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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  Worst car I ever owned - 1992 Honda Civic
  By stuckinutah - January 31 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased this car on its reputation. That was my first mistake, the second was keeping it. I have owned it for two and a half years and about 40,000 miles, but it seems like it has been in the shop more than on the road. Items fixed/replaced, head gaskets, water pump, timing belt, alternator, radiator and hoses. Plus I have to check the oil and radiator fluid every 100 miles to top them off. I put 5 quarts of oil in between each oil change, which I get every 3000 miles. It is going to be sold ,or driven off a cliff, this spring when I get a more reliable car.

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  My first and last Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By phillipotto - January 31 - 12:04 am

  We bought this car on the recommendations of several friends who have owned Hondas in the past. I had previously owned Fords and Dodges. We have had nothing but troubles with this car. 3 sets of rear tires worn on the inside in 72k miles. When I took it to the dealer under warranty, after wearing the first set out in 17k miles, I asked to have the car put on the alignment rack and have the rear camber checked. The Joliet Honda Service manager was arrogant and said that we must have overloaded the car and that the camber was within specs. When the second set wore out they refused to even address the problem. There was a recall for the camber plates and was told that it wasnt a safety prob

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  7k miles then problem starts - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By ned20 - January 30 - 12:21 pm

  Bought the new crv 2014 lx model July of 2014. Just this winter when temperature drops 40 f below, grinding sound from the engine will shoot up for 5 to 8 seconds ( first start in the morning. Took it to the dealer and change the vtc actuator. Scared that it will sound again because a lot of crv owners experienced the sound over again even though they changed the part several times. They should do a recall for this.

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  Long time Honda owner not so happy - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By notsohonda - January 20 - 1:15 pm

  Purchased a 2015 Pilot EX-L thinking it would have better build quality than the other vehicles that looked sharper and had other nice features. After a few weeks of driving my new Pilot Im really disappointed. Door gasket rubs all the time, noises in the dash, back hatch squeaks every time it opens. Gaps in panels on the outside. Engine rattles when running on 4-3 cylinders. Honda are all we purchase but this one....not so happy of a Honda experience.

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  VCM problems - 2010 Honda Accord
  By plymouthma - January 17 - 9:08 pm

  @ 40,000 car had fouled spark plugs from oil leak, got software update, then again burned too much oil fouled spark plugs and needed new small engine block @ 70,000. Honda paid for this after class action lawsuit. Now @ 105,000 the catalytic converter gone, I am told converters usually last the life of car unless fouled by oil. Honda wont take any responsibility for it. They have sold me my last Honda.

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  Head lights are awful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kvalenti - January 8 - 1:12 pm

  I have had this car for over a year and hate it at night I cant see the road even with the high beams on. The road noise is very loud. When I go down hill the gears dont down shift and the sound is awful. And the other day I had the ABS light the Power Steering light and the Traction control light come on so now I have to take it in for service I am trading it in as soon as I can and not for another Honda. Very disappointed.

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  Constant computer glitches! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By tovalady - January 7 - 3:19 pm

  Our 2014 CR-V has had nothing but computer glitches from the day we bought it,it is in the shop again as I write this! 10 attempts later and the car is still not working correctly,So far we have sent a certified letter to corporate to lemon law this vehicle but we just keep getting the "let us fix it " song and dance! It has come down to having to lawyer up and demand a refund or replace the car...Tired of trips being cancelled and being inconvenienced and PAYING for a car that has obvious factory issues! One would think Honda Corp. would be more than compliant with doing the right thing! Very disappointed!

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  A real reviewer - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By golfcart2 - January 4 - 5:44 pm

  We bought this car based on the great reviews. After owning this car for almost 4 months, I now suspect that most of the reviews are written by the dealers. This car is a huge disappointment. It drives like a golf car. A little bit of wind on the highway, and you better be holding on to the steering wheel with both hands as the car blows all over the road. Just drove it today in about 2 inches of snow and actually got stuck coming out of a driveway - unbelievable. The rear visibility is awful and the back up camera is useless. The interior is cheaply made. And the exterior rear of this car has so much cheap black plastic around the window - it is really quite ugly.

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  Older models better - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By phonehark - December 22 - 8:09 am

  This is my third odyssey - I loved my minivans but this 2015 not so much. I just traded my 2010 touring for the 2015 exl with nav I was told the only difference was the vacuum and bigger tv screen..Since I didnt need either I went with the model below the elite and I am not happy...the driver set up is Not convenient at all..they got rid off the cup holders that we in the dash so you now have to look down while driving..the cargo box in the front is a big empty box...which mean a bunch of unorganized junk...there is no coin holder for travel tolls...and more so my biggest disappointment is the radio quality! I feel like I am listening to my 1980s radio as a teenager...

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  Time for Honda to leave America in my opinion - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By shorty73 - December 4 - 3:15 pm

  I have two Honda Odysseys a 2011 elite and a 2005 touring. Honda dealerships will not stand behind either one. The 2005 has problems with needing a motor mount due to virbration from variable cylindar management system. Had tires for life if I had maintenance done at the dealer. Went through 4 sets of michelins. None got over 30,000 miles. Honda made dealers by a 30,000 tire changing machine and my tires (free for life started costing me 340 dollars for each new set. Bought a service contract from Honda dealer and after two years had to replace two windshields. The policy did not cover OEM parts. Now I own a Hybrid part Honda and part Aftermarket crap. Having strut problems not covered.