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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  MY WHEELS - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JAMES W. CASEY - July 6 - 10:00 am

  WIND WIND NOISE CAN BE HEARD ON THE HIGHWAY. OVERALL THE CRV. IS OK, THIRD ONE I HAVE OWNED WITHIN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. CRV IS COMFORTABLE, MILEAGE IS DECENT.

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  My 2003 Honda CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MARGIE41 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1999 Honda CRV LX and traded it on for the 2003 Honda CRV EX. I love the 2003. The 1999 did not feel as safe or have as much power as the 2003. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  04 honda hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ronnie777 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  wonderful to own and drive

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  OUR FIRST NEW CAR!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JERE @ ASH - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! Its pretty much every thing I wanted! I would have got an EX if I had the money but the LX is right up there!! The gas milage is awesome! Its not as fast as the EX but I like it! The back seat has limited leg room but I dont sit back there so I dont care! Other than that I love this car!!! I would recomend any one to go out and get one!

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  my honda civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Ruth N - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic LX is a peppy car. Can get up to speed quickly for highway driving. The car is easy to park and has very good visablity.

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  Capitol Honda is the Best - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mr Keith - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I love to look at it. I love the color. I love the mileage. I love the price. I love the reliability. No stress car. There is enough stress in my life and the sales team I worked with gave me the deal I wanted. It was painless and didnt take all day. Thank you Matthew Adams!

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  FINE RIDE - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bsaldr - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 24 Hondas in my life and this is by far the best. Excellent mileage, never been to the shop. Has 63000 miles on it now. Honda has really hit the jackpot on this one. Too bad the public doesnt know it.

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  It is what it is and I love what it is - 2004 Honda Civic
  By treesap - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It is exactly what I thought i was purchasing, a high-strug pleasure. Ideal engine for commuting and leaving the vTec for the weekends. Im 66" too and fit like I should (depends on the leg to torso ratio though). Cornering is the best Ive experienced. it feels like youre on rails.

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  Awesome little car! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KimmieK - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the tight steering and the smooth ride. Its got a lot of HP for a little 4 cylinder car. Its very fuel efficient, which is good for me because gas prices in PA are sky- rocketing. The car is very reliable and economical. Im very pleased with this car.

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  25K for RATTLES - 2004 Honda Accord
  By evcar - July 6 - 10:00 am

  ... and a lot of them. The car has excellent powerful, quiet and fuel efficient V6, decent and predictable handling and one of the best interior ergonomics and front sits Ive ever seen. Unfortunately my car developed a lot of interior rattles coming from front and rear doors/windows and the steering wheel. Its not acceptable for 25K top of the line Honda. The window rattles were also mentioned in the Edmunds Sept 03 Accord Long-Term Test, but apparently Honda doesnt give a dam about it - I have the same exactly rattles in my 04 Accord.