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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  Serious transmission trouble. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Ed Kolb - December 25 - 5:39 pm

  Our family purchased a 2016 Honda Pilot Elite based on Hondas good reputation and experience weve had with other Honda vehicles. Unfortunately the 2016 Honda Pilot Elite, which comes with the 9 speed transmission, has serious transmission problems . We travel a lot and after owning the vehicle for 1 1/2 years already have 69 thousand miles on our Honda Pilot Elite. Problems with the transmission started at 53 thousand miles while driving on the highway at which time the vehicles transmission went out unable to shift out of the gear it was in. Multiple display warning lights came on causing us to drop the car off at a Honda dealership out of town while on vacation. The dealership recognized the transmission issue which reset itself after the car was parked in their shop for several hours. Diagnostic testing failed to reveal any defects. After picking up our vehicle which appeared to be functioning normally, the same problems started againg at 69 thousand miles. After bringing our vehicle in to the local Honda dealership additional tests were done. The transmission problem was again recognized by the Honda Service department, however no diagnosis was able to be made after updating software, changing transmission fluid and consulting directly with Honda Corporate. We were lead to deal with Honda Corporate regarding our transmission issue as the vehicles transmission was now no longer under warranty (ending at 60 thousand miles). Although the initial transmission issue occurred at 53 thousand miles Honda has refused to cover the cost of our transmission. The customer service at Honda Corporate was not what we expected from a reputable company such as Honda. Our Honda has been in the shop for 1 1/2 weeks now without having any work done on it since Honda will not agree to cover our transmission problem. Since the Honda dealership was unable to diagnose the transmission problem while under warranty, they felt justified in passing the bill to us, the Honda customer. We followed the Honda maintenance schedule and brought the vehicle in when the service lights presented themselves on our display. It is apparently recommended that the Honda Pilot undergo transmission fluid changes every 30 thousand miles costing approximately $250 each service. Our Honda Pilot was at the Honda dealership at 32K and 45K miles and thereafter, it was never recommended to us to change the transmission fluid. Honda Corporate appeared to use this information against us to hold us responsible to pay for the failed transmission. A district manager from Honda made a decision that wed be responsible for $750 of the repair while Honda would cover the rest of the $6200 transmission. Although better than paying for a new transmission, this problem occurred while under warranty and Honda is not living up to their promise or reputation. The district manager who is responsible for deciding how much the Honda customer is responsible for paying apparently will not speak directly to the Honda customer, interesting to us. We have already incurred the cost of a rental car while on vacation due to this problem and will be without our Honda Pilot for at least 2 1/2 weeks for the transmission repair not including the number of hours dealing with various customer service representatives getting to the point we are at now waiting for our transmission repair. We are disappointed with Hondas handling of our transmission problem which will inevitably affect many more Honda owners in the future as most drivers of these vehicles have yet to place as many miles on the 2016 Honda Pilot as we have.

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  Why did I buy a 2009 Honda Accord?! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bad Choice - December 25 - 4:46 pm

  I am very upset with Honda and how they are handling the complaints. I have had just about every issue discussed...brakes, tires, handle, lights, mileage and additionally the tube to the exhaust came off so my vehicle sounded like a race car for a bit! How embarrassing! The worst part about it is the issues are not one time they happen over and over again. The dealership said "there was no recall" and that they could only fix with what Honda sends them. So, I called Honda directly and they responded by saying "there is no recall on the vehicle". Unbelievable. I believe both dealership and Honda Corp. are in denial and dont want to spend the money or invest the time to make it right.

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  Great On Gas - 2008 Honda Civic
  By UNC Medic - December 25 - 5:10 am

  I got the Civic after several co- workers talked about how much they loved theirs. I went from a crown vic w/p71 package to this and love it. Much better on gas first tank had 39 mpg now after 3 tanks avg 35 mpg all highway @80 mph. Its comfortable considering I am a big guy (6,2) and not exactly small. LOL. The interior is great love the leather seats I bypassed the ex-l w/navi for reg ex-l and not sorry. The ride is fine but loud on certain types of pavement (hwy) anyway. Would highly recommend one. Going one way to work @57 miles its comfortable and dear I say sporty. Head room is great even with the sunroof.

