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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  Dont buy it. It really does vibrate - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Roberts - September 22 - 9:44 pm

  The car performs fairly well. Ive had it less than one month. The biggest problem is the vibration that occurs when the car is stopped. The radio and navigation controls are not well positioned and Im unclear about the usefulness of the right turn camera. I am having some buyers regrets.

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  Transmission issue at 1000 miles!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By K8 - September 22 - 8:34 pm

  I am already having an issue with my transmission and I havent even gotten my permanent plates yet! Getting it looked at tomorrow but I am seriously upset! And its supposed to be top of the line! I have the touring. When I go down hill it make a crazy winding noise and when I hit the gas it jumps like its gears are getting stuck. Im pretty sure I have a lemon. And I was hoping to have this car for the next 10 years. So much for that.

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  VCM a total flaw - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Herb Tolawinski - September 19 - 10:57 pm

  Wish I could like the car but Im tired of the repeated visits to the dealer to fix what really is a faulty engineering issue. VCM creates more problems than it solves. I wish that wasnt so. The Honda techs are saying this and, almost, apologetic about it. I wish that I could do my part to cut down on fuel consumption to be environmentally friendly. The problem is, the poorly implemented VCM causes me to go through 5 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles. Ive had to replace cylinder rings and motor mounts and things are still not right. Theres a TSB for this thats supposed to cover 2008+ vehicles but, for whatever reason, it doesnt apply to mine. So Im stuck with the options to sell it (and pass this nightmare on to someone else who will develop the same feelings about Honda as I) or to remain on a first name basis with the Service Manager.

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  Buyer Beware - Vibration & Poor Tire Performance - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Unhappy - September 19 - 7:16 pm

  Pointed after buying first Honda 1 week ago. Took a 300 mile one way trip and the tire warning light came on after only 700 miles on the car. Check the manual and check the tires and adjusted inflation got on the road and the rear tire went flat. Before stopping at a tire company as an emergency stop we called the dealer - Scott Robinson Honda of Torrance, California - where we purchased the car and the general manager advised that the tires were not covered under the 7 year warranty all maintenance paid contract. Say what? This is not normal wear and tear you would expect a brand new car to be able to take a simple 300 mi trip (one way) and return home safely. We also noticed the car vibrating at 65 70 miles per hour speed which isnt the main concern but it definitely doesnt make for a happy customer. When we purchased the car we thought we were getting the navigation with it our fault we didnt test it and come to find out no navigation so - live and learn - do not leave any dealership without thoroughly checking every feature of your car!

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  Worst Accord Ever according to my mechanic - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Kimyung - September 19 - 7:08 am

  I had this car some years ago, the V6 model was a bad one for them. I think they made the engine too big for the transmission or something like that. Beyond that, there were a bunch of electronic problems. I think the 98-02 model was just bad for the V6 automatics, I cant speak for the 4 cylinders.

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  MUST READ- SERIOUS VIBRATION PROBLEM - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ashok - September 18 - 11:17 am

  I recently bought a Honda CR-V EX-L W/Navigation. I did test drive a CR-V and it was ok but, I changed my mind for another color and bought a same car with different color assuming both performs the same. Honda CR-V has a serious problem of VIBRATION. When the car drives at some particular speed (like 20-30 and 50-60 mph) or if the vehicle is stopped at a signal or a stop sign, the car vibrates like anything. HONDA KNOW THIS ISSUE but selling cars without fixing the issue. When I noticed the problem just after a couple of days and took my car to the dealer, they said " THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. HONDA KNOW THIS PROBLEM. WE CANT DO ANYTHING AS THIS HAS NO FIX YET. WE DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW ONCE WE HAVE ANY FIX. THIS HAPPENED TO ACCORD 2 YEARS BACK AND FIXED AFTER A WHILE. EXCEPT THIS ISSUE, YOU GOT A NICE CAR". I dont know what they mean by NICE car if it has a serious problem in the core, and the NICE car they said costs $32000. So, please make as many test drives as possible. Dont get disappointed after buying the car. Dont just trust the car by its brand image (as I did). i assume that my warranty period would be completed by the time they got a fix for this and I may have to pay again for the fix. VERY DISAPPOINTED.

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  Rack abd Pinion and rotor nightmare - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kelly - September 14 - 1:41 pm

  I have a 2010 Honda cr-v. All was fine until about 105,000 miles. Sine then we are now putting in our 5th Rack and pinion steering in less then 2 years and 4th set of rotors in 8 months. These parts are horrible. Thank goodness I dont need to pay ( after initial replacement) to replace them but seriously think I need to sell car which sucks cause I do really like it.

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  Hondas Headquarters nor Dealership offer support - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Kiml - September 11 - 8:01 pm

  I bought the 2015 CRV in October of 2014. It was the only one on the dealers lot. I didnt notice the vibration when I test drove the car but I certainly experienced it within the first week. Ive taken the car back at the least 10 times for either the vibration or the car shutting off for no reason. I received little to no help from the dealership or Hondas Headquarters. I also ask to either buy back or allow me to swap for something else. I was denied any further assistance and met with sarcasm. Im 100% disappointed.

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  Former HONDA employee and brand ambassador. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Gregory Wolf - September 9 - 2:35 pm

  My family have owned Honda accord coupe 2001 that was amazing. Great reliability fantastic on gas and decent leather interior . I purchased this 2007 Honda CRV second hand this time off lease nice trade-in in 2011, havent had any issues until the AC blew out which resulted in costly repairs. Honda knows about this "achilles heel" extended warranty on certain parts of Air Conditioning but sneaky and very technical around this common issue. Would I purchase another crv or recommend anybody buying one??? Most definitely NOT!!! Go with Toyota Rav4

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  Poor Paint - 2012 Honda Fit
  By Daniel Lake - September 7 - 8:21 pm

  Rear shocks were replaced at 24000 miles, tires had normal wear at 24000 miles. However , every tire was splitting apart at the second tread in. The paint on this car was the worst paint of the eight new cars I have owned. The paint chipping was primary on the hood but was not limited to the front of the car. Seen very few fits with this problem but the few I have seen were older and had premature surface rusting. This does not stop the car from getting great gas mileage or getting you from A to B comfortable but will have a great effect on your resale value. For this reason the car was traded in with only 27000 mile and rated low.