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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  OUTSTANDING - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By andy3927 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this honda pilot in Feb 2003 i drive an average of 40 miles a day to work and i live way out in the country and this SUV is the best i have ever owned. Gas mileage is not the best but SUVs arent known for gas mileage. Great SUV.

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  A Fantastic SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jmp6rodeo@aol.com - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is proabably the best car Ive ever owned. Its turning radius makes maneuvering a breeze, its reliable,peppy, and super-well designed inside and out. Fantastic room inside. The ONLY thing I can say I miss is the automatic-on headlights for daytime driving,a minor thing. Everything else about owning the car has been a joy.

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  great honda 2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By different - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great overall car...I just love it!!!!

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  very nice and zippy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By il318 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is a great buy. it is roomy and has a great trunk space for a compact car. the ergonmics are great. the seats are not the most comfortable, but they are good enough.

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  2004 Honda Civic VP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By c1nderella - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive and the new front grill has an awesome new look to it.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By christian kozma - May 7 - 2:00 am

  the honda gives power, confort, very high quality better than the most prestigious german car like audi ( i own a audi A4 2002 also) and reliability at a relativelly low price. good for honda

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  Second Time Around - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jamari - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda Accord EX. My first was a 1998. I actually like the body type of the 1998 better than the 2003. However, I like the additional ammenities in the 2003 better. The ride is fantastic. You would never guess you are driving a 4 cylinder car. I love it!

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  my honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rs - May 7 - 2:00 am

  my honda is reliable, fast when I need the acceleration,comfortable,service is good most of the time. great engine,0- 60 is fine.like the heated seats,the sound quality of the stereo could be better and so could the speakers. overall the car is fun and for the money, the best in its price range.

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  New redesign is awesome! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ML2004 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 2000 Accord and traded in for the new Accord. It is completely redesigned and has more power and features than its predecessor. New features such as a 160hp V-4, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD are just some of the reasons as well as Hondas reliability. Great car, guys!

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  Great car with a few rattles - 2004 Honda Accord
  By OTAY - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an unbelievable car at this price. That being said it has interior rattels. Most notably from the dash but also the sunroof. As much as I hate to do it, the dashboard rattles have become bad enouth that Im going to have the dealer take it apart. This may just be new model growing pains and hopefully will be corrected on the 04. This seems to be a common problem on the 03 coupe.