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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  Its a Truck - 1999 Honda Passport
  By MB2 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Main annoyances are the sometimes squeeky tailgate window and frequently squeeky hood latch. Overall fit and finish are not near the quality you get with a real Honda. It rides like a heavy truck, which it is. Gas mileage is not good. Seats get uncomfortable during long drives. Also a lot of wind and tire noise on the hiway. Very capable off-road vehicle, plenty of power, low end torque, clearance, and decent handling. Good stability in snow and ice. So far no mechanical problems with the brakes or engine (48,000 miles). Well still probably look for something different in the next year or two.

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  One Of The Worst - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By iDragonite1 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has quality issues. The 1st reason is that the car started stalling on me. It stalled on the freeway a number of times and on the street, it is an automatic transmission. 2nd, this car is way underpowered. I had trouble accelerating onto freeways. 3rd, the car handles poorly. The car is front heavy. This makes it diffcult to manuver and avoids things. 4th, the steering wheel is in an awkward position, like a van, and is not adjustable. We got the car brand new from the dealer and used it a lot but took good care of it. My guess is that we probably got a lemon, but that is our first and last experience with Honda.

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  Known Mechanical Problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By M1ke - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda. I have had the car in the shop for front end vibration. Balance and alignment did not fix problem. Car is now in the shop to replace the transmission,(31,000 miles). This is a known problem. Service bulletin has been issued. This make/model also has an intermittant problem with not starting. Sometimes you have to grind the starter and sometimes, you turn the key and nothing happens. This is also a known problem with no fix.(as stated by dealership).

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  Still have the vibration problem - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By E Wang - May 24 - 12:10 pm

  We just got this car a week ago. Did not feel anything when test driving it but feel the vibration the day after purchase with only about 100 miles. What we found out is the vibration only happens when the car is in gear at idle. After doing some search on the internet we found a lot of complaints for the 2015 model but not for 2016. The vibration is similar to a lot of comments people said about 2015: only happens at 600-700 rpm after the car is fully warm up. Went back to the dealer twice already and finally got the manager tried it with me and documented the problem. However, we were told this is the characteristic of CR-V and there is no fix at the moment. They can only file this complaint to Honda and wait for the update. I am surprised that I did not find complaint about it for 2016 on the internet yet. My guess is it probably a lot less severe than the 2015 but you can definitely feel it. The good part is I can turn the heater to maximum to bump up to 700-800 rpm then the vibration goes away but the VIBRATION DEFINITELY IS STILL THERE! Make sure that you test drive it on highway and local for at least 20min before you decide to buy it.

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  Honda is good, when it runs - 1990 Honda Accord
  By rubrenbear - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from a friend 2 years ago. The first few months of owning the car were not spent driving it. The car needed costly repairs such as timing belts, battery changed 3 times, ignitor switch, starter and alternator. Once fixed it stopped entirely. It was towed to the nearest shop but nothing was wrong. An hour later, we tried starting it and it magically was fine! Arrg! Ive had this car 2 years and it almost feels like Im making monthly payment on this car.

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  Great 1st car or x-tra ride around vehicle - 1999 Honda Accord
  By William Henderson - May 16 - 6:20 am

  Trouble with emergency flashers, it doesnt work properly.

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  Man, this car was awful. - 1990 Honda Accord
  By LemonHonda - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I had an immeasurable amount of trouble with this car. I had oil leaks from three seperate spots, a broken resonating thinger (chamber? I forget, but it made a heck of a lot of noise). My muffler broke off a piece and spat it back into the pipe, I had a leaky trunk (compounded by a faulty drain, making a huge puddle), I had to replace the mesh part of the exhaust pipe, had to replace the clutch, had a torn CV boot, improper idling, broken reverse gear, had a blown head gasket, and had a massive problem with the radiator (which I did not fix before getting rid of the car). All this at 115k miles and proper maintenance.

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  I am VERY DISAPPOINTED - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Lisa1536 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Honda anomaly. I am shocked at what is happening to my CVT transmission. It is going out on my 6- year-old car with 78,000 miles. I bought a Honda to avoid problems like this, but unfortunately things are not going like I thought they would. Except for window regulators, I have had no problem with this car, except this $4500 one. I know this is unusual, but understand, it does happen.

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  Honda is slipping - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jeff308M1 - May 12 - 11:13 am

  Car was bought brand new 2 months ago. Already had to have weather stripping fixed and now paint is cracking and coming off all over. Dealership claims it is environmental wear and tear and that Honda uses inferior paint and advised me to claim it on my car insurance. With a $1000 deductible and no proximate cause except a manufacturing defect, their suggestion does not sound like a good idea.

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  Transmission - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By memyselfI - May 6 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH AN AUTO TRANSMISSION! Honda has extended the warranty to 7 year / 100,000 miles due to problems. Great, right. WRONG! With only 39,000 miles on it the trans was leaking and needed replacement. Great, a new Trans. WRONG - REMANUFACTURED. So how much does a new one cost. SORRY CANT GET ONE IN THE USA. So much for Hyundai, Oops I mean Honda. If you work for honda and are reading this. Think about your reputation now, I hope your proud.