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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  Disappointing reliability - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By TMeehan - January 1 - 8:45 pm

  Factory tires didnt last long. I have replaced brakes twice. The transmission has failed. Then Honda didnt stand behind their warranty. It is a dull uninspired people mover. I would certainly consider other options if I had to do over again.

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  Over-rated vehicle (2001) - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe Lojek - January 1 - 8:10 pm

  I have had 2 transmissions replaced by Honda. Only have 89k on odometer. Bought car new have two other Hondas. Oddessy highly over-rated vehicle. Tires need to be replaced at 30-35000 miles (on 3rd set) regardless of type or driving habits. Numerous other ankle biter problems, gas cap door sticks (5x), brake noises, replaced radiator after 2000 miles. I am not happy with this van.

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  CRV- EX 2016 interior noise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa Rosado - January 1 - 6:37 am

  Im just buy my new car a CRV 2016 on February . Im so excited but at the same time worried. The CRV looks amazing but Im worried about the interior loud noise I have to put the radio loud just to ignore the loud noise. I dont know how to explain It feels like an airplane. The noise its so loud I dont know if its normal???

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  Not very impressed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bob - December 30 - 10:06 pm

  Drove a 2006 Accord (EX, V6, Nav) one day, took it on the usual route. The car would shake at idle. I figured with a V6, this car should be rock solid. Not much power. The nav system is horrible! I dont want to talk to my car. Just give me a button to press. Car rode a bit rough, seats were nice, cabin was somewhat quiet. Overall, not very impressed. Car did not feel like it was bolted together very well. A shame too because Ive always wanted an Accord. I ended up purchasing a Maxima.

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  breaking in a new vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kevy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I waited 1 year for this SUV and i think it was well worth it. It drives like a "moms car"; soft, quiet, etc and has all the utility features of a minivan. im not sure about reliability because, right off the lot, rear heating didnt work and one of the front vent broke off. other than than, i get the feeling that the car is well built all around, typical of honda. my thumb is up and we(my relatives) are getting 3 more of these suvs.

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  Very Disappointed - 2002 Honda Accord
  By TPKEARNEY@aol.com - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Accords for 21 years. THIS WILL BE MY LAST ONE! Ive had the driver seat replaced 3 times. The cushion becomes crushed and leans to left. Honda refuses to fix it anymore. The drivers seat doesnt go back far enough, Im only 510". What happened to your quality? Now small things are going. For example, overhead light doesnt come on when door opens, headlight warning buzzer and key alarm doesnt work either. The gas peddle is too high above the floor; very dangerous. Overall driver comfort/room is awful i.e. too narrow & arm resting on door lock knob(why the design change? That was dumb.) Im already talking to the Camry salesman & will buy one.

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  Why did I buy a 2009 Honda Accord?! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bad Choice - December 25 - 4:46 pm

  I am very upset with Honda and how they are handling the complaints. I have had just about every issue discussed...brakes, tires, handle, lights, mileage and additionally the tube to the exhaust came off so my vehicle sounded like a race car for a bit! How embarrassing! The worst part about it is the issues are not one time they happen over and over again. The dealership said "there was no recall" and that they could only fix with what Honda sends them. So, I called Honda directly and they responded by saying "there is no recall on the vehicle". Unbelievable. I believe both dealership and Honda Corp. are in denial and dont want to spend the money or invest the time to make it right.

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  Good performance, Pood design - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Road Hazard - December 24 - 4:38 pm

  My experience with the Odyssey has generally been good except for a major repair to the AC compressor at 11000 miles. A small stone the size of a pea penetrated the compressor and required a $450 repair at my expense. Honda claimed this was a road hazard damage. Warning to all Honda owners: There are Billions of these pea sized hazards all over the roads in the USA!! Honda needs to add deflectors in the front grill to reduce the potential damage.

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  Dont do it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Denise - December 23 - 8:05 pm

  The vibration issue is real!. After five months I began to feel the vibration especially when holding the brake while stopped at a light. It has gotten increasingly worse. Three trips to the service center to be told that this is normal. Shame on Honda. This problem outweighs any positive features.

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  Not what I thought - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Danny9m - December 21 - 10:00 am

  After about 5,000 miles I traded in my Honda for a VW Passat. Here are the reasons. 1) EX had no traction control, isnt part of the EX package. I thought I didnt need it, guess what you need it. When you are pulling out on to a highway when it is wet, you find out you need it. 2) The noise, take a drive on a concrete highway or get on a highway next to a truck. You will find out the skimped on the sound insulation. 3) Take a ride over 70 miles an hour into a turn, or ride on a rough highway at 70 MPH. You will have to hold the wheel with 2 hands, understeer is there.