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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  "Cry wolf" tire light and redundant warning screen - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Jyoti Naik - September 7 - 10:33 am

  I bought the 2014 model because I needed an AWD in central NY snow. I like to wait a year to post reviews because I want to really get to know my car. PROs - Reliable, comfortable, functional, gas mileage CONS - After starting the car, it takes several screens of warnings before I get to my GPS and punch in my destination. Why? FIrst a screen about the satellite for 60 seconds. What is stupid warnings like "Driver is responsible for operation of vehicle" warning? Really? The DMV thinks so. When will you Honda? Duh! WHy dont you have me sign a release when I buy the car so I dont have to look at this every single time I start my car. Takes 30 seconds AFTER you hit OK for the next screen.T hen comes a screen saying your phone is connected for another 30 seconds. Malfunctioning tire pressure light since the day I bought it. Dealership cannot fix it. This is so stressful when you are driving in bad weather because I cant tell if this time the light is for real or just faking it. Poor radio reception. I get 2 stations while all my neighbors get 6 or 8 stations GPS navigation is not intuitive like other cars. Needs too many clicks to get your destination or to find your address book. Screen is invisible when sun shines on it. Need anti glare screen. it takes several screens of warnings before I get to my GPS and punch in my destination. Why? Salem dealership is not knowledgeable. Did not fix my shuddering brakes. Just told me to keep driving and it would go away which it has not. Cruise control has 5 - 10 miles/hr variance on hills after I have set it. This could result in a speeding ticket! Motor is very loud while driving

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  Must be used to Driving an Accord - 2015 Honda Civic
  By S T - September 7 - 12:14 am

  Im very surprised at the consistently high reviews of this car, to be honest. Perhaps Im just used to the ride of an Accord, after owning three consecutive Accords (1993, 2001, 2010), but I cant seem to get over the fact that I feel every bump in the road in this car (2015 EX-L w/navigation). Perhaps theres a suspension or tire inflation issue with mine, but I didnt imagine buying a new car and feeling bumps driving over even painted crosswalks. Radio and heat controls are not intuitive (again, possibly just based on experience with Accords). Nice enough looking car, especially for a Civic, but will definitely be unloading this car once it is paid off in a few months, after owning Accords for an average of close to 15 years each.

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  Very Reliable. Cant get rid of it! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Eli - September 5 - 10:31 pm

  After breaking 140,000 plus miles, I had to replace the alternator, ball joints, oil pressure switch and camshaft sensor. Besides these minor repairs, I change the motor oil every 3,000 miles, transmission oil every 20,000 miles, and the drive belts every 60,000 miles. I had to change the breaks about three times since the life of this vehicle, purchased back in 2005 with 4,000 miles on it. Overall, excellent reliable car. I still drive it every day to work, 60 miles round trip. I will only get rid of it once the new 2016 Civic Coup becomes available.

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  Still love Hondas - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Will S - September 5 - 6:17 pm

  All around still one of these best! The 2012 is not full of tech, but it is comfortable, quiet, high performance, super safe, reliable, easy to use, retained value, and a great family car that does not make you feel like you have no style. This is my 8th Honda (9 if you include the lawn mower). None of them have been anything less than terrific. I tried a Kia, and the seat knob broke off during a test drive. None of my 8 Hondas have done that:) As always, I get much better than listed mileage. The Toyotas we have owned do worse.

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  Great Car, Horrible Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bolt - September 5 - 9:59 am

  I checked out this car last night at a local dealership and loved everything about it before I test drove it. However, I was totally turned off by the vibration that I read in other reviews. I can certainly confirm that the vibration from the CVT is certainly there. I felt it in the seats, steering wheel, and my wife even felt the vibration by simply touching the center console. Please stay away from this 2015 model until Honda gets their act together and fixes this issue.

