So what's really the difference between the 2014 Honda's and other luxury brands?

[kyrax12]

So the Honda Civic LX 2014 is loaded with a lot of features that seems to exist in a lot luxury branded cars like Acura and lexus.

Leather seats, back up cameras, and etc.

The only thing that I noticed is different is the engine, which the Honda's are made for having good mileage.

At least that is what I have researched.



Moved from OT.

Anandtech Administrator
KeithTalent

 

[Jeff7181]

One of the big things, in my experience, is going to be build quality and quality of materials.

You'll find actual metal, wood, carbon fiber, etc. in the higher end cars vs. plastic pieces made to look like those materials.

Fit and finish will be better - usually won't get the rattles like I had in my Nissan, Mitsubishi and now my Ford.

 

[Markbnj]

This has been the trend for a long time. Features show up in high end models and then make their way down the line. I remember when having power windows marked you as a successful person who could afford a luxury car. I'm sure electric starters were perceived the same way once. For sure power-adjustable mirrors and seats were, and now those are damn near standard on some brands. As Jeff7181 said, the actual difference once you get past the features, if it exists, is going to be in the build quality, interior materials, number of coats of paint and clearcoat, higher-end tires, etc. And a lot of it is nothing more than paying for the nameplate.

 

[Hugo Drax]

I would say a 2015 4 banger Acura TLX is the best bang for the buck luxury automobile out there right now.

 

[dn7309]

I would say a 2015 4 banger Acura TLX is the best bang for the buck luxury automobile out there right now.

something about Acura never brings luxury to my mind. they are a luxury brand, but I cannot put them among infiniti or lexus.

 

[brianmanahan]

One of the big things, in my experience, is going to be build quality and quality of materials.

i would be willing to bet that honda build quality is better than most luxury models

 

[brainhulk]

I used to have a lexus. Now i have a 2013 civic. I think the civic is just as quiet inside and has the same gadgets. Heated leather seats, voice control bluetooth navigation, 3 position back up camera. The lexus leather did feel different. They also use more padding in their seats.

I think Hondas have much better interior quality than Toyotas (used to have a prius)

 

[996GT2]

The difference is definitely there, even when comparing a top of the line Civic to an entry level luxury car like the Acura ILX.

Interior of a 2014 Civic EX-L (top of the line trim level):

Interior an Acura ILX (based on the Civic platform):

Compare the interior to a high end luxury car like a Lexus LS and the difference is even more obvious (which it should be, given the price difference).

 

[smitbret]

i would be willing to bet that honda build quality is better than most luxury models

Honda's build quality is grossly overrated and has been for the last few years.

Any luxury brand is probably going to be better made. It may not reflect in stats because they typically measure # of claims vs. 100 purchases. A luxury auto with more features has more potential breakdown points AND a higher level of expectation by the buyer. Quite simply there are more things to go wrong and when they do, the buyer is more likely to complain.

 

[996GT2]

Honda's build quality is grossly overrated and has been for the last few years.

Any luxury brand is probably going to be better made. It may not reflect in stats because they typically measure # of claims vs. 100 purchases. A luxury auto with more features has more potential breakdown points AND a higher level of expectation by the buyer. Quite simply there are more things to go wrong and when they do, the buyer is more likely to complain.

Agree. More recent Hondas have much more plastic than before. Compare a recent Civic or Accord to one from the early to mid 2000s and you can easily see the difference in build quality and interior materials.

 

[MongGrel]

Mazda ?

It's not Luxury but an alternative.

 

[Jeff7181]

i would be willing to bet that honda build quality is better than most luxury models

You'd likely lose that bet. There are materials and processes that are simply off limits when you're building a sub-$20k car vs. a $50k car.

 

[dguy6789]

Honda's build quality is grossly overrated and has been for the last few years.

I disagree. It seems clear to me that luxury brands are the overrated brands. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus: I don't see a whole lot of appeal in them when it comes down to what you get for your money. The pictures linked above aren't very flattering for Lexus if you consider how much of a premium you pay over the Civic. Having wood in your car doesn't make it a better car.

 

[mmntech]

something about Acura never brings luxury to my mind. they are a luxury brand, but I cannot put them among infiniti or lexus.

Acura a mid-level brand like Buick is. They're not econo-boxes but they're not luxury cars either. I don't think they're big enough a leap over the regular Civic and Accord to really justify them. Most people opt for the MDX, which I have driven. Eh, it's okay.

They are, however, bringing the NSX back for 2015. So finally Honda will have a performance car again.

When you look at Toyota versus Lexus, there is a huge leap over the econo brand. You can't even compare the ES and the Camry even though they're built on the same platform. Just tighter build quality, better handling, better engine, better interior materials. It feels like it's worth the money. Lexuses (Lexi?) are virtually indestructible as well.

 

[kyrax12]

So in terms of lasting longer without any drastic maintenance..

Are luxury cars better than the Honda Civic model 2011+

 

[Insomniator]

So in terms of lasting longer without any drastic maintenance..

Are luxury cars better than the Honda Civic model 2011+

No, probably worse. No one buys luxury cars for the reliability, that's for sure.

