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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  Welcome to Lowered Expectations - 2003 Honda Accord
  By James M. Krupski - October 11 - 10:21 pm

  First of all I am not sure if my car is an LX or EX or what...it just has a V6 emblem on the right side of the back surface. I know it is a V6 with 4 doors, electric leather heated seats, 6 CD in dash CD changer and an electric moon roof...no navigation system. At first glance my car looked very nice when I bought it several years ago. Its sporty look, accessories and power captured my attention. The asking price seemed a little high at the used car dealer. But I relied on Hondas reputation for making solid, reliable vehicles to consider it worth the price. But, just in case, I scoured the internet for feedback from existing owners and mechanics with hardly a peep. I even checked Consumers Digest and they gave it a great rating even after the transmissions had been recalled (They neglected to mention the recall in the review). Now, several years and several thousand dollars above the purchase price in repairs later, I have a piece of junk that keeps breaking in expensive ways. I have replaced the transmission, central computer module, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, brakes (discs and all twice) and the electric window motor in the drivers door. I used to wash and wax the car on a regular basis. But then the clear-coat started coming off of the paint job and rust started appearing along the tire wells, leading edge of the trunk lid and the leading edge of the hood. Now one can simply look online and see web site after web site speaking volumes about how poorly these were made. Its true...you dont get a second chance to make a good first impression. As far as I am concerned now Honda is without honor for creating such a horrible vehicle and for not taking responsibility for its poor craftsmanship when so many problems surfaced on such a large scale. This is simply not worth the scrap metal and plastic it was made with. I am stuck with it since I cannot afford to risk getting another used vehicle that may be a money pit as well and I certainly cant afford a brand new vehicle since I am now a disabled cancer survivor living on SSI. I guess it just sucks to be me and Honda doesnt have to take any responsibility for the mess they have created. *sigh*

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  $$$ if your transmission goes out - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Chris H - October 6 - 4:52 pm

  Beware if you need a new transmission. Mine went out at 125,000 ( my Honda Civic made it to 300,00 without issues). The bill to put in a new one $3,600. The is much higher than many other models of SUV

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  2015 CR-V AWD Touring Potential Death Trap! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By William B. Brigman - October 5 - 3:43 pm

  My (top-of-the-line) 2015 CR-V which I purchase on July 22, 2015 has an engine that is malfunctioning. It frequently and unexpectedly fails to accelerate when the accelerator is depressed. In fact, the vehicle stalls/slows down during these occurrences. Getting through intersections and merging with traffic can get real exciting. These failures have been witnessed by as many as three licensed drivers. A Honda dealership has done two diagnostic test and driving test and can not replicate the condition. The dealership and American Honda Motors express they can not repair a vehicle if they cannot identify the problem. My question is if their technician is riding in the car and the acceleration fails how will they identify the cause especially when their diagnostic equipment does not identify the failure(s). At this time, both the dealership and American Honda Motors tells me there is nothing they can do for the malfunctioning car they made. This leaves me with a $40,000 piece of junk (in my opinion). A car for which I am paying over $40,000 and it is unsafe to drive.

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  Vibration and denials - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By vjones - October 4 - 9:14 am

