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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  Satisfied owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SamSim - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a tall car with ground clearance, not an SUV. Thats what a CRV is. 4WD actually works very well, I have driven on beach and poorly graded, muddy roads and performance was better than expected. Its effective because it kicks in so fast, you never slow down. Fuel economy is exactly what the sticker says, usually 1/2mpg better. Good 5-speed, perfect engine, very smooth. Not my last Honda.

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  Great AWD Vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JND - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall fit and finish is very good Traction great, 160HP engine very zippy great power when passing. Fun to drive. Busy steering, lots of road/wind noise. Front seats and arm rests not comfortable for people over 58". Front seat belts hard to engage with armrests down. Alpine 6 CD Stereo adequate but really have to crank it up to cover road noise. Rear seats surprisingly comfortable, split feature very convenient. Rear door opens to wrong side, bad for loading groceries from curb. Difficult to attach bike rack to rear with spare tire attached to carrier.

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  What I think of my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dan chestnut - September 30 - 10:00 am

  It is so much better than that Ford Explorer I used to own!

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By aprilrain - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my crv has been supurb. I have had to make numerous trips back and forth to the Tampa area this past year because of my sisters serious illness and battle with cancer. And I do have to say my CRV was awesome!! The ride from Palm Beach County to Hillsborough county was so smooth and the gas mileage and performance was fantastic. I loved driving back and forth only because the comfort and the handeling of my CRV was easy. I a woman feared driving the distance but with my Honda CRV I felt very safe and in control at all times.

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  Happiest car purchase ever!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By EPluva - September 30 - 10:00 am

  After a few months of shoping and 15 or so test drives I thought I would drive my teenage love the Civic SI. I barely got myself out of the dealer without taking it home. I wasnt in need of the car for another two months. So the research began, how well recieved was this impresive little car. Well the day finaly came Im not easy to make happy and every time I get the chance I want to drive it. I cant imagine what else I could want from it

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  Old Reliable - 2004 Honda Accord
  By WNY PAT - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 1998 Accord LX 4 cyl. 5 speed sedan for this 2003 EX-L 4 cyl. 5 speed. Overall, Im very happy after 8 months and 15,ooo miles. Here are my thoughts in a nutshell if youre thinking about an Accord....

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Gadgetgrl - September 30 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is that this is my 3rd Honda, and I am even happier with this one.

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  Awesome Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mad Jack - September 30 - 10:00 am

  i decided to move up from my Civic which was also a great car to the Accord, i am very impressed with this vehicle, it is just an awesome car, it performs well on the highway and is very comfortable to drive and the features are great too.

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  10 Not A High Enough Rating - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kraftykathy - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Comfort, style and get up and go. Thats what this car is all about. It didnt take long to make the decision to buy the Accord. With the recommendation to buy this car from my son, who is a big fan of Honda, I just wonder why I didnt get it sooner. Nothing else compares. Dont pass this car by. Youll be sorry if you do.

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  This ones out of the park - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Happy Priest - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Honda hits another home run with the Accord EXL 4Cyl. I have had a 95 Acura Integra GSR and an 00 Accord EXL V6. The 04 Accord combines the best features of each the previous two. The Engine has the quiet, smoothness and power of the GSR. The interior is more luxurious much more quiet than my old Accord. The 5sp Manual is perfection. Safety and comfort Improvements make this car vastly superior to Toyota, VWs or Nissan. All this for the same price as 95 Integra.