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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  Total dissapointment - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Nevermore - October 28 - 10:58 am

  I was expecting this car to last for many miles without major problems. It just recently reached 97,000 miles and the transmission is making noise. It turns out the final drive (aka differential) bearings are shot. Since this is deep in the transmission, the transmission essentially will need to be rebuilt at a cost of approximately $2600 if the final drive itself is not damaged. This car was conservatively driven and maintained meticulously and it is really upsetting that it now needs a major repair like this at a relatively moderate mileage. There has been no help from the dealer despite hat there is a little known transmission campaign from Honda offering help to owners with cars that have less than 115000 miles. It appears that the dealer refuses to put in any effort to look into this for me and gives me the impression they dont care. The other issue is the front brakes on this car do not last more than 12K miles. There is nothing apparently wrong with the braking system yet the brake pad wear out prematurely. This would be a great car if it would have lasted longer but it seems I could have done better with a less expensive car. Based on my experience, this model is highly overrated. Ill never buy another Honda again.

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  2012 accord (bad power steering) - 2012 Honda Accord
  By syed - October 21 - 7:05 am

  i bought a new 2012 accord .it only have 29000 miles on it .and i have to replace the power steering pump 3 times.and rack and pinion 2 times.thank God it was under warrenty so i didnt have to pay out of my pocket.but i cant belive it happend to me that many times in 3 years.

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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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  CR-V Vibration Issue Continues - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nic - October 15 - 8:04 am

  Purchased our CR-V two weeks ago and immediately noticed significant vibrations both at idle as well as under way (typically under 2200 RPM). Trips to two different dealers with recommended software updates, rebalancing of wheels and alignment checks have not resolved the issue. A Web search shows that the issue seems to be fairly common with this years model with no solution in sight. Honda has actually issued the following Youtube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEJ45wX9ycI) acknowledging the problem. We are now stuck with a defective product with no accommodation from the dealer. Recommend not purchasing this vehicle given a number of better options (i.e. Mazda, Hiyundai, Ford, etc.)

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  Dont buy unless you like bumpy rides - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Manda Chuva - October 14 - 8:26 pm

  I cant wait the end of this lease to get rid of this 2015 Accord. I replaced my comfortable 2011 Accord with this new cheap design. You can feel all bumps and cracks on the road. It drives like a donkey. In long trips, you shake all the way and arrive very tired and annoyed. Dont buy unless you like bumpy rides.

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  Absolute Garbage! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Adam - October 14 - 7:35 pm

  I bought my 2011 Honda accord ex coupe automatic at a Honda dealership in Oct. of 2015 certified used with 37k miles. The transmission has already started to grind gears, accelerates on its own when at a red light as well as oil burns extremely quickly. This is an almost new car owned by an older couple who traded in for a Honda Crosstour. This car is poor in every aspect and I will NEVER be buying a Honda Again! Going right back to Dodge, not Honda garbage.

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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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  Vibration Issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By nscalfarotto@hotmail.com - October 6 - 7:53 am

  Just purchased a 2015 CR-V expecting, based on Hondas reputation, a positive experience. Unfortunately, I began noticing a vibration at idle. This vibration becomes much more pronounced between 60 and 70 miles / hour. Assuming that the cause might be a wheel out of balance or an alignment issue, I brought the car to the dealer for service. Alignment and balancing were found to be within specs, however the mechanic confirmed the issue. A service bulletin was discovered regarding the issue indicating that a software update was needed. That was performed with no change to the condition. Honda Technical Service was called and the issue was acknowledged and an investigation has been under way. I am now left with a defective product with no resolution in sight.

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  If you plan to test drive one, do these things - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - October 5 - 10:40 pm

  The 2015 CRV is plagued with vibration problems. Honda admits this but has no solution. If you feel you still want to test drive one make sure you do the following: Turn off the audio, turn off the fan, turn off any a/c, turn off any headlights or wipers. Make sure you drive the car until it is warmed up 10-15 minutes. Windows up. After warm up, stop car in D, foot on brake, car will vibrate. Might do it in reverse as well. If you take along a cup of water and place it on the center armrest, it will be obvious. Next accelerate up to ~ 2200 rpm. Car will vibrate between 1800-2200 rpm. More like a buzz as if something was loose in the back, something metallic. If you maintain the rpm range at around 2000rpm, the vibration will remain constant. The first vibration described is called mode 1 vibration by Honda. The second type described is called mode 3 vibration by Honda. They also reference in their video online a mode 2 vibration which occurs at over idle engine speeds but below the 1800-2000 rpm threshold of the mode 3. Those buyers here who have negatively reviewed the 2015 CRV for excessive vibration are not exaggerating. It does exist. It is admitted by Honda. They have produced two online videos addressing this defect but have not as yet delivered an effective solution. This problem has existed with the 2015 CRV since its introduction. Thats over one model year ago, yet no solution. Like many others, I trusted Honda as I have owned eight in total (3 CRVs). As a result, I did not do these things when I test drove the CRV I bought. I was unaware of the defect. My test drive was with the a/c on, radio on, headlights on, fan on. This will mask the idle mode 1 vibration, these items raise the engine rpm, which mitigates the vibration at idle. The audio and fan noise will, at what I consider to be medium volumes, mask the mode 3 vibration noise as you accelerate through the 1800-2200rpm range. This vehicle isnt ready for prime time at any price let alone what the varying models sticker for. If you buy one you will be stuck with it and likely a significantly reduced resale value for years to come. No new car at any price should sound and vibrate like these things do. Buy something else or just keep what youve got...fair warning.

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  NOT EVEN 5000 Miles and SHAFT DRIVE issues! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ally - September 25 - 9:26 am

  My husband and I bought a 2015 Honda C RV Touring. We wanted the top trim, we thought we will get everything better! WRONG!!! The car besides the vibrations in idle, now is having an steering vibration after 70 miles per hour. Took it to service twice now, and the car keeps vibrating after 70 miles per hour. It had a weird knock noise in the rear axle and they discovered the drive shaft wasnt good anymore!!! My car is not even 5000 miles yet! The had to balance and do the alignment twice. CAR STILLS SHAKING after 70 miles/ hour. Now Im waiting for the drive shaft part to come, so they can "figure it out" again why the car is having this steering vibrations. I think I have a lemon and I will see if I can apply the law, otherwise I might trade it in for a KIA SORENTO. I know we will lose money, but I guess my patience and time are priceless! So disappointed!