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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  Good for 8 hours or 50 miles whichever comes first - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By mmruiz - January 11 - 5:10 am

  Had the car for 8 hours and it died. The car went crazy and all the lights started flashing on and off (interior, dashboard and exterior). Car would not start. Ultimately had the car towed back to the dealer on a flatbed.

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  I bought a piece of trash - 2002 Honda Civic
  By John Thompson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Evidently I was fooled by the claim that Japanese cars are reliable. I bought this piece of junk last month and have had nothing but problems with it. When I pulled out of the dealership, the car died. They dragged it into the repair shop and told me the next day that the fuel line was clogged. I figured that it was a fluke and drove off. Before I got home, the thing stalled again. This time, I found out that an engine module had malfunctioned. I have had it for two weeks since and have had two pieces of trim come loose and fall off somewhere on the highway. Needless to say, I would warn all against buying a Honda, especially the Civic.

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  So Disappointed - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By So Disappointed - December 22 - 11:04 pm

  Bought this as my first new car after driving it in 4 inches of snow and being very impressed at its performance there, and finding a 2007 on the lot in December. Since purchase, have been nothing but disappointed. Terrible gas mileage (21 on mostly highway), cheap radio, slow acceleration, rough ride performance, ridiculuously cheap-looking base wheels, no covered storage in front besides glove boxes, nearly-useless table between seats, uncomfortable driving position, difficulty in seat belting child in with booster seat, and much more had me looking up trade-in value in the first month. This car makes me miss my deteriorating 2000 Taurus with 110,000 miles greatly.

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  Transmission Issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - November 22 - 11:18 am

  This car continues to have transmission issues. Problems with upshifting when going down hill. Car will speed up. Ive been in and out of serivce this past year. Same story, and delays with getting the necessary parts. My first and last HOnda. Im in the processing of trading this vehicl in for a Chevy Traverse or Buick Enclave. Friends have these vehicles and have been very pleased. My wife refuses to drive this vehicle.

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  Bad Truck - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By disgruntled - November 10 - 8:44 pm

  This is by far one of the worst vehicles that I have ever owned. This truck overheats. The heads went bad the vehicle is a total disaster. Seats are uncomfortable. Interior lights, light up on their own. Would not recommend the car. Would not buy again. I have owned Hondas in the past and this is by far a poorly made car.

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  useless usb - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By J Taylor - October 31 - 6:57 am

  When I bought my odyssey, I expressed concern that there was only one jack to plug in my gps/phone. Ive never seen a car, especially a van with only one jack. It was pointed out that there was a USB port which would charge my phone while I used the jack for the gps. Well, after two 3hour sittings at the service department trying to figure out why my phone doesnt charge in the USB port and why I cant keep it plugged into the USB port while listening to an audible book, I was told the USB only works with Iphones! Even the service guys did not know this and couldnt believe it! I have an android phone, therefore the usb is useless for me. And when I plug a multi jack into the regular jack it doesnt stay with a good connection. My other pet peave is I have had the service guys try to fix the car so when it is put in park, all doors unlock. Apparently this is not possible either. It is extremely annoying to get out of the car and try to open the back door or hatch, then have to go back in to hit the unlock button on the door. Or to always have to hit the unlock button to let a passenger in. The more I drive this van, the more I wish I had stuck with the Toyota previa. When I first got the car, My son really liked it and decided this summer to trade in his car for an odyssey. After two months of having this car, he said hed never get an odyssey.

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  Dont Buy! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Shail - October 26 - 3:23 am

  I wrote the following letter to Honda Motor Company (HMC). HMC does not accept email so I had to mail it to them. Dear Customer Service, Re: Our new Honda Odyssey On March 17, 2016 we took the delivery of new Honda Odyssey van. The details of the van are as follows: Dealer: DCH Honda of Nanuet, NY Purchase date: 03/17/2016 Model: Odyssey LX, 2016 year VIN: xxxxxx We are very disappointed with the van interior. The floor carpet in the third row seat is stapled and the break in the carpet is disconcerting. You can clearly see this in the following photograph (not able to post in this review) The front row floor matting is misfit. The middle part of the matting ridges up even though the matting locks are properly secured. Please see following picture. In the back cargo bay on two sides two small hills pop up. Overall the Odyssey interior gives a feeling of cheapness (there are no armrest on both sides of the second row seats). This is our forth Honda purchase - we bought two Civics and one Accord in past. We always assumed great quality from Honda. We never worried about the stylishness and interior quality of Honda craftsmanship. We were not disappointed in the first three purchases. But the Odyssey experience teaches us that when we are in the market for two more cars in 2017 for our twins we better look around to other manufacturer. Thank you for reading this opinion. Regards,

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  This car is DANGEROUS! Worst software ever! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By NoLongerAFan - September 18 - 7:16 am

  1) Left my wife stranded -- Put the car in reverse, foot on brake, not moving, then pressed the stop button. Car locked her out and wouldnt start. Had to mess with locks and start button for 30 minutes before the car reset itself. 2) Transmission is UNSAFE! -- 9 speed cant find the right gear, car stutters, will LAUNCH you downhill. Low speed driving is terrible, cant maintain a constant speed. Seems like really bad software making gear decisions. 3) Lane assist is DANGEROUS! -- Cant help you at all, will not hold the lane. Hey Honda, either you steer or I steer, but whoever is steering better be really good at it. Steering is NOT a cooperative activity! Dont "assist" me with steering unless it can be trusted. 4) So many little software problems. Remembers the seat position incorrectly. 5) Worst entertainment center ever. Seems designed in 1998. Cant use the nav while moving, seriously? I can mess with the radio all day, using the most confusing and distracting software ever devised, but I cant use the nav? 6) The car Dings at uss constantly and randomly. Its trying to tell us something, I have no idea what it is saying. DING .. wait a few minutes -- DING! Who wrote the software for this car, my kids could have done a better job!

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  Rear differential leaking oil after 176 miles - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Patrick - July 27 - 1:02 pm

  Buyers beware: Purchased AWD EX-L model two weeks ago. Noticed oil on garage floor. Oil leaking from rear differential (AWD model). Vehicle is at dealership and service department is contacting Honda. Was happy with the overall performance / ride of the 2016 pilot but reliability is most important to me. Very disappointed.

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  Stay Away - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By drake1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned one for six months...just traded it for a different car. Way too many flaws to list...major ones include a fender that did not match from the factory, and rear seat belts latches that would come unbuckled on their own (leaving my son unattached in his car seat!!!)Seats are hard and too narrow, Stereo is tinny, Road noise is very load, side-to-side visibility is terrible if not dangerous, many of the controls are backwards and the locking system frustrating. Vehicle is NOT roomy inside it is very narrow and tall which makes it feel cramped. The plastics which there is a lot are easily scratched.