Honda vs. Toyota — Which One’s More Reliable?
1. Maintenance Costs & Longevity
- Annual maintenance is similar for both:
- Honda averages around $428, while Toyota is slightly higher at $441—both well below the industry average of ~$650.
- Longevity favors Toyota:
- Toyotas are about 20% more likely to reach 200,000 miles compared to the industry norm.
- Hondas also fare well—about 15% more likely.
2. Overall Reliability Rankings
- 2025 industry ratings:
- Toyota ranks 2nd.
- Honda comes in at 5th.
- According to RepairPal, both brands get 4 out of 5 stars, with an average of just 0.3 unexpected repairs per year—about one surprise visit every three years.
3. Depreciation & Resale
- Over five years:
- Toyota models lose about 35% of their value.
- Hondas depreciate slightly more, around 38–40%.
- Toyota’s slower fade gives it a bit of a long‑term value edge.
4. Consumer Reports & Brand Rankings
- In European surveys by UFC‑Que Choisir:
- Toyota’s reliability index is about 96.1.
- Honda close behind at 95.9.
- In Consumer Reports’ US rankings, Toyota often fares better than Honda, though both remain in the higher echelons.
5. Expert & Enthusiast Perspective
- YouTuber Mark Holubetz praises:
- Toyota Camry: “Reliability king” with hundreds of thousands of miles capability.
- Honda Civic: Reliable, affordable, enjoyable to drive—especially older or manual versions.
- Other sources affirm longevity stories: Civics, Camrys, Accords, and Lexus models regularly top the lists of cars lasting 200,000+ miles.
Summary Table
| Metric | Toyota | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Cost | ~$441/year | ~$428/year |
| Long-Term Reliability | ~20% more likely to hit 200k miles | ~15% more likely to hit 200k miles |
| Brand Reliability | Ranked 2nd overall | Ranked 5th overall |
| Depreciation | ~35% over 5 years | ~38–40% over 5 years |
| Repair Frequency | ~0.3/year (0.3 unexpected repairs) | ~0.3/year |
| Enthusiast Praise | Camry praised for durability | Civic lauded for value and longevity |
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆
Both Honda and Toyota shine when it comes to reliability, low maintenance, and long-term value. Toyota has a slight edge in longevity and resale retention, while Honda often brings better affordability and driving experience, especially with models like the Civic and Accord.