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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  Just leased my new Civic, nice car. - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Nick Danger - October 20 - 12:29 pm

  Good interior & trunk space. Comfortable seats. Poor accelleration & mileage for a 5-speed. Nice sound system (USB & iPOd connection). Just wish Honda would recognize us Android smartphone owners! Great A/C.

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Murphy - October 19 - 9:41 pm

  We have just under a thousand miles and just noticed the vibrations well stopped, RPMs go up and down, while down car vibrates. Really surprised to see how many reviews with the same problem. I havent had the car back to dealer yet but when I do, they will hear about it. If they knew this problem existed before I bought the car I should have been informed of the fact.

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  love after 10 years - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By lena - October 19 - 9:18 pm

  I had times with 13 mpg in the city traffic holdups. So prepare to pay for gas. Reliable, but dealer maintenance prices are $500-650 after a few years.

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  Engine Vibrates - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Junsuk Oh - October 19 - 11:32 am

  I have leased 2015 civic SE. From the very beginning, I noticed engine vibration with clear noise. It usually happens during reverse mode and frequently on drive mode. I dont understand the dealer keep saying this is normal. I wonder if this is true or not but obviously this civic has built poorly regardless of its reputation. I am quite disappointed by Honda as this is my first car from Honda and it gives me bad impression.

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  When a five year old asks what wrong - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy D - October 19 - 1:09 am

  2015 CRV had it sense May 2015 Took to get checked twice nothing wrong but u do need to change the brake fuild what! Is a new car but to get back to the shaking my five year saids my teeth is shaking Iam sick of it this is the 2nd CRV I have had the 2013 had a starter noise it was loud! I will do something different when getting the next car but u know the Honda repair saids. Oh theres no anything wrong ! Wow u drive it then .

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  Back to the Honda Family! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Kenneth Sung - October 18 - 11:18 pm

  Ive had previous experience with Hondas and Acuras (9 previous vehicles owned/leased to be exact), but it came time to me to experiment with other car manufacturers, but the quality from those other brands did not hold up well compared to Honda. My only gripe that I can think for the Honda Odyssey is the MPG, but hey, who can complain about 19 MPG when you are hauling a family around with cargo in the back.

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  Honda Accord saved my life - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Robert Rosenberg - October 18 - 10:05 am

  A few days ago my Honda was involved in a multiple car accident. The car looked like crumbled up tin foil. Aside from a few bruises on my clavicle and chest, I walked away from the accident. The car was hit by two trucks. Well I went immediately to my Honda dealer and bought another Accord.

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  Not as good as the 08 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Th Chandos - October 18 - 7:05 am

  Interior cubbies, storage, are lacking. Rear-view camera & guides are totally useless, I only use mirrors. Radio with single optical disc far too big, poorly laid out, long long learning curve. Bluetooth for phone okay functionally, hard to program. CVT was not an issue, but just as noisy inside as ever. Very bad carpet-plastics matching: brown with black? baby caca. Aggressive up-selling of bs options at finalization, no deals on financing. Stuck with this turkey for 3~5 years, depreciated one-third within first year. Last one of these, ever.

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  Repeated CR-V Purchaser! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By UET - October 17 - 8:18 pm

  I had purchased a 2009 Honda CRV in November 2008 and loved everything about this affordable and low maintenance SUV. Thus, when it was totaled in May 2015 with 113000 miles on it, I decided to purchase the same SUV. Improvements are: Fuel efficiency is amazing (25mpg/city and up to 29 mpg/highway), rear seat space is bigger, touch screen with blue tooth, back up camera etc is nice and it has a sporty and improved exterior (front and rear). Downside: Significant vibration while idling in gear - I had read the reviews but was familiar with this issue from my previous vehicle but if anything, it is more pronounced with this newer version. However, since it is not a maintenance concern, I can live with this only flaw. I am also missing the hard shelf for the cargo storage and the AUX cord plug. Overall, it remains a great SUV with sufficient space,top notch safety features, and easy handling. This vehicle definitely holds its value and remains a great purchase!

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  I cured my Fit with a Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Darlow Maxwell - October 17 - 5:36 pm

  2015 Civic is allergic to Android software and I was not told that. You can make calls etc but you have to use your phone first. No such thing as contact book. The software is all Apple based. I commute 80 miles each way to work and Ive put 2105 miles averaging 37.6 (actual, not computer) and I find the interior noise level to be very quite and the ride to be very comfortable. The computer is 3% overstated, which is normal for nearly all cars. Im very satisfied with the vehicle.