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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  i hate my 07 honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Heather Strausbaugh - April 13 - 10:37 am

  this car was bought by my father brand new in 06. since driven off lot we have had nothing but problems. visors (extended warranty) engine, e break handle has fallen apart. faulty air bag sensors $500 to replace. new starter at 70k miles $300 new drivers door lock chamber at 80k miles $300 weather stripping needs to be replaced its completely fallen down always pushing it back up. no interior lights work on radio selection/heating and cooling lights. auto window controls for passenger window no longer work ether side. paints chipping. faulty wire connections caused power steering to go out while driving!! 25k new asking 6k now. 107k miles and selling now. will never own another honda. EVER!

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  No vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tsonce - April 13 - 12:38 am

  My Honda is 800 miles and I havent felt any vibration. I am so happy that I decided to buy the car, even though I was hesitant after reading all the reviews about the vibration. It drives very smoothly and I actually really like the CVT. So far I am getting about 29 miles/gallon when I drive to work. This is surface streets + highways. My other car is Honda CRV 2006. AT 140K miles, the only issue Ive ever had was a light bulb that needed to be replaced. Ive decided to keep both cars because the 2006 is higher and better for off-roading. Knowing how reliable Hondas are, I decided to go with my gut. The 2015 CRV is great to drive - quiet, smooth and, of course, reliable.

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  The best small SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By george fritkin - April 12 - 11:41 pm

  What can I say. The Touring model is almost a luxury car. Vibrations.......not mine. I have been a car guy all my life, this CRV is high on my list. I enjoy driving this car as much as any of my 7 fancy cars

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  Beware of the head restraint system! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By barbak - April 12 - 10:52 pm

  I love my Honda Fit in every way except the comfort of the drivers seat. Ive actually driven without the headrest in thats how much it hurts my neck. Although I had intended to drive this car until it wore out, I am going to be selling it in the next couple of months and buying something less painful. BTW, I am 57.

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  timing chain jump damaged motor - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Shao Lin - April 11 - 9:27 am

  The timing chain jump and damaged valve of motor. Honda gives guide line that timing belt do not need service and which turn out not true. The engine need to be replaced and it will cost a bundle. Whoever own a 07 Accord should change timing chain around 80-100k miles to avoid the costly repair. Also front bumper cover is too low and easily be caught by a curb and been rip apart when you back out.

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  Caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware"[ - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tom A - April 10 - 1:11 pm

  What a mistake buying this SUV. The vibration problem is real. Stay away form the CRV until Honda fixes the problem.

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  Worth every penny - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By perek75 - April 10 - 8:25 am

  I drive the Honda LX trim level. 152500 miles and the only none scheduled repair was replacing the blower motor which was 5000 miles ago. Reliable, dependable and good economy car , gas mileage 22-26 or so with AWD. Got the car new. I am 6 ft 2 in tall and 300 lbs + and I am very comfortable driving and riding in this car. Plenty of head space and easy to get in and out of. My wife is around 5 ft and she can easily adjust seat for her. If anything there is some road noice especially when comparing with newer 2015 model cars and the stereo is not the best but it works fine. Great winter car as well (Chicago area Michelin hydroedge tires). Comfortable seats, good visibility.

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  The Coolest Hybrid on the Market - 2015 Honda CR-Z
  By andrecompadre - April 9 - 9:49 pm

  I fell in love with the CR-Z the moment I laid eyes on it. I loved the 80s sports car look (which is based on the old CR-X) and the very modern interior design. Better yet, the car is economical with crazy good gas mileage. The reviews of this car dont do it justice- this car is not intended to be a sports car. Its meant to be a hybrid thats fun to drive and performs like a sports car, and on that count it passes with flying colors. One complaint I frequently saw is about rear and side visibility. Ive had no problems once I got used to the car.

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  Best car on the market! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By dalecolwell - April 9 - 7:18 pm

  I love this car, got the six speed and its so much fun to drive. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great car.

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  2009 Accord EX-L 5M - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jodar96 - April 9 - 5:11 pm

  I have had this car since Oct 2011 and 37K miles. It just turned 60K. It has been a great car with no issues. I do mostly highway driving with 35mpg as my best. Driving position is excellent. The seat comfort is not the best although the leather has less lower back seat bulge than cloth seat. Road/tire noise is excessive. For now, I blame it on original Michelin tires until I replace them in the next few months. I also bought a 2009 Mercedes E350 RWD with Sport/AMG package last summer. Driving these two cars back to back, Accord feels thin with high road noise. The E350 feels solid, smooth, and quiet. If I am pressed to keep one,I will keep the Accord for its simplicity and reliability.