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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  Dont buy Honda - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Unhappy Honda Owner - October 8 - 8:36 am

  I am so sorry I didnt find this forum before buying my 2000 Honda Odyssey with 45000 miles. Transmission is "toast" at 100000 miles, and from the horror stories Ive read here and heard elsewhere, it is not worth fixing. I am going to donate this (if theyll take it) and buy only Toyota from now on. I was expecting to get 150K miles easily, as I did with my Toyotas, but this clunker fell about 2.5 years shy of that. I will never buy another Honda based on all the bad transmissions in this plus Accord and others. Goodbye Honda, Hello Toyota.

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  Honda is the best! Simply not true. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By alpha - October 6 - 9:05 pm

  I purchased this car in 2004 with 38,000 miles. I was told that Honda is the best. I replaced the transmission twice at 48,000 miles and again at 92,000 miles. I do all the recommended maintenance using quality parts. I start experiencing loss of power, so I did a full tune up, used super gas, but still the car wont pick up speed and can be dangerous merging into the highway with poor acceleration. Mechanic said nothing else can be done to solve this problem. Some of the interior is cheap plastic easy to break or crack. Im just stuck with it for now. But will never buy a Honda again, I learned my lesson .

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  Transmission problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:25 am

  My 03 Accord ExL coupe was purchased new and loved the car at first. I had major issues with the dealer fixing minor issues with the car. The vehicle was in the shop for 3 of the first 6 months Of purchase for paint issues, headliner, leaky window seals, transmission shifting problems, and dealer recalls. The quality of work from the dealer was poor at its best, with them causing more issues with poor workmanship. I have changed oil every 3000 miles, and just turned over 98000 miles. Replaced failed struts at 50000 miles. was told it was just normal wear. Transmission went out @ 610000 ( out of warranty ) no help from Honda. Had shifting issues (2nd to 3rd gear) from day 1 but was told everything was fine. Power window motor went out around 70000. Sunroof seal leaks, headliner had to be replaced and seal replaced. Window trim around around doors and pillar was replaced by dealer at least 3 times while under warranty because the finish keeps peeling off. I ended up fixing this issue myself. Tie rods have been replaced @ 80000, brakes every 35000, rotors and calipers were just replaced because they froze up on rear. Front leather seats have cracked and I alwats kept the conditioned. I have always liked driving this car but am not sure I would buy another Honda after my experience. My father had transmission issues with his 2012 CR-V and sold it after 6000 miles when Honda Sid it was Ok.

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  Disappointed Honda Owner - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mom of three - September 25 - 3:21 pm

  I bought a brand new 2005 Honda CRV EX Auto AWD after I had a Ford Expedition that constantly broke down. Wanted a reliable car, Unfortunately it hasnt been so great with 53,000 it is broken once again. Lived in all climates from humid in Georgia, snow in Maine and dry heat in California. My 93 Oldsmobile runs better, gets better gas mileage, and is more reliable. I had to replace tires, O2 switch, rotors, and now AC has called it quits. I do the oil changes and maint. on time yet it is sluggish, wont do hills and vinyl on the doors has ripped because back seat not wide enough for three car seats. Disgusted and disappointed in Honda. Dealer doesnt even carry the stock tires! That stinks.

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  Ripped off - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By douglas fontaine - September 23 - 5:34 pm

  My girlfriend purchased this vehicle with 50,000 mi. on it which we figured for a Honda this was nothing. At 90,000 mi the transmission started to shift into overdrive too early and the vehicle would lug like a standard shift in to high of a gear. We had an extended warranty to 100000mi. and brought it in to the dealer in our area and a so called technician took it for a day and came back and of course said he didnt notice anything. So we left and of course a few thousand miles after the warranty ran out we had to fork out 3000 bucks on a transmission. Thanks Honda. I wont ever buy or recommend you again.

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  a/c problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By kpea - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car for 17 mos., & have had problems with the A/C 3 times. The 1st time the dealership claimed a rock had penetrated my grill & put a hole in the A/C causing fluid to leak. The warranty wouldnt cover it, & I had to pay for repairs. The 2nd time the A/C failed, I took it to the dealership & was told the condenser fell apart. Warranty covered it. The dealership service dept. said that this was a problem in faulty design for 2003/2004 models & they had had the problem often. I didnt have it for more than 2 days after the repairs and the A/C has started fading in and out.

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  I like the GMC Acadia Better - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MinivanMama - September 19 - 1:43 pm

  My husband talked me into buying a minivan because it would be more economical. Out of all of the minivans we test drove the Honda Odyssey was the best, with the Toyota Sienna in a close second. However if you are wanting an economical car with good gas mileage do not buy this van. There is many cool features such as the rear view camera, Rear Entertainment Center, the fact that you can open and close the doors and hatch. But overall I do not think it is worth the money. Therefore we took it back and are getting the GMC Acadia. Seriously check the Acadia out I think it is the best crossover on the market.

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  2006 Civic EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Randy - September 17 - 8:26 am

  The civic has poor visibility, is uncomfortable, and seems to have air conditioning problems which the dealer has been unable to diagnose.

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  Horrible Engine Vibration - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck P. - September 15 - 4:38 pm

  The engine in this 2016 CRV vibrates considerably while stopped in drive and foot on the brake. The front seats vibrate to a point that causes my legs to go numb. The doors and center console vibrates, as well as the dash which is creating a noise from the dash/steering column area. The dealership says this is normal, but I wonder what component/s this vibration will cause to come loose later on--electrical connections, fuel line connections, a/c connections, etc. (not to mention my legs)? I bought this CRV because of a presumed reputation, but am left gravely disappointed. I will never buy or recommend Honda vehicles.

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  After 130k miles - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Adam - September 13 - 9:11 am

  Purchased new 11/2001. At the tranny recall they said it was ok and put additive in the fluid. All maintenance has been done on time including the $1750 timing belt / spark plugs at 100k miles. The transmission has always been funky, sometimes slips to 1st and you have to stay off the gas and slow down to get it going again. While the tranny is junk, it still works and its the original one. No other problems whatsoever. F/R break pads replaced only once, tires replaced only once and are probably good for another 20k. I find that when the trans gets more finicky, if I run it hard (floor it 0 to 60mph+), it then works without major issue for another couple weeks.