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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  bad year for pilots - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilotfixer1 - May 26 - 6:01 pm

  If you have a chance to buy another make of small SUV you will be money ahead to go with that make. We have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle from the doors locking while charging the A/C, to when the battery is going bad the oil light comes on and the oil level and pressure is fine, to the ignition not accepting the key that I have been using for the last 3 years, to the transmission making a rumbling noise if the oil is not changed every 10,000 miles (the manual recommends every 30,000 miles). Not to mention the huge problem with mice getting into the interior of this vehicle. And these are just the major problems. And we have only owned it for 3.5 years.

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  Choices - 2015 Honda Civic
  By askabry1 - May 23 - 10:58 am

  Im a long time Honda fan, returning to the fold. End of the day, there are STILL no free lunches. When you look at the Accord EX-L and the Civic EX-L, you will simply give up speed and size to gain MPG and dollars. Fit and finish of materials are good. The array of technological controls are mind-boggling if that is cool to you, at this price point I cant see where youd do better. Bottom line, is the juice worth the squeeze? All in (no games on trade-ins), Accord EX-L w/4cyl, $10,400 for three years of lease ownership. The Civic is $8600, plus 10-12% savings in gas/ins. Hard to justify it.

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  It became a legend - 2006 Honda Element
  By drrtygary - May 22 - 11:17 pm

  In 2003, I hated them. They were square, somehow shy looking, and yet moved with unearned confidence. Then, in 2009, when a friend told me he was looking for one, I gave it a second glance. I test-drove one. Seven hours later, it was in my name. I bought my 2006 Element EX with 30,000 miles on it. Six years later, when the odometer read about 77,000 miles, I found it hit by a driver and totaled. Very sad. This Element is the perfect companion. Its resilient, adaptable, and always two steps ahead. It finished my...sentences. As long as I fed it oil and kept it up, it was dependable. In 2015, Im looking to buy my second Element. I love this car, even if its a bit nerdy and too forgiving.

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  The Best SUV ... Vibration NOT an Issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By petershen1 - May 22 - 12:44 am

  I purchased new 2015 Honda CRV EX couple of months back. I have now over 1000 miles on it. I am very happy with my decision to buy this car. Its fun to drive - smooth and steady. New 2015 CRV looks awesome externally with spacious inside. The new features like hill start assist, lane watch, touchscreen are great. Excellent fuel economy. In a nutshell - "Its value for money" !! I guess some people are exaggerating "Vibration Issue". There is slight vibration sometimes ONLY when stopping at Red Light in "Drive" gear, but it is not as much noticeable as some people have described. There is NO VIBRATION when driving the car at any speed.

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  Fit - A great car for City Dweller-Active Lifestylists - 2015 Honda Fit
  By linslewis - May 21 - 12:22 pm

  Traded a 2009 Fit Sport for a 2015 Fit Ex. Both are manual transmission & greatly enjoying the upgrades Honda in to the new generation. I live in suburbia USA & commute to a major city for work approximately 22 miles each way. Have enjoyed the peppiness of the new Fit, as well as the ability to transport 2 bikes, plus gear in the back for weekend bike rides. I am missing that extra 1.6" Honda took when reducing overall length. I am a driver at heart, & having tons of fun.

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  Vibration car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By crv2015ownera - May 20 - 1:44 pm

  I bought my brand new CRV 2015 and got the car in May 2015 Everything is perfect in this car excet this annoying vibration. I cant understand how Honda is willing to lose their reputation by allowing such a considerable flaw in their best selling SUV. Tge vibration really frustrates me everytime I drive the car and stop at a stop sign or red signal. I can see tge passenger seat shaking.... I dont know wgat I should do now and how to deal with my car!!!

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  Honda continues to lie - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By clibat2 - May 20 - 12:44 pm

  The vibrations at a stop while in gear with the brake in is just too much for me to ignore. Honda will tell you it has something to do with the engine and transmission combo... It simply isnt true. Fact 1 - If I am stopped, in drive, with the brake pushed in, the car idle drops and the car vibrates horribly. Fact 2 - If I am stopped, in drive, with the EMERGECY BRAKE on, and my foot off the brake, the vibration STOPS and the RPMs go up. I try to tell Honda this has something to do with the power brake system pulling power from the engine, but they wont hear it. Mark my words, they will figure it out someday, and the issue will be with the power brake system.

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  2004 Accord LX-4 cyl--- watch out for 100K - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lindavt08 - May 15 - 11:35 am

  First off, let me say I LOVE my car. I got it in 2005 with only 16K miles, and it has been babied ever since. I change the oil religiously at 3K, and its never had any real problems, as Im great on maintence. Then... we hit 100K in 2014, and it seems like out of no where, stuff just breaks. Again, I baby her, I dont think you could take better care of a car than I do. First, it was the breaks, okay, thats a reasonable thing, and then, my stero just goes completely blank I had to get a second one put in, which looks a little ghetto, but thats okay. Then, my battery dies, and I have to get a brand new one. I think the car is wonderful, but be ready at 100K!

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  3rd time Pilot owner - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:07 pm

  Just bought a new 2015 Pilot EX-L. Have had a 2004 and 2010, and this one is the best yet! Price was reduced $8600 off of MSRP, so the price was the best ever I have had on the many Hondas I have owned. The vehicle rides great, and the silver with black leather interior is sharp! Very satisfied with my purchase. I have not had any issues with vibration, as that seems to have been corrected by Honda. Go buy one while you can still find a 2015.

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  2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By tdr5 - May 14 - 8:04 pm

  Have had a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L for about 6 months and now have 15K miles on it. This is an outstanding vehicle! It rides extremely well and is comfortable to ride in. Have not had an vibration or other issues at all. I have had numerous Hondas and this one is at or near the top of them all. Very satisfied owner!