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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  LOVE OUR Honda Pilot - HIGHLY Recommend - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By L Watson - April 30 - 10:00 am

  We absolutley LOVE our Honda Pilot. We actually purchased it September 7, 2002 (right after they came out) so we were somewhat sceptical about purchasing a NEW model thinking the "kinks" probably needed to be worked out since it was a NEW MODEL vehicle. BUT, I can tell you, it is the GREATEST vehicle we have ever owned. We have two small children (under 4 years old) and it is GREAT as a family vehicle (without having to drive a mini-van)the comfort is GREAT, the room is GREAT, but we own the EX (without leather), so it doesnt have the "feel" of a luxury vehicle (like a Lexus, etc.), it does "feel" like a Honda on the interior.

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  THE BEST CAR OF THE YEAR - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JERROLD BANKS - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I think the Honda Pilot EX is the best car of the year. Im 61 and 245 pounds. I feel very comfortable behind the wheel. I live in NEW YORK CITY and this car can handle the rough roads very well. The Pilot EX is the best car I ever drove. I been in all type of SUVs and the HONDA Pliot EX is by far the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great car other than the EGR Valve - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Chris Davis ky - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have had is the engine light came on around 49k miles because the EGR valve was stopped up with the winter additives thay put in the gas to keep it from freezing in the winter months. The EGR valve was replaced under Warrenty Free of Charge.

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  2004 civic SI. A "gem" of a car. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By framedcraig1 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2002 si that I loved, but I didnt like the 15in. wheels, and the styling was a little bland. They fixed all that with the 2004. Great car. A real sleeper.Im 55 years old, and I think that theres a ton of old farts like me out there would really enjoy this little gem. Fastest car on the road....no. Best milage...no. best all- around value in an economic set of wheels? yup!

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By paul1707 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my new Civic yesterday from Rudolph Honda, El Paso, TX. Great buying experience and I highly recommend them. Ive owned several Hondas and they keep getting better and better. Ive only had it a day but but after owning Hondas previously, Im sure this one will be as reliable and efficient as my others. It is a lot of fun to drive and the ride and handling are exceptional.

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  Best Car I Have Owned Thus Far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tamera - April 30 - 10:00 am

  There is so much to say about this car. I looked at this car and the toyota solara. This car bet it buy 200 miles. More horsepower, comfort, etc. It may cost 2-3 thousand more but it is well worth it. I paid $24,182 with the ex sports pacage included(Rear wing spoiler, auto day/night rear mirror, fog lights). Its black all around a boy is is it sweet. I have read many review and did my homework and you will be happy with your choice. My parents own a BMW and this comes close to the quality of one of those, but $25,000 less!!! Buy it, youll love it. Everyone tells me what a nice car i have. Someone though it was a Mercades coupe!!!!

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  Happy With Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HappywHonda - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Purchased in February 04. Got a great deal and great car. Ride is quiet, smooth, and there is no need for a 6 cyl. It has plenty of pickup. No problems at all so far which is more than I can say about the Volvo S40 I had prior to his. I think it is the best car for the money.

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  GREAT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By accord6spdstck - April 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd accord cpe...i love this car...if i could suggest something different i would suggest memory for seats & mirror positions...otherwise they have thought of everything....and the navigation is awesome....

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  in the clouds... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By michellesnewcar - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Amazing vehicle for the $. Still cant believe I own a car with such a fancy navigation and XM system. Smooth as silk. Expecting to buy a "practical" 4 door sedan, ended up fallin in luv w/ the coupe! worth it all the way...

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  Excellent Value--Top Notch for the price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jonastenbent - April 30 - 10:00 am

  In comparing an almost loaded-out model (no nav--couldnt justify the price) to an Acura TL, this car is a better value, no question. You lose 30 hp, no xenon lights, more pedestrian tires and rims, and a slightly less sporty appearance along with a less refined interior. But the upside--you save 7- 10 grand. You still have much better than average performance (on 87 vs. 92 octane fuel), very nice heated leather seats, a killer stereo with XM, and a good driving experience. The car does what you want, when you want it to. I cant think of a better car for the price. And reliability: Ive owned 4 Hondas, and never had major issues with any of them.