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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  Like my wifes 2007 better - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By TK - July 9 - 10:41 pm

  Ive been driving Hondas for 15 years. Came back from a short stint with a Subaru Outback, because Ive really enjoyed driving my wifes 2007 CRV. Let me tell you, Honda really took a good thing and tried to fix it. The overall space and cargo has decreased by inches, but noticeably so. Its terribly dangerous to control climate, radio, or do anything else on the electronic display while one is driving. The vibrations when driving are maddening. We can fit 2 car seats and one person in the back of the 2007, but in the 2015, the 2 car seats make it impossible for a 3rd person to sit, due to seat belt positioning. Oh yeah, I drive all country roads 40-50 mph with barely any stop lights and I am lucky to get in the high 24 MPG. Sometimes I break to 25 MPG. In this day and age on a 4 cylinder??!?!? Give me a break! Oh yeah, the backup cam does not compensate for all the blind spots either. Sometimes the driver door takes 3 tries to shut. Although the touring looks sharp and the engine is really dependable and its a Honda, Ill probably keep this car until 50K and then dump it. Too many idiosyncracies and life is too short...

• 

  Nice CRV but has the shakes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jose - July 8 - 2:39 pm

  Dont buy it before the shakes/vibration is fixed

• 

  Rattles lots of cheap plastic lousy mileage - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sbw2 - July 3 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months & 2000 miles of mixed driving. Its been getting 23.9 mpg, & Ive been babying it w/eco mode on. If you drive it "normally", it drops to 22 in eco mode, & 21 w/o eco mode. The interior of the doors is all cheap plastic, and theres very little in the way of support behind the door panels. I tend to lean my left leg against the door when I drive, and its already starting to "give". The door panels rattle and the dealer says its "normal". Really? The console box is small compared to my Camry & the USB/HDMI connections are in there if you keep stuff wired up, there isnt much usable storage in there. Little pickup but handles well.

• 

  Shake Rattle and Roll - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sadcrvowner - June 30 - 8:01 am

  I cannot believe some of these reviewers who just accept that their CRV has a vibration to it. I have owned a lot of new cars in my life and do not accept a vehicle that vibrates as a "characteristic". I have taken my issue to CAMVAP (Canadian auto mobile vehicle arbitration) as my wife gets ill from the vibration on long trips. Do not buy this vehicle!

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  The name Honda is no longer synonymous with quality - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By equiuga - June 29 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Odyssey EX-L with around 23K on it and it IMMEDIATELY started to shake when braking. I took it to the dealer and they turned the rotors free of charge. 3K miles later it started shaking AGAIN and they wanted me to pay for it for over $300.00. I am now at 47K and getting my first brake job and am told that I need rotors FRONT AND BACK to the tune of $1200.00. FOR A BRAKE JOB! I am calling Honda America b/c I am infuriated. I have owned 4 previous Hondas, a Subaru Outback and a Ford F-150 and have NEVER EVER had issues with my rotors like this, even with the awful Ford! I have also had problems with the suspension, rear hatch, RES, rim peeling, and transmission. AWFUL!

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  Vibrations and Shuddering is real! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rainyday5 - June 24 - 10:25 pm

  3rd CRV in 10 years. Always had LX AWD. Disappointed in the loss of all interior storage space. All thats left is awkwardly sized door pockets and a tiny console. Starting with a 2004 the loss is significant. The interior fabric and plastic is less durable as well. Vibrates after warm up in Drive and idling. This will then continue to 2000 rpm. Subtle but noticed especially by my motion sickness prone passengers. Shuddering happens sporadically when braking and near stopped. It feels like a manual about to stall out and is very prominent. Honda tells me its all inherent to the CVT and safe, but agree its annoying.

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  2009 Honda Pilot Review - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By captainbull - June 22 - 9:02 am

  We bought our 2009 Honda Pilot as new from a Honda dealership here are our assessments: 1. Cheap interior design. Cheap plastic and adhesive. The "skin" for the club compartment peels off easy. 2. Cheap glasses. Just one little hit of a little rock the windshield just cracked. Its so thin. 3. Noisy driving (windows not tight seal). 4. Cheap paint (scratch easy) 5. Incorrect gas mileage (they lied) we only get 18MPG on HW and 16MPG city. 6. Stupid trailer light system design. They just want their dealers to make extra cash (so many steps to install it) and the kit cost over $200!) 7. Only one key entry from driver side. 8. Windshield wiper fluid pump failed to early.

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  Very Reliable ! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By ozansan - June 19 - 1:26 am

  I bought a Honda Civic 1999 Dx in 2011 November, I Paid 3.000 $CAN The Mileage was 152.300 KM When I bought it I replaced the timing belt and water pump, Paid around 500 CAN$ the mileage now 197.300 km and I had one one problem only Heater motor (Blower) I bough the part at used part shop , paid 40$ and Replaced myself ( I watched some videos on Youtube to replace it, Thank you Youtube ) Civics are safe in winter Because Front wheel drive and low this days Civics are 1.8L but still would not buy a 1.8L Civic . if u have 3 or 4 passengers on up hill gives hard time to the driver .

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  horrible noise from front passenger side - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By suzannened - June 9 - 3:52 pm

  the dealership and Honda reps have tries to fix this noise 3-4 times and it still is occurring. Last time they reset the computer hoping that would help...really! Aside from this nightmare,the car is roomy but cup holders for the driver should be switched so the retractable cover on the console doesnt have to open all the way. The Dvd player should be a larger screen as there are 5 passengers trying to view it. Windshield wiper in the back window is loud when turned off and sets back in the holder. Yes all minor issues compared to the squeaking noise up front. Would I buy Honda again, probably not. (sad since have bought 3 hondas so far).

• 

  Going to get rid of this car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By chuck1953 - June 9 - 3:51 pm

  I like this car because it is economical but if you dig a bit you will find that many people cannot drive this car for many miles or more than an hour or so without back pain. Something about the design of the seats is absolutely terrible. I enjoy the entertainment sytem, fuel economy, fit and finish but it is totally uncomfortable to drive. You will find this out but not until you have had it for a bit and I am not alone in this. Do a little internet search on uncomfortable seats in Honda Fit.