Honda Claims Top Pick spots with Consumer Reports

This year, 3 Honda vehicles, the Accord, CR-V and the Odyssey made it to the top of the Consumer Reports list. The 2013 redesign of the Accord helped it score top marks with the magazine while improved reliability gave the Honda Odyssey an opportunity to clinch the Top Pick spot. The super-practical and reliable Honda CR-V floated to the top in the Small SUV category.  Visit Maita Honda today to test drive.  You can see all our new Honda inventory at MaitaHonda.net 

"This year's list has received an overhaul led by Honda's return. After several years marked by some so-so product, its comeback is led by the Accord's redesign and the well-rounded performance and reliability of CR-V and Odyssey," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor. 

Consumer Reports' Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories and they must meet CR's stringent criteria in 3 areas: road test, reliability and safety. They must rank at or near the top of their category on overall road test scores. 

Here's what Consumer Reports had to say about the Accord, Odyssey and CR-V:

MIDSIZED SEDAN: Honda Accord ($23,270 to $30,860).  Honda nailed it with this redesign – it's roomy, nice to drive, well equipped and very fuel efficient.    The basic four-cylinder Accord is among our top Rated family sedans. It rides and handles well, has a roomy and well-finished interior, and gets and impressive 30 mpg overall with its unobtrusive CVT. The 3.5-liter V6 is lively and refined, and the six-speed automatic gets a very good 26 mpg overall, which is as good as the tiny Honda Fit. Higher-trim models have advanced safety features seldom found in this category; all models come with a standard back-up camera.  A Plug-in version is available in some states, and has a claimed electric range of 13 miles. Reliability has been average or better for all versions of late. 

MINIVAN: Honda Odyssey This versatile hauler combines clever and generous packaging with responsive handling and a supple ride. Its vigorous 3.5-liter V6 and smooth six-speed automatic returned an excellent 21 mpg overall in our tests. The Odyssey can seat eight with ease, with varying configurations for cargo and passenger needs. Easy access, excellent child-seat accommodations, and abundant cabin storage add to the family-friendly quotient. Among our few gripes is the tediously complicated dual touch-screen infotainment system. In addition, fit and finish and some material selection is not what one would expect at this price point, and AWD isn't available. 

SMALL SUV: Honda CR-V  The CR-V is one of the more sensible and competitively priced small SUVs. Its 185-hp four-cylinder is smooth and responsive, and returned a commendable 23 mpg overall in our tests. For 2015 the Honda gets a mild freshening, including a continuously variable transmission and the availability of some active safety features. Handling is responsive in ordinary driving, but it doesn't shine at the limits, and the steering is a bit vague. Braking is excellent, and while the ride is absorbent and composed, road noise is pronounced. The rear seats are roomy, and lowering them is a breeze. The view back is hurt by small rear windows, but the standard rear-view camera helps.