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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  Whole lot of shakin going on! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jdtbucks - June 5 - 1:52 pm

  There are a lot of great things about this car, but there is one showstopper that should prevent you from buying it. When you are idling at a red light, the car vibrates like one of those funny exercise machines from the 40s. It also rattles like you wouldnt believe during acceleration. This is my 6th Honda and my last. Honda admits its an issue, but dont really have anything encouraging to say about a fix. My brother opted for the Mazda 5 and he is very happy with it. If I could exchange this car today, I would.

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  Honda pilot SE - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By trickyfl - May 29 - 9:28 am

  Since day one i took it back next day has a dangerous problem hestates when you lease expect it. sitting a light go to take off it like someone hits the brakes. taken it in twice they say nothing is wrong. one day im gonna pull out and im gonna get hit. ASk a friend who use to be machanic at honda now head mechanic at acura , he said it was transmission, not getting right info from computer .he decribed it perfect told that to honda goes in one ear and out the other. i traded a perfect honda 2011 pilot in for this . i want that one back. HOnda service has not done anything helpful . as soon as i can afford to get rid of this i will.

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  Honda continues to lie - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By clibat2 - May 20 - 12:44 pm

  The vibrations at a stop while in gear with the brake in is just too much for me to ignore. Honda will tell you it has something to do with the engine and transmission combo... It simply isnt true. Fact 1 - If I am stopped, in drive, with the brake pushed in, the car idle drops and the car vibrates horribly. Fact 2 - If I am stopped, in drive, with the EMERGECY BRAKE on, and my foot off the brake, the vibration STOPS and the RPMs go up. I try to tell Honda this has something to do with the power brake system pulling power from the engine, but they wont hear it. Mark my words, they will figure it out someday, and the issue will be with the power brake system.

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  Vibration Makes Me Crazy - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By valann - May 12 - 4:48 pm

  I dont believe anyone who says their 2015 CRV doesnt vibrate. Ive driven 6 of them now trying to find one that doesnt. They all do. Mine vibrates during acceleration at 1000 and 2000 RPMs, and also at the idle. Its very noticeable through the steering wheel and the seats. The dealer claims that no one else has complained but me. I dont believe them either. Supposedly they hadnt even heard about the video from Honda until I called it to their attention.

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  2014 Honda Civic lemon - 2014 Honda Civic
  By kpedigo - May 7 - 3:00 pm

  I bought a new Honda Civic a year ago and from that time on I have had problems. Bad tire, bad hubcaps, paint coming off, RUST, oil pan not sealed when built, defective windshield. Honda has not stood behind this lemon and I will never buy another of their vehicles. Back to Toyota for me! I now have 9000 miles on this car.

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  VIBRATION just keeps building on your nerves!!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By fzafar0926 - May 1 - 2:41 pm

  Hi, I own a 2015 CR-V Touring on NOV 2014, and am very disappointed by the vibration issue. Honda has acknowledged the issue and posted a video showing why it is causing the vibration. You need to document the issue with the manufacturer by calling them at American Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009 Option 7. Provide your VIN# and Contact Information. They will contact you when a fix is ready. As of APR 30, 2015, there is no fix date or whether a fix is possible. If you want to see the video, go to this page and look for the bibration question: https://owners.honda.com/help/faqs

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  New Car Disappointment - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joyce green - April 29 - 8:41 pm

  Only have had CR-V two weeks. Very unhappy with the rough idling and vibration when sitting at a red light or any time I have to slow down or stop in traffic. Purchasing this car was a huge mistake! Do not buy a 2015 Honda CR-V. You will be unhappy with it! Am planning to file Lemon Law if Honda Corporation does not come up with a solution quickly.

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  2015 Honda CR-V vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By viktor45 - April 29 - 7:36 pm

  Bought a new CR-V EX-L about a week ago. Noticed vibration when idle on D and RPM drops below 600. Quite annoying, consider I have owned previous model of CR-V and never noticed vibration. Vibration is gone once RPM bounce back to 700 or you switch to N. Honda should provide a fix to adjust idle RPM.

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  Should have bought RAV 4 - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By coosa43 - April 29 - 9:56 am

  My wife and I bought our 2014 Honda CRV one year ago when we traded in our 2009 Nissan Xterra for what we thought would be an upgrade. We recently took our Honda into the local dealership for routine service and a problem with the air conditioning. The vehicle had 15000 miles so we were not worried with a repair cost due to the BUMBER TO BUMBER Warranty of 36000 miles. I go in and tell the technician the problem and state that the problem should be covered under warranty and his first statement was not so fast that if it was a hole in the condenser for the A/C it would not be covered. Major problem with the whole A/C on the CRVs. Paid 600 for repair on a brand new car.

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  Dissappointed about Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By amy271 - April 28 - 8:03 pm

  I just bought the new Honda CRV EX 2WD 3 days ago, it is only 150 miles. When I stop at the red light, the vibration on the chair are really annoying me. I did read the review about this problem on CRV, but I thought it might have some exception. I was so wrong, the vibration are really aggressive. I regret buying this car, and so disappointed about Honda.