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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  Beware of Tires - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Beware of Tires - September 2 - 1:38 pm

  First time Honda buyer. After 10,000 miles, tires need to be replaced. They were rotated as required. Rough riding vehicle. Hope new tires will correct. Tried working with Dealer and with Honda rep. Dealer will replace tires with Michelin tires (thats what should be on vehicle to start with). Cost to me approx $400. Hadnt planned on spending money on new vehicle the first year--at least not for tires. After reading lots of reviews, tires are a problem. Vehicle is good car for older women--too small for men to enjoy. Will let you know how new tires change the ride. Right now, I could not recommend this vehicle. I will probably trade after correcting Hondas tire problem.

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  Chiming in on transmission problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Family - August 31 - 2:44 pm

  Like many other owners we too are having transmission issues. We just had to the dealer for the transmission "judder" fix, but guess what? Its worse than it was before! Vehicle shakes at 25 MPH while transmission hunts for a gear, especially on hills. There is also an intermittent shake at highway speeds (70 MPH) that I no longer believe has anything to do with tires or alignment, but with the drivetrain itself. Like others when entering/exiting ECO mode there is too much noise from the transmission. The VCM system does not seem to improve gas mileage so I say Honda should eliminate it. Weve had 7 Hondas now and this is the first and only Odyssey we will own.

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  HOT under the collar without A/C - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By yogamom86 - August 28 - 8:37 pm

  The car was fine until the warranty ended. After that it was one repair and the other. The final straw is the estimated $2500 to replace the entire AC System since the compressor blew pieces of metal all in the system. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. The dealer said that Honda will not pay because of the age of the car.

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  A Space Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - August 27 - 8:06 pm

  Traded in my Caravan for the Odyssey because of high Consumer Reports on the Honda. Car has had numerous small problems such as SRS light twice, heater didnt work twice, Stabilizer ends, power doors. Lock the car when you leave or the remote in your pocket will open the power doors. Alarm goes off unprovoked. Wont buy another Odyssey but will consider the Caravan again.

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  Last Honda we will buy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Robert G - August 26 - 8:03 pm

  We have had 2 Pilots, Accord, Element, and 3 CRVs. More problems with this one than all the rest put together. This stupid transmission "CVT" sucks! The vibrations! We have had the computer reprogramed three times and although better I would never pull the trigger and buy it. Several times since the week it was new it has, when backing out of the garage, shook hard, engine revs and then settles down. The other day it did that and died. Although all over the web dealer says it was fine and did not duplicate when in for service. Honda needs to quit running so many adds on TV and get back to building good cars. Seems to be run by marking and bean counters these days.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Murph - August 24 - 9:56 pm

  Everywhere I have been reading about the wonderful MPG and it was MAIN reason I purchased this car, well since buying in Feb. 2017 been having terrible MPG averaging around 26 combined and 30 if I am lucky on highway. Dealer has worked on car two times, first time found the specs were off and had to fix gave car back and still the same, next time they found issues with fuel injectors so had to replace, gave the care back, same problem. Now they dont know what to do, they suggested it was how I drove the car, yeah right, my friend took for a couple of days and she had the same MPG as I did. Had to call Honda Corp and they are working with dealer to find the issues, have to take car back again. This is my 4th Honda, all others were great, this one not so much and am very disappointed and frustrated with the whole thing! I am hoping they can fix issue, or either replace the car all together or give me full refund, it will fall under lemon law soon. I really want the car so I am hoping something can be worked out. But wanted others to know just in case anyone else is having the same issue.

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  1 month old touring already making weird engine no - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - August 23 - 4:57 pm

  I dont know whats wrong with my pilot but ive had it a month and its making such weird engine noises that started 1 week ago. Something is wrong with it

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  Radio Problem - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rockwell - August 22 - 10:57 pm

  The background display has gone out and no clock display. Seat belt light stays on continually. Other owners at different websites have reported the same problem. Very expensive to fix. I also own a 2009 Accord and I think I better sell it before problems arise. It feels less reliable than 2003.

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  Stay AWAY from GEN2 CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By UNICS33 - August 20 - 8:02 am

  It is soo LOUD, no sound proofing at all. Suspension is very stiff, almost the feeling of riding a buggy...my 3 yo cant even fall asleep, thats how loud and rough ride is. GAS mileage is bad too, averaging 22-23 on normal driving conditions. Car is too heavy for 4 cyl and drag factor is too high. My other Buick Regal is averaging 22mpg and comfort is stellar. Bought it almost new (12K mi) but I sold it in a year because it was very uncomfortable and LOUD, esp. with a little one inside. You feel every little irregularity in the pavement, struts are like filled with steel bars not gas, road noise and engine noise are impressively high. Dont trust the word of mouth. Im very disappointed.

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  Noixe problem - possibly transmission - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MarekB - August 19 - 10:38 am

  This is my second Honda Odyssey that Ive purchased as a new vehicle from the dealer. After about 30,000 miles a problem developed with a noise (sounds like an old clunker). It sounds like a transmission or a valve noise on acceleration, especially on the highest gear when the car is under even slight load. Honda is stating (per Honda Engineer) that this is a normal noise, even thought Honda dealer already replaced shields, transmission torque converter and other parts, but they refuse to actually fix it. They have done about $3,000 worth of repairs and they refuse to replace a transmission, which is probably cause of this noise. I Will Not Buy Honda ever again.