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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  2012 Honda Odyssey STILL VIBRATING (10 YEARS LATER) - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By tdadamchik - December 10 - 7:47 pm

  As I head towards arbitration in January 2013 with Honda and do more independent research, it appears that this unfortunate vibration issue has been occuring as long back as 2001. Honda should be ashamed. I am making a personal mission to spread the word of the lack of Honda quality. Honda offered 4500 (2000 of which the lawyer gets) to shut me up and move on. I said, "Thanks but no thanks". Im taking my chances and going before arbitrator. I wanted Honda to pay the difference of what I owe and the KBB so I can just get rid of this thing. They said no. Consumers can only be fooled for so long Honda. The word will spread. [HTML removed]

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  Electric Shock from the ignition key...I should have known better - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By notrch - November 4 - 2:43 pm

  Has anyone else received an electric shock while inserting their 2012 CRV key in the ignition? I have and my finger is still numb and painful a month later. I thought I was becoming more economical when I traded my 2007 BMW X-3 in for this Honda. I am averaging 17 miles per gallon. The navigation system is a joke, I have been in a Staples parking lot with the navigatin telling me the closest store is 364 miles away!!! Dont even try to find a Radio Shack. The voice operation is sporatic and was designed to cause frustraion and annoyance, which it will do with ease...the only thing it does with ease. Thanks

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  First and Last Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By mrbrown3 - October 16 - 7:31 pm

  Disappointed after 1.5 months of ownership! Traded in a 07 4runner and took a huge step down. The vehicle is quite on smooth roads but try some rougher pavement and the noise is clear. Bought this thing for gas mileage and Im averaging 22.4. Not even close to advertised. Test drive one at night on a dark road out of the city and check out the high beams. Headlights are Horrible! Mine has some issue with the electrical system. My lights almost blink off when I come to an idle. Hope it does decent in the snow! It sounds and feels cheap! I dont have enough room to talk about the dealer. I put up with a bad dealer to buy into a quality, great gas mileage car and man did I get burned!!!

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  Drive it on the Interstate before you buy - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jaw407 - October 11 - 1:26 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Odyssey Ex-L with Nav. and rear entertainment for the 2012 EX-L. I tried to return the van the next day and was told my trade was already shipped off and they didnt have it anymore. What a disappointment in the drive. The dealership is not near the highway so the test drive was fine. It wasn’t until after I bought the van and got onto the Interstate that “buyer’s remorse” set in. The wife and I could hardly carry a conversation from the loud road and wind noise. The steering is much more sensitive and it felt like the van was getting blown all over the highway. My 2008 was much quieter and the drive was more enjoyable than this 2012. We travel a lot on the interstate and if I ever get equity back I’m trading it in as soon as I can.

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  ShouldaBoughtAToyota - 2009 Honda Civic
  By miss_l - October 10 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased this car Certified used with just under 35k miles. I thought I was getting a deal. Boy was I wrong. When people buy a hybrid theyre buying it for anything more than value. Now while I have yet to encounter many of the problems I have been reading on the wed, I am in fear for the future of this car. This car is advertised at 40/45 MPG. I have not even had the car a month and I am getting 33.4 and it keeps falling. I am about to have a dealer look at it but even she eluded that the issue will not get better. Worst purchase I ever made and I will be paying for it for 5 years!!

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  Electronically Junkie! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jacksonmom3 - September 6 - 12:28 pm

  I bought my van new. We replaced the engine mounts not too long after the warranty expired. The rear windows electronics shortly died thereafter. We paid to get it painted hoping to stretch a couple more years out of it (it only had 95K miles on it at this point). Then our transmission went out! Another $4500 down the tube. So, we are trying to recoup some money by hanging on to it, but recently (133K miles now) our rear doors have started going out, and I hear a clunking noise occassionally. Looking at the Murano or possibly CRV--almost scared to buy another Honda though!

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  poor quality all around - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By georgiae - August 10 - 11:52 am

  I bought a 2011 honda CRV new. I thought i bought a great car. I was totally wrong, what i bought was a generic car. Horrible road noise, dont use the air and try to pull a hill, your lucky if you get up to 40 mph. tires need replaced after 14,500 miles. Moon Twp Honda basically said " You drove the car" . No kidding i didnt buy it to park in the garage. They offered me 2 tires, i said but there are 4 tires on the car. Too bad per Honda. The management at this dealer ship is awful. Do not buy this vehicle you definately will be sorry, if you do do not but at Moon Twp, Pa Honda, very ignorant management.

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  DONT BUY A HONDA ODYSSEY - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bobbie67 - August 7 - 4:24 pm

  I bought a 2006 Odyssey new. Im retired and drive less than 7,000 miles a year. In less than 2 years, the battery died. Two years later, the 2nd battery died. Today, two years later, the battery died. To date, Ive spent $450 on batteries. The rear brakes wore out at only 40,000 miles. The brake sensor system did not work. Discs, pads and rotors had to be replaced. Eats batteries & tires. Master cylinder and power steering failed. Soft brake pedal dealer can fix. Lousy gas mileage: 15 city, 20 interstate. Handles like a tank. Too many blind spots. Auto-liding door problems.

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  AC Problem - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By malayshah - August 7 - 3:19 pm

  This is first summer for this car and I notice when AC in on and car is not moving there is some kind of moaning loud noise coming from the engine. I took my car to the dealer from where I purchased this vehicle. I was informed that Honda Motors is aware about this issue in 2012 Pilot. Till the date Honda Motors did not solve this problem. Please make a note that the noise is very loud when AC is on and car is not moving. This noise is very annoying. This loud noise giving me migraine every day. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE UNTIL HONDA SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

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  Shocked that I HATE this car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jrs4682 - August 6 - 11:08 am

  This is my 2nd Accord and I hate it. I have replaced all 4 door locks, the lumbar control in the drivers seat, Airbag sensors. The seats are so uncomfortable, I cant drive more than 30 minutes without being in pain. I get car sick when I am riding in the passenger seat due to the road noise and feeling every bump. I have NEVER had a problem with my other Accords only this one but overall I am not happy with this purchase at all and I will be trading in ASAP.