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 and denials - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By vjones - October 4 - 9:14 am

  I purchased this car in April, and notified the dealership within the first week that there was a vibration. They acted like I was crazy, theyd never heard of such a thing. My car now has 5800 miles on it, and the vibration has gotten worse. You can feel the vibration through the steering wheel, the passenger seat and the drivers seat usually at 2000 RPM and at 1000 RPM. It also vibrates at idle, but not consistently. The vibration at 2000 RPM becomes very pronounced at highway speeds around 70-75 MPH. It feels like driving on rumble strips. Ive had the car back into the dealership 3 times. Ive even tried a different dealer to see if they would be more honest about acknowledging the problem. My experience has been the same each time: The service manager tells me that the "slight" vibration is a normal characteristic of the CRV. They say that Im the only customer out of the thousands that theyve sold this car to who has complained about the vibration. They say that they havent even heard of the 2 Youtube videos released by Honda Corp. acknowledging the vibration and claiming that its their top priority to fix it. They say they know nothing about a software update from August addressing the mode 3 vibration. (which doesnt work) They say that there is nothing wrong with my car and that the performance falls within normal specs. They say that the "normal" vibration is not a safety issue. They tell me that what Im feeling is feedback from the road conditions. If it wasnt such a huge financial fiasco for me, this would be funny. Apparently I know more about the 2015 CRV issues and Hondas response than any sales person or service tech in my area. They drive the car and tell me they cant feel anything except road feedback. Its beyond frustrating. Of course they offer to sell me a different car, but Ill have to take a hit on my trade in. If this is the new normal for Honda, then this 25 year Honda customer will be moving to a different manufacturer. DONT BUY THIS CAR. Dont you think that if Honda believed the vibration was normal they would have already had the 2016s on the lot? Whens the last time they released the new year model AFTER the 1st of the year? Theres a reason Honda has delayed the release of the 2016s. Its a serious problem, NOT a normal characteristic.

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  not happy owner - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By m carter - October 2 - 8:58 pm

  This is our 4th CRV. None of the others had a vibration problem. When backing sometimes it is so bad it feels like it is going to stall. Had the something happen while pulling into a parking spot and at a stop sign. Also has an issue with it not slowing when you take your foot off the gas. Didnt keep my 2012 because no arm rest for passenger side but now wish I had. Center console has no room.

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  2008 element - saved my life - 2008 Honda Element
  By Hcarew - October 2 - 5:27 pm

  Wonderful car. Airbags everything worked head on collision with Tahoe going 45 to 50 miles an hour. Walked away with minor injuries. Recommend this card to everyone I meet

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  Vibration and Idle problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Margaret - October 2 - 2:11 pm

  I bought a 2015 Honda Crv. A few days after i had it i relized that it has a vibration and idle problem when stopping at red lights. I very seldom drive the car because it vibrates so bad.So i am paying on this car and Honda hasnt did anything about the problem. Honda knew back in March that they had a problem and kept manufacting these car and selling them like nothing was wrong. Honda needs to make it right with these car owners with a buy back becsuse these cars are JUNK

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  Best Car Yet! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Nick R. - October 2 - 1:55 pm

  Bought my 2015 Sport a few months back, was kind of iffy about getting a car with a CVT, but have had no problems with it! I owned a 2012 LX and this car is much nicer and you get an assortment of standard features that still dont come on most cars. Love having Bluetooth and a backup-camera! Also love how the sport looks compared to all of the other models that the Accord comes in, love the dual exhaust!

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  Serious Vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nagesh - October 2 - 11:41 am

  Dont buy the Honda CRV vehicle unless the fix is applied, There is serious vibration issue when the vehicle is idle, I paid $27000 for the new 2015 Honda CRV EX AWD thought I would be lucky to not have the vibration issue, but after 400 miles I have started seeing the vibration issue when ever you stop the vehicle at red light or the car is in idle mode, the front seats starts vibrating. I registered complaint but they say they are still working on the issue. Very frustrated on the Honda Brand...More over the mileage is also low, I got only 23 miles per gallon which is much less that what they mention.

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  Great Work horse 347,000 miles and still going - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Chuck Pomeroy - October 2 - 10:33 am

  I bought my car new in November of 2005. I drive over 33,000 miles a year (yes I know I am not carbon friendly). Anyway this car has been amazing. Great for the everyday commute and the vacation getaway. I live in the mountains and work in L.A. so most winters I have to run on chains 30-40 minutes each morning and each evening during the winter. Other cars and 4 wheel drive trucks have gotten stuck or crashed but NOT my Honda. In the 347,000 miles I have had very little trouble. I have replaced: right rear wheel bearing (once) one electric fan motor one air conditioning High pressure valve one starter At the 310,000 mile mark she started using a little oil. Now at 347,000 I need to add 1 to 1.5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I still get 30 mpg and everything- radio, gauges, ac and heater, heated seats still work perfectly. I just looked at new cars and because of there price I am sticking with this one. My mechanic has said "this car rides better than most of the 100,000 mile cars he works on" and because I park underground and clay and wax the car regularly the paint is still in amazing shape. Great Great Car Thank You Honda!!

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  Burning oil @ 150K 13yr old 400miles / 1qt - 2002 Honda Accord
  By chris - October 1 - 7:35 pm

  how frustrating wanted another 3 years to get to go from 156K to 200K but it seems I will only make it another 5-10,000 miles. Everything else is running well but at 14 years you gotta be realistic. Havent done an engine flush yet, no tailpipe smoke and engine runs well but the oil just disappears. Changed PCV and air filter and spark plugs are next. Blue book is $2500 thats an engine job easy. Any suggestions on oil flush? Been filling with Castrol GTX high milage for past 4 quarts and will continue. Will try to do $20 oil changes every 2000 miles to see if high milage is cleaning piston ring areas. Would go and buy new but live in CT and they tax you for the NADA value of your car EVERY year!! Not cool having a 700-800 tax bill decreasing every year.

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  A Honda Accord in 2001, 2013 and 2015 - 2015 Honda Accord
  By John Houser - October 1 - 6:59 pm

  Just to give you an idea about the Honda Accord: our first car was a Mitsubishi, and it was spilling oil in the parking lot at 85K miles. The second car was a Saturn, and the engine started making horrible noises at 100K. Then I got the car that I read about: the Honda Accord. I drove that car for 235K miles with minimal maintenance and it just kept going, until the manual clutch went. It had the original shocks and muffler after 11 years. So in 2013 we got a new Honda Accord, and within a year someone skidded into the Honda on an icy road at 60 MPH, and ripped the drivers side apart, the door held fine, the airbags went off and we were fine inside the car. Just last month I just got a Honda Accord for my wife, because being safe and having a roomy, comfortable, fun and very safe car to drive is what we want. To recap: that Accord is an excellent choice for budget minded people who want the best.

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  High Speed Vibration Annoying - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jay R - October 1 - 6:54 pm

  I have driven many CRVs over the past half dozen years while making dealer trades and really liked all of the ones I drove. I never drove one that had a vibration problem at speed. I purchased my wife a new 2015 CRV Touring model in July and quickly discovered that there was a vibration in the steering wheel beginning about 70 mph. I took it back to the dealer and the dealer tried rotating tires and even tried different wheels to no avail. The problem remained. I asked to drive another new CRV Touring and found the condition on that vehicle as well. Our CRV now has about 2600 miles on it and the problem remains. It is more an annoyance than anything and certainly doesnt belong on a brand new $34,000vehicle. I have been waiting for a fix from Honda and am very disappointed that I have heard nothing to date.