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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  OWNER - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Manager of yellow leaf llc - February 19 - 4:46 pm

  DO NOT BUY THIS BRAND. I bought this car on my birthday late May 2016 so far I drove in 5 months 13,000 mile and it broke down with over heat 150 miles away from my home at midnight, I got crazy because I never prepare for this situation with a brand new car. They towed my car to the local dealership and I had to call my family to pick me up and arrived home 5 am.The dealership took one and half day and found the problems and can not find the parts and tell me how long it gonna be to fix it(at this review is writing). THE WORST PARTS IS HOW AMERICAN HONDA CUSTOMERS SERVICE TAKING CARE OF YOU. The dealership told me that they have loaner car for me but I have to come to pick it up by my own, I call Honda car customer service at 1 800 999 1009 and spoke with Stephanie and asked about reimbursement for car rental from my home(150 miles away) and she said no and sorry. She told me that I should tow my car back to the dealership near by my home, it my fault to bring the car to local dealer that night, how I know that because when the tow truck from Honda arrived and he give me two local dealerships to choose.

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  BIG DISAPPOINTMENT - Consumer ALERT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed !!!! - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I submitted a rating about a year ago on this car - it was glowing. Well, no problems except ONE BIG ONE. A recall on the auto transmission. I rated the car all "1" (low), since nothing else matters if the car has a bad transmission that could cause an accident-this is in their recall notice! I asked about the reported tranny issues before I bought the car. I was told the problem was solved in the 04s. I guess not. So now, I have to have Honda put an oil jet in (my car is 2/3 of the mileage to needing a tranny replacement - so it is likely the tranny is damaged at this point - and so I just wait for a failure). THIS IS THE HONDA QUALITY EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT!!! DISAPPOINTED ! ! !

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  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

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  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

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  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

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  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

• 

  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

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  Riddled with problems, do your research! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Cathy - December 6 - 9:47 am

  In the last year I have been in the shop 7 times for failed mechanics. The spark plugs have been replaced 3 times due to failure (this is a known Odyssey issue), leaving me stranded. Both sliding doors have failed mechanically. The brakes stopped engaging a few months ago. An engine mount broke. And the transmission has had problem after problem, transmission was flushed, had a software update, replaced the torque converter and still there is a loud vibration from the engine.....the dealership will not acknowledge an issue but there is a class action lawsuit out there (google "Honda transmission vibration problems"). I will never buy a Honda ever again after owning this vehicle.

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  My seventh and final Honda. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David. - December 2 - 4:07 am

  1. Navigation. Resets at toll booths. Continually recalculates. Requires three different shots on two screens to show a turn. Cannot adjust frequency, so you will be told 4 times in the last mile before approaching a toll booth. 2. Vibration. I have now had the car in 5 times. I have had all of the parts replaced, the software fixes. It still vibrates. It gives me a headache. I have driven seven Hondas. I will never drive another. It is, to be perfectly honest, an awful car.

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  Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jim smith - November 30 - 10:00 am

  transmission blew up after the first week i had it. Absolutely the worst car I have ever owned. Truely a lemon.