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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  A Good (Not Great) Vehicle - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By dg4827 - May 14 - 2:21 pm

  Bought in 2011 with 40k miles, just turned 94k. Shes been fairly reliable, just oil changes/brakes/tires up to this point. I was told brakes were the weak point on Hondas. My brakes constantly warp. Interior quality is ok, seats are very sturdy and comfortable for long drives/trips. The armrests and center console have torn and bubbled, respectively. Enough with the bad though. Im a big fan of the automatic eco mode that turns off two cylinders while cruising to maximize mileage. I average 19.5/20 mpg a tank. I like the aux outlet for the radio also. Sound system is decent for a base model. It has surprisingly held its value over the years. Big safe vehicle that I would recommend to anyone

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  It really is the best car in the world. - 2013 Honda Fit
  By projectm96 - May 13 - 8:46 am

  This car can do it all and last forever. My Sport model comes with the rear spoiler, fog lights, sporty front slip, exhaust tip, and side skirts, cruise control, paddle shifters, and 16" alloy wheels. It is a great package for a great price. The car really does "Fit" everything. I have used it for plenty of long road trips. It is made for road trips with its magic seats, several storage compartments, built in USB cable, two AC power outlets, and NINE cup holders.

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  Avoid Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By dph1 - May 12 - 8:31 pm

  I am a long time Honda owner (all Accords). I purchased a 2014 Honda Pilot new in April 2014. After two days of owning it, I realized I made a huge mistake. The VCM system causes vibrations and jerks when it transitions from 6, 4 and 3 cylinders. You will not notice on a test drive because the engine has to warm up first for it to engage. Honda posted a software update TSB that helps but did not resolve the problem. If you want to buy a Honda V6 with VCM, insist on a long test drive at speeds greater than 60 on flat roads. I just sold my Pilot for a Sienna - best move ever even if it is a minivan. Toyota knows V6s should run on all 6 cylinders.

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  Vibration Makes Me Crazy - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By valann - May 12 - 4:48 pm

  I dont believe anyone who says their 2015 CRV doesnt vibrate. Ive driven 6 of them now trying to find one that doesnt. They all do. Mine vibrates during acceleration at 1000 and 2000 RPMs, and also at the idle. Its very noticeable through the steering wheel and the seats. The dealer claims that no one else has complained but me. I dont believe them either. Supposedly they hadnt even heard about the video from Honda until I called it to their attention.

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  So good I just had to say something. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By it_dude - May 9 - 12:30 pm

  I love this car and had to review because of all the complaints that I saw on here. I bought the CRV to replace a 2013 Accord that I just never really fell in love with. The build quality on my car is excellent. I do recommend that you test drive the particular car that you are buying so that you are not concerned with the vibration issue that some are having. Mine does vibrate a little when completely stopped at a red light for a long period, but I only noticed it because of the comments on this forum. This slight vibration is due to a very low idle which is much better to have than one of those cars that turn off the engine at each stop.

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  2014 Honda Civic lemon - 2014 Honda Civic
  By kpedigo - May 7 - 3:00 pm

  I bought a new Honda Civic a year ago and from that time on I have had problems. Bad tire, bad hubcaps, paint coming off, RUST, oil pan not sealed when built, defective windshield. Honda has not stood behind this lemon and I will never buy another of their vehicles. Back to Toyota for me! I now have 9000 miles on this car.

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  USED 2008 CR V 4 wd - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By rottiesrule - May 6 - 7:53 am

  Bought used with 140K, now has 157K and ZERO problems. Average 26 mpg mixed driving. Drove 1600 mi cross country, with cargo tray on hitch 200 lbs of stuff on it, 100 lb dog inside with seats folded down of course, 70 mph and I averaged 30 mpg on hwy. Power is good for a 4 cyl and a 3500 lb car. SAFE SAFE great safety rating,great brakes, great build quality, is bigger than it looks. The design of the cars interior will grow on you, very thoughtful and utilitarian design that you will appreciate the longer you drive it.It is a car that is a good compromise of reliability,room, and economy! I had a Suburban that could not pass a repair shop. The CRV likes to pass gas stations and thats great!

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  Hard Ride - 2015 Honda Accord
  By adiven - May 5 - 2:42 am

  2015 Honda EX Ride is terrible hard. This is not right. I see posts with the same problem. Unacceptable Honda not going to like me. Honda owners need to get together and get on Honda to fix it.

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  Accessories matter - 2015 Honda Fit
  By jlbgjbsle - May 4 - 8:28 pm

  Great gas milage (40 city/hwy combined) Due to the slanted angle and the large size of the front windows, the car heats up tremendously even when driving on mild days. I have to use the air conditioner much more than I would like. The normal sun shades used when parked for a period of time do not fit this car. I had to buy a special sun shade that is the most inconvenient product to use, and I have to use it even for short parks due to the big windows. Because the seats are so low, and I am a short person, the sun visors did nothing to block the sun. I had to buy a visor extender. Only 1 roof rack available for car-almost $500. Small hybrid bike barely fits in with tire removed.

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  My favorite car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By larien - May 4 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased this car new in February 2000. The problems I have had: an electrical relay went out so the engine cooling fans stayed on, had to replace alternator, water pump and oil pump. This Accord has been super reliable, fun to drive and wonderful to look at! I am about to buy a new Honda but I will not sell this one. It is my favorite of all 6 Honda cars that I have owned. I have around 200,000 miles on this car and still do not worry about getting to where I am going. This was a great purchase. Love this car!