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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  Something So Small Yet Wonderful - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JaSamMirzaKoSiTi - May 18 - 2:00 am

  My parents bought a 2004 Honda Civic for my sister..sure its just a plain basic civic but it doesnt perform that way. The car is great,I drove it a few times and its terrific. It takes off fast and stops smoothly. Its a perfect compact car for anyone who is into compact cars.

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  My Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Shulman - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving Honda Civics for 25 years. This one is the best! Superb mileage, superb handling, no need to keep track of the battery -- just enjoy it! In fact the only problem is the dashboard indicator, thats so much fun to watch that you forget to look at the road! I dont know why EVERYONE doesnt have one.

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Andy Dandy - May 18 - 2:00 am

  It was incredible and I wouldl reccomend to it to any body that is look for a new car, this would be a good one to look at for you

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  BEST BUY IVE MADE IN YEARS - 2004 Honda Civic
  By J. Witney - May 18 - 2:00 am

  WHAT MORE CAN I SAY, ITS COMFORTABLE, GOOD LOOKING, POWERFUL & IM GETTING A MINIMUM OF 40 MPG.

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  great feeling at the gas pump - 2004 Honda Civic
  By lkernish - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my hybrid, its a great car, I downsized from a larger car and felt insecure at the beginning, but once I drove the car I felt secure in it. I highly recommend this car for its look and for the fuel economy.

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  Accord EX V6 an excellent value! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By accordlover - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased for $24,416 + sales tax + ~$30 filing fee. Could not find any other comparably-priced vehicle that could touch the Accord EX V6! I also could not find any compelling reason to pay more. [Acura TSX is very similar, but smaller, less powerful (V4), and more expensive.] The car is very comfortable and the 240hp V6 provides for exceptionally smooth acceleration. I love this car, and considering Hondas reliability, expect to be driving it for a long, long time!

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  enjoy what you drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By smitherman - May 18 - 2:00 am

  shopping for a new car,checking out whats is right for you.for me i wanted something sporty ,looks good, and best of quaity (that would last even after the last payment).so i chose the honda accord coupe,v6,leather seats,sun roof.so for ive enjoyed my honda,the only thing i dont like about my car is that my car is white and the rear bumper has a yellow tent to it.

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  2004 Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By donrvc - May 18 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive. All that reserve power gives the driver security knowing that there is always plenty of go remaining at the touch of the accelerator. Very comfortable, very stylish. We love it.

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  Ridgeline Fills the Void - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By charlie1960 - May 18 - 1:43 am

  Got my RTS May 30,loved every second since. Considered the Dodge Dakota 4- door...then I saw the Ridgeline. Primary concern with a truck was what to do with luggage if the cab was filled with people. When the salesman showed me the under-bed trunk, I was sold. Then came the test drive. I was pleasently surprised, it drives/rides better than any truck I have ever driven. It rides and handles like the RX300 and is very quiet and solid. The storage features, under/bed trunk, 2- way tailgate are incredible. I recommend it for the person that needs a truck but doesnt want a "TRUCK." Nice enough to go out wearing a tux, tough enough for the hauling. My 8-yr old daughter thinks its really cool!

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  RidgeLine first Hand experience - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By TruckMaster - May 17 - 2:30 pm

  I have had the ridgeline for 2 months now and I love it. It is a great mid-sized truck and all the bells I need. It is made by Honda so it comes with all the quality, reliability and consistency Honda is known for decades. I haul my fishing boat every weekend and have had no issues. Ride is smooth and it is great to take camping with the in-bed-trunk. The back seats are very roomy.