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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  Rattles lots of cheap plastic lousy mileage - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sbw2 - July 3 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months & 2000 miles of mixed driving. Its been getting 23.9 mpg, & Ive been babying it w/eco mode on. If you drive it "normally", it drops to 22 in eco mode, & 21 w/o eco mode. The interior of the doors is all cheap plastic, and theres very little in the way of support behind the door panels. I tend to lean my left leg against the door when I drive, and its already starting to "give". The door panels rattle and the dealer says its "normal". Really? The console box is small compared to my Camry & the USB/HDMI connections are in there if you keep stuff wired up, there isnt much usable storage in there. Little pickup but handles well.

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  Give me a brake - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By ericlight - July 2 - 4:56 am

  Honda spent a lot of time redesigning this minivan but skimped on the quality. There should be a class action lawsuit over brake warpage and suspension noise. Honda is charging consumers to routinely fix a design defect. If rotors warp at 12-15k miles regardless of driving style then you have a design flaw. Everyone we know who owns this van has warped rotors. So much of this van is well designed but they didnt car about the most important safety system.

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  Dont buy a Honda Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By pepemarco - July 1 - 2:24 pm

  Ive been driving honda cars since 1977 -- and the Fit is truly disappointing. The locks on the car doors and the hatchback are now jamming, so we cant open them the rear shocks are failing and there is a terrible odor coming from the heater that the dealer wont fix. STAY AWAY FROM THE HONDA FIT.

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  The Best CR-V Yet - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mary949 - June 30 - 10:46 pm

  My husband and I turned in our 3 year CR-V for the 2015 CR-V EX, and we love it. Just about everything has been improved. Although the styling hasnt changed too much, it feels like a much improved vehicle. I look forward to many years of enjoying the new CR-V.

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  Best Van I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pastorewj - June 30 - 9:48 am

  I bought this van new. So all 240,000 are my miles, and I could not ask for more out of a van. I have replaced motor mounts, and power steering pump was replaced under warranty... but that is it.

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  Shake Rattle and Roll - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sadcrvowner - June 30 - 8:01 am

  I cannot believe some of these reviewers who just accept that their CRV has a vibration to it. I have owned a lot of new cars in my life and do not accept a vehicle that vibrates as a "characteristic". I have taken my issue to CAMVAP (Canadian auto mobile vehicle arbitration) as my wife gets ill from the vibration on long trips. Do not buy this vehicle!

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  The name Honda is no longer synonymous with quality - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By equiuga - June 29 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Odyssey EX-L with around 23K on it and it IMMEDIATELY started to shake when braking. I took it to the dealer and they turned the rotors free of charge. 3K miles later it started shaking AGAIN and they wanted me to pay for it for over $300.00. I am now at 47K and getting my first brake job and am told that I need rotors FRONT AND BACK to the tune of $1200.00. FOR A BRAKE JOB! I am calling Honda America b/c I am infuriated. I have owned 4 previous Hondas, a Subaru Outback and a Ford F-150 and have NEVER EVER had issues with my rotors like this, even with the awful Ford! I have also had problems with the suspension, rear hatch, RES, rim peeling, and transmission. AWFUL!

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  Week 1 - 2015 Honda Fit
  By leebz - June 26 - 11:19 pm

  After having owned this car for a week, I would have to say that the overall performance of the car is average (its not meant to be a speedster). The interior is spacious and the cargo capacity and nifty seat configurations are practical. Some may not like the touch infotainment system. The worst part of it is the volume control (controlled from the steering wheel or the touch screen). It can be a little loud during acceleration but at cruising speeds is relatively quiet and pleasant. Overall ride is comfortable in my opinion. Seats are comfortable and dont bother me. Have yet to take it on a drive over an hour+. Cant wait for a road trip. This is my 3rd Honda & have to say the best yet.

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  Poorly redesigned - 2015 Honda Accord
  By tmahler - June 26 - 7:04 pm

  The redesign of the 2015 Accord is poorly done. Seats are extremely uncomfortable, dashboard is poorly planned out, doors are awkward and heavy to open. The exterior design looks like a box and it has poor maneuverability. The steering wheel has that infernal Bluetooth poorly located. Every time I put my hands on the wheel the Bluetooth comes up. Very poor positioning.

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  An honest review - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mmbfamily5 - June 25 - 11:31 am

  I wanted to give an honest opinion on the Honda CRV after hesitating due to the vibration issue. I didnt want to spend more than 30k, I wanted AWD, room for 4 adults with space for cargo. I looked at the Rav 4, Forrester, Rogue,Escape and the CX5. None of them were perfect but the Honda was either as good or better in every area. As for the vibration issue, Ive noticed at a red light, the engine goes into a very low RPM that does provide a slight vibration. I honestly would not have even noticed it, if not for the negative reviews. This small CUV is roomy,safe,comfortable, good gas mileage and really holds its value. After 1 month and 1,000 miles, I would highly recommend it.