Volkswagen vs Honda: A Very Detailed Comparison Guide

“Volkswagen vs Honda” is a common rivalry among owners of the two most popular brands in the world. Both brands are globally recognized for producing quality and high-performing vehicles to meet the needs of people.

It’s not always easy to choose one between both brands as they have different features that set them apart. However, we have highlighted their differences in this article to enhance your decision and allow you to easily choose the best.

Features	Volkswagen	Honda
Year Founded	1937	1948
Popular Models	Jetta, Passat, Beetle, and Tiguan	Civic, Accord, Odyssey, HR-V, and CR-V
Expected Miles	172,500 to 190,000 miles	225,000 to 275,000 miles
Target Market	People between the ages of 25 to 34 who are either middle or upper-class	People looking for affordable cars, and families looking for cars with more space.

 

What Are the Differences Between Volkswagen and Honda?

The main differences between Volkswagen and Honda include their target audience and model lineup. Honda offers a larger lineup with more reliable vehicles than Volkswagen. Their vehicles are designed to last up to 250,000 miles, while Volkswagen cars can only last about 175,000 miles.

Both car brands have many other differences, which include their maintenance cost, market popularity, and price. We’ll go deeper into each of these differences to give you a better understanding.

– Target Audience and Model Lineup

The first difference to know is that the two brands have different target audiences and model lineups. Understanding this factor will make it easy for you to know where each brand sells its cars.

Honda offers a wide selection of sedans, including the Honda Civic, Accord, and Insight, and SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Passport, Pilot, and HR-V. The brand also offers minivans like Odyssey and trucks like the Ridgeline in its lineup.

Another thing to note about Honda vehicles is that they are not expensive and are recognized for producing reliable cars. With that said, it’s clear that the vehicles are better suited for people belonging to the middle-income group. Honda also targets families looking for vans, SUVs, and younger consumers that want to buy sporty cars.

On the other hand, Volkswagen is more of a conglomerate with a stronghold in Europe. The brand offers a smaller selection of vehicles which include SUVs like Volkswagen Atlas, Tiguan, and Taos, sedans like Volkswagen Jetta, Arteon, and Passat, and hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf. Volkswagen also offers an EV SUV, which is the ID.4.

In addition, Volkswagen is also a reliable brand, with its focus on penetrating the U.S. market with EVs. The brand mostly targets young males with moderate income, particularly those living in Southern and Western U.S. Unlike Honda, Volkswagen does not focus on families that much.

– Reliability

This is also an important factor to look at when considering the difference between Volkswagen and Honda. Reliability is generally considered from three different angles, which include unexpected visits to the garage, the potential to develop severe problems, and the number of miles the vehicle can cover.

Both brands differ significantly under each of these factors. When it comes to the frequency of unexpected visits to the garage, Honda cars are reliable, as they don’t require frequent garage visits. Honda HR-V is the winner among all the different models they offer, while the Pilot and Odyssey are weaker lineups that usually require frequent garage visits.

On the other hand, Volkswagen lineups like Volkswagen Golf GTI and Tiguan don’t perform well and require frequent garage visits, while Passat performs reasonably well. Regardless of the model you get, Honda cars can cover between 225,000 miles to 275,000 miles, while Volkswagen models cover between 172,500 to 190,000 miles.

With that being said, it’s clear that Honda cars offer more reliability than Volkswagen cars. Basically, Honda only has a 10 percent chance of severe problems, while Volkswagen has an 11 percent chance.

– Maintenance Costs

In addition to the reliability of the vehicle, maintenance cost is also another important factor to consider when differentiating between the two brands. The cost of maintenance also differs across each model offered by both brands.

For example, the maintenance cost for Honda HR-V is generally lower than for sedans and SUV models. Larger Honda vehicles, trucks, and minivans also have a higher maintenance cost.

Basically, the annual maintenance cost for Honda vehicles is between $300 to $600. On the other hand, maintaining Volkswagen vehicles generally costs more, and this lies between $550 to $700. This implies that Honda vehicles are generally more affordable to own than Volkswagen vehicles.

– Price, Resale Value, and Market Share

Apart from the maintenance cost, price, resale value, and market share are also essential factors to consider. As mentioned earlier, Honda focuses on providing affordable cars, while Volkswagen mostly sells premium vehicles that are more expensive. In addition, Volkswagen’s EV cars are also far more expensive than other Honda models.

The two car brands have similar resale values. Honda cars don’t depreciate as fast as Volkswagen cars. Different analysis of the residual value of both cars shows that after a period of seven years, Honda only depreciates by 50 percent, while Volkswagen depreciates by 57 percent. Therefore, you would expect your Honda vehicle to maintain significant value after many years compared to a Volkswagen vehicle.

