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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  Its like a video game! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jjmcubed - January 13 - 10:00 am

  GREAT gas mileage! Averaging over 52 now a days with lifetime average of 49. You need to keep it in "lean burn" in order to get the best mileage. Great car in general. No problems in the 6 short months ive owned it.

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  Initial Response - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JohnG - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it 321 miles so far, but got 39.5 mpg on the first tank of gas. The car rides nicely and handles well. The build quality seems excellent. Working through Fleet/Internet Sales, I only paid $12,461 for the car and got 2.9% financing for 60 months. What a value!!! There were no hidden fees or dealer added on junk either.

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  honda hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Bernn - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car - fun to drive

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  Great Car, more power? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Damaster - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great city economy car for just all around driving. It lacks the HP that it should have to keep up hondas reputation, this car probally has the slowest acceleration i have ever seen, this little 1.7 tries but dont get very far, lol. good car tho i reccomend not gettin the VP but gettin the HX for the extra HP

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  Try before you buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By marks1 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery a week ago. Overall it is a good vehicle which is smooth, powerful, handles well and fairly quite. Honda could have gone a few steps further to make it into an outstanding vehicle by increasing comfort(seats)and safety features (Day time running lights, auto door locks. Make sure seat is comfortable, a 10 minutes test drive is not enough

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  My New Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By donnasmill - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only had it 2 months. Traded in my minivan for a Honda. So far I am very pleased with the handling and the smoothness of the car. I will be taking it on long trips this summer and hope it will still be satisfactory!

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kim Shipley - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car and have been reveiwing several makes and models before choosing the Honda Accord. I do not think we will ever purchase another brand and I love the new style of the Accords.

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  Toches Review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Toche - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY HONDA ACCORD. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A HONDA ACCORD SENCE 1989 AND I GOT MY 1ST HONDA USED IN 1999, AND GOT ME A BRAND NEW ONE IN 2000(A 2001). I GOT MY 2ND ONE IN 2002(A 2003). IN NOV. OF 2004 I WILL BE GETTING A 2005. I GAVE THE 1ST ONE TO MY DAD AND GAVE THE 2001 TO MY MOM, AND I WILL BE TRADING IN THE 2003.

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  awesome - 2004 Honda Accord
  By peque - January 13 - 10:00 am

  by far one of the most aspiring vehicles ive yet to own.I wake up as early as the roostersa and even though it bothers me to do that ,I know that Ican jump into my accord and enjoy the ride to my workplace. this car is the complete package and would strongly recommend this vehicle to my friends and colleagues.

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  the perfect ten - 2004 Honda Accord
  By fmarshmalo - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i love my car. i have had it just over a year, and i have had no problems, this is why i give it a perfect 10