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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  Vibration is really Annoying. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By everwood168 - March 1 - 6:36 am

  So i bought my Honda CRV 2015 EX on December 1st. I was so excited, and first time I buy a new car. I didnt want to deal with headaches from used car, who knows what problems they have. When I test drive the CRV, I tried all the functions in the car, and they seems to be pretty good, I got a good deal on the price, and i bought it. However after i drive it everyday from home to work, and i live in New York. I have to deal with stop signs or traffic lights every couple blocks. The car just vibrates like crazy when im in D mode and brake pressed. The shake is pretty violent, and after i research everyone is having the same issue. Man i really wish i did my research first, now too late.

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  never again - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By stevNsue - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Too many things going wrong on a dailey basis......

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  1997 Honda Passport Review - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Tom R - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I am constantly doing engine and drivetrain repairs on this vehicle. The engine has a constant tick from the valves. At higher speeds there is a lot of wind noise coming from the doors. I would not recommend owning this vehicle.

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  PASSPORT - 2000 Honda Passport
  By SHABESH - February 13 - 2:00 am

  PASSPORT RIDES LIKE A TRUCK.YOU FEEL EVERY GRAVEL ON THE ROAD. I HAVE ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, AND BY THE WAY THIS IS NOT A "HONDA" IT IS A IZUSU RODEO WITH A HONDA PACKAGE. I WAS NOT TOO HAPPY TO FIND THAT OUT AFTER I HAD PURCHASED IT. GOOD LUCK.

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  A powerful, good looking... LEMON! - 1994 Honda Passport
  By PNW Rep - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Good power / interior room / rugged good looks and off-road capability to match. But, nothing more than an enclosed, base-line 4x4 pick-up. If you need something to commute to a construction site and dont care if the windshield wipers, power windows, door latches, or heater core work, you will like this car. Also be prepared to fork out some big bucks for valve work at around 100kM if you prefer not to have the engine sound like a baby rattler.

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  Get a Pilot - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Buck2000 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle obviously does not have the same level of craftsmanship as other members of the Honda line (its a Rodeo). While the exterior is attractive, the inside is cheap, the ride is excessively soft, and gas mileage is not good. With 4WD off the back end really wants to step around on me during acceleration. On the plus side I have not had any mechanical problems in three years and 20k miles. However, I am selling it and getting a Pilot (a true Honda).

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  2016 CRV AWD Limited with slipping CVT transmissio - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JD Miles - January 27 - 2:13 am

  When hot, the CVT transmission slips all the time. Whenever you press firmly down on the accelerator the engine RPMs increase but the vehicle speed doesnt. When trying to pass a car on a 2 lane road this vehicle becomes extremely dangerous and even life threatening due to the slipping transmission. The dealer says its normal, but it is not normal at all. Also, the highway miles per gallon barely reaches 19 MPG due to the slipping transmision.

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  Not worth the money - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ashley - January 13 - 10:33 am

  This is one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I have ever been in. It is noisy(a constant hummm), the transmission runs very rough, and the dvd screen constantly squeaks. The van also has a vibration problem which you can feel and easily see when looking at the seats and the steering wheel. It never goes away (not even when a/c is off). The inside of the van is very nice and roomy. The front seats are way to high for short people though. I am 53" and only the tips of my toes touch the floor. Hard to reach pedals Wish I bought something else. Maybe that new toyota that didnt even start at the dealership would have been a better buy...at least then I would have no vibration worries

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  Transmission vibration/ Idle speed not constant - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By William Digdo - January 6 - 12:34 pm

  Very disappointed with transmission and idle /vibration in steering wheel when accelerating and backing out of garage after starting car in morning

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  VIBRATIONS AT IDLE !!! Not an issue, a problem! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By badvibration1 - January 6 - 8:24 am

  Bought in December 10 2014. After a 2 block test drive I really liked it. After purchase I noticed a vibration in the seats and between1000 and 2000 rpm and a droning noise. Thought that was the way a 4 cyl. was supposed to be since I have always drivin 6 cyl. Well I looked online and omg! This is not what is normal prior CRV s . Honda is telling thousands a fix is coming, if a fix is needed for a new car how can you sell them knowing there is an issue, Honda calls it an issue, to a consumer its a problem! Honda uses the word issue to downplay it. Look out Honda! You tricked the wrong person. Imagine your an ant, all others are stepping on you to kill ya, well Im a 20 lb sledge.. Fix it!