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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  Thumbs down on CRV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - January 14 - 5:45 am

  Tinny and unsafe unpredictable driving in New England weather. Slid right through a red light today - braking and AWD useless - no problem though for the little Prius in front of me! This vehicle has been disappointing since day one and is very overrated. MPG is 22.5 at best. Does not hold its value- I owe more than it is worth . Owned Jeeps for 20 years and loved them. Did not consider another one due to Chrysler Corps and local dealership very poor customer backing and service. They do not stand by their customers or honor warrantys so that is why I did not consider doing business with Jeep/Chrysler . Definitely not impressed with Honda though. Probably go back to Jeep - at least I will feel safer while driving in New England winter weather and will not depend on customer backing by Chrysler or dealership.

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  Worst headlights of all! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy - January 13 - 10:28 pm

  We bought our 2015 Honda CRV Ex-l three weeks ago. The headlights are too focused in the front. When making a 90 degree turn, you dont see anything till you turned. It is rather dangerous driving at night. This is fifth Honda we bought, and second CRV we have. We took the CRV back to the dealer, they told us they can only adjust the lights up and down, not left or right. We called Honad, they said it is not defective, so even it is safety issue, they will not do anything for us. If you will drive at night in areas without street lights, you should test drive it under similar condition to see if you think it is safe. Our older CRV has no such problem at all. We are very disappointed at 2015 CRV.

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  Not that great - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Lydia - January 13 - 9:09 pm

  I cant say this car breaks down a lot but it was cheaply made. I was borrowing my moms car for a while and I can say right off that my 1998 Chevy Blazer does way better than it. To start with its not that great in the snow. The four wheel drive does fine, but as far as the ABS goes, its terrible. ABS is supposed to keep a car from sliding in the snow, but this one, pfft, it slides anyway and instead this VSA thing they installed comes alive when its not supposed to which is supposed to help the car when its turning. The other thing about it is safety issues. The breaks arent great either, they dont stop as fast as other cars do. I mean if you live somewhere where there isnt a lot of snow, Im sure its not a bad car. It gets you from A to B doesnt have any horrible engine or tranny issues. But I wouldnt recommend it for snow country.

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  Beware of posted fuel mileage. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - January 13 - 12:21 pm

  We purchased our CRV in November and love the vehicle with one exception. The fuel mileage isnt anywhere close to what it was sold as being. My wife has a daily commute of 30 miles each way to work, so fuel economy was a major factor in our decision. Although with 90% of our driving being interstate, the vehicle is only averaging 23.5 mpg even with the eco turned on. If you are looking at the CRV for the fuel economy, I would recommend looking at another vehicle.

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  Love my new car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By Joanna - January 13 - 11:42 am

  I test drove all the compacts on the market and this one was the best on my key factors. I wanted good pickup and fun to drive and 2 full size adults to fit in the back seat. The Honda Fit has all that plus more! I got the 6-speed manual transmission because its so fun to drive!

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  Eh - Couldve done more with my money - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Urme - January 13 - 9:02 am

  I bought the 2010 Civic LX - 4 door sedan new off the lot in July 2010. It was my first car purchase and, to be honest, Im regretting purchasing this (or any) car brand new. I paid $16,500 for it. Over five years later its valued around $7500-$9000, which is not bad. I was attracted to this car because its sleek body style. It looks just great in Taffeta White! As a 59" woman, the interior is a tad cramped. Its not the easiest to get in and out of and the drivers side door does not stay open/in place. When youre toting belongings, its quite annoying. The car handles well in the city, though Im not thrilled about the gas tank capacity (13.5) - I feel like Im constantly fueling up! The interior dash is as sleek looking as the body, which was a major bonus for me. The only real issue Ive had is that I had replace the brake pads (~$400) about 2.5-3 years into purchase. About a year later I was notified of a recall, but for some reason my vehicle did not qualify. Another annoying, but not insignificant issue I had immediately was the quality of the factory windshield wipers. Useless, actually dangerous, in any sort of precipitation. Even after having Honda give me new ones immediately after my purchase, I had to fork over $50 at AutoTire to get some decent ones. Highway driving is atrocious in this car. Acceleration is not great and you can feel too much of the highway. Also, the seats just arent comfortable enough for long trips. This is a good starter car, no doubt, but I would not recommend it for much else. After 5 years with this car, I cant wait to upgrade.

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  The Immortal Honda Acccord - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Michael L. Orth - January 12 - 4:52 pm

  I have never owned a Honda before, so when I had a chance to obtain one through a trade I was intrigued. It was a 1992 Honda Accord LX 4-door, with a 4 cyl. engine, 5 speed trans, with 372,000 miles on it. Now with that being said it was not in mint condition. Wisconsin weather, snow and salt, is not kind to any vehicle. It now has 400,000 miles on it. I have owned it for 2 years now and it has NEVER failed me. NEVER. I am still getting between 30-35 mpg. It just wont quit. The interior is still comfortable and is in good condition. No cracks on the dash. I would not hesitate to buy another one if this one ever quits. This is a great car and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

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  car will not start-faulty igniton switch - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Frances - January 12 - 9:23 am

  I am really dissatisfied with my 2014 Honda Accord Sport. It is a nice looking car but totally unreliable. I am the first owner and I decided I needed a new car so I wouldnt have any trouble with repairs are being stranded. A year after my purchase, I noticed that the ignition switch would not engage and start the car. I figured I was "doing" something wrong and tried a couple of times to start the car. My husband brought it into the dealership and they said it was probably the battery (small battery came with car) and that the ignition switch was not the problem and not covered under warranty. The car stranded us and we had the battery replaced. This did not solve the problem. Now it takes me a 5-10 times of trying to start the car. The panel and headlights come on, so does the radio but the car will not start. It has gotten to the point, that I leave my teenager in the car with it running so I dont have to sit there wondering if the car will no longer start. The car refuses to start warm or cold. It is frustrating the heck out of me and Honda Customer Service was of no help. They "apologized" and recommended a new dealer service and then wanted to know if I owned other Hondas. (?) I asked her what does that have to do with my new Honda problems. This will be my last Honda purchase.

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  Worst invention of Honda ever - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vijay - January 8 - 11:37 am

  Alert! Those who want to purchase this car, please test drive it for at least 200 miles :) and go for a decision. Look for videos and blogs reporting vibration problem in this car. You will find a ton of them. Worst part is that, even though Honda is aware of this problem, it is getting rid of its stock with out fixing the problem. Customers have to go to the dealership and beg for the fix. Dealership is not ready to take the car back. Really disappointed with this purchase. Will never trust Honda. They have performed 4 repairs on the car in the first month. Now that they are completely exhausted with their solutions they are pretending that the car is in good condition now and nothing needs to be fixed.

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  Otherwise,Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Wayne - January 8 - 9:13 am

  My new Honda CR-V EX-L is just super to drive in so many ways, and the sound system is by a mile the best I have ever experienced. But like so many other reviews that I have read on line, I am baffled by the unbearable headrests in the front seats. I have read the nonsense about being safer for ones neck in the event of an accident, and if you have progressed beyond the 6th grade you are aware that is simply silly. If one tilts the seat back far enough that the contact point of the headrest is vertical, your seat is sloped backwards so much that you feel like a 16-year-old trying to look cool in his dads car. Further, that amounts to slouching in your seat (just like your teacher Mrs. Wilcox told you to stop doing in 6th grade). You swap neck discomfort for back/lumbar discomfort. So now I have to search aftermarket outlets for decent headrest replacements. Word to Honda- why dont you offer two alternatives to your new car customers- your brilliant improved design, and a standard keep-your-spine-and-neck-comfortably-straight design.