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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  Reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Brian M - March 29 - 1:27 pm

  Weve owned this vehicle for 10 years and have had zero mechanical problems. Incredible reliability and it still runs nicely with 165,000 miles on it.

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  17 years and still going well. - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Gerry - March 29 - 11:46 am

  I purchased this 90 Accord LX after reading Consumers Report and I am my sooo glad I did. Its the most reliable car I have ever experienced. Always ready to go hot or cold freezing weather. I always feel safe and very comfortable in the driver seat as well as other seats when my wife would drive it. I would do the required schedule maintenance which was quite reasonable and never a surprise. I said I would keep it until it dies. It refuses to die so Ill just sell it and give some one else a go with it and get a new 08 Accord this fall. The last few years all Ive paid for are gas, oil change and insurance. Sad goodbye!

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  Its Bigger On the Inside! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dazzcoach - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I was not that impressed with the Pilot from seeing them out and about....BUT once my wife forced a test drive on me I was SOLD! It has so much leg and head room and the ride is like a true luxury vehicle. We can fit up to 8 passengers with ease. We traded in a Durango and have never regretted that decision.

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  Perfect Vechicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Robbie F Rickman - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive especially with the Navi. system. This vechicle is loaded with all the bells and whistles. Plenty of room in the third seat for 3 people. Comfortable to drive and ride especially when you also have the DVD system""""""""""""""

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  Pats Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Hugh Lee - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Honda Pilot drives and handles great. The ride is smooth with the four wheel suspension they use. The 3.5 engine has plenty of pep. The gas mileage is less than the Camry we had, but.. Three rows of seats, we use only the front, no kids at home. They are kind of pricey, but most good autos are.

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  I LOVE MY ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lori841 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR - I LOVE DRIVING IT AND AM GLAD THAT I PURCHASED IT. IT HAS A LOT OF GREAT FEATURES FOR THE MONEY AND IS BY FAR THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND BEST HANDLING CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!

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  Bought Accord and Civic - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RTH - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Accord EX-V6 after many months of research and test driving imports and domestics. Nothing else on the market comes close in this price range -- perhaps even in higher ranges -- in terms of quality, reliability, resale, attractiveness, features, handling, and performance. Also bought a Civic EX from the same dealer about 2 weeks later.

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  1st timer - 2004 Honda Accord
  By johnny7778887 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the Honda accord for 3 weeks now and Im very impressed with the comfort, handling, quietness, and acceleration of the v-6. The interior is roomy and the wood accents are nice with the beige leather interior. Overall, still a great car for the price with excellent residual value and fun to drive.

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  Honda EX 4 door - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mathias1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Far exceeded my expectations both in performance, quietness of ride, smoothness and asthetic appearance. The gas mileage is unbelievable. I can go over 400 miles on a single tank.

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  Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JBrehm - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a 12 year old Honda Accord in addition to the 04. The 04 has more room and more fun to drive. I traded a Camry in on the 04 and have been impressed with the new Honda.