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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  Almost a 10 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By EasyRider - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. Big enough to haul stuff around in the back, but small enough to get decent gas mileage for a car that size. It is turning into the best car Ive ever driven or owned, and I have owned seven.

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  my 2003 honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Debbie Morgan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT! I have two small kids that are required to be in car seats, the four of us fit really good in it,

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  Nice car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JMI1030 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great automobile! It is way faster than you would first think. It just gets up and goes! There are some minor rattles and once in a while it is slow in starting, but overall a wonderful, fun car. I feel safe and powerful in the car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wsavelle - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The car was the best off the lot purchase I have ever had. I drove it off and didnt go back. I also have enjoyed having the car serviced at the dealer " they want my business"

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  from cargo van to accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By patsyp - April 3 - 2:00 am

  traded in a van for this fun, exemplary vehicle. never did i think i would sit in a "car" again - yet this little gem of mine proves to me without a doubt that HONDA has it all...its only a four cylinder but has the engine power of a six - without the smelly after- burn after a hard run! it handles so smoothly and the gas mileage - hey - i wont even tell you how much i get! its too good to be true. must mention the expert salesperson at carmax who guided me through my purchase....who also proved to me that Hondas also keep their trade in value - high, high, higher than any other car! i understand clearly, the true value of my new car...

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  beyond my imagination! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By snailnslug - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This Car is a sleeping dragon...As i am at the red light it purrrrs like a kitten, Light turns green, slam on the gas pettle,,,and it opens up like madness! most everyone i drive in this car and "test" it with freaks out at the power and handling and sound of this car. wonderful and worth the money.

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  The best car Ive owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Pennie - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The style, comfort, reliablity, fit and finish is comperable to Mercedes Benz E- Class automobiles whithout the sticker shock. I was particularly surprised by the power of the four cylinder engine which is essentially as pwerful and responsive as most six cylinder engines made by other manufacturers. Im going to by onefor my wife also!

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  Terrific car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By boi568 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Beautifully built, wonderfully outfitted with options. Very responsive in the handling, tight build, no problems at all. Good pickup, better in 4-cylinders than my old 6 cylinder car. I consider all the voice nav and wheel controls to be safety features that keep your eyes on the road, along with all the airbags and good crash test results. We are very "in-town," with all kinds of stops and red lights, so the mpg seems to be around 16 only, but I clocked it on the hwy a couple of days ago at an average speed of 64 mph and got 39 mpg.

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  MY HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lizzi - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Well i just brought a honda and i enjoy driving it but its a new car and for some reason it rides pretty rough and it also happens alot that when i put the key in the car doent start(i have to try like 2 to 3 times but i am gonna get it checked for sure) i cant understand why a new car would do this but besides these to things the car is pretty good

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  5 TIMES A CHARM!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Veronica Burgess - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I AM CURRENTLY THE HAPPY OWNER OF MY 5TH HONDA ACCORD NOW, WHICH IS A 2003 ACCORD 2DR. I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THE BODY STYLES OF ALL THE HONDAS SINCE MY FIRST PURCHASE IN 1987. HONDA CONTINUES TO IMPROVE IN THE OVERALL BODY STYLE AND PERFORMANCE. AS FAR AS, THE PERFORMANCE OF MY CAR(S) I CAN HONESTLY SAY, THAT I HAVE HAD NO MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH ANY OF MY HONDAS. I CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE A CONFORTABLE RIDE AND ALL DUE TO THE GREAT SERVICE RECEIVED AT COMMUNITY HONDAS SERVICE DEPARTMENT.