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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  Never buy a first model year again! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TouringNY - December 26 - 9:18 pm

  Bought it new when it first came out and have had several recurring troubles, had a brake grinding noise, went several times until finally dealer got Honda to replace the pads and shave the rotors. PAX STINX, as everyone says they dont drive that great and they are so darn expensive, lasted us only 25-30K each set. Sliding door got stuck but fixed under warranty, keeps making clunking noise and hesitation at 2500RPM since 30000 miles, tried to get dealer to figure out several times, they just charged me a diagnostic fee of $120 and cant find a darn thing.

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  Acceptable...Not Incredible - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Chuck M. - December 26 - 10:48 am

  The 4 cylinder engine in the is EX rated at 190hp instead of 177 in lower trims. The car has nice acceleration and a strong transmission. Bigger inside than Camry and Fusion, and its great for tall drivers. Im 6 3" and I have plenty of headroom with the sunroof even when wearing a ball cap. You can have someone you dont know sitting in the passenger seat and youll both be comfortable due to lots of hip and shoulder room. I was disappointed to find out the EX trim does not come with an outside temp display in the odometer. Only EX-Ls come with that. No fuel computer either unless you have the EX-L with nav. It does have a USB and a 6-disc changer but the stereo is eh. My biggest complaint far and away is the A/C blower. Its very weak. The dealer and 2 other repair shops verified thats just how Hondas are. Bummer but Im gonna keep the car anyway since I got it 2k below book value. Happy Shopping !!

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  May be my last Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Jenny - December 21 - 7:15 pm

  I bought my 2014 Honda Accord EX-L used with 59,000 miles on it on 2/26/17. Shortly after I purchased it the back up cam started freezing and or clacking out once a week. I would put the car in park, shut it off and restart and it would work, up until last week when it went black for good and hasnt went back. Now all I see are the yellow and orange lines. Im hearing this is a big issue that new accord owners are having with the back up cam but when I called Honda, they said there is nothing they can do to help. Im at my wits end, has anyone had any luck?

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  Buy a different car ! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By glow - December 19 - 7:01 pm

  Our top of the line Touring CR-V 2WD has only one power seat , only one side camera when right blinker is on .When you engage the cruise control the Collision Mitigation Braking System or the Forward Collision Warning will slow you when it senses a car in front of you and when that car drives away the car will down shift to catch up so hold on . Now remember this car has a Eco button that softens the gas pedal rate which will save gas but does not inter function with the cruse engaged. The car has electric controlled mirrors but the car wont remember your settings but has a 2 person seat memory . When in reverse the camera works but will NOT warn you if there is an obstruction in the warning area and the camera is poor visual quality . The screen and its electronics are not user friendly , When entering the car and starting the radio will come on but you have to use the steering wheel controls to lower the audio sound. Looking for fuel rangeor instant gas mileage, it wont be on the fuel screen in the center of the dash you have to select it in the center cluster . I dont even think the mirrors will fold in with a push of a button. The main screen , I have been trying to get the clock to default to if your done with say audio or your done with the navigation . The lane Departure Warning seems the best part of the car it will correct the steering to maintain its position in the lane and warn you if your getting close or it cant sense the lanes position , This is great as an autonomous feature , I just wish I could adjust the warning signal to integrate into the audio and in a louder tone . All of this in just 680 miles . I would seriously consider another car ....................BMW X1

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  Battery Problems - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Tennesssee Driver - December 14 - 5:08 pm

  With less than 4500 miles, twice my IMA and check engine light came on. The first time they replaced the battery, second time had to do some updates (there is a TSB out regarding the problem). I like the better mileage 37- 38 but was hoping I would get more MPG. I drive mostly in the city. It takes a long time, 5 to 10 minutes of driving time, for the heat to get warm. When going from a full stop, 5-7 seconds to get going.

