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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  Honda Reliability Has Degraded - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - August 25 - 11:29 am

  Honda has long known there was design problem with the variable timing chain actuator (VTC Actuator) in a number of vehicles since at least 2008 model year. Honda issued TBA 09-010 in October 2012 about this problem. The problem could occur outside the normal warranty period. Symptoms include a grinding or rattling noise on a cold start after the car has been at rest for approximately 10 hours. The cost of repair will be in excess of $600.00 for the customer. Honda refuses to extend warranty or do a recall. The problem with the recall is this, if they replace the VTC Actuator it will likely fail again. I will never buy another Honda product.

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  Honda Reliability Has Degraded - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - August 25 - 11:29 am

  Honda has long known there was design problem with the variable timing chain actuator (VTC Actuator) in a number of vehicles since at least 2008 model year. Honda issued TBA 09-010 in October 2012 about this problem. The problem could occur outside the normal warranty period. Symptoms include a grinding or rattling noise on a cold start after the car has been at rest for approximately 10 hours. The cost of repair will be in excess of $600.00 for the customer. Honda refuses to extend warranty or do a recall. The problem with the recall is this, if they replace the VTC Actuator it will likely fail again. I will never buy another Honda product.

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  Severe Transmission Problems - 1999 Honda Accord
  By HondaBlows - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Transmission on this car is defective (same transmission used in 98-01 models). Apparently Honda doesnt care about 98-99 owners b/c the extended warranty on their junk transmissions only covers 00-01 models. People should know they are not standing by their product and causing far too many owners a great deal of hardship by forcing them to replace the faulty transmissions at their own expense. Do not buy this car thinking you are getting "legendary" Honda quality. That is BS. I guess I should at least thank them for converting me into a Toyota customer (even Chevy Cavalier is looking good compared to this thing).

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  Disappointing - 2001 Honda Passport
  By njbrit - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I had resisted buying an SUV, but the Subaru dealer I went to for an Outback was so obnoxious, I went to Honda. They were clearing out the 2001s and I got a great price. The dealer however, did not tell me that I was not getting a Honda, but an Izuzu - with Honda badges. I have hated this SUV since the first long distance (250 miles) trip. Its uncomfortable, noisy and thirsty. Also, every time we drive on an expressway for more than 30 miles or so, when we stop the thing sounds liek a diesel - but the dealer has "never heard of a problem like that" and "cant find anything wrong". To be honest, I dont know why we still own it.

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  Not Happy - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By TaB - August 10 - 2:00 am

  When we bought what we thought would be our dream van with 27k on it we were expecting at least 250k -300k before any major problems,well not so.I drive about 60k a year and and need dependability so I bought a honda knowing about there good name.I now have to spend 1500+ to repair the AC which blew apart.The van is serviced every 6k and this should never have happened.I am looking elsewhere for my next van/truck.I had a plymoth van that was still going strong after 300k maybe luck maybe not.

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  Should have been better... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stuart - August 6 - 7:56 pm

  I bought this car for the safety, reliability, resale value, and fuel economy. After living with it for 6 months, I really dislike this car. The ride is noisy, bumpy and harsh all the time, the windows and dash are full or rattles, and the drivers seat is a miserable place to spend any time. Cloth upholstery is at the bottom of the class. The standard stereo has a cd changer but the sound is not good. The headlights put out a lot less light than I was expecting. Honda has a great reputation, but that appears to be all you are paying for on this car.

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  Research the DEALER as much as the car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By furiousbuyer - August 4 - 5:07 pm

  The cabin of this car is small and is not conducive of 5 people traveling. I am 54" and if I position my driver seat to comfort my driving. I can not comfortably fit in the backseat. The cup holders are small, although there is a larger one underneath there is only one, that is usable only if the smaller tray is removed. The compartments in the door can not hold even a water bottle. The USB connection underneath the radio is apparently not compatible with (HTC, Galaxy, IPhone), although it worked fine for the first month! The other USB port is a 1.5 port and it takes a lengthy period of time to charge anything. The stereo has been beeping and switching screens since two months after I purchased it (bought in April 2016). Between two dealerships here was an update done on the stereo and low and behold....same problem. The dashboard houses a loading circle everyday which prohibits me from seeing the speed and every other feature of the the dash screen. HONDA CORP AND THE DEALERS HAVE DONE NOTHING AND NOW I FIND MYSELF IN A LAWSUIT TO REPLACE A STEREO. ***UPDATE: As of July 2017 my stereos parts have finally, finally been replaced. I have waited over a year and half to have this fixed which is scream for help as far as Honda standing by their product. Furthermore, I have been having trouble as an expecting mom with the height of vehicle (sits too low), and the room in the vehicle is barely sufficient to hold an infant car seat and use the front seat properly. a reduction of the trunk to add more space to the cabin would be a PLUS!!!

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  Research the DEALER as much as the car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By furiousbuyer - August 4 - 5:07 pm

  The cabin of this car is small and is not conducive of 5 people traveling. I am 54" and if I position my driver seat to comfort my driving. I can not comfortably fit in the backseat. The cup holders are small, although there is a larger one underneath there is only one, that is usable only if the smaller tray is removed. The compartments in the door can not hold even a water bottle. The USB connection underneath the radio is apparently not compatible with (HTC, Galaxy, IPhone), although it worked fine for the first month! The other USB port is a 1.5 port and it takes a lengthy period of time to charge anything. The stereo has been beeping and switching screens since two months after I purchased it (bought in April 2016). Between two dealerships here was an update done on the stereo and low and behold....same problem. The dashboard houses a loading circle everyday which prohibits me from seeing the speed and every other feature of the the dash screen. HONDA CORP AND THE DEALERS HAVE DONE NOTHING AND NOW I FIND MYSELF IN A LAWSUIT TO REPLACE A STEREO. ***UPDATE: As of July 2017 my stereos parts have finally, finally been replaced. I have waited over a year and half to have this fixed which is scream for help as far as Honda standing by their product. Furthermore, I have been having trouble as an expecting mom with the height of vehicle (sits too low), and the room in the vehicle is barely sufficient to hold an infant car seat and use the front seat properly. a reduction of the trunk to add more space to the cabin would be a PLUS!!!

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  Nice car but needs tweaks - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Chris - August 4 - 9:13 am

  There are two info screens which doesnt make any sense. As well the lane sensor only works on the passenger side, which again is not logical. I like seeing the indicators on the side mirrors which the Accord doesnt have. The middle storage/armrest is too short-not long enough for both the passenger and the driver to comfortably rest your arms. The trunk is a decent size but the opening into the back seat area is small. Finally the rims are ugly unless you get the sport or the V6. I love the look of the car but there are too many things I dont like about it. Ill wait to see what they do with the 2018 version.

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  Problems!!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By aab4 - August 4 - 6:53 am

  Been in Shop a few times, power door motors replaced, heating problem in winter not yet resolved, sad to say, not as nice as my neighbors AWD Sienna. If I had to do it all over, I would have gone with AWD Sienna. In my opinion, Honda quality has slipped, and when I think of quality, I think of Honda service, and Im sorry, Toyota simply blows them away. There was a time not too long ago when that wasnÂ’t the case.