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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  Warning, dont buy a Accord 08 or 09 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Brown - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  My wife and I purchased to honda accords (2008 - 2dr coupe used) & (2009 4dr sedan new). Since the purchase date in Feb 09, I have had nothing but problems. 1) The tire pressure light keeps coming on 2) Muffler had to be replaced due to bad components 3) Both keyless entry remotes went out 4) Driver side seat lumbar support without was replaced 5) Rear brake pads wear out fast, replaced. 6) Tires dont stay balanced and aligned. Although all of these problems was covered by the dealership its a shame that I have to take a new car in for repair "time after time". This is what you will have to look forward to in the years to come. Oh, the 08 coupe is no better! Warning dont buy Honda!

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  Never ever buy another one. - 2002 Honda Passport
  By Roger - April 18 - 8:13 am

  This SUV has been nothing but a nightmare. It stays in the shop more than it does in my driveway and when its in my driveway most times its waiting on repairs. I would never buy another one. Never, transmission bad, engine bad, sway bars bad. I believe this car must have been a total loss and refixed. Nothing but a headache that sucks my pockets dry.

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  Do Not Buy a Honda Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By First Honda Purchase - March 21 - 4:16 pm

  Replaced transmission at 49,000 miles in Jan 2008, called dealership no mention of recall. Now at 83,000 miles, transmission is out again! 1.1 million recalled - my VIN # is not on the recall list, even though it is doing the same exact thing Honda issued the recall for. My first Honda will be my last. Customer service from Honda USA is terrible. Buy a Ford!

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  Motor Mounts/Transmission Trouble Dont - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HondaNO - March 12 - 3:12 pm

  Always had the recommended maintenance done. One motor mount broke early on. The other one went out at 90,000 miles = $2,500. The transmission went out at 96,000 miles over $4,000 to repair. Timing belt $980. Thought Hondas were reliable. From this site I see that it can be relied on to have costly repairs starting at around 80,000 miles. (I didnt list the previous problems just the most recent.) Has always had a lot of road noise as well as many rattles.

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  Why I hate Honda Junk - 2008 Honda Civic
  By IhateHondajunk - March 11 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased a 2006 and had an issue with the control arms. I purchased three sets of tires for the car in less than 36k miles. I took it to the dealer several times at my expense and they ignored my complaints telling me at one point it was all in my head. I did not think too much of it until I traded the car in for a 2008 and low and behold the same problem except now the driver side window would fall out and the electrical system was shorted. The window was an easy fix. They replaced the bracket and window but the hitch was that they had sold me the vehicle with tint. They claimed that Honda did not recommend that customers put tint on thief windows yet the dealership sold it to me that w

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  honda LEMON - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sar - February 22 - 9:28 pm

  My 2008 civic is a lemon. the brakes have failed 2 times. there is excessive high/low amounts of oxygen in the car-found on testing-for which I do not yet know the source. Bottom line, driving it results in headaches, confusion, dizziness, and nausea. it can not be driven. the drivers door lock is broken. the power windows have malfunctioned. The car does not start in cold weather. The car bucks when changing gears. If you breathe on the car, it scratches. NEVER BUY HONDA. Honda Canada is a nightmare. To date, nothing had been done to serve me. 10 months, no car.

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  Neglectful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - December 29 - 4:47 pm

  In 2012 I purchased a brand new Honda CR-V. At first, everything seemed great. A year later or so I started to experience a strange sound when I started the truck. When I took it in for regular oil change I mentioned it and they said they would check it out. They told me it was ok and the noise I heard was "normal." I trusted them and their exper mechanics so I continued to drive it. Needless to say it continued and ever time I took it in they told me nothing was wrong. It finally got to be too much and ONLY upon my insistence, they kept the truck overnight to listen to the noise which they repeatedly assured me was "nothing." Today after I finally called to check on my truck because no one called me I was told it is the VTC Actuator and would cost $500, but not to worry they would pay $350 and I would only have to pay $150. I asked why I would have to pay anything at all and was told because now the warranty expired. I asked for the manager who NEVER came to the phone instead I was directed to call Honda customer service. Well I called was given a case # and now wait for the result. Meanwhile, Im without transportation. Omg words cannot express my frustration. There has to be some protection or something for this. HELP,,,,,,,,

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  Disappointed - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Jeanne Dodge - December 21 - 9:03 pm

  It doesnt feel like an SUV. Its like a car combined with a mini van. Loose steering, slow draggie start up, sits lower so not able to treat like SUV. Lower interior limits hauling anything large. Seller was very limited on the knowledge of the vehicle and, until I received the owners manual, I didnt realize the limitations on the stereo/interface system that doesnt meet my needs. Irresponsible information from the seller caused ordering of wrong equipment. Overall disappointed with this vehicle and wish I had looked elsewhere. Nothing great about this car for the money spent.

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  Misrepresentaion by Honda - 2001 Honda Passport
  By Sheree - November 2 - 11:27 am

  I bought what I thought was a certified used Honda Passport still under warranty for my 16 yr old daughter in 2004. I have spent over $10,000 in repairs in five years. The transmission just went out for the second time with only 116,000 miles on the odometer. The car is actually an Isuzu Rodeo with Hondas name on it. This car is a piece of junk.

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  Do your research! Wouldnt recommend the new Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Shea Ellington - October 25 - 11:48 am

  Let me tell you a story of a man who bought a brand new 2016 Honda Civic Touring on 12/15/16. Since they day I have had nothing but issues with this car. Out of the past 80+ days, my car has been in the shop 50 of those days. My bluetooth does not work, my infotainment screen goes in and out, the emergency breaking goes off randomly, etc. I have 29 issues all together with my new car. The first 2 Honda dealerships told me they have seen these issues before and did not want to get wrapped up in legal issues so they would not try and repair my car. Honda corporate will not even talk to me about taking my car back and have been completely disrespectful. Honda truly is NOT the company they used to be and I WILL NEVER buy another Honda again. Dont just take my word for it, DO YOUR RESEARCH! You will find thousands of other Civic owners with similar issues.