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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  My last Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By fcgllc - June 8 - 8:40 am

  My wife and I recently bought a one-owner. dealer maintained CR-v with just under 100,000 miles on it based on Hondas reputation and Consumer Reports ratings. So far, Ive discovered that it uses about 1 qt of oil every 1000 miles. The AC compressor just died (a typical problem for Hondas that was never mentioned by Consumer Reports), and the squeaks and rattles in this thing drive me nuts. Ive got a Nissan and a Mazda in my driveway with double the miles of the CR-V and I trust either of them more than I will ever trust another Honda. Once I get the AC working again, this car will be out of my driveway and never again will I own a Honda product.

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  Faulty A/C and Electronics - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jlmedina - April 22 - 12:43 am

  Bought a new 2013 from Whittier Community Honda. 14 months later a/c goes out & battery dies. After doing some research, both are known defects. Honda even lost a class-action lawsuit in 2013 for the a/c but never corrected the problem for newer models. Honda refused to repair a/c saying its my problem. Honda shouldve at least warned me about the design flaw & problems so I could make an informed decision whether to buy or not. I had 2 previous Hondas. One had a recall that they never told me about & the other had a class action lawsuit regarding brakes that Honda again lost but they forgot to tell me. I dont trust Honda anymore especially Whittier Community Honda.

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  timing chain jump damaged motor - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Shao Lin - April 11 - 9:27 am

  The timing chain jump and damaged valve of motor. Honda gives guide line that timing belt do not need service and which turn out not true. The engine need to be replaced and it will cost a bundle. Whoever own a 07 Accord should change timing chain around 80-100k miles to avoid the costly repair. Also front bumper cover is too low and easily be caught by a curb and been rip apart when you back out.

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  This car is a piece of junk - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By joe_bob - April 4 - 10:15 am

  I have spent many thousands of miles in this car and hated most of them. I had a perfectly good back until I came in contact with this car. Now I am on humira and many other medications even though I am only 18 years old. The sun-visors in this broke with 30,000 miles. It worse in snow than the CRV. The parking sensors do not work my mom has backed into many things with this car because of this fact. The stereo is terrible and has almost no bass. The seat heaters where broken when the car came from the factory. The GPS cant find our house. The stero and GPS is very hard to use even for an A+ certified tech. The backseat is tiny and wont fit an adult. The trunk is horribly undersized.

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  Not so low maintenance after all... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By surfbort - January 14 - 3:53 pm

  Things starting falling apart as the warranty expired, as usual. The rack and pinion were the first to go at 62k miles. After that costly repair, then the A/C clutch, which seems to be a common problem. Now, at 84k, theres another issue with the power steering fluid leaking and the rack and pinion is to blame again! I thought Id be getting long-lasting quality as advertised but Im left sorely disappointed. Especially, after overlooking petty things like road noise, uncomfortable seats, and cheap materials. I feel like Ive been duped by a brand that preached longevity and quality, but never delivered. I couldve gotten a new, loaded Hyundai for the same price and a better warranty

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  Never again, Honda. Never again. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bdshell - November 3 - 9:54 pm

  I will never own another Honda. I own a 2007 with 77k miles. 1 owner, all routine maintenance done. The engine failed. Coolant leaked into the engine, the head is completely warped. This relates to a known issue but the dealership claimed the block wasnt fully cracked so they wont cover a cent of the replacement. Needing a new engine at 77k miles? That is unacceptable. I am completely appalled with the treatment I have received and will never own another Honda.

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  What a lemon - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By firemanrod - July 27 - 4:41 pm

  My daughter bought this car thinking Honda was a quality product. What a huge disappointment. It is hard to be happy with a product when the company put out a lemon. You can read many many complaints about the transmissions on these things. Yes her transmission went out. When she bought it used from a Honda dealer she noticed it had a small drip of transmission fluid and asked the dealer to fix it. What they did not tell her there is no fixing it. Torque converter problems bearing problems. Another transmission she had to pay for it and it still has problems. Yes, Honda, I will never buy another. I know my daughter will never buy another and this was her second.

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  Hate it - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By anitagoodcar - April 18 - 5:29 am

  Bought this new to replace the Toyota Sienna that kept breaking down. Replaced tires, windshield wipers and a few other components before year one. Same complaints as others...plastic bits falling off, poor acceleration, weird noises. Battery problems, computer problems, have nicknamed it HAL from 2001. If it starts singing, "Daisy, Daisy" I am leaving it on the side of the road.

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  Dont buy a CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By 08crv - October 11 - 6:58 pm

  The good reviews were written when the car was new. Honda CRVs developed all kinds of problems with drive train vibrations. Buyers beware! The fix is expensive. The road noise is so loud you cant hear the radio at high speeds. Save your money Honda quality is not what it used to be.

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  3 Transmissions in Under 100k - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By bob546 - June 9 - 9:03 pm

  Honda Paid for the 1st two, third was on us, and it cost 5k. My friend has a 2002 ody, and his trans died 4 times, my neighbor has a 2003 Ody, and she is on her 2nd transmission. In the history of automotive "junk" the 99-04 Odysseys will go in the annals as the biggest piece of crap Honda has ever built.