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:

• 

  water leak - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Triz - August 6 - 7:45 am

  Please stay away from this car. Honda pilots are having a major water leak and the dealer has not idea how to fix it.

• 

  DO YOU WANT TO DIE - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Slip Stream - July 3 - 12:10 pm

  Several times the hesitated upon acceleration. Almost hit several times crossing streets infront of on coming traffic. The seats are great if you are a little little tiny person. Do not curve very will for a comfortable ride. more to follow

• 

  Never buy Honda CR-V - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Shaw - June 10 - 11:26 pm

  I bought a new Honda CR-V EX 2017 in February 2017 from the dealership, Castle Honda, in Morton Grove, IL. The car has problem getting started and, as a result, has become very unreliable and undependable. It has happened four times already and three times in less than last three weeks. First time the problem happened in August 2017 when I tried to start it after not driving it for a week when I was in vacation. I was able to jump start it with my other car. Second time the problem happened on 12/11/2017 and I was not able to jump start the car. I had to call the Honda roadside assistance on 12/12/2017 to tow the car but the tow truck guy was able to jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda, the service department did some testing of the battery and said the battery was fine and they did not know the reason for the problem. I told them about the tailgate door not working properly as well, they tested that also and informed me that the struts were broken and and they ordered those parts. I drove back the car home hoping that the problem was fixed. I drove the car to Castle Honda again on 12/14/2017 to install the tailgate door struts. I am yet to find out what else is wrong with this car. Third time the problem happened on 12/29/2017 and I was not able to jump start the car. I called the Honda roadside assistance and this time they sent a guy to jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda, the service department tested the battery again and said the battery was fine and they did not know the reason for the problem. They told me to tow the car next time the problem reoccured. I again drove the car home hoping that the problem was fixed. Fourth time the problem happened was on 12/31/2017. I had to wait and seek roadside assistance on 1/2/2018 as the dealership was closed on 12/31/2017 and 1/1/2018. I called the Honda roadside assistance around 6.30 AM and requested specifically for the car to be towed, they said the expected time was between 3 and 8 hours. The tow truck showed up to pick up the car around 11 AM. The tow truck guy from J-TEAM AUTOMOTIVE declined to tow the car and started showing lots of silly excuses of why he could not do it. I did not want to let him go and wait another 5 hours before any help arrived and so I let him jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda and turned it off while waiting in the queue in front of me, the car could not be started after that. The dealership service department tested the battery and this time found the battery to have issues and replaced it. I do not know if this will resolve the issues with the car and the car continues to be as unreliable and undependable as it were. It appears to me that the dealership sold me a faulty car which has caused me lots of inconvenience and has costed me quite a bit in terms of hassle, time spent on the issues and missed work. I have been in contact with American Honda since 12/11/2017 and they have opened up a case on my car. The case manager keeps telling me that they bear no responsibility for the dealership or the roadside assistance and also only thing American Honda can do is to fix any issue the car may have since that’s what warranty is for. He does not appear to understand that having too many issues like I experience make Honda CR-V a inferior quality product, American Honda a low-grade manufacturer and Castle Honda a low-grade dealer. I have extremely negative customer experience with Honda CR-V, American Honda and Castle Honda. I will never buy any Honda product and tell others not to buy Honda products as well.

• 

  What happened??? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bradly B - May 23 - 8:23 am

  I bought Honda based on reputation and its turning into a nightmare!!! Where to begin? Poor gas mileage, Brake shimmy and now new pads!!! Power doors closing, then opening, then closing again! Next time (in 2 years when lease is up), a Sienna!!!

• 

  The worst car I ever bought - 2008 Honda Accord
  By desibaba - May 17 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car for 19,500 (including taxes and fees) on the road (2008 accord LX 5AT). So make sure you get the best bargain. Dont buy this car if you dont have to. I test drove Toyota Camry also. That is not any better - lack of power. The drive feels like I am driving a U- Haul truck. I just hate this car.

• 

  This car is Garbage - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Tom T - May 16 - 10:04 am

  Do not buy this car the battery is smaller than a lawn mower battery and does not hold up the dealer and maker give you the run around it has a poor design and the do not back the car it is a joke

• 

  Watch Out -- Lemons are out there - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Hawk - March 27 - 4:52 am

  Purchased my 2016 Pilot LX in late July -- what a mistake ; after 300 miles heard a popping noise in chassis / suspension when backing out and steering to move forward - very pronounced; brought in for service and the service rep said it was a bushing; well it re-occurred -- now 1500 miles and it is in the shop again -- guess what -- was told that Honda is aware of the problem BUT while no TSB is out , Honda mechanics tried another fix with the drivers side wheel assembly and frame ... will see how this holds up in a month. Otherwise, the LX remains a very good vehicle ... just that after owning my share of American cars in the 60s and 70s where it was the norm to visit the dealership within a week oe two for defective issues, I have gotten "spoiled" in owning good foreign cars where a visit to the shop is only for scheduled maintenance. Update 12/15/2016- the popping noise has returned -- so much for Honda Quality unless totally built in Japan.

• 

  Worst paint and customer support - 2009 Honda Civic
  By btq4f@mst.edu - March 11 - 10:57 pm

  I have a Honda Civic 2009. The paint started to crack and peel from two years ago. the peeling and cracking is now everywhere on the car. It was a shame everywhere I went in these two years. Since I bought the car used, I thought the car was repainted because of an accident. However, I recently searched online and found out that this is a wide-spread problem for various Honda models!!! I called Honda customer service and was told that because my car is just out of warranty (for twenty days) the repaint job should be done on my own expense, no matter the problem was persistent for last two years. Putting aside how much shame and discomfort this car has brought for me in these years, I was shocked how rude and irresponsible they are in dealing with their loyal customers. My suggestion to you all my friends is: NEVER go for Honda for your new car! Compared to the value and respect other automotive manufacturers like Toyota, etc would provide, it is crazy to invest your money on a car that brings discomfort for you when the company also refuses to take responsibility for their defected products.

• 

  Worst Honda Ive ever owned. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Wendy - March 6 - 9:07 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and by far the worst. Loud air conditioning whistling when its hot outside. Fan replaced but did not correct the problem. Hard vibration when stopped and in drive. Dealer claimed it was due to a broken engine & transmission mount, which was replaced. This did not correct the problem. It is worse than ever and now Im being blown off by the service department because they cant figure it out. Check fuel cap light and check tire light comes on frequently and goes off by itself. Im furious that I bought this car ( new ) . Getting ready to start a Lemon Law Claim.

• 

  Most Cool Weird Car Ever - 2003 Honda Element
  By Daniel1716 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is cool. The doors are cool. The power is cool. The CD system is cool. I like this car alot. (can u tell) Honda has done it again by creating a reliable car that is functional, safe, and up to date. The looks of this car start outside and go in. The sterring wheel has a great design (same wheel as in pilot) and the metal accents add a modern twist. The perfect car if you have a small child.