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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  Transmission failure after 15,000 miles - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chad - August 24 - 7:05 am

  We leased our 2015 CRV for the fact we liked the new body style and the fuel economy was great. We leased for wife to drive and this gave me the peice of mind that the services would all be done at the dealership and she was in good hands. All was well with the suv, we drove it from ohio to florida and back for vacation and it had great fuel economy. However on our next trip to Tennessee we had major transmission problems over 100 miles away from home. On the way I was driving and noticed that the rpms would increase and decrease rapidly. I thought maybe some bad gas was causing the issue and stopped to assess the problem. At idle the car was fine and as I increased the throttle there were no issues. Back on the road about 15 miles and the car seemed to get worse rpms surging. We decided to turn back and limp it home to the dealership we bought it from. About 20 miles heading back the shifts got worse and the D light on the dash starts to flash. I immediately pulled over and safely got to a gas station. By the time I pulled into the gas station the rpms were at 4000 just to get the car to move a little and you could here squelling from the transmission. 3hrs later (I forgot to mention my wife was 4 months pregnant and very emotional as the trip was for valentines weekend) we got the car to the nearest dealership to assess the transmission. The CRV only has close to 15,000 miles on it and the codes thrown for the transmission were showing total failure. We tried to get a rental from the dealership, but we didnt have honda care just 24hr roadside assistance so they said no coverage. After many calls to our dealership and the 24 hr roadside assistance (got hung up on a couple times by them) we decided to give up on them. The dealership we were at helped us get a good rate on a rental that WE paid for and decided not to have the car ruin our valentines weekend and I am actually writing this review in Tennessee. I have been a honda fan as they usually have great cars (I have the ridgeline), but I think they may have tried something new and failed. The new cvt transmission seemed good at first, but now I do not have high hopes for it.

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  2016 Honda Pilot EX - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Arthur Roan - August 16 - 1:33 pm

  I brought this car mid of last year and already put 21K miles on this car, recently the emission system failure light turn on and I already sent back to dealer for second time last week because light turn back again. Dealer told me Cata Converter cap needs to be changed, fuel injectors need to be replaced and also fuel line pips need to be replaced too. I am not sure what happened to this car and not sure dealer can fix the issue or not after replaced lots stuffs from car.!!! Tired of to keep bring my car back to the dealer and driving a small loaner car civic.

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  Just say no - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Rosa - July 28 - 6:22 pm

  I owned the 1991 Honda Accord dx. It was the worst car I have ever had. It had electrical problems up the Yang. And left me ( mother of 2 ) stranded all the time.

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  No more honda 4 me! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Nomore honda4me - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought an ody for quality - what a mistake. Its been to the dealer 4 times already. A serious "drift to the right" problem forcing me to hold the van straight by applying force to the steering wheel to keep it straight. The power door decided to start opening and closing itself one day while in my driveway! The rear vents are nosiy as all heck and had to be replaced but the replacements are squeaking a bit now too, and some of the dash lisght come on and then go off while driving! Serious lemon.

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  Disappointed with suspension - 2016 Honda Accord
  By badhonda - July 15 - 4:22 am

  2016 Touring needed front struts, rack and subframe replaced due to clunking from day one

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  NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sherry E - June 25 - 5:27 pm

  The 2016 CRV still has a serious vibration issue and there is no fix from Honda. I had a 2015 first and was told that the 2016 did not have the vibration issue but that was not true. Honda used to be a good car but really dropped the ball on this issue. I would never buy another Honda. Buyer beware!!!!!!

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  A rough riding, stuttering, vibrating mess - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Chris - June 25 - 11:18 am

