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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  Just bought a 2008 Civic LX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BllG - November 2 - 7:58 pm

  Bought a used Civic last week for my daughter. Got a good deal at 113000 miles and wanted to post for others that might be lookng at this car to let you know how it has held up. Body was in great shape - a few minor dings and what not but no paint chipping, fade, or peeling. No rust. Interior, which has been critized, has held up well. No scratches or anything detracting from the interior. Cruise control, A/C, displays, radio, etc., all working with no issues. Also, Im 62" and have zero issues sitting in the front seats...back seats might be an issue but driving it Im very comfortable. Engine still runs strong, no leaks, and the transmission shifts very smoothly even under full acceleration onto the interstate. Plus, these vehicles have a timing chain vice belt, so you dont have to concern yourself with the inevitable 100,000 mile, $1000, timing belt replacement. Power steering works great with no noise from the power steering pump. Car tracks straight and true down the road and handlng is solid. You definitely feel the bumps in the road but this isnt a luxury car with the associated suspension. Engine does vibrate and you can feel it sitting at a stop light esp with the A/C on. But, again, its a 4 cyl and it isnt really distracting. Road noise is definitely there on the highway but I dont sense there are any leaks through the weather stripping...its just an economy car. Couple of issues that are to be expected with this cars history. The passenger side visor had failed...a quick fix through Amazon at $50. Also, the starter, no kidding, quit the same day we bought it. Dont naively send your wife off to the store to get the battery replaced because the car wont start without a jump...youll wind up replacing a perfectly good battery when its really the starter. Ive always done minor maintenance like this on my vehicles but after seeing what was involved (starter placed above the front axle and exhaust) I took it to a shop to get replaced. Getting lazy in my old age. Also, and this is unique to my car Im sure, what I thought might be a simple alignment to fix an off-center steering wheel resulted in the removal and adjustment of the steering column...all told, about $450 to get everything fixed. Drivers side power steering boot is leaking and there is a minor rattling, knocking sound when we turn all the way to the right...will probably have to replace that sometime but not today. Flushed the power steering fluid...helped somewhat but not totally. So, am I pleased with the car? Yes...with a whole week with my daughter driving it. But the engine works well, transmission shifts very well, the A/C and everything else is holding up well (knock on wood). Believe it will be a good car for my daughter as she finishes H.S. and moves onto college. So, if you are wondering about this car with over 7 years on it, I think its held up very well. Definitely one to check out for a new driver.

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  To many times in the shop - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Troy - November 2 - 5:40 pm

  This accord is the worst car i have ever owned it left me stranded to many times. I strongly advise you not to buy one of these cars especially 1994-1997 go for 1998 or newer. Gas mileage is poor im only getting 16 miles to the gallon and if im lucky 18 mpg. If youre looking to save gas look elsewhere you wont find it in this accord. Acceleration is the worst especially for the engine size im very disappointed its extremely underpowered even without the A/C. The air conditioning system is terrible and weak it does not cool the car down honda could have designed it better. I also have noticed it tends to shut of by itself even when im driving which is a real pain. The only positives is it has a decent look and interior and is cheap to fill up but thats it. Steer clear of the 97 accord

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  Sporty CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ruth Bolstad - November 2 - 10:59 am

  This is a fun SUV to drive. I bought it new and it is reliable and I would replace it in a snap. Ive had no problems with this car.

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  Underrated - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stick - November 2 - 10:19 am

  Poor brakes but all else super. Car-like ride- very comfy and well laid out interior. Stop & go mileage pretty poor (15-17). Honda reliability!

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  The vibrations are real - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Tully - November 2 - 6:39 am

  I bought a 2015 Honda CRV Touring in December of 2014. I noticed the vibrations shortly after buying the car. I have 12K miles on the car now. The vibrations have gradually become worse, and Im getting extremely annoyed by them. Its not only at idle when the vibrations occur. Its also at any speed while accelerating gradually. The whole car shudders, the vibrations resonate through the entire car, and my entire body. They seem to get very bad at highway speeds (70+ mph). Its to the point where I dread driving this car, and I dread pressing the gas pedal at all. Its by far the worst driving experience Ive ever had, especially for a new car (that I paid well over 30K for). I have finally had enough, so Im going to start voicing my frustration. If I could get a refund on this car, I would in a heartbeat. Im hoping Honda finds a solution, but Im certainly not holding my breath on that. I have debated posting this, because I know all these vibration complaints will kill the resale of 2015 CRVs. So I may be stuck with this lemon for a while, unless I want to take a huge monetary loss on a resale. If Honda cant come up with a fix, or compensate the CRV owners in some way, this will be my last Honda ever. I should note, if not for the vibrations, I would be mostly happy with the car. Since Im here, Ill make a few other comments on the car. I dont like the low beam headlights. They have a very sharp cut-off line on top. It makes if very difficult to see on rural roads, especially those that are curvy and hilly. On some hills/curves, you can only see 20 yards ahead. I dont think this is an issue specific to CRVs though. Other Hondas, and other makes of cars, also have this sharp cut-off line. The Collision Mitigation System (CMS). This is the system that (supposedly) detects a potentially collision, and will warn the driver via an audible warning, light breaking, or heavy breaking. I was driving to work one day, going around a curve to the right on a two lane highway, with traffic coming the other way. Out of nowhere, my CRV beeped, and applied light breaking. It scared the crap out of me. The CMS radar erroneously detected a potential collision, because of the angle of the curve Im sure. If I was on icy roads, this could have sent my car out of control. I was tempted to disable the CMS system (you do have that option via a push-button on the dashboard). I have not disabled it yet, but if this happens again, I will seriously consider it.

