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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  Our 4th and last Accord Coupe, and our last Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bass56 - June 14 - 5:08 pm

  We have owned 4 Accord Coupes starting in 1999. All purchased new and each new model has been progressively worse, in quiet , comfort and reliability. I am fastidious about car maintenance and the detail of maintenance of this Accord has been excellent. The car is noisey and has rattles . The braking system has been nothing short of unreliable. All brakes and rotors have been replaced 2x and now it appears as if we must replace a brake caliper... it is locking up on us after short trips. We have also replaced wheel bearings and have had an on going oil problem. This oil problem is related to the same issues that prompted the class action suit.

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  The Vibration problem is Real - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By emilyv3 - May 31 - 5:21 pm

  Just spent close to 30,000 dollars on my first brand new car and one day into owning it noticed the vibration problem at idle. I am so disappointed and feel Honda and the dealerships are scamming consumers. They dont yet have a fix and are not telling potential buyers about this problem. I would have definitely bought a different car had I read the consumer reviews (not the biased corporate reviews) prior to purchasing. Having owned a reliable and smooth operating Accord for 13 years, I trusted the brand and the dealership. A Honda loyalist no more. Major disappointment.

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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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  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 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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  Bad idea.. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By big_clocks - April 22 - 11:40 pm

  Bought this car a couple months ago thinking it would be a good investment because of how reliable civics are known to be and because of their gas mileage. Well, I get 30mpg all day, but this car has not been reliable for me. Had fuel issues when I bought it and now has a vacuum leak that has been impossible to trace, and my transmission shifts sloppy as well. Forgot to mention I bought this car with only 132k miles. Will definitely be staying away from civics from now on, only Honda I would own again is a Prelude, which I owned before this car. Stay away from this car unless you have money to throw into it.

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  Most bad car I have owned - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tearsbuyer222 - April 18 - 6:29 pm

  I just bought car in March, and one week late I found the car has vibration problem, and felt a slight jump on the freeway if the car in high speed. I reported this problem to dealership and Honda Headquarter, they said it is under investigation, but without time frame. This problem not only happened on my car. Honda knows this, but they dont want to solve this. They keep saying no safety issue. From Hondas attitude to this problem, who will believe them, and how we can trust them!!! Why we should buy a NEW car with problems! Why should we be suffered by the vibration while driving on the freeway?! Why should we pay a NEW car price to get a defeat car?! It is not fair to customers! I have

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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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  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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  Honda Canada video acknowledges vibration issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - April 8 - 10:53 am

  Today I received from my dealer a new Honda video (You Tube) acknowledging the vibration issue. Contrary to what the video mentions (vibrations mostly in the seats), I get them in the steering wheel as well. Video says: . happens at 2200 rpm and under . They are investigating the issue and will advise when and if a product upgrade is available. I am glad they are working on this but disappointed they released a model which to me is seriously flawed. Weve had ours since November and the vibration issue has gradually worsened. I do not enjoy driving the vehicle.