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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  Bought in late July 2015 no vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gil - August 12 - 5:20 pm

  Smooth powerful for the engine class. Love it. Not sure why others are experiencing vibration. Love the new style and design too. Quiet ride. Wish the horn was louder and a bit more padded on the doors for the elbows.

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  Great Van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Bibi - August 12 - 12:32 pm

  Absolutely love this van. Bought it with 15Ok Miles and it working good as ever. Only problem is that the V6 takes a lot of gas. The front seats are really great. Have a lot of leg space. The trunk has a lot of space. Great Family Van.

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  Bad Battery Issue - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Kellie E. - August 10 - 6:59 pm

  I am leasing this car, got it from dealer in Redding, CA with 17 miles on it as of today Aug.10 2015 the battery has died 4 times with just leaving doors open to vacuum out inside and then close doors, battery dead 2 times, took it to dealer after 1.5 hours they told me nothing wrong. Another time just listening to radio while waiting in car for about 5 mins. dead again so just happen again while I was syncing my iPhone to car maybe key on 4 mins. dead again. I called American Honda this time and told them Im taking it back to dealer in morning, and they opened up a case on it. well see what happens. At this point bad battery or wiring.. Not real happy!

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  I WANT ANOTHER HONDA ELEMENT - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By schaublm@gmail.com - August 10 - 4:26 pm

  The 2015 is a terrible car, there is a vibration when you are at the stop lights, you cant see out the back window and too many blind spots. The back up camera is worthless. The black floor picks up every speck of dirt. Basically I want the Honda Element back it was an awesome car!!!

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  Never again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sharon - August 9 - 5:23 pm

  At 96000 miles, I just put my 5th set of back brakes on the car! Honda tells me its the way I drive... Funny Im driving a Toyota for the last two years and the back brakes still need replacing... Other than a new battery at 3 years and problems with spiders and webs causing a sensor to break, front brakes x 1 and tires etc its been reliable that is if you dont mind replacing back brakes every year or two!

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  Older ones were better - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By craig - August 8 - 8:31 pm

  2006 was one of the last year the Honda Van was really a good. Our 2008 has issues with the sliding doors, loose window trim on the sides and this crazy melting window glue that looks like black tar. A real pain to clean off. It seems to be a southern US thing with extreme heat or reflected heat on hot days, such as store windows back onto the car. Were looking for a new car and for the first time in 10 years it will not be a Honda/ Shame they could not stay focused on the details.

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  Very useful vehicle for most anything - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By DaleB - August 7 - 5:19 pm

  It is not a full size truck, it is a vehicle with a smaller truck capability, closer to mid size in cargo and weight capacity. It is a truck you can take a very comfortable long trip in, or make short trips to a lumber yard and lay down 4 x 8 sheets of drywall, flat. It is a truck that easily fits into a 2 car standard garage. It has a 4 wheel drive system that automatically provides superior traction on demand. The rear diff can be locked for low speed pulls for starting on slippery or very angled grades. It is quite easy to maneuver on and off road. The ride is very stable and firm enough while never jarring. And despite commentary to the contrary, there is a mounting hole for spare tire on the right hand bed rail. For those convinced they will get a flat tire when loading up the bed, and making it difficult to access the in-bed trunk. That trunk by the way has a screw in plug for draining water is you decide to fill it up with ice to keep your recently caught trout fresh. Or use it to keep the brewskis and champagne cool, depending on the journey. There is rear sliding window, both rear seat sections fold up and away leaving generous floor space.

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  2015 CRV strong Vibration while idling!!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark C - August 7 - 12:04 pm

  My car is 1 month old, bought new from dealer. I noticed this vibration problem 3 days after I bought the car. I bought it back to dealer two times with no fix. I just dont know why some cars have no vibration issue or maybe they can live with this issue. But I cant. I spent 30,000 for a brand new car that has problem in 3 days? Honda should not be selling this car if they know there is problem. I dont know what else i can do besides writing bad reviews here and there.

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  Vibration feels like a JACKHAMMER - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By EJShep - August 7 - 9:09 am

  I bought the car with rave comments from Honda of Fishers ( Indiana) It had 200 mls on it from being transported from another city. Day after purchase I drove to Ft Wayne, discovered the car had major vibration issue. Was told they couldnt take it back becasue I had put 200 mls on it myself! Took it in for service and they said they couldnt feel the vibration. I have taken it to two different locations to get opinions and no one can believe this problem was not disclosed before purchasing. I get online and see hundreds of others going through the same thing. The dealershp said Honda is going to find a fix, but so far nothing. They said the problem doesnt cause issues so there is nothing I can do. I honestly feel the vibration in my body even when Im not in the car. I drive a lot for my job and concerned that this may be causing me headaches..my arms and hands are itchy when I get out. It vibrates all the time but severely when foot is on break while in drive...the jackhammer name was given by a friend who could not believe Honda is not standing by this.. The management at this store has not contacted me and I bought this in April and have called and left messages, no response. I was deliberately lied to at sales. I am very upset and so disappointed. I dont think this will go without issues arising in other parts of the car with such a problem as this. Never will I trust this dealership again and until Honda takes care of this I will spread the word because YOU do not need to go through this!

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  Great car as long as its a 5spd - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Joe scooter - August 6 - 7:18 pm

  Rip the front seats out for after markets and hotrod the engine to get better torqe and generly more fun,lower to handleing needs and beat the crap out of it on your daily commute,,love this Honda,its a shame cars arnt made like this one anymore,the 94 civic is a lego the happens to be a very relable car,,love it