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  What a pile of junk! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By topfuel564 - December 25 - 4:41 am

  Coming from a Ford fusion sport that was 5 years old, this thing is a HUGE disappointment. Very poor design and functionality. I cant adjust the seats to what I need to support my long legs. The stereo doesnt stay on after the engine is turned off, every other car in the world does this. Stereo is the worst sounding Ive heard in a new car since my 1997 pontiac grand prix. Infotainment system is clunky and hard to use, not intuitive in the least. No rubber trays in the bottom of the cup holders and interior storage trays, things rattle and slide and its way more difficult to clean. The rear seats dont go down after you pull the releases, you have to open the rear doors and pull down on the seat backs. The camera on the passenger side makes no sense when your biggest blind spot is on the left. The drivability of this car is the worst of any vehicle I have ever owned including a 31 year old truck truck with warped brake rotors that stops smoother. The transmission is AWFUL, I have never experienced a normal automatic transmission that behaves like this one does. Sport mode seems to make it behave worse if that is possible. From a stoplight I sped up to 45-50 mph then let off the gas, the car stopped on its own before I got to the next light. Going down a hill starting at 50 mph the car slowed down to 40 mph at the bottom and the tachometer was at 4,000 rpm. Even in normal drive you let off the gas to roll around a corner the car starts slowing down on its own. Going uphill when you accelerate the car will lag for a second or two before it will downshift hard. The brakes will grab several times as the car slows down from 45 mph occasionally hard enough to snap my head back into the headrest. I cannot stand this car, I absolutely hate it with a passion. I should have stayed with Ford.

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  Have gear will travel - 2004 Honda Element
  By heffe - December 24 - 11:26 pm

  I live in NH. and travel all over New England and down the coast. I play in a variety of musical acts and haul my drums and sometimes my bassists gear as well. The E just eats it up and has performed very well for me. My last car was a Chevy Tahoe, so I am coming from a big rig. Ups: Loads of room, and comfort. Good stereo, Jack for my XM. Downs: Braking could be better. Road noise (due to no carpet?) is a little high ( see nice stereo above) and wind noise and buffeting is high. In all, I get lots of comments..."cool!" "ugly!" "box" But have you seen the Rover Discovery? How about the Hummer? Now run the prices. nuff said. Come on hybrid.

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  First (Japanese Car) Honda Accord EX - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Don W. - December 24 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased this car in Dec 2004 with 69000 on it from the original owners. Happy so far. Good gas mileage andcomfortable ride. I have had to put an O2 sensor in it after 1 week of ownership. Something that you cant predict of going out. I will keep you informed of my feelings of the car.

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  Great Granny Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Granny - December 24 - 7:03 pm

  Got the van to transport grandkids + in their car seats. Too new to give a gas mileage review - has only 600 miles on it. Wanted an 8 passenger vs 7 so we chose the EX as it had certain features plus 8 seating. (too bad the Touring model was only 7 passenger as it has more features we liked). EX drives like a dream. Easy to handle & park - no problem adjusting from driving a small Civic to a van). Nav system & voice recognition are FANTASTIC. In Floor Lazy Susan nice storage. BUT for a $35,000 + vehicle, it LACKS SAFETY FEATURES that Toyota Sienna has, i.e., Front & Rear Intuitive Park Assist, Dyn Laser Cruise Control, Day Run Lights, Auto Dim Inside & Outside Mirrors, Auto Open Tailgate.

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  Whats not to love? - 1991 Honda Accord
  By TexasRooster - December 24 - 5:50 pm

  Ive owned my 91 Accord EX for close to 10 years (Im the 2nd owner), and have logged close to 200k of its 243k miles. This is the epitome of reliable, inexpensive transportation, with a good touch of class thrown in. Everything runs as smoothly as it did the day I bought it. No problems with body integrity or rust (although I do live in the snow-free South), and the sunroof has never had a leak. I have had a problem with the trunk leaking from time to time, however. Excellent brakes and handling, though the automatic transmission hasnt always been the smoothest-shifting. Fuel economy is good--I get about 26 mpg on the highway, around 22 in the city. A lot to love about this car!

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  Good performance, Pood design - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Road Hazard - December 24 - 4:38 pm

  My experience with the Odyssey has generally been good except for a major repair to the AC compressor at 11000 miles. A small stone the size of a pea penetrated the compressor and required a $450 repair at my expense. Honda claimed this was a road hazard damage. Warning to all Honda owners: There are Billions of these pea sized hazards all over the roads in the USA!! Honda needs to add deflectors in the front grill to reduce the potential damage.

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  gas mileage!!! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By amanda=) - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car strictly for the gas mileage. I commute quite a bit and this was important to me. The Idea that $10 will pretty much fill your tank, and I can almost all week on that tank. that really does alot for me. I can pretty much whatever I want in it. my civic is very versitile!!!! I didnt even like it when I bought it. but I think its growing on me.