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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  2016 crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By William dinan - June 26 - 2:00 pm

  Stay away from the 2016 Honda CR-V.... Vibrations issues that Honda has yet to solve. We have a brand new one with 4400 miles and took the suv in for service on the vibration issue and all they said was this was normal.

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  Accord aint what it once was - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brad Till - June 24 - 3:40 pm

  This is the 2nd Accord Ive owned. The first was bought new in 1993. Drove it for 15 years and never missed a beat. Fantastic car. But the 2009 has been a huge disappointment. Heres a laundry list of its shortcomings: Rear brakes have been replaced twice. (97000 miles on car) 1st time under warranty (partially) 2nd time on me. rotors pads and calipers. Rear deck rattles along with various rattles from the dash. Carpet on passenger side wont stay put. Keyfobs (yes both) are inoperable. At 90,000 it began burning oil. Now burns a quart of oil every 1500-1700 miles, but Honda says thats normal (BS). Road noise is rather high. Fan for the heater/AC is squeaky on low. So its high or tear your hair out with aggravation. Drivers seat is good for about an hour of driving before back ache sets in. I kept the car cause it was paid for, but the oil burning is the final straw for me. Getting rid of it soon. Wont ever get another Honda.

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  WATER LEAK IN TRUNK AREA - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By GISELA - June 22 - 3:53 pm

  When it rains the water entering and builds up between inside panel and exterior body parts and leak in trunk area when open. Can press the rear pillars and water will drip out and be wet,

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  Overpriced - 2005 Honda Element
  By Joseph Noriega - June 14 - 5:10 am

  My car was overpriced for what it is!It rides comfortable for the two front passangers but for those who ride in the back, it rides rough. Pick up speed is slow.The outside look of the car draws attention. I put my car through many tests and here are the results per each senario.For moving and shopping with my truck was nice,the car was useful with the spacious back space. When used for long distance rides the car rated fair for me. My passangers was missing comfort especially now that we have a new baby in the family my car is not baby friendly. Overall my car rates fair but its definitely not a car for everyone. Take a test drive before you decide on this model, I know I should of.

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  Serious vibration issue - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By UnhappyHondaOwner - June 10 - 3:51 pm

  Disappointed in the 2016 CR-V. It has a serious vibration issue. It appears that the vehicle was not designed to minimize the impact of the vibration of the engine and the entire car is constantly vibrating regardless of the condition of the road. In stop and go city driving it is less noticeable, but it becomes immediately apparent when maintaining speed at 45 mph and gets much worse at highway speeds - 65 to 70 mph. I did not see this issue mentioned in any online reviews and it was not noticeable in the test drive. I have subsequently discovered that there are many other CR-V owners with the same complaint and a class action suit has been filed against Honda. Honda acknowledges that the problem exists in some 2015 CR-Vs and claim they have developed a fix. They supposedly resolved the issue for the 2016 model, but that is not the case. Dealership has tried to fix it, but to no avail. It appears it is unlikely there will be a fix. In order to get increased fuel efficiency, they have sacrificed comfort for drivers. If you do any long range highway driving, I recommend that you do not buy this vehicle. I know many other loyal Honda owners and they have always been satisfied and impressed with the quality of the vehicles. Sadly, that is not the case with the 2016 CR-V. I will be getting rid of this car after owning it for less than 1 month.

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  Wish we had known - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Mont - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought the 2000 Odyssdey at the "Honda non-negotiable price" because we had driven reliable Hondas in the past. Weve been had. The breaks have been worked on every year and squeek loudly all the time. It is on its third transmission. The passenger doors have been broke twice due to the seal. The dash shakes and rattles and is very annoying. Our friends drive Honda cars at our recommendation because of past experieces but we wont be recommending anymore. Honda better not rely on its name alone and forget why people buy Hondas

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  Did William Hung put the H in Honda? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By myCivicsucks - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been very disappointed with this car. The only thing that compares to it is William Hungs rendition of "She Bangs"...its that bad. The transmission has gone out and still shifts violently, manifold has cracked, windows squeak, sunroof shade rattles, when windshield wipers are on they make an ANNOYING clicking sound inside the dash, and the paint is peeling. Also, the piece in the middle of the trunk that holds the license plate is probably going to fall off. Some other things that are a bother...everyone and their uncle owns this car and it has the personality of a lampshade. This car also offers FAR less than its European competition.

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  Bad Piston Rings (known issue) 54K miles - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Josh - May 18 - 12:44 am

  This is the second Odyssey weve owned. Before this, we owned a 2005. Our 2012 has been extremely disappointing. The left side sliding door struggles and pops and will open about 25% of the time. Dealer replaced a mechanism and it is still doing it. Going back to dealership next Tuesday. I can deal with the door problem, but this past Friday, the engine light began flashing and the traction light remained on as well. 5 minutes on Google will let you know this is a major issue - to the point Honda settled a class action lawsuit related to it. Long story short, it seems the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is the likely cause. The piston rings in cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4 needed to be replaced. This was covered under an extended warranty bulletin as a result of the lawsuit. At 54,000 miles, a Honda engine should not need new piston rings. Honda engines are supposed to be the Holy Grail of engines. The fact that this is not a fluke and is a widespread issue, has me questioning Hondas commitment to quality. A new Odyssey is due out later thiss year - by that time, however, we may be in a Sienna.

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  Major Disappointment - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Major Disappointment - May 14 - 4:23 am

  This is my third Accord and will be the last. The car is big and ponderous. It does not track straight. Constantly steering corrections to the right or left to keep the car go straight. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable. The head rest tills forward which pushes the drivers head forward at a very uncomfortable position. The seat is too deep that the edge cuts into the drivers calves. The arm rest on the door is too far away to rest your arm. Build quality is lacking. The car is under powered.

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  Please Rethink - 1999 Honda Passport
  By HatedIt - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Just wanted to save some people the heartache of owning one of these. I bought the extended warranty on this vehicle and have gotten my money back and then some. Major problems: Transmission is sealed and very expensive to have serviced, shocks blown at 50k miles, leaks at door seals, ignition coils went out at 70k miles.