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:

• 

  Good is my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CHN - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Started out researching 4 dr. trucks (Titan, Tundra) but fuel usage caused me to look for a mid-size SUV. Checked out the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner, Kia Sorrento and Honda Pilot. When your seeking comfort, style, safety and reliability with decent milage (mpg) the choice became obvious to me. Good is my Pilot. I like it alot! Fit and finish is apparent. Design and ergonomics are best in class. Controls are easy to use and the sound system rocks, although the bass is somewhat muffled if set above 3. Go for it..... Good Luck dealing. I was able to negotiate a deal for $900 under MSRP for a 2004 Silver Pilot EX.

• 

  great car - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By David R - July 28 - 2:00 am

  great car.no problems. very quite. nice layout

• 

  great suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jayhawk - July 28 - 2:00 am

  perfect mix of family car and fun. so far seems to be the best built car I have owned. Love it

• 

  my honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By cathryn - July 28 - 2:00 am

  my car did die in a snow storm about s month ago and it had to be jumped. i dont know why it died but conditions on the road were not good so this could have been the reason. also since 10/03 my car has also been in a bad accident on the front end, the damage was about $3000 because of some damage on the hood and a bent grill but nobody was hurt and the car didnt get smashed up, good bumpers!!

• 

  love it - 2004 Honda Civic
  By woohoo - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car that balances everything you want in a car at this price perfectly.

• 

  THIS Si is so POWERFUL!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By josh_ph2003 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I tried the Focus ZX3 at 2.3L and is powerful but lots of gas consumed. This Si is 2.0L but the power is superb!! Unbelievable!! and the gas consumption, they are telling the truth when they say 26/30 .Dont mind the price, its worth it!!!

• 

  A nice surprise! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bekuh - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was such a nightmare. I love my new 04 Accord! It has great pick up for only being a 4-cylinder. The interior is very sophisticated. Im getting great gas milage too! 22mi/gal city miles. So far no complaints!

• 

  Happy EX Owner - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Buckeye - July 28 - 12:08 am

  This is a very reliable car that gets very good gas mileage. I am getting 41 mpg on the highway and 34-36 mpg city. I have the 4 door sedan that has plenty of room for 4 people. Trunk capacity is very good. Bought the vehicle brand new and now I have 45,000 miles on it. I have never had to take it in for service for anything more than the normal oil change and the regular maint. Resale value is great! I am a very happy Honda owner.

• 

  2016 Accord Touring Tire Feathering - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Hetn99 - July 27 - 11:06 pm

  After 10k miles, start to hear scratching noise at highway speed. Took it in for service today and was told that the noise was caused by tire feathering. Did alignment and will see how bad it will go. Not sure how long the initial equipment tire will last, but kind of early to quit on me. Overall the car is great. But something could be wrong even it is a Honda.

• 

  Best Sedan value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mark - July 27 - 9:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Accord and my 4th Honda. I absolutely think they make the best cars you can buy. Fun to drive, most reliable, and low maintenance costs. If you are looking for a worry free fun car to drive that will last 10 or more years and hold its value the whole time, look no further than the Accord. I think this Accord is the best looking. They ruined the looks in 08.