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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  8 Hondas and this will be our last.. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tony Calandra - August 26 - 5:37 am

  The good: Safety features, interior space / cargo volume, engine power The bad: Infotainment is slow and buggy, floaty handling. The ugly: Honda quality (or lack there of). Jerky 9 speed transmission that "surges" in certain down hill driving conditions - Safety issue! The vehicle has a highway vibration issue that the dealer cant figure out. Honda could care lees and claims its "normal". Paint quality - my dealer bought back the first one we purchased from them because of 30+ "spots" in the clear coat. Honda was going to pay to have 75% of the vehicle repainted, but we refused. The first vehicle didnt have the vibration problem and still Honda tells us they all do it, so its a "normal characteristic of the vehicle." Im guessing its VCM related, but Its hard to say when Honda wont help. We had "normal" vibration issues on both a 2009 and 2012 and both ended up requiring engine work at under 70k miles. Should have known better.

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  There are better options out there - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mario D. - August 12 - 9:55 am

  The new Civic hatchback looks nice, but thats about it. It is very difficult to get in and out of. The seats are not very comfortable. I realize that it is a small car, but the interior is cramped compared to other small cars. It seems as if there is not enough sound insulation in the car, as the engine is very noisy. The climate controls are not readily accessible: the fan speed control is in a separate menu within the touch screen and is not centrally located. (A button or knob would be easier to use.) The cloth on the cargo cover looked to be snagged/uneven. The car is very over priced at $27,000+. You can buy a hybrid vehicle, which is more economic, for less than this non-hybrid Civic.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 1994 Honda Passport
  By BadMove - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1994 Honda Passport with around 139,000 miles on it. Every since I bought it in 1997 it has been very dissapointing. It really does not deserve the Honda name because it doesnt live up to the usual quality and reliability standards associated with that name. I have had to fix (or attempt to fix) several oil leaks. The most recent one leaked into the alternator and ruined it. I also found out from several mechanics that this Isuzu engine starts to have problems around 100,000 miles and the problems are mostly irrepairable. I would highly recommend NOT buying this vehicle because you will have major problems.

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  Honda should be held accountable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By barbara - August 2 - 2:20 pm

  I have seen many suggestions of a class action lawsuit in reviews regarding Hondas claim of MPG and the actual MPG that consumers have noted. I too am extremely disappointed that Honda claimed 26 MPG on the road for this vehicle. I am lucky to get 12/13 on the highway. Also, the shift is not smooth nor is the ride comfortable on a long trip. The lift gate is incredibly difficult to manage. I am constantly asking for assistance in the grocery store parking lot. No excuse for a door to be that difficult to lower, especially since an automatic was not an option on this model. I was so pleased with my Toyota Sienna, and definitely went "downhill" with this purchase.

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  Honda Passport - 1999 Honda Passport
  By CRW - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle developed problem with multiple systems - engine, brakes, emissions, and electric. Very unreliable for a new vehicle. Poor quality.

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  16 Months - Were Getting Ready to Dump - 2008 Honda Civic
  By abandmon - July 23 - 11:26 am

  Weve owned many domestic vehicles and decided to step-up to the superior quality of a Honda. What a disappointment! The first year was okay with the vehicle however its now falling apart. Performs poorly in the cold, if it starts at all. Dont think of driving in winter weather without snow tires. The alarm is toast. The electronics are on the fritz. Seat belts dont retract. Weather stripping is worn through. Loud clunk in the trunk area when making turns. Has a severe shake when approaching highway speeds. Hard to find a comfortable driving position. Overall, the most disappointing vehicle weve ever owned! Will never buy a Honda again.

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  Second worst test drive ever - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SUV Searching - July 16 - 4:45 am

  Was seriously considering a new 2016 CRV. Went for a test drive and car had a obvious shudder or vibration around 35 to 40. It also had the a slight vibration while stopped at intersection. I would never buy a car that rode this poorly. I was driving home wondering if I was being too critical and realized my 11 year old Toyota rides way better then the new Honda.

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  Worst Car Ever - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Suga - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The car was in the shop every 3 months. Maybe the reason is that it is NOT a Honda but a ISUZU.

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  Living on past reputation! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Tony A - July 10 - 6:17 am

  Ex Honda mechanic. Always owned Hondas, but not any more. The top 2 complaints: Transmission & Paint. The transmissions 1st shift when cold: Shifts late and bangs, but only 1 time per day (the 1st shift only) Also, at 40-50 mph low rpm theres a loud shuttering noise (dealer said its a known problem with their torque converters, but no snapshot code was detected so its within specs). And, driving in stop and go traffic. Load clunking noise from the transmission banging in and out of gear (sounds like loud differential backlash). But Honda says its all within specs because no code was detected!!! The paint! Right away I started noticing the paint chipping really bad on the front end. And then the roof clear coat starting burning through (looks like little white spots that wont clean off). The dealer flat out told me Im not the only one with this complaint, and that Honda is using very little paint on their vehicles to save costs. I can clearly see the primer through the paint on the pillars when I open the doors in the direct light. Other problems: The navigation locks up. but, if I pull over and restart the car it works fine. The starter started grinding once a month. I replaced it after it started grinding every week. Both outside mirrors vibrate at freeway speeds (I havent replaced yet). Needless to say...with 70, 000 miles its up for sale. My last car was a 2007 4dr V6. I sold it with 200k. It had paint problems too, but trans was fine. Even the service advisors will tell you that Honda is living off of its past reputation! I bought as a certified pre-owned with 24k miles. Btw, the trunk gap was way out and the dealer couldnt adjust it to make it even close to normal. Said they would need to heat up the springs so I said pass. Then I found out these cars were build in Mexico! ??? Really

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  Hondas were better in 2000, behind in 2015 - 2015 Honda Accord
  By cc - July 8 - 7:44 am

  Most buy Hondas and Toyotas for their reliability, as did I in 1991 and 2000 with two civics. However this 2015 Accord stopped in traffic (local) due to some kind of engine problem with my wife driving... less than 10k on the odometer, so the repairs were done by dealer. But day in and day out the ride comfort is really bothersome and dangerous: the rear suspension is too stiff without load, and too springy with 3 passengers. The rear transmits any sharp bumps on the road as an uncomfortable hit to the back. The comfort issue disappears when fully loaded with passengers, however driving at high speed on a toll road (241) at around 75mph, when the car drove over a gentle bump the car was almost airborne scaring all of us, but it maintained course.