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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  New Accord over TSX and used cars - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Hondo - October 15 - 7:16 pm

  The Accord is stable and agile, but not overly sporty. The five speed shifts smoothly and linked with the four cylinder gets me to and above speed fast enough. I have so many favorite features (see below) that ownership has been wonderful. The controls and interior look great and work with high quality precision. This car has satisfied my hot buttons - quality, value, safety, economy, performance, and space.

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  Everything you need - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By monkey - October 15 - 2:00 am

  In stock form, my prelude has answered every challenge ive put to it, from twisty mountain roads, to auto-xs, to passing big rigs on 2 lane roads. The tight suspension makes driving anything less intense as my prelude impossible, and despite the lack of real torque numbers and a sub-15.0 sec quarter mile, im sure many lude owners would agree that it doesnt matter how long it takes to get to 60, 70, or 80 m/hr, its how the BB6 performs at such speeds. Now that the lude undergoes a transformation (aftermarket LSD, rear sway, suspension, and wheels/tires) im expecting even more from my beloved BB6.

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  One Of The Best - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mickey - October 14 - 10:43 pm

  I used to buy domestic cars but could never found one the had a balance of everything. This car makes driving 50 miles one way to work a dream. If u r looking 4 a midsize sedan this is the car to get.

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  This Thing Rocks!!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John In Lititz - October 14 - 4:53 pm

  After having driven many Hondas in my day, this little number is pretty tuff. This isnt the Civic it used to be by any stretch. Sporty ride plenty of head and legroom I am 63" so that matters. Comfortable seats, all the knobs and buttons feel high end. It just a really nice car and at its price point UNBEATABLE.

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  The right fit for me - 2004 Honda Element
  By hondasrcute - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I am 32, and seriously active. This car is great for climbing, camping, mt. biking, snowboarding and my dog. The wife always wants to steel my car because its so fun to drive. I look at other people driving their hum-drum cars and feel for them. This is the car Ive been waiting for. The car that isnt a true suv (ie;poor gas mi.), and isnt a butt-ugly minivan. I can take trips to Joshua Tree and sleep in it if the mood strikes.

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  Better than a hybrid? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CO Guy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Typical Honda build; tight, all controls feel right, smooth and quiet engine, snappy handling and ride. Not a sports car, but very fun to drive nonetheless. Much better power at altitude than the hybrid, particularly on extended grades. Has all the features you really need and none of the silly fluff you dont. Five speed is fun and shifts great. Highly recommended if youre thinking of a 2- door Civic, no sacrifices and amazing mileage. Why do people need more car than this??

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  I love my New Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By peachee123 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it!! I got the silver with the black leather interior and the navigation system. The silver comes with Chrome & Leather detailing inside instead of the wood grain with Leather. It looks so sleek and expensive. I have had a few cars before but I always end up coming back to Honda! Great performance, great on gas, hugs the road like a BMW. Wouldnt choose anything else!

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  Cant buy a better Sedan - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EMetz700 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  If you like the fit when you sit...youll love everything else. The engine and trans combo are second to none. Who needs a V6? I never liked 4cy Autos until Honda put this 5sp Auto with their new 2.4 iVTEC. This is the best all around Sedan you can buy, period. Ive also been approching 40mpg on the interstate...enough said.

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  My Dad picked a nice car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dan Nguyen - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Its been 14 years since my dad bought a new car of his own and this Accord is the best he chose. Even tho I havent drove his Accord. The ride is so smooth you dont know when you have braked. Its great for family trips. I love the console, from looking at the 03-04 Camrys console and style, the Accords is the best. Hearing the engine roar and the feeling under your feel, Whoo sounds like the cars in my PS2 Game. The v-6 uses regular gas also!, I dream of the coupe version of this car.

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  Exceptional Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 2nd Accord - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned both domestic and Japanese cars. We finally settled down on Hondas (Accord and Odyssey) due to "early retirement" of other brands. In March, we were considering a replacement for an aging (1990) Accord and looking at primarily an entry level luxury car (G35, TL, RL, and the likes). We couldnt decide which one to buy until coming across 2004 Accord with EX-L trim. It has all the options we are looking for with a price about 10K less. The deal was made quickly with the help of Internet. After owning it for 2 months, we put 4k on it. The Accord delivers much more than we expected, and is expected to last for many years.