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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  Rattling noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By yblandin - October 23 - 8:43 am

  I have heard this rattling noise for months now. I have even taken it to 2 different Honda Shops and no one claims to hear the noise or even tell me where the noise is coming from.

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  Check Engine Light and Repair costs - 2010 Honda Accord
  By capitals1 - October 13 - 10:12 am

  Since this summer, my 2010 V6 Honda Accord has been in the shop for well over 2 weeks. The check engine light comes on and after reading of others experiences, I just drive it to the dealership before it lets me sit. We have spent a minimum of $700 for each repair. Very disappointed and will not buy a Honda again because I purchased it for reliability and going the distance. My old Dodge gave me 250,000 reliable miles and this car starting having issues a little before I hit 100,000 miles.

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  Never buy hybrid - 2012 Honda Civic
  By nashdesi - October 8 - 12:30 am

  From start to initial speed car vibrates a lot or call it shudders Bought a used car and returned in two days Gave me headache from vibration Saving that dollar from hybrid was not worth My son who is seven could not stand the vibration Will never buy a hybrid again When it switches between electric and engine I cannot bear that vibration and noise Saving some dollar for vibration is not worth it Please test drive throughly before you buy hybrid Do lot of stop and go before you buy On high way any car runs good Good luck on buying hybrid Honest review given by desi

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  Bad Engine (P1009) - 2005 Honda Accord
  By marco8436 - October 5 - 10:57 pm

  As a lifelong Honda customer I nerve thought I would have to write this review but considering my situation I have to do this. This past September, the check engine light code came on. I went to the dealer and the same service adviser mentioned it will cost me another $90 if it is a different code.The same code P1009 (VTC actuator Fail). The Service adviser said to me, “ Sir your car is burning oil inside the engine. You are going to need a new engine for $2500.” I was so shocked, I could say anything. After a few minutes I asked to speak with the manager. He mentioned to me “ Unfortunately, some engine do fail like this”. According to the technician who work

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  Transmission is going to be Trouble! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By roncarr - October 3 - 8:48 am

  This is my third Honda Odyssey (dont ask me why). My 2014 EX-L has the same problem with brake rotors warping every 12k miles. The drivers seat still lacks comfort for all-day driving ( I transport medical patients and run abt. 300 miles per day). This new 8-speed transmission will probably cause a class-action lawsuit... its not going to last. Quite often when slowing for a stop light or other reason, and go to resume speed, the transmission acts like it does not know which gear to go into, and then finally goes into one with a thud! Had the OEM Fog Lights added to the tune of $600... dont waste your money, they throw light the first 3 feet and then nothing! Worthless.

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  1st and Last Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By nepahonda - September 30 - 9:56 am

  This was my first new car purchase. I was proud to purchase a new 2009 Honda Civic EX while in college and working full-time. The car was great when I first bought it. However, currently, I have 66,000 miles on it and it is literally falling apart in multiple aspects. I have the paint peeling on the drive side of the car. My muffler just rusted up completely and fell off. The "top of the line" alloy rims are a complete joke and all four have of them have started corroding and leak air. All sorts of interior paneling and weather stripping is literally just falling off of my car. COMPLETELY DISAPPOINTED in this Honda. We have had other Hondas and none have been this bad. DO NOT BUY ONE!

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  Worst Suspension Ever - 2014 Honda Accord
  By as20045 - September 30 - 7:27 am

  I am a previous owner of a Nissan Maxima, which had a sport suspension. In that car I did feel lots of bumps, but body roll was minimal, and the ride felt composed. I mention the above because I dont think I am hypercritical. This car has the worst suspension I have ever encountered, I am disgusted every time i drive it and i will be selling it within a year. Not only do you feel every bump, there is a huge amount of body roll, and I would say it feels wild and out of control on the highway if you do anything outside of a textbook lane change. I am beside myself that others do not feel the same.

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  No Honda Reliability - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By vq35de1 - September 29 - 3:34 pm

  This car has a lot going for it, its comfortable, has tons of interior storage, seats eight comfortably, etc.... BUT, we have had a lack of reliability including a transmission sensor and now the engine. Look into the Honda VCM V6 problems. The cylinder shut off system ends of fouling the plugs leading to a million warning lights and a trip to the dealer. The "fix" is to replace your plugs or short block depending on how bad things got. There doesnt seem to be a fix, just a band-aid. Now Im going to have to trade her in way before I planned because once the extended warranty is up I dont want to pay the maintenance.

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  Update on prior review. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By mazdafun - September 28 - 7:28 am

  After 5,000 miles and three months, i get 41.5mpg using tripmeter/fill up method whereas the car reports 44.4mpg. However, a few problems have cropped up. First, it came with fleas, which I got rid of with a flea bomb and vacuuming daily for a week. Three weeks in, the HVAC started emitting smells for the first few minutes of running. It started as a mulch smell. It now smells like mildew, wet dirty gym socks or rotting meat. I took care of it once with A/C disinfectant and taken it to the dealer twice since it started. I hope it is gone after this second service, but if it comes back again, Im pushing for a refund. The cabin air filter installed at the plant was incorrect.

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  Watch out for the transmission - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By geh86 - September 27 - 1:28 pm

  This Ody replaced my 2003 Ody (I want to 2003 back!). I am very displeased with our 2014 Odysseys shifting. Acceleration/deceleration is not smooth. This has nothing to do with ECO mode. I did not notice this issue on the test drive (should have done extensive city driving). The overall design of the van is nice, but had I foreseen the transmission issues, I would never have bought it. I could shoot myself for not buying the Sienna (which I had driven [not by choice] as a rental several times). I kept telling myself the Siennas interior and features are not as nice. But annoying transmissions are far worse of an issue definitely not worth the extra 2 miles per gallon!