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 get a flat on your touring! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Walter Whitesell II - January 22 - 10:33 pm

  Honda dealers dont yet have the tires for this vehicle in stock! Our touring has been running on the "doughnut" spare for a week now. The dealer ordered the tire and told us it would be here in a week. They just called and told us that it will be another week due to "backordered" or some foolishness. This will make 2 weeks my wife has had to ride on this cheap spare...not really comfortable with that. They choose a tire that NO ONE carries, dealers or locally. Seriously no one can get tires for this vehicle without ordering. Our dealer Moss Motors has been less than helpful, not even bothering to return a call as promised. Come on Honda! Regretting our new vehicle choice at the moment.

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  Unknown characteristics - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wkroberts - January 17 - 5:03 am

  Before you buy a Pilot, understand that it has a lot of “characteristics” that develop later in life. A shaking in the front end that occurs over 65. As 65 is the posted speed limit for the majority of this area, the local Honda dealer does not feel compelled to address the issue. The sloshing noise in the gas tank when it’s full. Honda knows about the issue, but as it only occurs when the tank is full, they see it as characteristic. The brakes make a terrible noise when the ABS kicks in and the front wheels tend to lock-up in a panic stop. This is partially due to the location of the ABS unit and “glazing” of the rotors. It tends to hesitate when cornering at low speeds.

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  Long-term review based on 9 years of ownership - 2008 Honda Civic
  By stlpilot - January 14 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased our 2008 Civic EX brand new about 9 years ago. We are big fans of Honda cars and would like to pass along our ownership experience to the rest of you concerning this car. Unfortunately, owning this car hasnt been without headaches. We experienced the same re-occurring maintenance issues mentioned in most of the other reviews. The big ones were pain issue and engine mounts. Our car is black, and my understanding the 2008 and the 2009 Civics and Accords had many paint issues. Our Civic was repainted three times (three different sections), due to paint defect. All this was covered by Honda, but only after many hours on the phone with Honda. This was a major headache and it Honda did not cover the costs, this would have been very expensive to us. The second big issue is the faulty engine mounts. We replaced our engine mounts about 12,000 miles ago and the problem seems to be coming back. If you are considering on purchasing this car, please keep in mind the costs associated with replacing the engine mounts. Regarding everyday driving, this car is perfect for your short distance drives to the store and back, returning great fuel economy. However, you will regret driving it on long multi-hour drives. It is loud and the seats arent comofortable. We are in our 30s and very fit, however after a single road trip in the Civic, we will never take it out for another road trip. We will keep this car until it has 180 or 200k miles on it before selling it. This could be a great car for a college kid, but I think you could buy a slightly newer Civic and avoid all the above mentioned problems.

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  Long-term review based on 9 years of ownership - 2008 Honda Civic
  By stlpilot - January 14 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased our 2008 Civic EX brand new about 9 years ago. We are big fans of Honda cars and would like to pass along our ownership experience to the rest of you concerning this car. Unfortunately, owning this car hasnt been without headaches. We experienced the same re-occurring maintenance issues mentioned in most of the other reviews. The big ones were pain issue and engine mounts. Our car is black, and my understanding the 2008 and the 2009 Civics and Accords had many paint issues. Our Civic was repainted three times (three different sections), due to paint defect. All this was covered by Honda, but only after many hours on the phone with Honda. This was a major headache and it Honda did not cover the costs, this would have been very expensive to us. The second big issue is the faulty engine mounts. We replaced our engine mounts about 12,000 miles ago and the problem seems to be coming back. If you are considering on purchasing this car, please keep in mind the costs associated with replacing the engine mounts. Regarding everyday driving, this car is perfect for your short distance drives to the store and back, returning great fuel economy. However, you will regret driving it on long multi-hour drives. It is loud and the seats arent comofortable. We are in our 30s and very fit, however after a single road trip in the Civic, we will never take it out for another road trip. We will keep this car until it has 180 or 200k miles on it before selling it. This could be a great car for a college kid, but I think you could buy a slightly newer Civic and avoid all the above mentioned problems.

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  CRV Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kathleen Peditto - January 11 - 2:00 am

  First we had problems w/ the O2 sensor which they couldnt fix at first!They had to increase the parameters in the computer so the light woulnt go off as fast(less gas mileage).Now having a problem w/ the front brake pad BANGING when reversing and applying the brakes the first time (they say inherent to the car.Dealer says to live with it. HA!!!.Now problems w/ alarm system.Lemon Not at all happy w/ it!!!

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  Down hill from 2005 pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Orion Smith - January 9 - 9:04 am

  Former owner 2005 pilot my wife loved 2005 pilot and took better than excellent care of it Honda offered a offensive trade in value of $5000 on a new 2016 pilot, even after bring offended with trade in offer and because my wife liked the pilot we had for over 11 years I went ahead and bought the 2016 pilot and gave the 2005 pilot to my daughter. I knew the 2016 pilot was not equipped as well as most other makes in same price range, what didnt know was how poor the quality and function of included equipment is! Interior so called leather looks like cheap plastics, hands free phone system is a joke you cant understand what callers are saying, Honda put in new microphone (didnt help) would like to disable system so it wont interfere with cell phone,back seat entertainment is so difficult for children to use and requires someone in front to help, the kids use iPad instead, also there is no connection in back seat to recharge iPad has to be connected at front seat, Car is under powered if you use fuel economy feature, the only real complaint I had with 2005 pilot was road noise 2016 pilot is little or no better 11 years later, weather striping around doors is as flimsy and cheep as I have ever seen. I have only had car 31/2 months who knows how lt will go from here?

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  Honda? - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Snowman - January 6 - 1:00 pm

  This is my 4th Honda, might be my last!!!! Problems from day one - wind noise from winshield, grinding brakes and electrical gremlins. MPG is terrible so far - 16 mpg! Dealer is trying hard to keep us happy, Honda is not!

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  Too Many Issues - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mrmom - December 29 - 3:13 pm

  Im the principal driver of our new Honda, my wife has own business. This is certainly not the best new car decision Ive made. Weve been back to dealer too many times, although dealership has been great. Weve had the DVD player replaced twice and we rarely use it! The Steering has been pulling to right since day one with everything being tried. Now the power doors wont open from switches by the driver?

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  Mixed review - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mixed review - December 24 - 10:14 pm

  The car runs great at 94,000 miles but the drivers window had to be repaired 6 times the hand brake got stuck in they up position, the trans. got stuck in the drive position, each time the alarm is activated the radio asks for a security code - it is only suppose to do that when the battery dies and that happened about 5 times, the seats that fold down in the rear bounce back up, and the sunroof gets stuck periodicaly and theres nothing the dealership can do! Beware of this piece of junk!!

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  Its green, so its a lime, not a lemon. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ffeineandsugar - December 12 - 10:00 am

  While this vehicle has great features, especially with its interior and its engine, the overall experience has been akin to owning a Yugo Minivan. My Honda, in 35k miles, has gone through 3 snapped door handles. The brakes failed in the middle of the Lincoln Tunnel (with the entire family on board). The horn shorted out, locking the wheel (at 4k miles!) The original tires lasted less than 25k miles. The body dents under pressure from small children and hard stares. Honda of North America has been very difficult to deal with. Look elsewhere.