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  Bad Quality - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Murray - November 2 - 12:58 am

  Vibration. CVT transmission shifts badly and jumps forward. Back hatch leaks and window not aligned. Should have stayed with 2012 Toyota

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  worst civic ever made - 2001 Honda Civic
  By jason - November 1 - 8:22 pm

  I was very excited to buy and own this car brand new from dealer. it wasnt until about 85000 miles the problem started. I started to lose the overdrive over a period of 5 to 10 thousand miles. The transmission would shudder while transfering gears from 4th to overdrive lockup. The check engine light then appeared with 2 codes, 0740 tcc circuit lock up solenoid and a honda specific code related to the ELD unit in the fuse box. I brought to the dealer, after auto shop said they cant repair that trouble code. The dealer plainly says that i need a new transmission even though the car drove fine, outside of the overdrive failure. I waited 2 years trying to decide if i should spend 3000 dollars on something that honda should repair, or take a loss and trade or sell it. Just when i decided to have them replace the transmission because the car was still in great condition and low mileage another problem, which i found is another common problem occured. The instrument panel now fails and find out that it will cost about a 700 to 1000 or more to repair. After researching online about hondas since 2000, that they have become one of the top ten worst cars to own. I will never again buy a honda

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  2007 Honda Accord SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By aeroboy - November 1 - 6:22 pm

  I bought the 2007 Accord SE in October 2007, I traded an Accord 2004 SE which had been rear ended and I traded because I did not want the newer 2008 model. I get 36-37 mpg on interstate whisch I think is fantastic for a car this comfortable. I replaced the rear rotors and calipers at about 50,000, they were frozen, other than hat nothing other than oil changes. i replace dthe battery in year 7. The aluminum wheels on mine have oxidized near the hub on each wheel, they look bad, I see the same problem on other Accords and not on others of similar vintage. I recently had a couple small dents removed on the hood and the shop buffed out the paint all around, the car looks new with 85,000 miles. I have 2 people waiting to buy it when I am ready to sell. I have had 2 Accord EX before this and this SE is my favorite Accord. It could be quieter, the wheels are the only thing that detracts from it, I may replace the wheels when I get new tires again.

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  great vehicle until its not - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By mark weiss - November 1 - 3:46 pm

  My 2012 CRV developed a very common widespread problem in Honda 4 cylinder engines, at about 49000 miles. A defective vtc actuator which causes a loud grinding noise at start. This is clearly something that should be covered by Hondas 5 year 60k power train warranty. Honda claims they having been researching how to repair it for four years without success. Meanwhile my vehicle is worthless in trade. just google crv makes noise at start

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  VTC Actuator defect - 3 yr/36000 warranty useless - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By ckholmvik@gmail.com - November 1 - 9:40 am

  I bought my Honda CRV in mid-2013. By the time the car was 1 year old, with 10,000 miles, there was a grinding noise when I would start the car. The grinding noise lasts about 2 seconds. It has been into a Honda dealership several times. I was told Honda is working on a "fix" and that the problem would be addressed when the engineering department had the issue figured out. One year later (but still under warranty), the grinding noise is louder and longer than before, and happens almost every time I start the car. Upon doing some research, I learned that Honda has been installing the defective VTC actuator since 2008, in Accords. The defective actuator was also installed in 2012-2014 CRVs. It appears that Honda continued to use the defective actuator since 2008, yet customers are being told that a "fix" is in the works, 7 years later. American Honda has advised Honda service departments to not replace the actuator as it is likely that the replacement actuator will present the same grinding noise. A regional case manager also assured me that a "fix" was in the works but did not comment when I pointed out that Honda continued to use a defective part from 2008-2014. Honda repeatedly emphasizes that this is not a safety or performance issue, to which I have replied that is likely the reason it has been 7 years with no fix -- it is a low priority and Honda chooses to direct its engineering resources elsewhere. Dealerships will not do anything as American Honda will not allow replacements to be made. This is my last Honda. Their way of doing business is horrendous. What I have now is a vehicle that definitely attracts attention (but not in a good way) when it is started as everyone in the vicinity gets to enjoy the grinding sound of metal-on-metal.