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  Too much cost cutting - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Reviewer - December 10 - 11:23 am

  Poor build quality. Poor fuel economy. Rough feel while driving. Honda seems to have attempted to perfect the process of cost cutting. Unfortunately the quality of the car has suffered greatly. A lot of rattles, very rough road ride. If you tap on various parts of the cars, like the mirrors, they are loose and rattle. The front rotors needed to be turned after 17k miles and the dealer would not cover it. Its my wifes car and she is an easy driver. The dealers have extremely poor customer service. I can not get a service rep on the phone to make an appointment for warranty work. Functionally this car is great for us. As it is now I will trade it in when it gets to 60-70k.

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  DONT BUY! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Michele - December 10 - 5:13 am

  Since we bought this car the transmission has gone out twice, the radio/cd went out and the A/C went out. Our transmission was replaced at 55,000 miles and now at 120,000 miles its out again! Honda says they know this is an issue, but are not willing to help. We are looking at another $3500!!!

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  I hate this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By disappointed - December 8 - 7:05 am

  I am extremely disappointed in this car. We had our last Honda (1989 Prelude) for 15 years and it was nearly bulletproof. I had to replace the head gasket after 3 years on this Civic (at about 65,000 miles) and have the head machined – very expensive repair. I’ve spent more money fixing this car since I bought it than I have on an 11- year old Chrysler product with over 215,000 miles on it. The car lacks the power to get out of its own way. I dont know if I just happened to get a lemon - or if there is a problem with this year model, but its not an "automatic" choice for me to go buy another Honda.

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  Honda Quality isnt what it used to be! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Angela - December 6 - 6:45 am

  After loving my 2005 Odyssey for almost 12 years I decided it was time to update. I didnt put a lot of time into research because I knew what I wanted. Well you know what they say about assuming. I assumed that the new Odyssey would be as good if not better than my last version; I was unfortunately wrong. First, the only way I could get both Navi & Rear Entertainment is to upgrade to a Touring; even though that combination used to be available on the EX-L. Fine, I can upgrade. I will start with the changes I find inconvenient. There are at least 4 cup holders missing; 2 in the front that used to pop down from bottom of the dash and the two on the sides of 2nd row seats. There is no good spot for kids in the second row to put their drinks. The tray on the center console is very shallow; it is not even deep enough to hold a stack of mail. There is a large storage box in the center console now, but it is so deep it is not realistic to go digging in there while you are driving; and to open it up means you cant store anything on the top tray. There is now only one glove box, rather than two; I found the little glove box was just right for registration and insurance cards, now just throw them in the big hole. The hidden compartment in the floor of the second row is now gone. With the old version of the rear entertainment system, it was one button push to control it from the front; that is not the case in the new version. The entire menu / control system is very difficult to use; no longer a quick touch but now you must dial and toggle and dial some more, and then go find the button to push. Fortunately my kids are now big enough to control it from the back but I dont think it would be doable with younger children (which surprisingly was the big selling point over the Toyota when I bought my first one). It is nice to be able to synch your phone and you can even voice tag your most used contacts. Only problem is that the voice tags dont seem to work, it actually brings up every person with a J in their name except for the one I want, even though that person is my number one favorite. Now for the more serious concerns. The windshield had a very bad distortion, so much so that I had a headache the entire day after I drove it to work. Imagine wearing someone elses glasses or looking through a fish bowl; that was the effect. Every person I had get in the driver seat saw it (except those at the dealer). Now today, the first time I use the windshield wipers because it rained, the passenger side wiper arm pops off while I am driving. I have only had the car for about 10 days, but if this an indication of Hondas quality I am concerned.

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  Needs more power - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Don - December 5 - 1:43 pm

  I must say that over all I am happy with the CRV. It is the first SUV my wife and I have owned. The cargo space is great and rear seats are easy to fold down. I did have to replace the tires at about 25,000 miles, but my main complaint is the lack of power. I wish Honda would put the 4 cylinder engine from the Acura TSX in this car.