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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  Youll love it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By becklou - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have twin daughters so we need lots of space for the stroller, toys, etc and this little SUV is really bigger than I thought it would be! We can even fit a 3rd person next to the two car seats in the back. Honda has added thoughtful little extras inside - lots of cubby holes for CDs, change, cup holders. It even a util tray UNDER the passenger side seat just right for maps, books, etc. There are pockets on the back of each seat (a must with little kids in the car), plus several pockets on the back door. I also like the safety test results and you can get side impact airbags in the EX.

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  WOW! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Si_Gn - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After so many cars that were fine in what they did I gave myself a treat and put all the fun back into the driving experience!Not since I was first licensed have I had such a silly grin when Im behind the wheel driving for driving sake, not just to ferry kids arround!

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  Honda Civic EX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By StaceyL03 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. It is my first five speed and it is so fun to drive.

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  Best-seller just keeps getting better! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jon E B - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt decide on Accord or 04 Solara, but I made ABSOLUTE right choice w/ the HONDA. The Solaras only advantage: more roomy. It feels like Im driving an ACURA TL-S w/ the powerful V6 & build quality. The suspension could be a lil stiffer on the 5spd AUTO model, but its not too soft, It gives it a luxury-car feel. Leather seats way more comfy than Mazda6 seats & the Honda 3.0L V6 outperforms in power and response to the Mazda6 EVEN with 5spd MANUAL! It looks like a Benz from the rear w/ the dual exhaust & tail lights. XM radio is the best, esp w/ FREE activation & 3mo trial period. Voice activated navi by Honda/Acura is BY FAR the best in industry!

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  Best seller keeps getting better! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jon in VA - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt decide on Accord or 04 Solara, but I made ABSOLUTE right choice w/ the HONDA. The Solaras only advantage: more roomy. It feels like Im driving an ACURA TL-S w/ the powerful V6 & build quality. The suspension could be a lil stiffer on the 5spd AUTO model, but its not too soft, It gives it a luxury-car feel. Leather seats way more comfy than Mazda6 seats & the Honda 3.0L V6 outperforms in power & response to the Mazda6 EVEN with 5spd MANUAL! It looks like a Benz from the rear w/ the dual exhaust & tail lights. XM radio is the best, esp w/ FREE activation & 3mo trial period. Honda/Acura voice activated navi is BY FAR the best in industry!

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  honda is number 1 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By chelle23 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd honda.i just love these cars they are wonderful.i just traded my 99 in for the 2004,and i love it.

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  very reliable car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Komal J - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We test drove several cars such as WV Jetta, Mazda 6, Toyota Celica, BUT we chose to buy Honda Accord. Has high safety ratings. Very reliable and comfortable car. Looks great and drives wonderful. Manager of Honda Rosen was very curteous and helpful, who worked out a best price for us.

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  HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lena - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY HONDA ACCORD., I AM A REPEAT BUYER AFTER TRYING OUT A FORD TAURUS, WHICH I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH. (I HAD A 1997 HONDA TOO) .. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CAR BESIDES A HONDA !

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  A mixed bag at best. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dickg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After 8 years in the Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Cirrus genre, I bought my first Accord. Acceleration was great but the bumpy ride and wide turning are inferior to the previous Mopars. Headlamps are incredibly bright. Fit and finish, upholstery, the small trunk and outdated trunk design leave room for improvement. Ditto for the expensive keys and inability to use power ports unless the car is on. Powertrain warranty is the worst of any major manufacturer. Interior had foul smell. Dealer tried to upsell.

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  Wheres the gas mileage? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed - October 31 - 4:56 am

  I live in the city of Chicago and I am only capable of getting 23-24 mpg. Where is this 30 that they keep advertising. I mean it has been very consistent at 23 or 24 mpg. Im claiming false advertising! The stereo in the LX sounds pretty bad and I will likely add some new speakers to get to help improve the sound quality.