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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  I wish i knew about the vibration before i boght it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Alex Kondovski - April 27 - 6:58 pm

  The issue with the vibration is real. It occurs while you are stopped at a red light. It is really disappointing. I regret buying the car. Please inform people about this before they buy until they fix it. It is very stressful to spend 30k and have to deal with this at every red light stop

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  Headrest problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By wtd01 - April 21 - 10:18 am

  The headrest forces your head too far forward causing neck pain. The instructions indicate to set the headrest so the back of your head is aligned to the middle of the headrest. the headrest doesnt extend high enough to meet that requirement. I am 6 tall. Honda USA refuses to acknowledge that a problem exists or that anyone else has complained (contact# N12015-04-210-0282). I would nor buy this vehicle if you are 6 or taller.

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  CRV Vibration is Real Dont buy one now! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bruce DeWerth - April 16 - 3:47 pm

  I bought the 2015 CRV in November as a change from my Ford Escape. Bad idea. From day one there has been a vibration when the brake is depressed at stop lights. The vibration is severe and carries throughout the vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealership an was told that "this is normal and wont harm the car" How crazy is that? I called Honda and they told me that they are aware of the problem. When I asked why they dont fix it. I was told that there was a video on You tube explaining the vibration problem. Unbelievable. I never expected a response like that from Honda. Beware they are still shipping them problem and all. Big Recall coming. This is really shameful.

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  worse then expected - 2015 Honda Accord
  By jhid123 - April 7 - 7:33 pm

  Two months ago replaced 2013 Accord LX with "the same" 2015 Accord LX. what a big difference. Every review saying that car was not redesigned. I made a big mistake believing them. I refuse a road test this time(to expedite), just picked the color. Biggest problem: very uncomfortable seats. For two months I can not find a comfortable position, it hurts my back. Car has new type of cloth on sits and doors, it looks nice, but picks up dirt as magnet. Second is road noise. I should say it is more wind noise, very loud, especially on the bridge in windy day. Looks like cheap quality of insulation materials. Engine also got louder, and you can fill vibration when idle on traffic light.

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  Theses are a gamble to own. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bpminme - April 4 - 4:13 pm

  The 06-11 Civics have many little issues. Bad quality paint & clear coat. Buzzes and rattles in the interior. Auto transmission is lazy to down shift, too eager to up shift. Window switches are tricky. Odd placement of hand brake. Lack of head room They have some pretty bad major issues too. The cost of labor to replace the starter can exceed the cost of the starter itself. Rear trailing arms can fail. Engine mounts prone to failure. 06-08 and some 09 Engine blocks can crack, Honda may not replace for free, even though they say they will (see Hondas Technical Service Bulletin 10-048). Brakes are also sub-par compared to what they could be for the cars MSRP.

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  Vibration at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie Bath - April 2 - 9:09 pm

  Drove both 2014 and 2015 cr-vs. Bought the 15 since it seemed much quieter and smoother than the 14. What a mistake. This thing shakes like crazy when in drive while braking at a stop. At times the rpms jump from 2000 to 1500 for no reason when just cruising at normal speeds. I still own a much maligned Jeep Compass with 118000 miles and a CVT with no such problems-still runs as smooth as ever. Was going to trade it for the Honda but glad I kept it! Honda better do something soon. I only put 700 miles on it since new in November--I may end up trading it for my first choice a Nissan Rogue or a used Lexus R350!

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  Also having the vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - March 31 - 2:16 pm

  At idle, with my foot on the brake, there is noticeable vibration from the steering wheel and the drivers seat. In motion, when engine rpms are a constant 1500 or lower, the engine has a lugging feel and droning sound. No lugging or droning while braking or accelerating (except when accelerating very hard). My wife, kind to all moving creatures, says dont worry about it--just be grateful for the free back massage. An old-school guy like me, however, hungers for a smooth transmission and engine combo.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned. - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cubs_fan35 - March 17 - 2:56 pm

  I bought a 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid certified-used with 38,000 miles on it last October. I hate this car. I was looking for a hybrid and I very unfortunately walked into a dealership and was met by an unscrupulous salesman who really put the heat on me when he sensed my hesitation to take the car home that same night. Thats my fault and Ive been reminded of my mistake every day since I signed on the dotted line. The interior of this car is unrefined and uninspired, its incredibly slow (I expected a dip in performance with a hybrid but nothing like this), and Ive had nothing but problems with the car for the past few months. Within the first two months of ownership, my IMA light came o

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  Long Term Review of 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By asuchemist - March 11 - 1:02 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd is nearing 110K miles. Paid $17K brand new in 2008. The vehicle is a no thrill people mover. Interior material is average for the time and holding up. Oil and Transmission fluid changes are easy. Oil change interval 5K miles and transmission change intervals done every 15K miles. After a couple of years the interior has developed a rattle and at stops in drive the motor has some vibration (motor mount design). The CRV has enough power for on freeway acceleration. Kept everything standard, no upgrades. Normal things I have done: -Front and rear brakes (finally after 100K miles on them) -New rotors -New Shocks and struts (front back)

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  Absolutely awful. There are better choices - 2015 Honda Fit
  By festiboi2 - March 8 - 5:47 pm

  Bought a brand new Fit because it made an excellent showroom impression the magic seats, cargo flexibility, and lots of standard features on the base model. But owning this car is a nightmare Reliability woes have haunted this car from the beginning mostly odd trim and electrical issues, including exterior trim breaking and taillights filling with water Its not the most refined subcompact other offerings have more power, better sorted manual transmissions, and are quieter. For city life, it is perfect. Its easy to park, economical, and can haul loads of gear. Honda just started building the Fit at an all-new plant in Mexico and some of the quality issues are showing.