  I purchased this car in April, and notified the dealership within the first week that there was a vibration. They acted like I was crazy, theyd never heard of such a thing. My car now has 5800 miles on it, and the vibration has gotten worse. You can feel the vibration through the steering wheel, the passenger seat and the drivers seat usually at 2000 RPM and at 1000 RPM. It also vibrates at idle, but not consistently. The vibration at 2000 RPM becomes very pronounced at highway speeds around 70-75 MPH. It feels like driving on rumble strips. Ive had the car back into the dealership 3 times. Ive even tried a different dealer to see if they would be more honest about acknowledging the problem. My experience has been the same each time: The service manager tells me that the "slight" vibration is a normal characteristic of the CRV. They say that Im the only customer out of the thousands that theyve sold this car to who has complained about the vibration. They say that they havent even heard of the 2 Youtube videos released by Honda Corp. acknowledging the vibration and claiming that its their top priority to fix it. They say they know nothing about a software update from August addressing the mode 3 vibration. (which doesnt work) They say that there is nothing wrong with my car and that the performance falls within normal specs. They say that the "normal" vibration is not a safety issue. They tell me that what Im feeling is feedback from the road conditions. If it wasnt such a huge financial fiasco for me, this would be funny. Apparently I know more about the 2015 CRV issues and Hondas response than any sales person or service tech in my area. They drive the car and tell me they cant feel anything except road feedback. Its beyond frustrating. Of course they offer to sell me a different car, but Ill have to take a hit on my trade in. If this is the new normal for Honda, then this 25 year Honda customer will be moving to a different manufacturer. DONT BUY THIS CAR. Dont you think that if Honda believed the vibration was normal they would have already had the 2016s on the lot? Whens the last time they released the new year model AFTER the 1st of the year? Theres a reason Honda has delayed the release of the 2016s. Its a serious problem, NOT a normal characteristic.

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  Vibration and Idle problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Margaret - October 2 - 2:11 pm

  I bought a 2015 Honda Crv. A few days after i had it i relized that it has a vibration and idle problem when stopping at red lights. I very seldom drive the car because it vibrates so bad.So i am paying on this car and Honda hasnt did anything about the problem. Honda knew back in March that they had a problem and kept manufacting these car and selling them like nothing was wrong. Honda needs to make it right with these car owners with a buy back becsuse these cars are JUNK

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  Serious Vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nagesh - October 2 - 11:41 am

  Dont buy the Honda CRV vehicle unless the fix is applied, There is serious vibration issue when the vehicle is idle, I paid $27000 for the new 2015 Honda CRV EX AWD thought I would be lucky to not have the vibration issue, but after 400 miles I have started seeing the vibration issue when ever you stop the vehicle at red light or the car is in idle mode, the front seats starts vibrating. I registered complaint but they say they are still working on the issue. Very frustrated on the Honda Brand...More over the mileage is also low, I got only 23 miles per gallon which is much less that what they mention.

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  Avoid 2007 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BV - October 1 - 8:12 am

  Tire wear is terrible because of a defective Rear Upper Control Arm. Honda did not do a recall but there was a class action suit forcing Honda to replace the defective parts and reimburse customers for premature tire wear. Unfortunately for me, I did not find out until after the expiration of the settlement which was January 16, 2014. That is after I spent more than $2,000 for new tires, struts, shocks, alignments, etc., trying to fix the problem. 2006 through 2009 models have extended warranties related to another serious issue where coolant leaks and can cause engine block damage and complete engine failure. The seats are wearing out much faster than any car I have ever owned and I am average size and the car only has 80,000 miles on it.

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  vibraion at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep123_sr@yahoo.com - October 1 - 12:46 am

  the car vibrates at idle, when stopped at signal light it starts vibrating.

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  Vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep - September 29 - 10:46 pm

  My car has less than 7K on odometer and I have vibration problem. It is very annoying and distracts the driver.

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  Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By GK - September 29 - 9:19 am

  5000 miles on the car and Mode 1 Vibration is evident even at cooler temps. Sometimes in reveres the car shudders violently making you think its going to stall. This is a major concern when backing up around sidewalks or busy parking lots as you lose concentration. Starting to get mode 2 vibration also. The techs at Honda are aware and could care less. Guess only recourse it to keep taking it in and the try to fight them with lemon law. The navigation and the whole setup is counterintuitive, someone really has to clean up the logic here. The materials on the doors are very cheap and scuff up easily. The ride is nice and fuel economy has been on track but what a major disappointment with the vibration. Sitting in stop and go traffic and you feel as if youre in an old broken down manual car with a bad engine and trans. Long and probably last time new Honda buyer. I hope Honda gets with it and fixes the issues.