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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  Vibration!... Everywhere inside. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Amarc37 - October 12 - 2:14 pm

  I just bought my CR-V 2015 EX two days ago, and start to feel vibration everywhere inside the car (seatings, Steering Wheel, Side Doors, Arm rest) and more severe when I am on stop and on D-shift after a 30 miles of driving. I was so upset when I realized that there is no fix yet to this issue. I brought it back to the dealership two days after to ask for exchange or any option I may have but they refused to deal with anything except to cut-off you a 3K for buy back. I hate those dealership people in San Diego, they are totally liar, they hiding something just to sell their junk to consumers, they are the worst people I ever met. I tell you, you can not feel this problem during the test drive coz they will direct you on where to go for just one mile approx. and not enough to warm-up the vehicle. Now, every time I go out from this car, I feel my hands shaking and with headache and mentally affecting your driving concentration. This issue is a total recall, American Honda should do something so soon about this issue (or fix it) before anything happen to the consumer who experiencing this problems.

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  What has Happened! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Jeremy Gaertner - October 12 - 9:23 am

  I have driven a Honda since I was 16, but thanks to Hondas following other auto makers to increase profits and forget about why we buy their products, which was that they used to run forever. My Honda needed new wheel bearings at 50000 miles, road noise is terrible, volume/tuner control knob stopped working by 75000 miles and customer service at my dealership is terrible, I feel like I owe the receptionist at the service department an apology for bringing my car in for repairs and interrupting their day.

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  I absolutely love this car. - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Kathy Blough - October 12 - 7:33 am

  I traded in a 2009 Toyota Sienna for the 2015 Honda Civic EX 4-door sedan. I didnt need the mom van anymore, and was looking for a fun little car at an affordable price that had "bells and whistles". I researched new cars for 3-4 months, and felt pretty sure the Honda Civic was my best fit, although I admit I was hesitant to go from a van with a v6 engine with great pickup-and-go to a 1.8 cyl CVT. I shouldnt have worried. The Civic has no problem with acceleration, even starting uphill after standing still. The ride is very comfortable, and I commute an hour and a half every day. The interior is very attractive. I love the sunroof. It has auto air, so I set it to one temperature and hardly ever have to mess with the air control. Its sporty and fun to drive. The price cant be beat. Its a terrific car at a great price with great features. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Welcome to Lowered Expectations - 2003 Honda Accord
  By James M. Krupski - October 11 - 10:21 pm

  First of all I am not sure if my car is an LX or EX or what...it just has a V6 emblem on the right side of the back surface. I know it is a V6 with 4 doors, electric leather heated seats, 6 CD in dash CD changer and an electric moon roof...no navigation system. At first glance my car looked very nice when I bought it several years ago. Its sporty look, accessories and power captured my attention. The asking price seemed a little high at the used car dealer. But I relied on Hondas reputation for making solid, reliable vehicles to consider it worth the price. But, just in case, I scoured the internet for feedback from existing owners and mechanics with hardly a peep. I even checked Consumers Digest and they gave it a great rating even after the transmissions had been recalled (They neglected to mention the recall in the review). Now, several years and several thousand dollars above the purchase price in repairs later, I have a piece of junk that keeps breaking in expensive ways. I have replaced the transmission, central computer module, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, brakes (discs and all twice) and the electric window motor in the drivers door. I used to wash and wax the car on a regular basis. But then the clear-coat started coming off of the paint job and rust started appearing along the tire wells, leading edge of the trunk lid and the leading edge of the hood. Now one can simply look online and see web site after web site speaking volumes about how poorly these were made. Its true...you dont get a second chance to make a good first impression. As far as I am concerned now Honda is without honor for creating such a horrible vehicle and for not taking responsibility for its poor craftsmanship when so many problems surfaced on such a large scale. This is simply not worth the scrap metal and plastic it was made with. I am stuck with it since I cannot afford to risk getting another used vehicle that may be a money pit as well and I certainly cant afford a brand new vehicle since I am now a disabled cancer survivor living on SSI. I guess it just sucks to be me and Honda doesnt have to take any responsibility for the mess they have created. *sigh*

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  Very Disappointed.... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By P. Martin - October 11 - 7:51 am

  This 2015 CRV has a serious problem with vibration while idling in gear. It took a while for me to notice how pronounced the vibration is because I had the A/C on all summer and for some reason having the A/C on masks the vibration. Honda is aware and so are the dealerships. I am appalled that they are still selling this car with a known defect and no fix for the problem. And no, the update does not correct the issue. I think that the pursuit of a lemon law complaint is in order!

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  Nice car except user technology - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Skip - October 11 - 1:15 am

  The Accord requires top level to get nav and other entertainment/communication features. Thus premium price to get. No HD radio. Voice actuation for anything is poor at best. Navigation simply is not useable in most cases. Limited features, for example it does not show speed limit. No way to upgrade or enhance. Slow to work. Complicated user interface with many steps. Nav directions interfere with phone calls with voice over. No touch screen except for radio. Typing is terrible without touchscreen and regular keyboard. Often give totally wrong directions. Or you cant input the address or gives choice no even close. Worst such system Ive ever encountered. Technology not on par with Ford or many others. Dealer even stated system is weak but the 2016 is better? No recalls or upgrades to make it work are available. Waisted money buying something that does not work. Rest of car is mostly fine with only minor design issues. Miss having a manual mode on auto, was told Sport mode controls shifting buy actually does not. Got V6 because I dont like how CVT transmissions work. Pretty good mileage, get over sticker mpg most of the time.

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  Honda Envy - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Marci Ko - October 10 - 8:42 am

  Keep hearing radio ads for Honda where they talk about Honda Envy. I have Honda envy when I see people driving Toyota or Mazdas. My brakes went way before any car I have owned in 36 years of driving. I have to add oil every 1500-1800 miles. The dealer is telling me going down less than a qt per 1000 miles is industry standard! Be warned.

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  will buy another if i live long enough. doubt it. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By george - October 9 - 11:41 pm

  too bad. i missed out on buying a new one. mine is used. a poor sap sold it to me. i have put 120k on mine in past 10 years. i am working on restoring mine now. cosmetically, NOT mechanically. i wish i could upload a pic. even with just the new wheels/tires, it looks fantastic.

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  Honda is a Sad car. Please buy a Honda or Kia - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Eric Price - October 9 - 9:38 pm

  If you buy this car know that if any thing goes wrong and can not be fixed, Honda will do nothing about this problem. My USB port for the audio freezes everyday and also the radio dashboard freezes. Honda says they have not found a fix for this problem, even though it has been 3 years. Honda is blaming other brands who Honda uses to make the Civic with. They will not compensate me. But will apologize...

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  For the Boy - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Regina Wilson - October 9 - 9:39 am

  This was the best used car I ever purchased! I helped my son buy this car for himself after he graduated from high school in 2011. Everybody in the family drove the car to and fro before he even started to drive it, and we had a ball! This car was great on gas. My son and husband even put a new radio in the car with help from YouTube. That made a big difference in the sound quality. The only thing he didnt like about the car that this was an anniversary edition, and the windows were manual (exercise for those biceps). In October 2014, my son was cut off by another driver and hit someone. The car was totaled with 176,000. I wish that we still had that car the way gas prices are. I would recommend this car to new drivers and folks who do not drive a lot. It is worth it. You can get your maintenance done at a neighborhood shop or DIY.