with this car has already fallen apart and I have taken it to the dealer several times to have things fixed, ie. speakers from stereo, latch where you can place your gas cap while fueling up fell off twice, hood of vehicle failing to close, brought back to dealership twice for repairs, problems with brakes X1.

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  Economy, but a bit more - 2004 Honda Civic
  By datrout - July 22 - 10:00 am

  As an introductory model for the Civic, this isnt bad. Originally puchased for my teenage son, he rearended someone within 2 weeks, not badly, but enough to get it taken away. Now it is my work car. I own an SI, this is a nimble answer for m-f workday week. Great gas mileage around town in stop/go traffic and enough pep to get me out of trouble, not enough to get me INTO trouble (unlike my SI). Overall, I dont like the hand-roll windows, they make me feel like an idiot, but other than that, I like the car for what it is, a workhorse. A cute workhorse, but a workhorse none the less.

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  what a piece of junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By yas - July 22 - 10:00 am

  after first month of driving car would not start almost ever time started. brough in to south shore honda insist nothing wrong with it gave me back car with dead battery. and had to give me a boost to get car started. wheel alignment off. took honda a year and a haft to relize car had a moter cycle battery. they stll did not fix alignment! i will never buy honda again. my car was purchased from dealer as a new car!

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  Dynastic Succession - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jd Texas Flyer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my 8th Honda in two decades, deciding in its favor once again after comparing against the Mazda6 (close) and the Toyota Camry (grandmas car). Once again, the combination of economical performance, relatively refined engineering, value retention, and dependability made the choice easy. Although the exterior finish quality is less than expected (multiple paint bubbles on hood, make-ready finish scratches), this current version of a quite successful automotive dynasty appears to be the finest in a long line of Accord / Civic purchases, many of which were "still going" very well after 250K miles.

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By phat10465 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car overall. Smooth ride, Sleek body, the V-6 is a wise choice. I am very satisfied with the 2004 Honda Accord. I get complements on the car all the time.

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  Just Purchased 2005 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dreamer123 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased an 05 Accord. The main change in styles was the rear tail lights. Compared this car with the Acura TL, albeit they are different cars. The quality of the accord is excellent by my standards. Creature comforts are really nice. I researched a number of cars and found the Accord to be pound for pound superior for the price. The final selling feature for me was this 6 cyl, 240 HP engine which uses regular gas! The quality of Honda is tough to beat. Ive got a Civic with 280k miles on it and I only put several hundred bucks (above maintenance) to keep her going. In sum, if you buy this model I think you will be pleased.

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  Love it! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kris Hamilton - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I am a Europien trained sport car type of driver for many years but I am now in my 40s. The Accord is a real piece of driving art for an automatic.

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  Didnt intend to buy this car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By e chase - July 22 - 1:23 am

  Was looking for 2008 Accord, but didnt care for extra length. Have owned several Hondas with excellent results; 90 Civic 93 Civic, 96 Civic, 93 Accord, 02 Accord. All excellent vehicles! Still have the 93 and 02, Combined 270K with no major repairs. Loved this CR-V with first drive. Excellent visibility for short spouse. Power is adequate, comfort excellent and fit and finish is typical Honda. Ride is smoother than I anticipated.

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  Best Sports Car for the Money! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Mike - July 21 - 11:12 pm

  I have wanted one of these cars since they came out almost 6 years ago. This is without a doubt one of the best handling, convertible sports cars out there. Must be a reason that Car & Driver voted it number 1 in a comparison test for 2004 and also rated it as one of their choices in their Top 10 annual category. The only things that I would change is the tonneau cover design, and I think the interior needs more storage space. Other than that the car is perfect.