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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  The Best SUV ... Vibration NOT an Issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By petershen1 - May 22 - 12:44 am

  I purchased new 2015 Honda CRV EX couple of months back. I have now over 1000 miles on it. I am very happy with my decision to buy this car. Its fun to drive - smooth and steady. New 2015 CRV looks awesome externally with spacious inside. The new features like hill start assist, lane watch, touchscreen are great. Excellent fuel economy. In a nutshell - "Its value for money" !! I guess some people are exaggerating "Vibration Issue". There is slight vibration sometimes ONLY when stopping at Red Light in "Drive" gear, but it is not as much noticeable as some people have described. There is NO VIBRATION when driving the car at any speed.

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  2004 Accord LX-4 cyl--- watch out for 100K - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lindavt08 - May 15 - 11:35 am

  First off, let me say I LOVE my car. I got it in 2005 with only 16K miles, and it has been babied ever since. I change the oil religiously at 3K, and its never had any real problems, as Im great on maintence. Then... we hit 100K in 2014, and it seems like out of no where, stuff just breaks. Again, I baby her, I dont think you could take better care of a car than I do. First, it was the breaks, okay, thats a reasonable thing, and then, my stero just goes completely blank I had to get a second one put in, which looks a little ghetto, but thats okay. Then, my battery dies, and I have to get a brand new one. I think the car is wonderful, but be ready at 100K!

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  3rd time Pilot owner - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:07 pm

  Just bought a new 2015 Pilot EX-L. Have had a 2004 and 2010, and this one is the best yet! Price was reduced $8600 off of MSRP, so the price was the best ever I have had on the many Hondas I have owned. The vehicle rides great, and the silver with black leather interior is sharp! Very satisfied with my purchase. I have not had any issues with vibration, as that seems to have been corrected by Honda. Go buy one while you can still find a 2015.

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  2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:04 pm

  Have had a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L for about 6 months and now have 15K miles on it. This is an outstanding vehicle! It rides extremely well and is comfortable to ride in. Have not had an vibration or other issues at all. I have had numerous Hondas and this one is at or near the top of them all. Very satisfied owner!

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  It really is the best car in the world. - 2013 Honda Fit
  By projectm96 - May 13 - 8:46 am

  This car can do it all and last forever. My Sport model comes with the rear spoiler, fog lights, sporty front slip, exhaust tip, and side skirts, cruise control, paddle shifters, and 16" alloy wheels. It is a great package for a great price. The car really does "Fit" everything. I have used it for plenty of long road trips. It is made for road trips with its magic seats, several storage compartments, built in USB cable, two AC power outlets, and NINE cup holders.

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  So good I just had to say something. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By it_dude - May 9 - 12:30 pm

  I love this car and had to review because of all the complaints that I saw on here. I bought the CRV to replace a 2013 Accord that I just never really fell in love with. The build quality on my car is excellent. I do recommend that you test drive the particular car that you are buying so that you are not concerned with the vibration issue that some are having. Mine does vibrate a little when completely stopped at a red light for a long period, but I only noticed it because of the comments on this forum. This slight vibration is due to a very low idle which is much better to have than one of those cars that turn off the engine at each stop.

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  My favorite car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By larien - May 4 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased this car new in February 2000. The problems I have had: an electrical relay went out so the engine cooling fans stayed on, had to replace alternator, water pump and oil pump. This Accord has been super reliable, fun to drive and wonderful to look at! I am about to buy a new Honda but I will not sell this one. It is my favorite of all 6 Honda cars that I have owned. I have around 200,000 miles on this car and still do not worry about getting to where I am going. This was a great purchase. Love this car!

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  My new CR-V EX - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jay2012 - May 4 - 1:57 pm

  I just brought my new Honda CR-V a few weeks ago. I own a 2006 honda pilot before with almost 160,000 miles and decided to get a new honda and wanted a small SUV this time because of the gas mileage. Overall I am very happy with my new CR-V. I am averaging 30 mpg 75 percent highway driving. I wanted the leather but the Crv EXL was almost 3000 dollars more than the EX so I am happy with the EX its got everything I needed. I do notice a slight vibrations sometimes but its not bothersome at all mostly at idle and some slight vibrations between 20 to 30 mph. Its not annoy at all. Overall its rides very nice and very comfortable. My families tell me that its rides very quiet.

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  Heavenly CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By codyboy - May 3 - 4:49 pm

  Traded in my 14 yr. old Lexus ES300 -- my baby -- for a practical CRV. I researched for months on my next vehicle. Lo and behold, I bought the CRV. Am pleased with the electronics, right side-view and back-up cameras. The vibration is a little bothersome, but overall, am very happy with my new CRV! Havent bought a brand new vehicle since 1985 -- that was a Honda Civic. Now, 30 yrs. later, its a CRV. Great job, Honda!

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  Ideal large family vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By floridamom6 - April 30 - 1:16 am

  The car has a smooth ride, and road noise is minimal on highway. We added a hitch and roof rack, and with 6 adults and loaded with cargo, the car handles quite nicely except that it is underpowered, especially if its fully loaded. Acceleration and hill climbs are slower than I would like. This car has a lot of cargo space with room for car seats in 2nd and 3rd rows, though access to 3rd row can be a bit challenging for an average adult. 3rd row is best for kids or small adults as legroom is limited. We are happy with this car. Great family or roadtrip vehicle. Its held its value well, and we will be holding on to it for a long time.