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 First Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By momfalc - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it. My previous car was a Cadillac DeVille and we bought this to tow behind a motorhome and for my work car. It handles beautifully and I love being able to manuever it so easily, especially into small parking places. And the "real time 4 wheel drive" is perfect for me and my driving requirements.

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  Fun Car. Two Thumbs Up!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Shinzon2004 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome!!! I needed an economical, sporty, and fuel efficient car that would get me from Point A to Point B. I bought the White(as the Value Pkg comes in only Red,White or Blue)It handles great and the 5-speed manual tranny shifts quite smoothly. It is also very comfortable. If you are looking for affordable, quality transportation that looks and handles great this is the car for you!!

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  New owner & loving it. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Betty Jean - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a 2001 Toyota Camry and found it was too much car for me and it did not have the pep and performance my former Honda Accord did. Gas consumption was 23 mi/gal around town and my new Civic is supposed to get 31 mpg. This is a big difference with the price of gas going up. I find that the visibility is much better than the Toyota with fewer blind spots that were very scarey in the other. No complaints on the Civic EX.

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  my baby - 2004 Honda Civic
  By maria123456 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  great car very reliable awesome milage comfortable seats features are excellent

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  Awesome - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Milkduds - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Almost 12000 miles and still as if I just got the car. Great power and a good ride. Safe and dependable. Well worth each and every dollar spent. I suggest getting the moon roof visor.

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  nice - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dunkage - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best car ive evr had i have purchased 2 honda accords in the past 2 yrs. one is an 01 and the other 04. i cant wait to see what future models look like many upgrades

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  What a great value... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By fferrazzi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  After looking at other cars and test driving- I looked at the VW Passat and Mazda6 but wasnt impressed! I traded in my Civic- night and day to this wonderful smooth Accord. I would anyone to get one who wanted a reliable, nicely designed car around $20k. I added a spoiler to make it sporty b/c Im young. I got a great deal and everyone should know that you can get them for invoice price. Ive only had it a week but it has great peep and nice gas mileage plus extra features I feel make it like a luxury car!!! Forget the Passat,Camry, Mazda6- GET the ACCORD!!!

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  So glad I went with this car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By barakutha - January 14 - 7:33 pm

  After driving a Honda Civic for the past 7years, it was time to upgrade to its bigger brother. The engine on this car is AMAZING. Either starting at a red light, or passing on the highway, you always have more than adequate power.

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  Best car I have EVER owned - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By gary sanders - January 14 - 3:41 pm

  After having gone through a Chevette, Datsun B210, Monte Carlo, Chevy Beretta, I was convinced all cars were junk. This little Prelude was one of 2 left on the lot after a year. Never used - brand new with mileage less than 25 miles. I traded my piece of junk Beretta in for this car and got it for a steal. It is now 2009, NO rust, no exterior or interior problems, no major problems outside of maintenance and required items with the exception of the air handling controls. This car will outlive me and I get people wanting me to sell it all the time. If you have an opportunity to buy one, get it. They are an incredible and fun car. I plan on keeping it forever.

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  My Little Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By PHX - January 14 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my Civic new about 8 years ago. My A/C went out just before the warranty was out. That wouldve been a $1400 fix had it happened 250 miles later. Other than that, Ive had no problems until recently. It now has 128,000 miles on it. The transmission needs to be rebuilt and the front brakes need to be fixed. There are a couple of other leaks and seeps that also need to be addressed. Per the dealer, will be about $4000 to fix all. Im not happy with the transmission going out so early, but that could be from my driving, or some other factor. This car had definitely been reliable!