  While I wasnt originally planning to buy an Accord, many of my other top choices were in limited supply or unavailable, so after reading countless glowing reviews from Consumer Reports, Edmunds, KBB, and others, raving how this was the "best Accord ever," and the best family sedan in the segment, I decided to go ahead with it. Id wanted a V6 model, but those were nowhere to be found near me either, so I took a chance on a clean, low-mileage, certified, fully loaded EX-L with "the best CVT in the business" per the reviews. I took it for a test drive on the local roads and everything seemed alright. Good news first: On paper, there are some great features which is why I had selected it over a Camry. Pre-collision warning (which I ultimately had to turn off as it sends false alarms at least 3 times per day), side-view camera, and great MPG (which I didnt really care about, but Ill take it). Interior materials are hit-or-miss, but I knew that going in. But any benefits are far outweighed by three glaring flaws: Vibration: Buyers remorse set in quickly over the next few days as I made the first few commutes to and from work. I found at some stop lights that the car would start vibrating, like very loud air conditioner or radiator fan engaging - a deep, resonating vibration through the pedal, steering wheel, and seat that you could feel and hear. If I had a drink in the cupholder, I could hear the ice jiggling until I started moving, or put it in neutral. It seemed to vary by day - some days it didnt do it at all, but when it did, it did it at every stop. So of course when I brought it back to the dealer, they couldnt find anything. Awful CVT: I also noticed in slow-moving, stop-and-go traffic that I had trouble modulating the speed - the car seemed to stutter and wobble like it couldnt decide what to do. Press the gas, and it would hesitate, then pop forward. Moving along at 20 MPH or so, then letting off the gas, the car would coast for a few seconds, then suddenly pull back to a stop, wobbling back and forth as it slowed. Pulling away from a stoplight, it often felt like it was stuck in a high gear, struggling to move, then it would slip down into a lower gear and slingshot forward. Very inconsistent. At first I thought I just had to get used to the new car, but I never could. Theres a TSB out for it, but I never got to find out if it works, as the dealer refused to perform it because their service people said it doesnt apply to my car (wrong - the VIN matches) and that "my car doesnt even have a CVT" (I gave up at that point since I could tell this was going nowhere). Im sure I could get them to do it if I pressed harder, but I wont be owning the car long enough to find out. Ride: I guess the roads during my test drive were smoother than I thought, because over fresh asphalt, the cars quiet as a mouse and smooth as silk. But its a night and day difference anywhere else. The Accord pops and jiggles over small imperfections and expansion joints, and clunks over over big potholes, sending a crashing sensation rattling through the cabin. Somehow, Honda managed to eliminate tire roar, while also eliminating soundproofing everywhere else. Im not even sure how something with 4 inches of rubber on the wheels can possibly ride like this - I know the Accord is known for a bit firmer ride, but Ive been in many Accords before (friends, co-workers) and they never felt or sounded like this. And yes, I checked the tire pressure. It seems in their quest for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency, Honda completely did away with any standards for NVH. After 6 months and barely 7,000 miles, Im taking the hit and trading the car for another brand because its borderline painful to drive. My first and last Honda - if this is truly the "best Accord ever," Id really hate to have experienced the prior generations.

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  Issues with 2015 Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By pramodk - June 21 - 3:46 pm

  I have brought the new 2015 Honda CRV in NJ and from the day one I noticed a vibration on the front seats, I report that to local dealer and American Honda. Dealer checked it with other new 2015 models and confirmed that this is with all Honda CRV 2015 Models. I reported the same to American HOnda and they told me GET LOST. The vibration is not always but few times but is strong that you can literally feel it at the back. Very sad that HONDA put my feedback under the carpet and washed off their hands with there responsibility. I told them that the vibration is so strong that my driving get distracted and I get a feel of discomfort but they did not listen to me and closed my case :-(

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  Dont buy it!! Try another vehicle! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Esther F - June 20 - 7:45 am

  I financed a CRV SE in September 2016 and two days or so after having the car I had to go back to the dealer complaining about this vibration that is only felt when the car is idle or when stopped at a light and/or traffic. I feel very disappointed in Honda for not having a fixable solution to this problem. The dead just tells that "its a V4 what you are experiencing/feeling its normal" there no way in hell that you can say that a car thats clearly vibrating and that you as the "tech or mechanics" is also feel that theres something not right on the vehicle you can tell me its normal!!! The worst part is that they tell me that they can get me into another car but its going to put me a negative equity or something thing like that which means that they are going to give me a quote on how much the CRV is valued as of now and they are going to deduct what the consider out it and then Ill owe the rest! Totally not fair.. I feel that as a "respectable" brand as Honda should have more respect and transparency with its customers and fully advice them of this problem! But, thats not all the "AWD"crap is BS.. I had such a hard time driving in the snow this Winter and to make it worst I was stuck!!! In the snow. I had to get out and shovel my way out and just so you know I have a bad back! No its totally unfair to be paying all that money to get into a car thats not even going to give you half of what you are paying for, so do yourself a favor and dont buy a CRV..

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  Do your homework before you buy an hrv! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Doug - June 4 - 12:34 pm

  After buying several new cars (luxury included), I thought that I was a faithful honda customer (the last 3 new cars Ive bought have been Hondas), but this HRV has changed my opinion about Honda. Shortly after I bought it, the hrv started shaking and rattling so bad that its embarrassing to drive with passengers in the car. Ive never driven a car that does this, let alone a brand new 2016! I took it to the dealership who told me to leave it for at least 6 hours and theyd try to figure out what is making all of the noise. Since no other customers had compained to the service dept about their Hrvs yet (I was the 2nd person to buy an Hrv at that dealership), they didnt know where to even start on mine. I didnt have an extra 6+ hours to waste that day, so Im planning to have the shaking and rattling diagnosed when I go in for my first oil change. My Hrv is making lots of noise from the front drivers side wheel well and the rear passenger door panel. It also creeks and squeeks when it goes over speedbumps or up a curb to go into my driveway. It was soo bad that a Co worker who wanted an Hrv like mine went to lunch with me in my car and changed his mind after riding in it. He ended up buying a Subaru. I dont blame him. None of this happened on the test drive, obviously, or I wouldnt have purchased it. This all started happening within the first month of ownership though. Maybe I got a lemon, but if the rest of the new Hrvs are like mine, Honda has seriously dropped the ball with their longstanding tradition of quality when it comes to the Hrv. This is is the only new car that Ive ever regretted buying. Not what I expected from Honda and Im greatly disappointed.