Honda for years has been known to be at the top of the list in terms of dependability and innovation among automakers. For over decades the company has been putting out vehicles which present a great value, which perform well and which also do very well in the long term. Whether you are a first time buyer or someone in the market for an upgrade it is important to know Honda’s pros and cons before you buy. This article looks at Honda cars, their top selling models, engine performance, safety features, maintenance issues, resale value and also we look at common problems. By the end you’ll have a picture of what makes a Honda car so attractive and also where they may come up short.
Honda’s reputation is a result of its dedicated engineering which is focused on customer needs that is not to say it happened by chance. In almost every automotive sector from compact cars to family SUVs Honda has found its niche. What you get with a Honda is a car which is built to last, we are talking over 200,000 miles with the right care. Also Honda has been at the forefront of innovation which we see in products like the VTEC engines and hybrid systems which set the bar for the industry. That mix of dependability and innovation which makes Honda a great choice whether you are in the market for a new or used car.
Honda’s History and Legacy
Honda in 1948 was found by Soichiro Honda which was into the manufacturing of motorcycles which they later expanded into automobiles in the 1960s. The company’s first foray into cars was with the T360 mini truck and the S500 sports car which marked Honda’s foray into the auto industry. By the 1970s Honda had the Civic which became a global symbol of fuel efficiency during the oil crisis. This early success put Honda on the map as a brand that delivered practical solutions to real world problems.
Over the past few decades Honda has been at the forefront of innovation. In the late 1980’s they put out the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engines which transformed performance and efficiency which in turn allowed consumers to have more power while also seeing fuel savings. Also early players in the hybrid field with the release of the Insight in 1999 which was one of the first hybrid cars in the US. Today Honda is still dedicated to a balance of affordability, reliability and advanced tech which has made it a very trusted name worldwide.
Honda’s Best-Selling Models
Honda has a large scale of recognizable models which have ruled sales charts for decades. For instance the Civic which is out there as one of the most popular compact cars in the world which does very well on the issues of affordability, efficiency, and sporty design. In terms of the Accord it has been a mainstay in family transportation since the 1970s which also is known for comfort and reliability. Also the CR-V has come to be among the bestselling SUV’s which puts practicality together with Honda’s top notch engineering.
These models also have great cultural appeal in addition to their sales success. The Civic has been a hit with younger drivers and car enthusiasts for its tuning options and sporty models like the Type R. The Accord does very well in customer satisfaction studies and the CR-V is the choice for families that want space and safety. As a whole these vehicles show Honda’s wide range of products which appeal to many different buyers.
Engine Performance and Technology
Honda is known for their mix of performance and efficiency in which they excel. In terms of VTEC technology the company has put out which changes valve timing for best power at high speed and fuel economy at low speed. This innovation has made out cars very appealing to the everyday driver as well as the performance enthusiast. Cars like the Civic Type R and Accord Sport do a great job of delivering that exciting performance which at the same time doesn’t give up on practicality.
Beyond what we have seen from traditional gas engines, in hybrid and electric technologies Honda has put in great investment. The Honda Insight and Accord Hybrid present great eco-friendly options which also perform very well in terms of fuel economy. Also in the Clarity series we see exploration of the hydrogen fuel cell and plug-in hybrid options. At the core of Honda’s engineering is durability which they apply to all their engines to have them last over 200,000 miles with proper care.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel economy has been at the core of what Honda does best. The Civic and Accord for years have had the best fuel efficiency in their class which in turn gives consumers great savings at the pump. Also in the hybrid segment which includes the Insight and CR-V Hybrid Honda has raised the bar by putting together gas and electric motors which in turn reduce emissions and fuel use.
Honda is a company that puts efficiency at the core of its design. We see this in their use of lightweight materials, aerodynamic features, and advanced transmission which in turn translates to better fuel economy. For the growing base of customers worried about the rise in fuel prices as well as the environment, Honda presents a wide range of choices which do not sacrifice affordability for eco friendliness.
Safety Technologies
Safety is a key feature that customers look at in Honda’s vehicles. They have introduced the Honda Sensing package which includes the likes of collision mitigation brake, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure warning. These features are put in to lower the incidence of accidents and to give drivers and passengers that extra peace of mind.
Honda also has a very good safety record with organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. In terms of features we see advanced airbag systems, reinforced body structures, and child safety provisions in many of their models which makes Honda a great choice for families. Also by putting the best safety tech in all of their models Honda is to ensure that even the base models of their cars come with great safety features.
Maintenance Requirements
Honda is known for their low maintenance cars but at the same time regular care is a must for optimal performance. We see that routine oil changes, tire rotations and brake checks are easy and affordable which is a plus point over many of our competitors. Also what we see is that Honda’s engine design is for durability so major repairs are minimized if you stick to the maintenance schedule.
Another benefit is the wide availability of parts and service. Honda’s worldwide presence which includes a large network of suppliers makes it easy to get parts which also happen to be relatively affordable. Also we see that many independent repair shops are skilled at working with Honda cars which in turn lessens your dependence on going to the dealer for repair. Thus what we have is a very practical and economic ownership experience over the long term.
Resale Value
Honda is known to do well in terms of resale value. We see that the Civic, Accord, and CR-V are at the top in that regard which is a result of the cars’ reliable and efficient performance. Also, consumers are willing to put out more for used Hondas because of the brand’s proven record of durability and performance which in turn gives owners a better trade in or resale price.
Resale value also benefits from the broad appeal that Honda has. In all demographics we see that these cars do well from first time buyers to families which in turn produces consistent demand in the used car market. Thus, when it comes to trading or selling your vehicle in the future, Honda is a smart choice.
Common Issues and Weaknesses
While generally Honda is a reliable brand, there are issues. In some models, we see transmission problems which is a common issue in older Civics and Accords that have automatic transmissions. Also in the recent models we report of electrical issues like defective sensors and infotainment which doesn’t work properly. Also some Honda cars may see premature brake wear or strange noises out of the suspension.
Another issue we see is that while Honda’s interiors do what they need to in terms of function, at times they fall short of the luxury mark which competitors like Toyota and Mazda hit. Although Honda has had success in recent years to improve in this area, some still find the design to be a bit old school. By which I mean to say that it is important for buyers to be aware of these issues in order to go in to that purchase with realistic expectations.
Conclusion
Honda is known for its reliability, efficiency and innovation which is what makes it one of the world’s most trusted automakers. From the Civic which exudes sportiness to the Accord which is great for family comfort and the CR-V which is all about practicality Honda has a car for every need. Also with their strong resale value, advanced safety features and easy maintenance Honda cars are a smart buy. But be aware of common issues which will help you make an informed decision.
In many ways buying a Honda is to invest in a car which presents a great balance of practical features and innovative design. Though no car is flaw free, Honda’s pros out weight their cons which is why the brand is still going strong today. If you are in the market for a Honda do your research look into the pluses like fuel efficiency, safety records and resell value which are excellent, and also the minuses like issues with the transmission and interior which you should be aware of. By doing this research you will be able to choose a model that best fits your needs and budget which in turn will lead to great satisfaction for the life of the car.