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  Grinding Noise/VTC Actuator Problem - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By J. Hamby - September 4 - 11:49 am

  Beware! I have a 2013 CR-V that has been making a terrible grinding noise since about 6 months after purchase. Honda Service has diagnosed it as the VTC Actuator. Noise has become much worse over time and this noise occurs almost every time I start my vehicle. Very annoying!! Ive been told Honda Motors Tech Division has been working on coming up with a fix but there is NO FIX at this time. I was basically told by the Honda Service Dept to drive it till it breaks. Not what I wanted to hear. This problem has been occurring in various Honda vehicles since model year 2008 and they still dont have a fix. Why? Why keep producing something with the same problems?? Honda wont even attempt to replace the part to see if it will remedy the problem, because they say the new part wont fix it. If you cant fix it, then you need to replace the car!

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  Not what Honda said it would do - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vicki Maness - September 3 - 4:36 pm

  Bought 2015 Honda CRV LX February 28, 2015. Started out using ECON, but the bogging down and vibration was just too much for me, so I switched it off. I only get 23 MPG city, 25 MPG highway. The sticker says it will get 34 MPG highway. I had a 2006 Honda Civic 9 yrs. and it got 40 MPG highway, so I am extremely disappointed in the gas mileage of the new CRV. I needed more room for traveling. I also noticed there is a lawsuit to Honda for the vibration in the motor of the CRV. I hope there will be a recall in the near future for the motor.

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  Best car for gas saving - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Mark - September 3 - 12:00 am

  Have had my car for a short time love the gas saving have been getting 44.5 miles per gallon, drives great enjoy driving my Honda Civic hybrid. Not as smooth of ride as some cars but every thing else about the car is great I dont think you can beat a Honda holds its value and will run for ever.

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  BAD TRANNY!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Sarah - September 1 - 9:37 am

  Its not true, this is NOT the best minivan ever! I purchased it used at 85k, and at 175k the transmission is slipping. I would have hoped for another 100k, but not so. Already time to junk it. My 1964 Plymouth is a better car than this piece of junk. Aside from the transmission issue, the automatic doors have been a pain since day one. My dogs were letting themselves out in parking lots, the doors now mysteriously open and close on their own. One opens and just WILL NOT CLOSE. I need to muscle it closed, not easy. Before the tranny went I needed to replace the alternator (& battery), more than FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS because it took half a day for my mechanic to get it out!! This is unacceptable to me. I should be able to replace that myself if I want to. Not possible with Honda, you will pay through the nose to repair this van, and then the transmission will die, so DONT BUY IT. Just bought an 02 Chrysler, going back to my roots. :-)

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  2015 Honda Accord Sport 6M - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Theodore Tulon, CO - August 31 - 10:58 pm

  Do your research. I went to Planet Honda in Denver and got an excellent price on a new Sport. My big requirement was that the car be a manual. Planet Honda was able to obtain one at a very reasonable price. I have had the car for about 2 months and have put over 5000 miles on the vehicle. I have been very happy with the car overall. I drove the car from Denver back to Rapid City the day that I purchased it and was immediately impressed with the comfort of the seats. After 6 hours of driving I was un-fatigued and not at all sore. The vehicle drove very well, although the shifter takes some getting used to. Im not sure if it was because I was switching from a 5 speed 2007 Honda Accord or if the 6 speed is just different than most. Once I got used to it, it hasnt been an issue. The performance is quite lively, especially (and in my opinion, only) with the stick. Ive been getting about what the EPA predicted for mileage, which is impressive given my exuberant driving style. The big downside to the vehicle is the lack of a decent stereo. My old Accord had an aftermarket stereo and speakers with a small subwoofer. The Sport only has a 4 speaker stereo. While it is not bad for a base stereo, I would prefer a little bit more oomph. But I imagine that it would be fine for the majority of consumers. When I was looking for a new car one of the main vehicles, aside from the Accord, was a GTI. Obviously the GTI is a quicker car and the Accord gives up a little bit of speed and sportiness. The big draw of the Accord over the GTI is the roominess of the Accord. We have a 3 year old and he had a lot more space in the back of the Accord, obviously. While we were able to get his booster seat in the GTI, I had to put it in the middle seat to provide enough leg room for him. I have several friends and coworkers who are over 6 feet tall and I have yet to hear a complaint about lack of room. It is just a very comfortable car. This is starting to ramble so I will end by saying that despite the new car smell having worn off, so to say, that I am still very much enamored with this car.