Why is Honda a better automaker than Ford?

Why is Honda a better automaker than Ford? - 1

This is a viewpoint question, due to the use of the word "better", so be ready for conflicting answers, as there's no one right one.

They aren't.

Of course, Ford is the best of all automakers…

What makes you think Honda is?

They just are.

Better quality control, superior tuning, and just better research and development in general.

Because small **** cans can run forever.

Better quality and reliability. Honda wanted to improve back in the 1960s and 70s so they did and Ford lagged… And I have experience with this. My family has owned cars from both brands (two CR-Vs, as well as an Escape and a Taurus) and the Hondas are built better and are more reliable.

The main reason Honda has been "proven" more reliable, than Ford in the past:

Honda's goal has been to build simple, quality vehicles.
Honda has, for the most part "trimmed the fat" off It's vehicle lines, making them more affordable for consumers to maintain.

Japanese companies also don't have a work Union like the US, so the same wages aren't expected.
This keeps cost down on both materials and manufacturing, which means the end consumer pays less.

Ford, on the other hand, is a part of the Union and has to pay It's workers a more competitive wage.
This, of course raises the price consumers pay (Not getting into the whole Union thing).

Ford has suffered some misfortunes, netting it some bad "vibes".
This all started in the 70's, with the poorly placed gas tank in the Pinto and onward to more serious matters:
The 70's "gas crisis", 1975 changes in emissions and safety regulations, 1979 Clean Air Act, and issues with the Union (just barely touching on it).

All of the American car companies had trouble adapting to new regulations (1975-1979) and suffered, whilst companies in Japan and Europe had already conformed to more advanced regulations, earlier on and had fewer issues with new emission/safety regulations.

The most recent misfortunes where the 09-13 US Bailouts and issues with the Economy (But I'm not getting into that). This caused issues with Fords quality and made for a plethora of recalls.

My own experience:
I have been an Auto Mechanic for many years and specialize in Diagnostics and replacement of electrical and safety equipment (AirBags, impact sensors, control modules, ect).
I have dissembled a great amount of Ford and Honda Vehicles and I must say the quality is very comparable.
From what I've seen, Ford vehicles from 09+ are progressively becoming better and the funny thing is, they appear to be adapting many of the same build qualities I see in Hondas.
That being said, Both Auto brands are my top favourite to work on (along with Toyota, though they have annoyingly sensitive impact sensors).

To Summarize:
Is Honda better than Ford?
No, Ford has (more recently) become adequate competition.

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