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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  335K and Counting - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Frank Ruelas - July 11 - 2:47 pm

  Changing the oil every 3,000 miles without fail and doing other maintenance has kept my Civic running beautifully. I drive 100 miles round trip every day to work. Enough said...getting 40 MPG.

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  Shakes and No Fries ? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mario - July 8 - 1:06 pm

  Dont buy it. It shakes while stopped at the red light or stop and go traffic

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  The Best CR-V Yet - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mary949 - June 30 - 10:46 pm

  My husband and I turned in our 3 year CR-V for the 2015 CR-V EX, and we love it. Just about everything has been improved. Although the styling hasnt changed too much, it feels like a much improved vehicle. I look forward to many years of enjoying the new CR-V.

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  Best Van I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pastorewj - June 30 - 9:48 am

  I bought this van new. So all 240,000 are my miles, and I could not ask for more out of a van. I have replaced motor mounts, and power steering pump was replaced under warranty... but that is it.

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  An honest review - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mmbfamily5 - June 25 - 11:31 am

  I wanted to give an honest opinion on the Honda CRV after hesitating due to the vibration issue. I didnt want to spend more than 30k, I wanted AWD, room for 4 adults with space for cargo. I looked at the Rav 4, Forrester, Rogue,Escape and the CX5. None of them were perfect but the Honda was either as good or better in every area. As for the vibration issue, Ive noticed at a red light, the engine goes into a very low RPM that does provide a slight vibration. I honestly would not have even noticed it, if not for the negative reviews. This small CUV is roomy,safe,comfortable, good gas mileage and really holds its value. After 1 month and 1,000 miles, I would highly recommend it.

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  Fantastic riding EX-L I love this car ! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sinnerii - June 23 - 10:43 pm

  Do not be alarmed by the same 12 unhappy people writing about vibration woes, there are none. I do thank them though, I only had to wait a month for Honda to make my car in Ohio due to demand is far exceeding supply. Beige leather interior on white exterior a large shortage of. On behalf of 200,000 happy 2015 CRV owners, you cant go wrong buying the 2015 CRV. I cannot find one thing wrong with my CRV and I am finicky. Everyone who gets in my CRV just loves it. Very comfortable front seats. I am 6 foot tall.

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  This is a fun car to drive - 2000 Honda Insight
  By allsmiles277 - June 23 - 9:50 pm

  I love this car. It may not carry but 365 pounds but it is fun to drive. The battery pack was the biggest drawback with this vehicle but time has made prices come down so I am not as concerned about the price of the a battery pack now. My IMA light has been on for the past 5 years and I am still driving it around. More and more people are knowledgeable about hybrid vehicle. I have watched many videos on the internet which show how to remove battery packs.

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  Hondillac - 1997 Honda Accord
  By hondillac - June 23 - 12:52 pm

  I have owned my used 1997 Honda Accord EX-V6 since April 2010. I LOVE MY CAR!! I actually owned a 2002 Honda Accord Coupe, loaded 5-speed stick but a 4-cylinder engine. The power between the two is astonishing!! My V6 is powerful even though its 18 years old!! It has a smooth ride and everything still works air conditioning, power windows, sunroof, etc,. DonÂ’t get me wrong, Ive put money in this car but it has been the greatest car Ive ever owned. This model year quality cannot be beat!! Yes, I own a Honda-Cadillac my Hondillac!!! IÂ’M IN LOVE WITH MY CAR!!!

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-FWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv3 - June 18 - 8:13 am

  I debated for a long time after reading reviews detailing problems with vibration during operation of this vehicle. Ive owned two Honda vehicles and I still drive one with 295,000 virtually trouble free miles. Since Ive had good experiences with Honda I went ahead and purchased a 2015 CRV. I love this vehicle and have had no problems with vibration. It drives as smooth as silk. Ive driven it on a long trip and also short in town errands. I am so happy I didnt let issues some customers are having sway me. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  Happy with the new CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joe6699 - June 17 - 9:58 am

  I just bought the EX-L AWD 2015, the car is very nice and confortable, i DONt sense serious vibration like many customers do maybe i am lucky? The vibration is barely noticeable. I recommend this car. -From Québec city, Canada