When it comes to market share, Honda outperforms Volkswagen, especially in the United States. Over the last decade, Volkswagen has stayed at the 400,000 mark per year, while Honda has stayed between one million and 1.5 million sales per year. This is basically because Honda vehicles are more reliable, with the brand providing a more extensive product lineup within the US than Volkswagen.

Overall

With everything discussed above, it’s important to know which is a better choice, whether you are going for a new or used car. Most people prefer Honda because they offer a vast selection of vehicles, implying you get more options to choose from.

These vehicles are also reliable, and you won’t spend so much on maintenance, which is not the case with Volkswagen. However, there are also areas where Volkswagen performs better, and this is particularly for people looking for a full EV or a premium feel.

With the ID.4 and the Arteon, you get a completely different experience, which is unavailable on any Honda model. Therefore, the better option to choose completely depends on your needs and preferences.

What Are Volkswagen’s Characteristics and Specifications?

Volkswagen’s characteristics and specifications include the provision of quality cars that are built to last and perform better than other brands in terms of durability and reliability. These vehicles are designed with the application of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and premium quality materials for maximum quality.

The models offered are popular for so many reasons, among which include the fact that they are affordable. Even though they are generally more expensive than Honda cars, Volkswagen vehicles are also a great option for anyone on a budget. The company also has an amazing reputation within the automotive industry, with a successful history.

– Volkswagen Overview

The company was established by the German Labor Front in 1937. Its name was coined from the German words “volks,” meaning “people,” and “wagen,” which means car. Today, the headquarters of the company is located in Wolfsburg.

There are many other subsidiaries under the company, and this includes SEAT, Ducati, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche, Bently, and Audi. In 2020, the company became the world’s second-largest car maker in the world, with more than 340 employees across the world. The brand offers different car models, with the common ones being Tiguan, Passat, VW Jetta, and Golf.

– Why You Should Buy It

Apart from the popularity of the brand, there are many reasons why you should consider buying a Volkswagen vehicle. One of the primary things to note is that the cars they offer are attractive and stylish. With different models offered, you can rest assured that you’ll find a model that suits your personal taste.

When it comes to variety, the company also performs well, with new models introduced each year and other models being redesigned. Another thing to note about their vehicles is that they operate on different types of gas-powered engines. These engines are equally efficient and reliable.

The most popular Volkswagen gas engine is the 1.8T engine, which is recognized for its fuel economy and high performance. 2.0T engine is also a popular gas engine that offers more power, but it’s a more expensive option.

What Are Honda’s Characteristics and Specifications?

Honda’s characteristics and specifications include high-performance models that don’t require much maintenance. These vehicles are generally more affordable, and the brand offers different models you can choose from. Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V are the most popular models you’ll find across the world today.

Apart from offering different models, the company also has a stellar reputation for producing durable and reliable cars. Basically, Honda is a great option for anyone looking to buy a vehicle that will last longer and retain its value after many years.

– Honda Overview

Honda was established by Soichiro Honda in 1948, and the name was coined from the Japanese word “honda,” which means mainland. Today, the headquarters of the company is located in Tokyo. The company also has different subsidiaries, among which include Honda Aircraft Company, the robotics division Honda Research Institute, and Acura.

In 2020, the company was ranked the ninth largest car marker in the world, with about 200,000 employees in different parts of the world. As mentioned earlier, the brand offers different models, with the most popular being Honda Civic, Fit, CR-V, HR-V, and Accord. It’s worth noting that the company also manufactures power equipment like lawnmowers and generators.

– Why You Should Buy It

In addition to the reputation of the company, there are many other factors why you should consider buying a Honda vehicle. These vehicles are generally recognized for their impressive performance while saving on fuel and maintenance. It’s basically the right choice for anyone looking to enjoy maximum value for their money.

Honda offers different options for users, with different models and features. Whether you’re looking for a fun-to-drive car, a fuel-efficient car, or a car with different innovations, you can find the right model with Honda. The company is also known for producing fancy cars with beautiful interior and exterior designs.

Another reason to consider getting a Honda vehicle is the engine their vehicles come with. Honda is also recognized for producing highly efficient, durable, and high-performance engines. The most notable of these engines is the VTEC engine, which is among the best engines the company offers. VTEC engines offer exceptional performance, power, and fuel efficiency but are usually expensive to maintain.

Conclusion

Volkswagen and Honda are great options to consider for anyone looking to buy a car. They have their distinguishing features, and both brands have been around for many years. Anyone looking to get a high-performing vehicle at an affordable price can consider any of the two brands. In addition, both vehicles stand out when it comes to producing stylish and reliable vehicles.

Determining the overall winner of the two brands is not easy as they stand neck and neck with each other. Ultimately, individual preference comes to play when choosing the best. Honda is the best option for anyone looking for a vehicle to meet their daily movement needs, while Volkswagen generally offers a more premium and luxurious feel.