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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  our cars - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By slmks28 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We currently own two CRVs and we love them.

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  My BABY!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mrbingifyurnasty - February 2 - 2:00 am

  First off, Hondas ROCK!!! My wife has a Civic, now I have a CR-V(I actually wanted the Element, but my wife hates the look)....I have only put 50 miles into it and I already love the damn thing! You can easily fold the seats up and literally roll 2 large bikes into the back without even turning the front wheel. That along with a surfboard rack and I am ready to go on my days off. I will hold onto this when we have kids because of the safety rating. You dont need the extended warranty since Hondas dont start wearing down till 100000 miles anyways.

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  Ordered on Chrismas Eve - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry Lynch - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I live in upstate New York where the roads are bad about 6 months or more of the year. My new CR-V handles all road conditions like a dream. The only thing I had to do to make it ready was add winter blades. My gas milage for all around driving has been about 22 mpg, I expected better, it should go up when our weather warms up as it have been colder than normal. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has marginal road conditions. I feel much safer than I did in my old 98 Voyager.

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  blast to drive - 2004 Honda Civic
  By orean jones - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow! a blast to drive. Wonderful fuel economy but still able to reach thoughs mid 100 mph. The only real complaint that I have is that the seats are unconfortable. It is zippy but on thoughs long trips from college to home I start hurting.

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  My first small car and I love it! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mary in Michigan - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I am a grad student who drives about 5- 600 miles per week. My 1997 Bravada blew the engine and I needed a car fast. I have had this one a week and it handles Michigan ice and rain like a big car, yet sometimes my mileage is 46 mpg. With escalating gas prices, I just wonder why I didnt do this sooner.

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  Satisfied Once Again - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bandwham - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I am so thrilled with my latest Honda purchase. (have owned 5 over the past 18 years) I considered a Lexus ES330 and an Infiniti G35 but after test driving couldnt justify the price difference. My car has all the bells and whistles and is exceptional for daily commutes and running about town. Honda just keeps getting better and better at understanding what consumers want. If you want reliable, responsive, user friendly transportation look no further that the Accord!! Buy one NOW, you wont regret it.

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  Honda Accord Review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Paris D. - February 2 - 2:00 am

  The honda is a very reliable automobile and has an excellent safety record. It handles very nicely also. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  BEST "Cost Per Mile" - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dalton - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Just took delivery of my new 04 Accord EX V6 w/ NAV. Ive done so much research here (thanks to everyone for your opinions and advise) and on other sites as well as auto mags, and I love the car. I sold my 01 Lexus IS300 and wound up with this great machine. Love the navigation system, voice activation, dual climate, heated seats and XM radio. Such a solid car. Comfortable, advanced, smart and CLEAN! Driving this car makes me proud. Can never get lost, get hungry, or go broke with it. Quiet interior, very roomy, large trunk, big muscles.

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  Surpising Sedan Power - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Purist Driver - February 1 - 1:36 pm

  The V6 6-speed manual sedan is a purist automobile. It offer the best of both worlds - a family car, yet plenty of power to pass "boy racers" and Billy Bobs gargantuous SUV. Plenty of room for car seats in the back and comperable room for luggage space in the trunk. The ride is friendly, quiet, and comfortable; although, the vehicle stability control is too intrusive when you want to test the car. The VSC module is always on default, regardless that it is not manually turned on as it would be during wintery conditions. Make it a completely passive option and allow the owners to play in the sandbox without the oversight of a computer module.

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  Perfect for my needs- still perfect after 6 months - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Kathy - February 1 - 12:34 pm

  Be 100% you want a SUV