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:

• 

  Cant buy more car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By qclimer - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I buy a new car every 2 years. I drive the tires off them and get rid of them at about 85k miles (2 years). I switched to Honda in 2003 and could not be happier. The car has no rattles, excellent interior, supportive seats, great GPS, and excellent performance/mileage. I average 28 mpg in city/hwy and I dont drive slow. This engine and 5 speed auto transmission are so smooth and even downshifts under hard braking for a power on corner exit. Surprising a 3 series or 530 BMW is a flick of the ankle away. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hownet - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time i bought Honda car... I was gonna get Mazda 3 for $22500 ourdoor price, but i went to Honda get this car for $23000 (include tax and license fee) This car has great performance 240hp and great handling on the road, you must try it before you buy a car!

• 

  the best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By cjt - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the handeling is excellent and the interior is great. diffinatly 10

• 

  An Excellant Vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ann Martin - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2003 Honda Acoord Ex for 11months now and have had ample time to really know the satisfaction of having bought the best car on the market to meet my needs.For a family of four, the interior is roomy and comfortable. I am relaxed and at ease using the controls on the steering wheel as well as those on the dash. I feel the car is very reliable and quite safe as I do my daily driving from work to my childrens school and home and to run errands. I was also amazed at the amount of trunk space in my car, there is more space than i imagined.

• 

  the coolest - 2004 Honda Accord
  By johnhezz - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i recommend honda accord to everyone. i have two. i rides like a expensive luxury car.

• 

  honda accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lcg313 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  it is the best car on the market-best car for your money. great gas mileage and really comfy-fits a lot of people.

• 

  Review of a 2004 Honda Accord with Nav - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Manoj Krishnan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  THe 2004 Accord is a really fun car to drive.I have been driving mine for the last 5 months.Great acceleration, Smooth ride and good braking.Very quiet and comfortable interior.Very easy access of the control knobs.Voice control is really a plus.I dont know why a tape player was not included with the audio system. Audio system as a whole is not that great.A much powerful audio system was expected in a car like this.It has a lot of trunk space.My 2.4 L engine gives me a quiet and smooth ride.All the dip sticks are well accessible and marked. In a nut shell , this car is a best buy.

• 

  Honda Happiness - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ebrooks - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I drove a used 1996 Civic DX for awhile (no frills at all, not even power steering!) before I decided to buy a new Accord. I owned a 1993 and 1998 Toyota Camry and was very satisfied with both (with V6 engines; the 93 was better than the 98). Ive moved down to a 4 cylinder, but youd never know it with the power and pickup I have! A terrific car -- comfortable, reliable, and sleek. Ive recommended Hondas to my friends and family, and they are as pleased as I am. The Camry is a bigger car, but I dont need that much room and I am doing better with fuel economy. The price was better too. BUY ONE NOW!

• 

  Happy Camper - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SUVGONE - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Pros: The Dodge Durango is gone, which means I am at the gas pump a lot less. The LX is a lot of car for the price. I have a 40-minute commute (one way), and the LX is a nice way to pass the time. Con: Only one choice of interior color: Ivory.

• 

  I love my Honda Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By maetera - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a Honda Civic for the past ten years and needed to upgrade to a larger car. I did not hesitate to buy the Accord; I did not even consider another car seriously. I have only had it a couple weeks but it is living up to, and surpassing, all my expectations.