Most Reliable Honda Car Isn’t Civic or Accord
Editor’s note: This article was updated on 5/16/2023.
Honda is one of the most reliable car brands in the automotive industry. Two models that have a long history of high-level reliability are the Civic and Accord sedans, with a much-deserved reputation for lasting many miles and years. However, the most reliable Honda car isn’t the Civic or Accord. It’s the 2023 Honda Passport midsize SUV.
2023 Honda Passport is the most reliable Honda
Consumer Reports named the 2023 Honda Passport the most reliable Honda model, which is somewhat surprising. For one, the sedan lineup, with the Civic and Accord, has traditionally been more reliable than the SUVs. Also, the Passport is one of the least popular Honda models — and is often overshadowed by other vehicles from the Japanese automaker.
However, for Consumer Reports’ reliability evaluations, the Passport came out on top over all other Honda models, including the Civic and Accord.
Honda Passport earned higher marks than Civic and Accord in annual Auto Reliability Survey
The title of the most reliable Honda for the 2023 Passport is based on CR’s annual Auto Reliability Survey. Per USA Today, the Auto Reliability Survey follows 12 months of Consumer Reports collecting owner surveys for over 300,000 vehicles, including all of the models in the Honda lineup. Owners identified various problem areas, such as engines, paint, leaks, noises, electrical systems, and brakes.
The issues for the Passport were less frequent and severe compared to other Honda vehicles. As a result, it earned the top spot for Honda reliability. After the Passport, the next most reliable Honda is the Accord Hybrid, followed by the Civic. The standard gas-powered version of the Accord placed fourth.
Also, Consumer Reports rates Honda as one of the most reliable car brands. It ranks fifth, behind only Toyota, Lexus, BMW, and Mazda.
Other positive attributes of the Passport
In addition to its high-level reliability, the 2023 Passport has some other positive attributes. It’s a larger alternative to the CR-V compact crossover SUV, resulting in a generous amount of passenger space. The Passport can comfortably seat up to five people — with a total passenger volume of 114.9 cu-ft.
There’s plenty of space for storage too. The midsize SUV provides a rear cargo capacity of 41.2 cu-ft and a maximum capacity of 100.8 cu-ft. Also, compared to some of its SUV rivals, the cabin of the Passport is more upscale.
Additionally, the Passport has a potent 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It churns out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft, helping to deliver relatively quick acceleration. Also, the reliable SUV has good handling and provides a smooth and comfortable ride. And for outdoor adventures, it has an off-road model with the rugged TrailSport trim.
Plus, the Passport offers many desirable features. This includes a wireless charging pad, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a tri-zone climate control system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a hands-free power tailgate, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Additionally, there’s a wide range of safety-enhancing driving assistance features, such as lane keeping assist, a collision mitigation braking system, and adaptive cruise control.
The most reliable Honda car isn’t the Civic or Accord. It’s the 2023 Honda Passport midsize SUV. While the Passport is not as popular as other models in the lineup — in terms of reliability, it’s the best.
