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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  New Car Disappointment - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joyce green - April 29 - 8:41 pm

  Only have had CR-V two weeks. Very unhappy with the rough idling and vibration when sitting at a red light or any time I have to slow down or stop in traffic. Purchasing this car was a huge mistake! Do not buy a 2015 Honda CR-V. You will be unhappy with it! Am planning to file Lemon Law if Honda Corporation does not come up with a solution quickly.

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  2015 Honda CR-V vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By viktor45 - April 29 - 7:36 pm

  Bought a new CR-V EX-L about a week ago. Noticed vibration when idle on D and RPM drops below 600. Quite annoying, consider I have owned previous model of CR-V and never noticed vibration. Vibration is gone once RPM bounce back to 700 or you switch to N. Honda should provide a fix to adjust idle RPM.

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  Should have bought RAV 4 - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By coosa43 - April 29 - 9:56 am

  My wife and I bought our 2014 Honda CRV one year ago when we traded in our 2009 Nissan Xterra for what we thought would be an upgrade. We recently took our Honda into the local dealership for routine service and a problem with the air conditioning. The vehicle had 15000 miles so we were not worried with a repair cost due to the BUMBER TO BUMBER Warranty of 36000 miles. I go in and tell the technician the problem and state that the problem should be covered under warranty and his first statement was not so fast that if it was a hole in the condenser for the A/C it would not be covered. Major problem with the whole A/C on the CRVs. Paid 600 for repair on a brand new car.

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  Dissappointed about Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By amy271 - April 28 - 8:03 pm

  I just bought the new Honda CRV EX 2WD 3 days ago, it is only 150 miles. When I stop at the red light, the vibration on the chair are really annoying me. I did read the review about this problem on CRV, but I thought it might have some exception. I was so wrong, the vibration are really aggressive. I regret buying this car, and so disappointed about Honda.

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  I really really like this car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By unearthed - April 27 - 7:10 pm

  I bought this car because it looks fantastic and is fun to drive. I know its not as fast and/or doesnt handle as well as the WRX/GTI/Focus St etc etc, but that most certainly does not disqualify it from being a great value. I honestly think it looks better than the other cars mentioned, and a big reason is the re-styled front. The new 18" wheels also look great, Im a huge fan. The interior is very nice as well, the touch screen radio works great, and the side view and rear view cameras are a huge help when driving. As far as performance, yes it could use a bump. Yes it looks faster than it is. But I dont even drive this car to its limits, so I am not sure why I need more.

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  I wish i knew about the vibration before i boght it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Alex Kondovski - April 27 - 6:58 pm

  The issue with the vibration is real. It occurs while you are stopped at a red light. It is really disappointing. I regret buying the car. Please inform people about this before they buy until they fix it. It is very stressful to spend 30k and have to deal with this at every red light stop

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  VIBRATION - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Trevor Leja - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  Bought car new a month ago .2 days after owning noticed a vibration on acceleration, idles ruff and sometimes it hesitates on acceleration brought to dealer Honda is aware of issues but claims it might be normal for that car. if they do not do something about I will be pursuing the lemon law

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  I shutter thinking about the technology that went into my CRV..unfortunately so does my CRV. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By retiredguy4 - April 27 - 1:05 pm

  Bought new CRV EX AWD in March. Was back at dealership almost immediately about drivetrain vibrations at low speeds and 2000rpms. Also idle speed randomly drops to 550 when warm causing annoying shutter. Dealer says they are aware. They are waiting on Honda fix. We like the vehicle but are loosing faith in Honda as there is no acknowledgement from headquarters. This is our second CRV. Our 2005 is still humming right along.

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  Free vibrator with purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By det97 - April 27 - 12:16 am

  This car is better than a horse and carriage. The seating position is good. The ride is good considering what it is. The is heated seats in my model. I swapped a mustang for this one. I miss Ford Sync. The 2015 CRV Ex isnt a fan of Android.... yet. As for the vibration yes there is one. Not a huge deal breaker but you will normally feel it at a stop while in drive. I think its really more like a Mercedes comfort accessory.

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  240K+ miles and still going strong! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gymeni - April 26 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car new in October 2003 and it had 31 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I now have over 240K miles on it and the only issues I have ever had with it are: drivers door handle had to be replaced after not being able to open the door from the inside, AC compressor went out once. This car has been subject to at least 3 Honda recalls, one being the transmission issue. I will continue to drive it until the wheels fall off. My 1st gen (1997) CRV, which I also bought brand new, is still on the road today with another owner as well. Bought my daughter a new 2009 Fit as a graduation gift. She treats it like her baby! I stand by Honda, trying to decide which I will buy next.