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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  My new CR-V EX - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jay2012 - May 4 - 1:57 pm

  I just brought my new Honda CR-V a few weeks ago. I own a 2006 honda pilot before with almost 160,000 miles and decided to get a new honda and wanted a small SUV this time because of the gas mileage. Overall I am very happy with my new CR-V. I am averaging 30 mpg 75 percent highway driving. I wanted the leather but the Crv EXL was almost 3000 dollars more than the EX so I am happy with the EX its got everything I needed. I do notice a slight vibrations sometimes but its not bothersome at all mostly at idle and some slight vibrations between 20 to 30 mph. Its not annoy at all. Overall its rides very nice and very comfortable. My families tell me that its rides very quiet.

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  Heavenly CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By codyboy - May 3 - 4:49 pm

  Traded in my 14 yr. old Lexus ES300 -- my baby -- for a practical CRV. I researched for months on my next vehicle. Lo and behold, I bought the CRV. Am pleased with the electronics, right side-view and back-up cameras. The vibration is a little bothersome, but overall, am very happy with my new CRV! Havent bought a brand new vehicle since 1985 -- that was a Honda Civic. Now, 30 yrs. later, its a CRV. Great job, Honda!

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  Vibration and Shuddering - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rickypicky - May 2 - 6:30 pm

  Vibrates abnormally when vehicle is in drive with my foot on the brake. Car manufacture date is 4/2015. I purchased it after Honda came out with this video but was told nothing about it by the dealer. I can actually see the front passenger headrest vibrating strongly when stopped at a traffic signal and RPMs dip to around 600.

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  Great Car With Bad AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By brett758 - May 2 - 6:13 pm

  Positives: Bought my 04 CRV with 175k miles on it. It now has 250k miles on it and other than putting new tires on it and having the breaks done I have not had a single issue! Not one! The gas mileage (manual transmission 26-27mpg)is pretty good for an SUV. The AWD system has worked well in the snow and I can feel the back wheels turn on when I let the clutch out. Quality interior that has stood up the brutal Arizona sun. Negatives: I bought mine with an aftermarket AC compressor so I never had to deal with the issue but I have heard that its a $3000 fix when the OEM one blows up. Road noise is bad, even with a new set of Michelins. Funky looking styling IMO.

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  no vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By proten - May 2 - 5:41 pm

  Got the awd ex model. First trip got 34 mpg. Very smooth, very quiet. I am 63, and have plenty of room even in back seats. The cvt works perfectly. It doesnt use fake shift points. We are not experiencing the vibration problem some are complaining of. Much quicker than I expected. Also climbs well, as we live in a high altitude mountain town

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  Rough Rider Idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover41 - May 1 - 6:16 pm

  I have owned my 2015 Honda CRV EX-L for about 3 weeks now. I like a lot of things about it, but I am getting more concerned about the rough idle/vibration/pulsation when I am in the drive mode and stopped in traffic. I look over at the front passenger seat and watch the seat belt buckle vibrate against the leather! At times it gets to be pretty intense. I went into the dealer to ask about it, and they said it was fine. We will see if it will take legal class action case to get the problem resolved. I owned my last Acura for 18+ years and really loved it. I only hope I can say the same about this car in a few years. This car just makes more sense because of all of its practical features.

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  VIBRATION just keeps building on your nerves!!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By fzafar0926 - May 1 - 2:41 pm

  Hi, I own a 2015 CR-V Touring on NOV 2014, and am very disappointed by the vibration issue. Honda has acknowledged the issue and posted a video showing why it is causing the vibration. You need to document the issue with the manufacturer by calling them at American Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009 Option 7. Provide your VIN# and Contact Information. They will contact you when a fix is ready. As of APR 30, 2015, there is no fix date or whether a fix is possible. If you want to see the video, go to this page and look for the bibration question: https://owners.honda.com/help/faqs

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  Bumpy ride - 2015 Honda Accord
  By shelley59 - May 1 - 8:01 am

  I purchased my dream Honda Accord EX in March and love almost everything about it except it rides bumpy. You can feel all bumps, railroad tracks and this is funny, I watch my passengers body move as I drive. I thought it was the tires which are Goodyear Assurance P215/55/R17 all seasons. You hear the outside road as well. The dealer said they were good tires but I wanted to switch them out and pay the difference no go. Please let me know if someone else is experiencing this or is it just my beautiful car. Please help me Honda.

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  Overall, a great daily driver - 2015 Honda Civic
  By civicpilot1 - April 30 - 10:48 pm

  Recently bought a 2015 Civic LX sedan with the 5 speed manual transmission, which I think is the best combination for a daily commuter car. To date, my gas mileage has averaged 37mpg doing about a 40 / 60 mix of city and highway driving. The manual transmission also makes the best of the 1.8R engines meager power band. When searching for a new car, I also looked at the Mazda3, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and the Kia Forte. I felt the Civic had the best balance of features of all of them, the dealer giving me a competitive price of $16,250 cinched the deal. I did like the Mazda and the Fords more fun to drive characteristics, but the Honda felt like a better built car.

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  Ideal large family vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By floridamom6 - April 30 - 1:16 am

  The car has a smooth ride, and road noise is minimal on highway. We added a hitch and roof rack, and with 6 adults and loaded with cargo, the car handles quite nicely except that it is underpowered, especially if its fully loaded. Acceleration and hill climbs are slower than I would like. This car has a lot of cargo space with room for car seats in 2nd and 3rd rows, though access to 3rd row can be a bit challenging for an average adult. 3rd row is best for kids or small adults as legroom is limited. We are happy with this car. Great family or roadtrip vehicle. Its held its value well, and we will be holding on to it for a long time.