 

[k3n]

No, probably worse. No one buys luxury cars for the reliability, that's for sure.

I agree. I'd like to see a couple luxury cars on craigslist with 200+ thousand miles, if one disagrees...

 

[rommelrommel]

I disagree. It seems clear to me that luxury brands are the overrated brands. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus: I don't see a whole lot of appeal in them when it comes down to what you get for your money. The pictures linked above aren't very flattering for Lexus if you consider how much of a premium you pay over the Civic. Having wood in your car doesn't make it a better car.

Lexus build quality and reliability, especially in the LS is pretty amazing.

BMW and Mercedes do have a history of over contenting the cars and not working everything out, so even if build quality is high long term ownership is very maintenance/repair heavy.

Lexus however is not known for that. LS's are overbuilt to an absurd level and have very few common failures. (Air suspension is a big one, but it's pretty much a wear item.)

 

[RichieZ]

Acura a mid-level brand like Buick is. They're not econo-boxes but they're not luxury cars either. I don't think they're big enough a leap over the regular Civic and Accord to really justify them. Most people opt for the MDX, which I have driven. Eh, it's okay.

They are, however, bringing the NSX back for 2015. So finally Honda will have a performance car again.

When you look at Toyota versus Lexus, there is a huge leap over the econo brand. You can't even compare the ES and the Camry even though they're built on the same platform. Just tighter build quality, better handling, better engine, better interior materials. It feels like it's worth the money. Lexuses (Lexi?) are virtually indestructible as well.

Lol you must own a ES, the engine is the same with a slightly different tune and it handles the same - both of them are boats. How do I know this? Becuase my parents own/have owned:
94 Camry XLE
99 Camry LE
2006 ES330
2013 ES350

I will say though that the build quality of the 99 Camry which i use as a daily beater is better than my 2008 boxster. I installed after market nav systems in both and had to take out trim/carpet and damed if that camry isn't put together really well.

 

[dn7309]

Acura a mid-level brand like Buick is. They're not econo-boxes but they're not luxury cars either. I don't think they're big enough a leap over the regular Civic and Accord to really justify them. Most people opt for the MDX, which I have driven. Eh, it's okay.

They are, however, bringing the NSX back for 2015. So finally Honda will have a performance car again.

When you look at Toyota versus Lexus, there is a huge leap over the econo brand. You can't even compare the ES and the Camry even though they're built on the same platform. Just tighter build quality, better handling, better engine, better interior materials. It feels like it's worth the money. Lexuses (Lexi?) are virtually indestructible as well.

They're definitely the bottom tier of the luxury brand, but they sure don't price their cars like it.

I used to love on Honda and Acura. Great reliability, nice features, affordable performance and great efficiency. But as time go by they don't adapt and change with the market.

Now their car engines are using decade old technology that have shitty power and average fuel economy, and still hoping that their VTEC will still help them sell cars instead of refining their platform, engine and design.

And it also time they drop the stupid SH-AWD (which is basically FWD with a torque converter in the rear wheels).

 

[JMapleton]

One of the big things, in my experience, is going to be build quality and quality of materials.

This. You cannot quantify a the "luxuries" of a luxury vehicle on paper. Nicer brands like Acura and Lexus add small details that overall improve the experience of the car. They do not cut corners as much.

The haters do not understand this.

 

[compcons]

I just moved from an 2007 Infiniti M to a 2013 Taurus SHO. Lots if features in the new car, but it doesn't feel the same as the Infiniti. Go to a new Audi or benz and the "feel" becomes even more evident. My 07 was nicer than a 2015 MKS. You really need to drive one for a week to be able to tell the difference. Hop into a kia forte and then a civic. Same thubg
Is that type of difference worth the money? I just bought an American car for the first time in my life based on it being the best deal. I will be buying an m56x (or q70) next time around because I miss the luxury feel.

EH

 

[dbcooper1]

I agree. I'd like to see a couple luxury cars on craigslist with 200+ thousand miles, if one disagrees...

Look for '98 - '04 GS300, 400, 430; they're out there. I've owned a couple and they're great for what they are.

 

[tsupersonic]

Don't think the Civic LX has leather. That'd probably be the EX-L variant.

Anyways many differences... The luxury brands (By luxury, I mean Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and not Lexus/Infiniti/Acura) would have far better interiors and engines would be more powerful. The Civic is an econobox (not saying its bad), it's engine is too weak for me, there is no fun driving factor, and is treated as an efficient/reliable vehicle for getting from point A to B

 

[monkeydelmagico]

So the Honda Civic LX 2014 is loaded with a lot of features that seems to exist in a lot luxury branded cars like Acura and lexus.

Leather seats, back up cameras, and etc.

The only thing that I noticed is different is the engine, which the Honda's are made for having good mileage.

At least that is what I have researched.

Yep, what used to be an economy car that came standard with crank windows now has some creature and feature content available. Only took 30 years to get where we are now. In 30 years even the lowly civic will have self drive, occulus rift, and aroma therapy. Joy!