Skip to main content

Are Toyota Cars Better than Honda? This Mechanic Who Owns Both Answers the Question

Here’s the latest on the question of whether you are better off buying a Toyota or Honda by a mechanic who has both makes in his home and reveals to viewers a significant difference between the two that could affect your next car buying decision.
How Similar Are Toyota and Honda?

Honda or Toyota?

Sometimes two makes of cars are so close in terms of reliability, cost, and trade-in value that it can be difficult to decide which model you should buy new and used.

Related article: Best Economical Reliable Used Car Today

For example, if we were to compare a 2006 Honda Accord against a 2006 Toyota Camry you would find that Consumer Reports rates the Accord a 3/5 for reliability and a 4/5 for owner satisfaction and gets a reported 25 mpg on fuel efficiency. However, in comparison to the same year Camry, Consumer Reports rates the Camry as a 4/5 for reliability at 4/5 for customer satisfaction with a reported 26 mpg on fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, the average retail price of a 2006 Honda comes to $4,900 - $6,050 with a trade-in value of $1,975 - $3,025. The 2006 Camry has an average retail price of $5,900 - $6,525 and a trade-in value of $2,860 - $3,460.

In other words, both makes and models are relatively close to each other.

Where Differences Can and Do Occur

However, there are some important differences when it comes to repairs and maintenance that can be deal breakers depending on your needs.

That is the message in a recent Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel episode where the host discusses the differences he finds in general between owning and maintaining/repairing a Toyota versus a Honda.

In it he will reveal that Toyota timing chain stretch is not a problem that occurs as early as it does in Honda models. Furthermore, starter replacement (which you can expect be done at least once in a car’s life) is more difficult and more costly in a Honda than in a Toyota.

That all said and done, here is the video that should be watched in its entirety. Be forewarned, Peter is trying a little humor in the first few minutes but does get more serious afterward with his typical useful information.

Are Toyota Cars Better Than Honda?

And finally…

For additional articles about Honda and Toyota vehicles, here are a few for your consideration:

• Why the Honda Fit is the Best Car for the Money

• The Best Honda Crossover SUV to Buy Today

• Should you Buy a Toyota Camry Hybrid Advice from a Toyota Mechanic

• What a Used Toyota Engine Rebuild Can Cost

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Recommended Midsized SUVs with the Best Fuel Economy

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay

Automotive News
Car Questions
Toyota