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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  Eats OIL - 2009 Honda Accord
  By robell - November 27 - 10:23 pm

  Beware after 50.000 miles this car started using oil . Last oil change went 750 miles and used 3 quarts of oil . They did extend warranty because of this problem but good luck getting them to honor it. Just search oil usage Honda. They say one quart for a thousand miles is normal. Also say to let sit 15 min before checking . If there isnt oil on stick when you pull it out it isnt good . The oil pan is the reservoir for the engine if it isnt there the engine isnt getting it. I would really think twice about this car before buying . I was a GM Pontiac mechanic so I do know engines and cars.

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  Stop and Shake - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Julia - November 27 - 7:54 pm

  Stop and feel the shakes before you buy this crossover. I did not notice the shakes of the crossover I test drove. I was heart broken and called the dealer right away after my new ride arrived. The Honda dealer is going to fix my car next week.

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  Great Car After Vibration Fix was Made - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bob c - November 27 - 5:15 pm

  I was very happy with the 2015 CRV until I noticed the car had vibration problems at idle, between 20-30mph and when accelerating. The more I drove it, the more I hated it because I was very annoyed that I just spent over $23K for a car I did not like driving. Honda did come up with a software fix that was applied to my car, and Honda nailed it!! All the issues went away and I now enjoy driving the car. Now that I also understand how the CVT transmission works, I realize that the lack of gears shifting makes the drive perfectly smooth. The car has a lot to offer for the money, and I would recommend it as long as you make sure the vibration problems get corrected.

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  Comfortable, safe, good value - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Bret Bellamy - November 27 - 2:22 pm

  I am very pleased with my 2015 Honda Civic SE sedan. This is my fifth Honda Civic in almost 23 years. This is a very comfortable, safe, and refined car with good acceleration, great brakes and handling. The car feels very stable and secure at all speeds, city or highway. This is car is a very good value.

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Justin - November 27 - 8:58 am

  This is a great, reliable car. I have over 150,000 miles on it and its been holding up very well. Also had an accident and repair was relatively inexpensive. Note: I rated the technology above based on the year the car was made - 2006.

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  10K and holding! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Stowe - November 26 - 9:10 pm

  I never planned to own an suv but after my new Accord Hybrid rode like a tank and had no room for my property management needs I traded for this CRV. For 10K miles I couldnt be happier. It does everything well and without complaint. I am aware of the dreaded vibration everyone talks about but it is generally innocuous. It appears to be that the CV tranny is set to almost lug the engine at lower speeds. I experience some vibration at moderate acceleration but rarely is there any vibration at idle. All of this is overshadowed by otherwise excellent attention to detail and flawless execution. The adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping feature are great. Sometimes the electronics for the nav and the phone are a bit difficult to use but it is primarily a learning curve. I have hauled four guys in the vehicle and had positive responses about rear and front seat comfort. After driving a Prius for 7 years, I was surprised at the fuel economy. My overall mpg has been consistently over 30 mpg and I get up to 34 mpg with the ac on at 70 mph. This suv feels like a keeper so far.

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  Older but practically new - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Hunter - November 25 - 7:43 pm

  This has been a great family car with impressive performance and versatility. I would keep this car if it had some of the latest technology advances that now grace the new cars. I will weep a few tears when she goes.

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  Got a great closout bargain - 2015 Honda Crosstour
  By Craig Holcombe - November 25 - 4:22 pm

  My wife and I were looking to replace our trusty 2002 Odyssey after our boys had grown and were originally looking at a Subaru. Then my wife remembered that she had driven a Crosstour one time when our van was being serviced and really liked it, so why not check that out? One left at the dealer as they were discontinuing the model, at 20% below MSRP. Took it for a test drive and bought it on the spot. Great car to drive, responsive and handles very well. The controls are well laid out, and i really like the cool blue color. The interior is very comfortable and I am looking forward to doing an extended road trip soon. Very pleased with the purchase, and glad we got one before they were all taken!

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  200000 miles and drives like new - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Richard Kling - November 24 - 10:33 pm

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  NOT good, good, good.... good vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Sullivan - November 24 - 8:07 pm

  Check for vibration at idle and at 1100-1300 RPM and with light acceleration. My EX AWD started a vibration at about 500 miles and is getting worse. The vibration now has an accompanying rumble up to 1800 RPM. I had taken it back but the FIX did not work. Service dept is aware of this and claims that Honda is working on a fix. Meantime I am getting more irritated with the car. I also have a 2013 Accord with the same engine and CVT with no vibrations. If it is simple harmonic motion then I suspect that engine and CVT mounts might be the culprit. Strangely if you turn on the a/c at idle the vibration stops but not at the higher RPMs. Vibration and sound reminds of how a standard transmission behaves when you are in too high a gear for the speed you are traveling. If Honda can find the FIX I will be very happy with car sans the infotainment system.