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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  Good value--fun to drive - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Cleburne fan - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V has handsome exterior styling, a capacious interior and is fun to drive. We liked the black cloth interior, which is hard to find, as well as the moonroof and in-dash cd-changer. It comforts us to know it has 4wd when we need it, antilock brakes, side air bags and great safety ratings. Being a little larger in every dimension than our Forester makes it more comfortable for this 62" driver, especially on long trips. Overall, its a great balance of size, utility, safety, economy and driveability, and its a great value.

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  Great car... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Dman7 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car for the money. I have been plagued with interior rattles and creaks since I purchased the car. After about 5 times to the dealership, they finally fixed it and called it "pretty widespread". Disappointing, but I still love it.

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  2004 HONDA CIVIC EX COUPE - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dpetterway - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about this car. It makes me wanna drive!! Its roomy, quiet and has an overall quality feel about it that I just didnt see/feel in the cars competitors. It handles well and the ride for a small car is very smooth. Its also quiet so you get a chance to enjoy the stereo. Overall I love this car!!!

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  Best car of 2004 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dkrolo86 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Best EX ever! Most reliable coupe with econmic gas mileage. plus comes with a v-tec 1.7 engine.sohc. A must have

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  Whered the quality go? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SpunOwT - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, great car. 2 main issues though. #1. There is way too much body roll #2 Hondas quality is slipping. In the two weeks I have owned this car, I have found a number of mfg. defects, e.g. improperly wired dome and spot lights, rattling noise from the dashboard, rought downshift into first where it actually catches with the cluth all the way in, the plastic screw cover from the truck popped out, the eyeglass holder wont stay locked, for the price of the car the speakers are really poor, the Navi is OK but the UI is a little klugey, the voice activation system is also pretty klugey, and I think thats it.

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  i love my accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By yuri - September 9 - 2:00 am

  i totaly love my accord for spacius interior,as well as trunk that can fit a (cow) in there.exelent on gas and very quick being a 5 spd man.transmision

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  03 HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RENA CALL - September 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND HONDA ACCORD I HAVE PURCHASED IN 4 YEARS. I LOVE THE RELIABILITY IT OFFERS. IT TOOK A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO ADJUST FROM DRIVING THE SEDAN VS. THE COUPE BUT THE EASE OF GETTING A CHILD IN AND OUT OF HIS CARSEAT HAS PAID OFF.

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  past , present , & future - 2004 Honda Accord
  By juano - September 9 - 2:00 am

  im an Honda owner since 1979, on that time i bought an Honda Civic CVCC, I WAS 19 , and was great to drive , low mantinience , low gas consume and had a low price too $5300.00. was my great deal. After the Civic, 1984 accord coupe , 1986 red Prelude , 1991 ACCORD SEDAN , 1994 ACCORD SEDAN , 2004 ACCORD SEDAN. IS JUST A GREAT CAR.

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  Fit for me. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Clifton - September 8 - 11:41 pm

  The Honda Fit has been a great car so far. Not only do I average 32-33 miles per gallon (less on E10, unfortunately), the tight steering and quick shifter makes every drive enjoyable. With only 109 horsepower its not a stoplight racer, but the 1.5 L mill is more than adequate for driving in the city and pulling the Fits ~2600 lbs up to highway speeds. While its no plush luxury car, the Fits interior space belies its diminutive size, as four people can fit in the Fit in relative comfort. Then with a few clicks of the "magic seats" you can fill the car with furniture, boxes, etc.

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  My 2003 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - September 8 - 11:10 pm

  My first Honda... wonderful car... interior switch gear is odd: the single stalk to operate the wipers is confusing as I own and operate two other cars.