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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  best minivan ever - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ched - July 23 - 10:00 am

  i have 3 children, all boys ages 6 & 4 yr olds and a 17 month old. we always use this van everywhere we go, from grocery shopping to parties to out of towns. this vehicle has very spacious back compartment. we went camping & were able to fit in tons of stuff. very good handling and spacious interior w/ roomy leg space. it is close to the ground so you dont have to worry about tipping or rolling over.

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  EX-L 2004 Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JC Smith - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my pilot ex-l at the end of march and so far I love it. It is a very versatile vehichle that can accomadate up to 8 passengers or just 2 with lots of cargo space. Good power for a v-6 excellent overall features. The pilot is very agile and can turn corners or make u-turns easily. Drives somewhat like a car in that regard. I highly recommend.

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  Great Package - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jettix2 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Pilot cannot be beat for the money. Nice looks, great quality, tons of features for the $$.

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  Reliability - 2001 Honda Civic
  By mdgrrrl - July 23 - 10:00 am

  When it was time to retire my 1990 Accord, I knew I was going to buy another Honda because of their reliability. Unfortunately, the new Accords were out of my price range, but I fell in love with the redesigned Civic. It doesnt have the pick up of the Accord and it feels less substantial on the road but I was looking for a car that would be on the road 99.99% of the time, get good gas mileage, and protect me in an accident, not a zippy car that was "fun" to drive. I definitely got exactly what I was looking for and I have never regretted the decision to buy.

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  My Wifes CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mebo Bugg - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We love our 2004 Honda CR-V. We would reccommend it to anyone who is consdering buying a car, station wagon, mini-van or SUV. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. WORTH EVERY CENT.

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  10 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mohan - July 23 - 10:00 am

  this is the best ever

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  Love my Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ElectroTom - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2003 version which is the same as the 2004. I love the car. I have driven it almost 40,000 and no problems. Bought it as a second car (my first is a gas guzzling Ford Explorer) and it saves me thousands each year in gas and maintenance. You cant go wrong with this car. Only one minor warrenty repair the whole time I owned it.

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  My First Import - 2004 Honda Accord
  By callen - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive always driven GM products. After owning my first Honda for 3 days, I may never own another domestic car again! The ride, handling, acceleration, design, quality, EVERYTHING is superior to American made cars. I previously owned an 02 Grand Prix GT. Powerful car, but always felt heavy and sluggish. My new honda would run circles around that Pontiac. Its nimble, responsive, firm, and still comfortable. I was leery at first, but more than happy with my decision. This car is amazing!!

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  Not the ride I expected.... - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Steven Palumbo - July 23 - 9:49 am

  I expected the Honda Accord to have a smooth ride with great pick up ... It did not... There was a constant vibration in the steering wheel, while driving at 60 mph... Very disturbing on a new car... Wondered what would happen over time... Decided not to trust the reliability of Honda products any longer after having so many recalls on my current Hondas 3 of them to be exact... Even the new 2016 Honda Civic has already 2 major recalls... It is to bad Honda does not stand behind their products or care about their loyal customers... Hello brand new Toyota Camry.

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  What a great car...really. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Whitney - July 23 - 2:30 am

  I have had my CR-V for almost 3 years now and it never seems to grow old on me. For an SUV (albeit a smaller one) it has great pickup, is comfortable for all who ride in it, and is very user friendly. It takes 5 seconds to turn the backseat down and create cargo space. As someone who has moved 3 times in 3 years to places 700 miles from each other, the CR-V has been a lifesaver, not just for my moves, but on a day to day basis.