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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  A real stunner - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Louisville driver - September 21 - 1:57 pm

  Three if us test drove a RAV-4, Rogue and CRV together. Two of us bought the Rogue. The CRV was a big surprise as we were expecting great things. Performance was sluggish, compared to the others, the ride and noise in the rear seat unacceptable and the touch screen which controls everything a nightmare. Our experienced sales person took 5 touch strokes to turn on the radio and select a station! We couldnt live with the integrated touch screen system for music, climate control and navigation. When we asked about a CD player the salesperson touched a button and the entire integrated screen popped out from the dash and rotated 90 degrees exposing the CD slot in the metal work behind the screen. Try managing a CD change while driving....I think not. Looks like a repair nightmare if you buy this vehicle. The reason for the high rating on technology is that it has outstanding features and lots to offer tech minded folks. As far tech functionality its a big looser.

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  Misleading fuel economy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chuck - September 19 - 6:50 am

  We purchased this car (our first Honda) this year because of rising gas prices and Hondas claim of 50mpg. It now turns out that the realistic mpg is closer to 35 (city & highway). The service department at the dealership says this is about what we should expect.

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  2016 Purchased rather than 2015 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By robert rutherford - September 16 - 3:28 am

  We found the 2016 was preferred and are pleased with its ride comfort and performance and the color is exactly the one wife wants: not what is left on Car lot for limited color pick. 2016 CRV is great. Glad we did not get 2015. Almost settled for Silver one. It was just Ok = not same as newer/ better 2016

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  DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU BUY!!!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By R.Miller - September 15 - 2:02 am

  This purchase has been a huge disappointment for me! Has hardly any power when accelerating uphill. Tape from factory put marks all over it. When they did the rustproofing they scratched the driver side fender up to hood of SUV, it had to be buffed out which I thought the whole hood of the vehicle was going to dent in. Its as if its made out of tin! Notice NO CARPETING!!!! Really Honda? For 23,000!!!! No navigation system, doesnt sync with android, radio doesnt tell you what song is playing its generic. Has bluetooth wow! Never buying another Honda again! You pay out the butt for nothing worthwhile, very very basic generic SUV!

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  Excessive Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ravens2353 - September 9 - 6:31 pm

  Long time Honda owner and i finally decided to get my first SUV. Did my research, saved my Money. Naturally my pick was Honda CRV- I cant believe Honda built this car. It has bad vibrations when stopped and idling, it has bad engine/ transmission shuddering when I accelerate. Even at highway speeds it shudders at random intervals. This is a big problem. Spent almost $ 30,000 for this??? Honda responds " Vibrations are characteristic of the car". Strange, didnt see that description in the brochure at the dealership. Honda needs to acknowledge this problem, find a solution, and apologize to me and all those 2015 CRV Owners.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 9 - 12:30 am

  3000 Miles on my new long awaited 08 V6 Sedan. This car is a nightmare. Shifting is up and down, surging and vibration at higher speeds is ridiculous like I have 4 unbalanced tires ( I donÂ’t). I am shocked that Honda would put this into production. The constant shifting and changing of the VCM is maddening and almost can make you nauseous. The vibration juts adds another layer of frustration. Dealer has the car now for the last week!! They agree itÂ’s not right and working with Honda to see what can be done. So far the picture looks bleak. Buyers be informed!

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  2000 EX v6 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Rhonda - September 7 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the car new. Had no problems till around 80,000 miles. Transmission started to slip. Took it to dealer who said there was no problem, changed the transmission fluid. Since then, transmission has gotten worse and Honda will not help with the problem. They will do a 50/50 on cost of refurbished transmission since I am now over the 100,000 extension, over $1500 my cost! Dealer said they do not work on transmissions, only replace them. Now have over 114,000 miles on car and other than transmission, have no other major complaints about the car. Wind noise on higway is loud, but I just turn up the radio. Honda of Ocala is a terrible dealership all around - sales, service, etc

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  Doesnt live up to its promise - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hmurphy - September 5 - 10:00 am

  While this car seems like a great deal, its not everything it seems. Its definitely fun to drive, but the brake pads and/or rotors have been repaired or replaced 3 times in 15 months of ownership, with no fix in sight. This is not an isolated problem--many 2003/2004 owners are in the same boat. The transmission is currently under recall as well. Though I like the feel of the car, the continuing brake issues are just too much. Its really a shame.

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  Beware of vibration and harshness - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By g_frieberg - September 5 - 2:01 am

  I bought a new 2015 CRV from an Ohio But, after having driven it several hundred miles, here is what I am finding: 1) Vibrations from the power train are moderate to severe, after the engine is warmed up (actually, I suspect after transmission fluid is warmed up, and is less viscous, and less able to dampen engine vibes); 2) When at a stop, with foot on brake, and idling, in DRIVE, vibrations shake the steering wheel, floor, and both front seats. If you drive this car for more than 5-10 minutes in stop and go traffic, it is indeed fatiguing ! 3) Very prevalent vibes around 2000 RPM under load (feels like a rumble strip). DO NOT buy until Honda has a fix !

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  The Snooze Cruise - 2012 Honda Civic
  By newcivic2012 - September 4 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had this car now for a little over a 1000 miles and man do I have a lot to say about it - and not all good. The windshield and sloped hood make it almost impossible to gauge how close you are to something and makes it hard to park tightly. The 160 watt radio is ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE! The controls for most of the components - awkwardly placed and an eye sore. The Bluetooth - a complete failure/hard to use (Mazda and Nissan system were much better - I know because I rented both). Traction/assisted steering/whatever the heck its supposed to be - does little (in fact feels more responsive when its off). What a joke! Really Civic? You got me at hello but now I a divorce.