Is Honda or Acura better?
When it comes to choosing between Honda and Acura, car buyers often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of two brands that share a common lineage. As the owner of Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I’ve worked on countless vehicles from both brands. In this article, I’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which might be the better choice for your needs.
Understanding the Relationship Between Honda and Acura
Honda and Acura are closely related, with Acura being Honda’s luxury division. Honda focuses on producing reliable, affordable, and practical vehicles, while Acura offers a more premium experience with advanced features, higher-end materials, and a focus on performance. Both brands are known for their exceptional engineering and longevity, but they cater to slightly different audiences.
Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between Honda and Acura, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Budget: Honda vehicles are generally more affordable than Acura models. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, Honda is likely the better choice.
- Luxury and Features: Acura vehicles come equipped with more advanced technology, premium interiors, and a focus on comfort. If you value luxury, Acura is the way to go.
- Performance: Acura models often feature more powerful engines and sportier handling compared to their Honda counterparts. For driving enthusiasts, Acura may be more appealing.
- Reliability: Both brands are known for their reliability, but Honda’s simpler designs may result in slightly lower maintenance costs over time.
- Resale Value: Both Honda and Acura vehicles hold their value well, but Acura’s luxury appeal can sometimes give it an edge in the used car market.
Who Should Choose Honda?
Honda is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize practicality, affordability, and reliability. Families, commuters, and first-time car buyers often find Honda’s lineup to be perfectly suited to their needs. Models like the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V are renowned for their dependability and fuel efficiency.
Who Should Choose Acura?
Acura is ideal for those who want a touch of luxury and performance without venturing into the higher price ranges of brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Acura models such as the MDX, RDX, and TLX offer a refined driving experience, advanced safety features, and a premium feel that sets them apart from Honda vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between Honda and Acura comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective vehicle, Honda is hard to beat. On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for luxury, performance, and advanced features, Acura is a fantastic option. At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve serviced countless Hondas and Acuras, and both brands consistently impress us with their quality and engineering. Whichever you choose, you’re making a solid investment in a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is better, Acura or Honda?
Overall, Acura models tend to have more upscale features in their entry-level trims than Honda, along with additional creature comforts and more high-end technologies available.
Is Acura just luxury Honda?
Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.
What brand is better than Honda?
According to Consumer Reports' annual Auto Reliability Survey, Toyota holds the crown as the most reliable car brand, and Honda resides in the top ten with it.
Which car lasts longer, Honda or Acura?
No matter if you choose a Honda or an Acura vehicle, you'll be getting a reliable, long-lasting car. There is no clear winner here, as RepairPal.com gave both the Honda and Acura brands a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
What car is better than Honda?
According to Consumer Reports' annual Auto Reliability Survey, Toyota holds the crown as the most reliable car brand, and Honda resides in the top ten with it.
What are the most reliable car brands?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
Why do people call Acuras Hondas?
Acura began its history in 1986 as the luxury division of the Honda Motor Company. It was the first luxury brand to go to market, beating both Lexus and Infiniti. The purpose of the Acura brand was to sell luxury versions of Honda vehicles outside Japan, in order to appeal to a broader, growing market at the time.
Do Acuras have Honda engines?
Acura cars are equipped with top options from the Honda engine lineup. There is a variety of four-cylinder and some V6s available.
Are acuras expensive to fix?
Cost of Acura Maintenance
Acura is a luxury brand, but the cost of the vehicles don't carry the higher luxury price tag. They are also not expensive to maintain. According to YourMechanic.com, Acura ranks 11th out of 30 on a list of the most and least expensive cars to maintain.
Is Acura expensive to maintain?
Cost of Acura Maintenance
They are also not expensive to maintain. According to YourMechanic.com, Acura ranks 11th out of 30 on a list of the most and least expensive cars to maintain. Based on estimates of total vehicle maintenance over a decade, the cost for Acura is $9,800.
