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:

• 

  If you are taller than 511" dont buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CC58 - September 4 - 6:43 am

  Ive put about 2000 miles on my 2007 EX Civic Coupe. Averaging 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. I like the car for city driving, but it has annoyances that may force me to sell it in the long run. On long trips its bouncy suspension makes me car sick and the twitchy steering forces you to stay alert. Head clearance is a MAJOR problem for those taller than 511". Im 511.5" and my head is 1/2 an inch from the roof. Its very irritating when my hair brushes the roof. Its driving me crazy. Should have gotten the DX with 1.5 inches extra clearance due to no moon roof.

• 

  Disappointed with fuel economy and service - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By EB - September 2 - 6:27 pm

  Firstly, I should say that I think the car is very comfortable and drives very well. My only concern is that I am getting very poor MPG. I did a lot of research before purchasing this car and was very excited about the MPG performance claims, which seemed to be backed up by customer reviews. I have owned the car for 3 months and am currently getting a whopping 28 MPG! I have confirmed this by calculating at the pump. Granted, it is now wintertime and I expect to lose some fuel economy, but since purchasing the car (in September), I have never broken 40 MPG. In the warmer weather I was averaging around 35 MPG in the city, maybe 37 highway. I also own a Prius (and routinely get ~45-50MPG), so I know this is not an issue with my driving technique. I spoke with Honda customer service to express my concerns and they talked about how EPA estimates are not accurate, etc. They suggested I bring it to the Honda dealership and they will evaluate the car to make sure it was working properly and suggested a fuel consumption test. I took the car to the dealership, explaining that the MPG was nowhere near what seems appropriate, and again was given some wishy-washy crap about how Honda routinely expects the cars to perform up to 22% worse than the EPA estimates (which calculates out to 36 highway/38city). They checked the computer system, found no errors, and said there was nothing wrong. I asked about the fuel economy test and they said they dont do it routinely. I called Honda customer service again and they basically had no solutions to offer other than to have the fuel consumption test done (which they only recommended after I asked about it again). Honda customer service did not seem to have an answer as to what would constitute a poor test outcome and what they would do if the test comes back saying 28MPG. The dealership said this will take 2 days to do. I am debating whether it is worth it to bring the car back in for 2 days so they can do the same pump calculation I have done and then tell me this is "within normal". Just beware that the MPG claims are not accurate. I do think the car interior is very nice and I like the rest of the vehicle, but if youre going to dish out an extra ~$6,000, you kinda want to get what you pay for (hybrid fuel economy).

• 

  VTC actuator makes this car stink - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By rconarroe - August 25 - 12:15 pm

  Same problem as the other reviewer. Grinding noise at every start is sooo irritating. Honestly, if someone wanted to trade me for a 2013 Toyota (something) right now I would. The fact that Honda plays dumb and wont fix the problem they created is disappointing.

• 

  Very Disappointed! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Michelle M. - August 19 - 1:43 am

  Well, were one of the ones that got a REALLY bad Passport. We got this car for my husband. We went with Honda because Ive had GREAT experience with Acura and because of Hondas reputation. Passport styling is great, performance is crap. Dealer had to do a complete engine within months of purchase, problems occurred within weeks (rear wiper blades stuck, fuel injector leaks). Car burns oil like crazy--just not a reliable vehicle. We, too, are now stuck with a $300 per month payment and weve got many months to go before we pay this thing off. Currently, it is sitting at the dealer, undriveable--stalling and emitting white smoke from the tailpipe.

• 

  My CR-V - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Sharon Hayes - August 18 - 3:29 pm

  Excellent gas mileage. Good ride. Could be more quiet.. Good in snow. Great for hauling stuff. Could be more comfortable on long trips

• 

  Dont buy an Accord until Honda fixes em - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Lori - August 10 - 12:20 pm

  This is my third Honda Accord and while they finally made some improvements in the body styling, the car is worse than I ever could have imagined! First was a 4-cylinder sedan, second a V6 coupe and this one is a V6 coupe with the current styling. I still like the look of the car. But its noisy as all get out and the brakes are horrid. HORRID! At 20k we had to replace them although it was done under warranty save we paid for labor as the brake issue is now "common and known". My B- In-Law is a mechanic for a local dealership and said he has not seen an Accord NOT need the brakes changed @20k. Today noticed they are smoking. Whats next, fires? Then will Honda fix this issue?

• 

  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jose - August 9 - 1:05 pm

  I brought my crv to service last 3/15/16 to c/o about the vibration I feel when my car is in idle. The service checked it and fixed the problem,. when I drive my car home I noticed a big difference in the mileage. I lost 3miles /gallon. Honda fixd the problem and gave me another problem. I bought crv for the mileage they promised. I called the dealership and still waiting for any solution they can give me. Honda you suck!

• 

  Not as good as they say. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By LowHarley - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I shopped around for a long time. The family is growing and needed a van. Went with the Honda because everyone said it was the best. Have 10,000 miles on it, and has been in the shop twice. First time fuel problems second time new trans. This van is not has good is everyone said. I wish I would have stayed with the Dodge/Chysler.

• 

  Roomy and Smooth, but experieced a few glitches - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By joe Russo - August 3 - 6:35 pm

  The interior crew cab is the most roomy and comfortable of all the competition. And the ride and power are awesome. But not without its problems. The truck was delivered with one of the engine mount sensors disconnected which gave it a rough ride. After this was addressed the dash instrument module plastic window began to rattle and vibrate at various speeds. Also when driven on the highway around 70-75 in ECON mode coupled with cruise control, the engine vibrates and causes the dash to rattle. I returned the car to the dealer to fix (they were unable to fix) and the loaner civic they gave me was very cheap and plastic and also rattled so I think the quality at Honda has become hit and miss. This truck is truly amazing at its best, and around town I dont experience any of these issues. But on the highway, the dash rattle and vibration is not acceptable, and I dont intend to buy another Honda.

• 

  Quality Problems - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Beskra - July 30 - 10:10 am

  Weve had a number of quality problems. We have had it into the dealer about 9 times in 2 months. They have now had it the last 3 days with no end in sight. Ergonomics of many controls are poor, many of them not at all intuitive. We really wish we could go back in time and not buy this vehicle.