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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  CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By spy_love - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Its clearly the best in its class .. worth the money !

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  One drive in it sold me.... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Walker - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!! I am 63 and have no problems riding in it. I wanted something that was not as big as a pilot and drove more like a car. The EX model is worth the price for all the upgrades. Very functional, good looking and of course, Honda quality. I know, sounds like a car ad but it truly is a fine vehicle. The dogs and my bike fit in it just fine.

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  MY CRX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmil43 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  What more can I say "its a Honda". Zero defects on delivery. Fun to drive. Great on gas for an SUV (25-26 mpg) Handles well on ice and snow

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Stace777 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, Saves on gas. Easy to drive in rain,goes up hills fast. Gets good milage.

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  Civics are GREAT - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Thrill - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had two civics. A 2001 LX Coupe with side airbags and my current one, a 2004 EX Coupe with side airbags. They both were excellent cars and never gave me any problems. They are also very easy to keep maintenance on. They do not require a lot. It is very fun to drive and extremely gas efficient.

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  Great Car Overall, very minor gripes - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jvbeattie - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great engine- peppy and good on gas (Manual/4cyl). Car feels very nimble and well balanced, probably more so than the top-heavy V6. Headlights are the best Ive seen, and the brights are incredible - lighting up the sides of the road to give you better peripheral night-time vision. Cons: not many. Brakes are a bit touchy – especially when just warming up (LX with front disc/rear drum). Intermittent wipers are sometimes inconsistent between wiping intervals. Last and least – the gas light comes on a little too soon for me – at just under a quarter of a tank. Overall am very pleased, this car is a real bargain.

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  Nice car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Damnit - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, excellent gas mileage... My 3rd Accord and I enjoy it. Some interior noise noted: cracking sound coming from dash/windshield area when hitting bumps in road. Also have noticed a couple of paint flaws... Dull areas where there appears to be no clear coat. Overall, I am fairly pleased

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wrinkledoc - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for two weeks and love it. It is a second car for driving the kids. I also have an M3 convertible. I have to admit Im as happy driving the Honda as I am the Bimmer. For the quality, features, luxury, and ride quality this cannot be beat. When the bimmer lease is up I may just stick with the Accord. If you purchase this car you will not regret it.

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  CRV review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By david rairick - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. I only had 1 problem with the rotars on my brakes that needed to be replaced. I had to wait almost a week for replacemnts! Other than that every that drives my car loves it.

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  Best Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jem - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Van!!!! It has everything you need, and alot of extras at no cost! I recommend it!!!!