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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  unreliable, overpriced heap - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By nscalia - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This will be my 2nd 2003 odyssey. The 1st had problems starting, the 2nd within 6 months the air conditioning went out now theres a problem with the electrical system, the "dinger" doesnt always ding when the key is in and the door is open and the interior lights click on and off as if there is a short. Honda is awful in "taking care" of their customers, they have a buyers beware attitude, once you sign the line its your problem, so what if you are paying for a vehicle that is in the shop more than it is on the road.

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kay2015 - August 4 - 5:19 am

  I bought the Honda CR-V 2015 in Nov, 2015. I felt vibration at stop on D. I did call the dealer in few days said will go away after 1000 miles. I took it to service center about 1500 miles, service center said we did not feel anything. Very disappointed. I took the suv for the second time when the miles at 3200 because the vibration getting worse. I did not put on park at service center, just left on D. I called the service consultant including the manager to feel the vibration. Everyone agreed, but when I went to pick up the suv they did not fix the issue said "this is the characteristic of the new CR-V". They even gave me in writing. UNBELIVABLE AND VERY DISAPPOINTED.

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  Terrible reliability - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sad Buyer - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My van has had the following things replaced or repaired; Trasmission(2), rotors, window mechinism, radio, door sliding motor, compressor, and power seat swithch(2). It has left me stranded many times because the transmission will not switch out of first gear. The second time I was on vacation in Florida. It ruined my whole trip. I would tell everyone to stay away from Hondas. I have seen many of the new Pilots and CRV in for service also. I know all of this becuase Im am, at this moment, sitting in the waiting room AGAIN while they fix this LEMON!

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  Honda Pilot 2016 Ex - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - July 28 - 4:40 am

  We just brought this car last month 7/1/2015 and already Im started to hear a weird squeak noise after i start the engine. At first I thought it was because I left the car for couple of days without using it but is not the case. Its happening quite frequently now. I go in press the brake then the start button and the engine comes on and then a squeak noise. Please let me know if anyone else is having this issue. I will take this in and see what is going on. Thanks

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  Going Back to American - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Edburhop - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Well, a died in the wool Chrysler buyer bought a CRV because we liked the interior room and layout, and the price was good. We wanted to try Honda because we drive our vehicles forever, and heard the quality was excellent. Well, it is underpowered, and at 50000 miles we have a check engine light AGAIN!!! The software that determines the working of the transmission has had to be reloaded TWICE. We had another check engine light, and they charged us 112 bucks to give us a new GAS CAP. We are trading in this lemon and going back to American Cars. I guess the quality thing is just for Accords

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  Think Twice Before Buying! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By 2001HondaBadNews! - July 23 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle & 100 miles later the CHECK ENGINE & TCS light came on. Took it back to COMMUNITY HONDA where we purchased it 5 days previously & was told that they already had the rebuilt transmission, that the previous owners brought it in 10 days prior to the sale & decided to trade it in instead of pay for a new transmission.Meanwhile, Community Honda certified the vehicle, ordered a transmission but never put it in & put the van on the lot to sell. When confronted they offered to give us $100.00 & said they didnt know. We demanded to cancel our contract & are in the process of returning the vehicle! Very unethical!!

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  Review Title - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chris - July 20 - 1:00 am

  car doesnt fell sturdy especially when turning. braking ok acceleration ok. its cramped even for a 2 door. the car constantly feels like it is trying to control me rather than me control it.

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  Horrible break rotors - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Ednilson - July 19 - 12:56 am

  Honda shouldve be ashamed of such a poor design on the rotor breaks. They warp every 5000 to 6000 miles. NEVER buy Honda if you can buy anything else. They treat you as a stupid at the dealership and they make a ignorant face when you mention the problem as if yours is the only one with this problem and it is probably because of you who drives it wrong way. Again, do not buy Honda if you can.

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  Not much standard - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Meow - July 17 - 11:10 am

  I have always wanted a Honda Civic always dreamed of having one! The deal breaker was the price of the car and available tech options. I hate leather seats....I shouldnt have to upgrade to the highest model to get satellite radio. My major requirements were Bluetooth, satellite radio, leather wrapped shift knob....the car drives great but having to pay so much for a base model with no satellite radio...even on the fit its not standard...I went with a Kia Forte.

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  Accord sedan 2008LX 4cyl- Beware oil burner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 08 Accord Oil burner - June 30 - 5:20 am

  So we bought this from Sunnyside Honda in Middleburg Heights OH in 2010, it was a 2008 LX that was a rental/fleet vehicle. We were weary but purchased based on excellent condition and good value for what we paid. Car had 43,000 miles on it and was 2 years old. We drove the car to 136,000 before we got rid of it a few weeks ago. Based on other Hondas we have had this one was the MOST problematic one we have had. Not sure where to start. 1st of all the brakes were a problem from day 1. rear brakes were a reall for some "spring set" that caused them to wear out too fast. Only the dealer could fix and they did. The rear deck would rattle horribly...the car would shimmy going down the highway even with new brakes/rotors ect. also tried replacing the tires that didnt work either. The car overall was slow for 180hp. You would floor it and the car wouldnt go anywhere. SLOWWW, felt like a misfire cylinder. The #1 worst problem of this car was that it burned oil like crazy (More in the winter than summer) I would put a quart in every 750 miles...yes thats right 750 miles!!! Thats almost 4 quarts every 5,000 mi. Honda would cover up saying it was normal blah blah blah. I knew the newer 2013 and up hondas didnt have this problem so I figured we would keep driving it for awhile. So one day I went out to check the oil on a cold winters day and there was no oil at all in the engine. It was completely burned up. After this we quickly traded it in and got a 2016 Accord that does not have this issue at all. We are happy with our new accord and DO NOT RECOMMEND anyone invest in the 2008-2010 models. Its a total lemon and a mistake on Hondas part. I see used ones popping up everywhere now. Granted the car never broke down on us or left us stranded, im sure the next owner wont be so lucky given its 10 years old now, and has been run with no oil in the engine. Only a matter of time before that engine blows. Also dealer said struts were leaking, some camshaft was bad in the engine, and there was a leak on the "head block" We got away lucky with virtually no repairs on this, but knew it was time. Oh also the steering box had to be completely replaced under warranty at 48k right after we purchased but we didnt pay as it was warranty work. By the time we got rid of the car it seemed like on hot days it was acting up again, so we were afraid it would need to be replaced again (and it costs almost 3,000 to replace the rack and pinion steering) So near the end we afraid to drive it. I also have a 2007 Honda Accord 4cyl EX-L and it had none of these type of issues so we decided to keep that and trade the 08 as that seemed to be a problematic year for the accords. THIS CAR BURNS AN INSANE AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE DEALERSHIPS COVER IT UP!!!! I hear the V6s are the same way, oil burners. Avoid, Avoid, Avoid. Not worth risking the engine blowing, and if you dont check the oil every 2-3 weeks, the engine will blow. Im very loyal to Hondas, but feel like this was a total flaw year of the accord. I really like the new 2016s. its a difference like night and day vs. the 08.