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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  Great Family Hauler - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mgraze - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a Pilot to replace an Olds minivan. Light years ahead of the van in refinement and quality and holds 1 more person too! A bargain compared to Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander and roomier than both too. Incredible ride and comfort. Interior layout is great-everything is were it should be and operates smoothly. One last thing- dont let the dealer set you up for paying full sticker by telling you how in-demand they are. They will deal on these!

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  Honda Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By purplehaze - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted reliability and that is exactly what I got. The last car I had was a dog (95 Dodge Intrepid). The AC failed, the trans died, the interior trim fell off, and the electric windows. With my honda everything runs smooth.The gas mileage isnt as high as I hoped it would be. I was expecting 23-25 mpg instead its 20 mpg.

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  robs review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By big rob - August 12 - 2:00 am

  a great car and i would allways reccomend for someone to buy it, its also a great deal

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By swampdonkey - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year and it has been everything I hoped it would be. Sure, I wish it were a little quicker, but it has many virtues besides its sporty character. It has wonderful seats and interior features. The materials are high quality and it never has problems. My friends Nissan Spec-v has been in the shop 4 times in the same amount of milage I have on mine. Its ride is sporty, but not rough at all. Its agile, but never darty. its quick, but never too high strung. A jack of all trades and a hell of a car. (I got an incredible deal on mine too)

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  2004 Honda Civic LX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By aquaeyz1984 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Worth every penny

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  What is Hondas problem? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Morbid2600 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Can someone tell me why the Hybrid has very few options? The colors are limited along with things you cant get, like a sun roof and spoiler. And why is the antena in the middle of the roof toward the front? The normal rims on the hybrid look horrible.... Why couldnt they just put the technology in a normal civic with the same standards, and sence they didnt why is it more money then one with all those other options... This factor just ruins the hybrid part for me, Id rather just stick with a normal civic and get all the cool extras.

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  My RattleTrap - 2003 Honda Accord
  By davo - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for about 10 months now and the interior trim is starting to loosen up. I have squeeks at the top of both front doors, two rattles deep inside the dash, the headliner above the driver sunvisor has a very disconcerting "crack" sound when its cold. Their is a rattle somewhere on the rear shelf. The most annoying rattle of all is in the center console. The console has already been replaced once but a new rattle has appeared and it is highly annoying!!! The front rotors warped at 4k and are warped again at almost 11k!!! The passenger side airbag cover is warping. The rear bumper is discolored as well (satin silver is the vehicles color).

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  worth the money and time - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Derrick D. Mason - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that you will enjoy having and driving. Ive driven cars like the Infinity, Acura and the honda drives the same but cost a lot less with some of the same options.

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  Cant be beat! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jwatts - August 12 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this is the best car I have ever owned. Youll find yourself looking for reasons to drive!

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  One of the Best Vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bob Billak - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been an owner of a Honda vehicle the last 15 years. We have a 2002 Acord Ex, but this 2004 V6 with a Nav, system and Sat Light radio is the best of all the Honda. I just cant praise it anymore it a great vehicle.