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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  Best in its class - 2004 Honda Element
  By Archangle - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The Element is a very vesitle vehicle and many different ways the seating can be arranged. Excellent vehicle to use for 4 ADULTS to travel in.

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  I Love My E-Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Maximus Douglas - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned and Ive owned a lot of cars!

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  never disappointed in a Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dana0212002 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I already own a 98 Accord, so when i was in the market to purchase an SUV, i naturally went back to a reliable Honda. I test drove the Pilot as well as a trailblazer, explorer, escalade, and denali. i was most impressed with the Piolt by its smoothe handling, flashy console, and great warrenty. though slightly more expensive then the other cars in its class, i have been completely satisfied since i purchased my Pilot.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jim572 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is a great SUV with the ability to seat 8 people for short trips. It drives like a car and is easy for my wife to drive. Its obviously not for the off-road types, but if youre wanting to make a break from the mini-van scene and still maintain the features a family needs, this is the vehicle for you. Dads dont need to be embarassed driving it out with the guys. Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  The Greatest Car Ever - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By The PJP - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I Love This Car!! I cant say enough good things about it. It handles great looks great and the Navigation is super cool. I also added XM Radio to it and now dont ever want to leave my car........Thank You Honda.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dmax - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV for the price. Typical Honda design. Nothing fancy..just keeps on running and built with quality workmanship and great resale value.

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  Sexy Coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By NATSCAT - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The coupes exterior is proportionate and aesthetically pleasing the the eye. The clearcoat is extremely elicate and shows swirls easily The 4- lug wheels on the 4-cylinder model appear too small for the car. Unfortunately, replacing them with the rims offered on the V-6 model is difficult because there are 5 lug nuts. I have also noticed minor rattles that seem to be coming from the glove compartment, but have not been able to pinpoint where they are to fix them. The transmission could use some refinement as it is jerky and shifts seem random. The sound system is adequate but weak, throw in a Maxima sound system and the car would be more pleasing.

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  Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By paunicorn - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Im very pleased with my Civic Hybrid CVT. I have owned nothing but Hondas because of their quality and the Hybrid Civic is no exception. For the most part, performance is excellent, however, it is a little sluggish in situations where you may need a quick response (ie. merging onto a busy highway with a short merge lane). You need to be aware of this and compensate for it. This car is definitely not designed for situations that require quick acceleration. This being said, Im still very pleased with my Hybrid and would recommend it to others. You cant beat a Honda for quality.

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  So far so good - 2004 Honda Civic
  By anestmdd - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Sold my 97 f-150 for the civic hybrid. Big change. In the long run its worth it. I got a white civic hybrid with 6 disc cd changer and 100,000 ext. warranty. Drove off the lot 46 miles on it. paid 18,000. Drove 546 miles on 1st tank and decided to fill it (never saw low fuel light). My f-150 got 320 miles avg. on a 25 gal. tank. If I keep getting 500 + on a 13 gal. tank I will stay happy.

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  Great Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By al2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We used to drive a lincoln but switched to this Honda and have never regretted it, Look is great and it moves and gets great gas mileage. The navigation system is wonderful.