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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  Accord front - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Nabeel - November 18 - 12:28 pm

  So I bought this accord sport 2015 new from the dealer. Car is good, mpg isnt exactly what they say as I tested it on low rpms with fuel economy on. It gave me an average of 33mpg. Biggest issue: when driving the car at high speed, 80mph, I noticed that the car baked noise. I believe its coming from the bearing of the tires. I noticed this issue on my old car but now seeing the same problem here makes me not want to keep the car anymore. I would prefer a German vehicle with better quality than Honda. I have put on it 15k in 6 months. Yes I do drive my car. Other than that its a smooth car. Payed 23k with taxes

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  My CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Customer - November 16 - 4:47 pm

  I was worried buying this car because it had some not great reviews. Most of the other SUVs had the same not great reviews so I took a chance. We have owned other Hondas and have been happy with them so thought this would be a good vehicle for us. I love this car. We have no vibration that is written about, although we only have just over 500 miles on the car now. My only complaints are the electronics on the vehicle are a little confusing and I am usually really good with electronics. Also, the car isnt as quiet as I would like but its ok. Love the car though and am glad we purchased it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Great Ride - November 14 - 2:33 pm

  Nice smooth ride handles well off road. Comfortable seats high off the ground.

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  Im happy! - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Shaun - November 8 - 8:44 pm

  I have a silver 2015 Civic that I got a month ago. Im happy with it. Its a very good mpg & family car. My first car with the cvt, but I like it now, probably wont have anything else from now on. Over all, a super car that I plan on having until the wheels fall, and knowing Honda reliability, that should be a very long time. Go get one, you wont regret it....I dont.

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  290,000 Now !! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Clubber1 - November 8 - 5:34 pm

  290K and still going strong. Might have to replace CV Axles, they having been making a clicking noise for about 80k miles now. Engine still as smooth and powerful as when new. Goes like a tank through the snow with Blizzaks on. Power doors having issues. Just have open manually now, good exercise. Still on only second set of spark plugs, all original exhaust, transmission. This van is pretty amazing.

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  2013 Honda Accord Sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Hondaownersince2004 - November 7 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased my Honda Accord Sport brand new in October 2013. Since then, my screen/monitor, starter & battery have been replaced under warranty. The screen went out within a few months, the starter went out in July 2015 at about 17,000 miles and my batterys cell went bad this week at 27,000 miles. After being stranded twice by my car, Im questioning its reliability & wondering what will happen next. I owned a Honda Civic for 10 years & did not have any issues with it. After reading numerous complaints and talking to a Honda salesperson, starter and battery issues are fairly common with newer models. I travel a lot for job purposes, so I must have a car that is reliable. I will be trading my Honda soon.

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  Great car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Jorge - November 6 - 1:23 pm

  Great little fuel efficient car. Good handling, love it.

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By William Eng - November 5 - 8:52 am

  Two major problems with the 2015 Honda CRV model. I bought the EXL on 9/12/2015 and after one week noticed: (1) while stopped in drive, with A/C off, and rpm at 600, the car was vibrating to the extent I was getting a butt and back massage in my seat. Its annoying to have a new car vibrate so much while stopped at a light. however once I turned the A/C on, the RPM increased to 900 and the rough idle stopped. The service manager stated Honda is aware of this problem and a software fix is pending....but when? (2) When my car reaches 70 or more, you can feel the front end and steering wheel vibrate. After three attempts with the Honda dealership, they performed a "road force balance" on all four tires. This stopped the front end vibration by about 80%. All these issues should not have happened with a new car. Sadly, had I noticed these problems, I would not have bought a Honda CRV. I noticed on the internet, many other owners of the CRV are having the same vibration issues and Honda does not inform customers about it until after purchase. I should have bought a RAV4.

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  Did someone pay someone to report bad vibrations? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By greg chick - November 3 - 10:55 am

  I bought, but did not take possession of a CRV while waiting for biz. issues to settle. I read many reports of road or car vibrations, I test drove "Mine" again and found very smooth drive in all situations. My current trade in is a 2013 Beemer, past cars have been Porsche 911 s and Audis and other fine cars. I have not been used to a rough ride. This Honda is my first Honda and while I do not "own" it yet, I feel the need to ask, Did someone pay someone to bad vibe this car? Or am I just lucky?

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  Sporty CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ruth Bolstad - November 2 - 10:59 am

  This is a fun SUV to drive. I bought it new and it is reliable and I would replace it in a snap. Ive had no problems with this car.