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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  2015 EX w/ CVT - 2015 Honda Fit
  By ss1012 - June 25 - 8:37 am

  Bought 2 months ago and wanted to drive a while before I reviewed. Almost bailed at the last minute due to questions about the drivers seat comfort. I now have ~2,000 miles on it, including 4 trips over two hours. I have had no issues w/ the seats, I love the car otherwise. This is our 5th Honda (4th in a row) so I like the brand - reliable, dependable, safe, economical. I really wanted a hatch-back so compared w/ Mazda 3 Hatchback and Subaru Impreza. I liked both but went for lower cost, better mileage, and the familiarity of a Honda. This is a pleasant car to drive, esp. if you are not performance (i.e. speed, acceleration) focused. I am very happy w/ this purchase.

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  Vibrations and Shuddering is real! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rainyday5 - June 24 - 10:25 pm

  3rd CRV in 10 years. Always had LX AWD. Disappointed in the loss of all interior storage space. All thats left is awkwardly sized door pockets and a tiny console. Starting with a 2004 the loss is significant. The interior fabric and plastic is less durable as well. Vibrates after warm up in Drive and idling. This will then continue to 2000 rpm. Subtle but noticed especially by my motion sickness prone passengers. Shuddering happens sporadically when braking and near stopped. It feels like a manual about to stall out and is very prominent. Honda tells me its all inherent to the CVT and safe, but agree its annoying.

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  Fantastic riding EX-L I love this car ! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sinnerii - June 23 - 10:43 pm

  Do not be alarmed by the same 12 unhappy people writing about vibration woes, there are none. I do thank them though, I only had to wait a month for Honda to make my car in Ohio due to demand is far exceeding supply. Beige leather interior on white exterior a large shortage of. On behalf of 200,000 happy 2015 CRV owners, you cant go wrong buying the 2015 CRV. I cannot find one thing wrong with my CRV and I am finicky. Everyone who gets in my CRV just loves it. Very comfortable front seats. I am 6 foot tall.

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  This is a fun car to drive - 2000 Honda Insight
  By allsmiles277 - June 23 - 9:50 pm

  I love this car. It may not carry but 365 pounds but it is fun to drive. The battery pack was the biggest drawback with this vehicle but time has made prices come down so I am not as concerned about the price of the a battery pack now. My IMA light has been on for the past 5 years and I am still driving it around. More and more people are knowledgeable about hybrid vehicle. I have watched many videos on the internet which show how to remove battery packs.

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  MY BENTO BOX - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By iflymaui - June 23 - 6:21 pm

  I really like this car... While its certainly not a BMW, there are some positive features to it especially when compared to Toyotas RAV and the Nissan Rogue. PROS: Brakes Visibility Economy CONS: Noisy! Wind leaks into cabin. Made In Mexico Stability/poorly sized tires I wouldnt take the CR-V over 65 MPH because I dont trust it. The very cheap tires, tire size and sub-par stability are of concern to me. Thus, I am looking for better tires. I bought the LX. The EX price factor starts to climb to a entry-level BMW and wouldnt you rather be driving one of those anyhow? The car is loud. Vehicle shakes at 65 MPH and the engine shakes while idle.

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  Hondillac - 1997 Honda Accord
  By hondillac - June 23 - 12:52 pm

  I have owned my used 1997 Honda Accord EX-V6 since April 2010. I LOVE MY CAR!! I actually owned a 2002 Honda Accord Coupe, loaded 5-speed stick but a 4-cylinder engine. The power between the two is astonishing!! My V6 is powerful even though its 18 years old!! It has a smooth ride and everything still works air conditioning, power windows, sunroof, etc,. Don’t get me wrong, Ive put money in this car but it has been the greatest car Ive ever owned. This model year quality cannot be beat!! Yes, I own a Honda-Cadillac my Hondillac!!! I’M IN LOVE WITH MY CAR!!!

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  Very Nice SUV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jolly1999 - June 22 - 12:44 pm

  Ive the CRV since March this year, its a good size SUV for 5 adult passengers as well as cargo room. Smooth and flexible fold-down rear back. Right lane-change Monitor display is a nice safety feature.

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  2009 Honda Pilot Review - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By captainbull - June 22 - 9:02 am

  We bought our 2009 Honda Pilot as new from a Honda dealership here are our assessments: 1. Cheap interior design. Cheap plastic and adhesive. The "skin" for the club compartment peels off easy. 2. Cheap glasses. Just one little hit of a little rock the windshield just cracked. Its so thin. 3. Noisy driving (windows not tight seal). 4. Cheap paint (scratch easy) 5. Incorrect gas mileage (they lied) we only get 18MPG on HW and 16MPG city. 6. Stupid trailer light system design. They just want their dealers to make extra cash (so many steps to install it) and the kit cost over $200!) 7. Only one key entry from driver side. 8. Windshield wiper fluid pump failed to early.

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  Honda Quality....Are you Kidding?? - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By terryauto - June 21 - 8:02 pm

  We purchased our 2014 Honda Odyssey last August. We decided to buy the Honda on reputation and the smoothness of the Honda Engine. Boy were we wrong. We have owned many new car brands, GM, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Volvo, Mercedes Chrysler to name some. We have never had the troubles with those brands as with the Honda.The big issue was that at around 8200 miles the head gasket blew. Now a check engine light is on. I have years of prof auto experience and Honda did not complete the repairs to proper standards. The car does not rde, perform, or have as good ergonomics as the KIA loaner we had from Enterprise! Now that was a shock to us as we never gave the Kia a look when shopping. We are done!

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-L AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By farmgirl51 - June 19 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased my 2015 CRV less than 30 days ago and am well-pleased with just 2 exceptions: First, parking brake is located so close to the left "footrest" that you have to be careful that your foot isnt hit when placing it on the rest plate. Secondly, although my "average mpg" usually reads "31.4mpg" it seems that I am filling the gas tank more often than usual. Perhaps it is that the gas tank is smaller than my 2009 Accord?