Honda has once again solidified its position as a leader in the automotive industry, claiming more Car and Driver 10Best awards for 2025 than any other brand. This remarkable achievement marks the third consecutive year Honda has achieved this honor, underscoring the brand’s consistent commitment to quality, innovation, and driver satisfaction. The prestigious accolades were bestowed upon the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Honda CR-V, recognizing them as best-in-class vehicles in the highly competitive automotive landscape.
For over four decades, the Car and Driver 10Best awards have been a benchmark of automotive excellence. Honda’s dominance in these awards is undeniable, amassing a staggering 95 trophies since the award’s inception – the most of any brand in the award’s history. This legacy of recognition speaks volumes about Honda’s enduring dedication to producing vehicles that consistently impress both critics and consumers alike. An impressive aspect of this achievement is that Honda has had at least one model featured on the annual 10Best list every single year since 1983, a testament to their long-standing excellence.
Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales, emphasized the passion and dedication of Honda’s engineers and production teams, stating, “Winning three prestigious Car and Driver 10Best awards for the third year in a row speaks to the passion our Honda engineers and production associates pour into these products for our customers.” She further noted the positive reception of Honda’s electrified models, adding, “We’re pleased that electrifying Civic, Accord and CR-V has been received so well because it is a promising sign as we head into the electrified future.” This forward-looking statement highlights Honda’s commitment to embracing electrification while maintaining the core qualities that have earned them Car and Driver 10Best recognition.
The Honda Accord’s victory is particularly noteworthy. America’s best-selling car for five decades, the Accord has now earned a Car and Driver 10Best award for an unprecedented 39 times. This includes an unbroken streak of 27 consecutive years on the list, a record that is unlikely to be challenged anytime soon. The Honda Civic, a perennial favorite for its fun-to-drive nature and practicality, secured its 11th 10Best award. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V, a leader in the competitive SUV segment, claimed its 6th win, further cementing Honda’s stronghold across different vehicle categories.
A key factor in Honda’s recent success is its focus on hybrid technology. The fuel-efficient and engaging Civic hybrid, Accord hybrid, and CR-V hybrid represent a significant step in Honda’s electrification strategy. Currently, hybrid models account for over 50% of both Accord and CR-V sales, and are projected to make up 40% of Civic sales, demonstrating strong consumer demand for these efficient yet dynamic vehicles. These models are powered by Honda’s advanced two-motor hybrid system, which has garnered its own accolades, including a Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award. This system prioritizes fuel efficiency without compromising driving performance and comfort. Tony Quiroga, Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver, highlighted the Civic hybrid, stating, “The new hybrid model maintains the handling and practicality all Civics enjoy, boasts the best fuel economy numbers in the lineup, and it’s as quick as the performance-oriented Si.” This endorsement underscores the seamless integration of hybrid technology into Honda’s award-winning vehicles.
The Car and Driver 10Best list employs a rigorous evaluation process. To be eligible, vehicles must be either all-new, previous year’s winners, or significantly updated models, and must be available for sale by January 31, 2024, with a base price under $110,000. Car and Driver editors subject over 80 vehicles to two weeks of extensive driving and evaluation, scoring each vehicle out of 100. The scores are then tallied to determine the coveted 10Best Cars and 10Best Trucks and SUVs lists. This comprehensive and impartial process ensures that the Car and Driver 10Best awards remain a trusted and respected measure of automotive excellence.
Adding to Honda’s achievement, all three Car and Driver 10Best award-winning models – the Accord, Civic, and CR-V – are built in North America. This reflects Honda’s long-term commitment to manufacturing vehicles close to its customers. The Accord is manufactured at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, where over 12.8 million Accords have been produced since 1982. The Civic Hatchback is built in Indiana, with the Sedan variant produced in Canada. North American Civic production exceeds 11.5 million units, with over 5 million built in the United States. The CR-V is produced across three North American plants, including Ohio, Indiana, and Canada, with over 6 million units manufactured in North America, and approximately half of those in the U.S. Furthermore, the advanced two-motor hybrid system powering these hybrid models and the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine are also manufactured in Ohio. This strong North American manufacturing footprint further reinforces Honda’s commitment to the region and its economy.
Honda’s continued success in the Car and Driver 10Best awards underscores its dedication to producing vehicles that excel in quality, reliability, and driving enjoyment. From the record-breaking Honda Accord to the versatile Civic and CR-V, Honda’s award-winning lineup exemplifies the brand’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs and preferences of today’s drivers while paving the way for an electrified future. These Car and Driver 10Best awards serve as a powerful validation of Honda’s engineering prowess and its enduring position at the forefront of the automotive industry.
