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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  USED 2008 CR V 4 wd - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By rottiesrule - May 6 - 7:53 am

  Bought used with 140K, now has 157K and ZERO problems. Average 26 mpg mixed driving. Drove 1600 mi cross country, with cargo tray on hitch 200 lbs of stuff on it, 100 lb dog inside with seats folded down of course, 70 mph and I averaged 30 mpg on hwy. Power is good for a 4 cyl and a 3500 lb car. SAFE SAFE great safety rating,great brakes, great build quality, is bigger than it looks. The design of the cars interior will grow on you, very thoughtful and utilitarian design that you will appreciate the longer you drive it.It is a car that is a good compromise of reliability,room, and economy! I had a Suburban that could not pass a repair shop. The CRV likes to pass gas stations and thats great!

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  Hard Ride - 2015 Honda Accord
  By adiven - May 5 - 2:42 am

  2015 Honda EX Ride is terrible hard. This is not right. I see posts with the same problem. Unacceptable Honda not going to like me. Honda owners need to get together and get on Honda to fix it.

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  Accessories matter - 2015 Honda Fit
  By jlbgjbsle - May 4 - 8:28 pm

  Great gas milage (40 city/hwy combined) Due to the slanted angle and the large size of the front windows, the car heats up tremendously even when driving on mild days. I have to use the air conditioner much more than I would like. The normal sun shades used when parked for a period of time do not fit this car. I had to buy a special sun shade that is the most inconvenient product to use, and I have to use it even for short parks due to the big windows. Because the seats are so low, and I am a short person, the sun visors did nothing to block the sun. I had to buy a visor extender. Only 1 roof rack available for car-almost $500. Small hybrid bike barely fits in with tire removed.

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  Great Car With Bad AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By brett758 - May 2 - 6:13 pm

  Positives: Bought my 04 CRV with 175k miles on it. It now has 250k miles on it and other than putting new tires on it and having the breaks done I have not had a single issue! Not one! The gas mileage (manual transmission 26-27mpg)is pretty good for an SUV. The AWD system has worked well in the snow and I can feel the back wheels turn on when I let the clutch out. Quality interior that has stood up the brutal Arizona sun. Negatives: I bought mine with an aftermarket AC compressor so I never had to deal with the issue but I have heard that its a $3000 fix when the OEM one blows up. Road noise is bad, even with a new set of Michelins. Funky looking styling IMO.

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  no vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By proten - May 2 - 5:41 pm

  Got the awd ex model. First trip got 34 mpg. Very smooth, very quiet. I am 63, and have plenty of room even in back seats. The cvt works perfectly. It doesnt use fake shift points. We are not experiencing the vibration problem some are complaining of. Much quicker than I expected. Also climbs well, as we live in a high altitude mountain town

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  Rough Rider Idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover41 - May 1 - 6:16 pm

  I have owned my 2015 Honda CRV EX-L for about 3 weeks now. I like a lot of things about it, but I am getting more concerned about the rough idle/vibration/pulsation when I am in the drive mode and stopped in traffic. I look over at the front passenger seat and watch the seat belt buckle vibrate against the leather! At times it gets to be pretty intense. I went into the dealer to ask about it, and they said it was fine. We will see if it will take legal class action case to get the problem resolved. I owned my last Acura for 18+ years and really loved it. I only hope I can say the same about this car in a few years. This car just makes more sense because of all of its practical features.

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  Bumpy ride - 2015 Honda Accord
  By shelley59 - May 1 - 8:01 am

  I purchased my dream Honda Accord EX in March and love almost everything about it except it rides bumpy. You can feel all bumps, railroad tracks and this is funny, I watch my passengers body move as I drive. I thought it was the tires which are Goodyear Assurance P215/55/R17 all seasons. You hear the outside road as well. The dealer said they were good tires but I wanted to switch them out and pay the difference no go. Please let me know if someone else is experiencing this or is it just my beautiful car. Please help me Honda.

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  Overall, a great daily driver - 2015 Honda Civic
  By civicpilot1 - April 30 - 10:48 pm

  Recently bought a 2015 Civic LX sedan with the 5 speed manual transmission, which I think is the best combination for a daily commuter car. To date, my gas mileage has averaged 37mpg doing about a 40 / 60 mix of city and highway driving. The manual transmission also makes the best of the 1.8R engines meager power band. When searching for a new car, I also looked at the Mazda3, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and the Kia Forte. I felt the Civic had the best balance of features of all of them, the dealer giving me a competitive price of $16,250 cinched the deal. I did like the Mazda and the Fords more fun to drive characteristics, but the Honda felt like a better built car.

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  VIBRATION - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Trevor Leja - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  Bought car new a month ago .2 days after owning noticed a vibration on acceleration, idles ruff and sometimes it hesitates on acceleration brought to dealer Honda is aware of issues but claims it might be normal for that car. if they do not do something about I will be pursuing the lemon law

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  I shutter thinking about the technology that went into my CRV..unfortunately so does my CRV. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By retiredguy4 - April 27 - 1:05 pm

  Bought new CRV EX AWD in March. Was back at dealership almost immediately about drivetrain vibrations at low speeds and 2000rpms. Also idle speed randomly drops to 550 when warm causing annoying shutter. Dealer says they are aware. They are waiting on Honda fix. We like the vehicle but are loosing faith in Honda as there is no acknowledgement from headquarters. This is our second CRV. Our 2005 is still humming right along.