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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  Good as advertised - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Geoprod - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Replaces 13 year-old Accord. Honda quality remains the hallmark of this vehicle. Could lose the cassette player and road noise. Needs more comfy seats. Otherwise, good reliability, economy and performance.

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  good quality car for the price - 2002 Honda Civic
  By kidXStreme - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Quick little car when you need too weave through traffic. Its an excellent city car very fun to drive. Good fuel economy.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By cheryljoy23 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  THis is a great car for the money. It has all the extras you need and the reliability to give you peace of mind, too. Our family of 4 fits nicely and enjoys the ride! THis is our 3rd Honda Civic. WE are SOLD!

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  Exellent - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Emeniem - September 16 - 2:00 am

  it is such a great car!!

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  honda civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By beachbum - September 16 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned! it is fun and practical

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  2004 Accord Coupe V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By skiatl - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Best new car buying experience ever. Did all my research online including quotes from dealers. My first Honda, and so far it has exceeded my expectations. It if fun to drive, has alot of smooooooth power, and runs the highway effortlessly, with a 240 hp engine that DOES NOT require premium fuel. Excellent value overall.

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  A spunky car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By benny01 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Wow.....wow.....this is the hight of cars right here...not much else to say man...

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  An Amazing Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JLRechis - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is with out a doubt my favorite car. Ive owned Hondas throughout my life and this one is the best. It looks sporty, drives very well, and the sound quality is excellent!

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  2004 EXV COUPE (SIX SPEED) - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chopperguru - September 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST FUN TO DRIVE PERFORMANCE CAR I HAVE DRIVEN IT REALLY PACKS A PUNCH THE SIX SPEED HAS VERY SHORT THROWS AND THE ENGINE SINGS TO ABOUT 7000 RS FLAWLESSLY..IF YOU DONT WANT TO GO QUICKLY LEAVE THIS ONE AT HOME AND TAKE THE SUV... COUPLED WITH THE SAT NAVI SYSTEM AND VOICE COMMAND OPERATION THIS CAR HAS ALOT TO OFFER IS ANY PRICE RANGE...IT HANDLES VERY WELL AT HIGH SPEED (ABOVE 80) MAKES SMOOTH POWER ALL THE WAY...DOESNT MISS LEAD YOU IN THE CURVES...TRY IT YOULL BUY IT.. HAVE FUN NOW..

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  LUVIN ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Fitch - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has been my absolute favorite car. I compared it to the BMW 3 series and I got much more car with everything standard for ALOT less money. I have had absolutely no problems with this car. Within a month of getting it, I drove from Baltimore Maryland to Toledo Ohio and then on to Iowa City Iowa and back to Baltimore all with not one single problem and in the MOST comfort i have ever had in a car. This is my first Honda and will NOT be my last.