Honda cars are some of the most popular in the world. They range from the speedy Civic SI Coupe to the family friendly Honda Passport –– even awesome bikes like the Honda Africa Twin. There is something for everyone on a Honda lot, but how well is your new Honda covered?

Honda is ranked among the lowest in this best to worst comparison of new car warranties. Though Honda produces some really well loved vehicles, they might not have your back when it comes to a great warranty package. But, how bad is the Honda factory warranty?

The Honda factory warranty explained

As far as factory warranties are concerned, Honda is ranked among the lowest. But it hangs out down in the bottom with a lot of other big names that have nearly identical warranty packages with their new cars.

The Honda factory warranty covers new cars with a basic comprehensive warranty that lasts 3 years, 36,000 miles. That is the same length of time offered for new cars manufactured by Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep and Toyota.

The powertrain warranty offered by Honda covers new cars for 5 years, 60,000 miles. This is also highly comparable to other popular car brands. Nissan and Subaru, to name a couple, also offer 5 years, 60,000 miles of coverage with their powertrain warranty. So far, Honda isn’t looking so bad.

More warranty coverage

In addition to the basic and powertrain warranty aspects of the Honda factory coverage, they offer 5 years of rust perforation coverage with unlimited mileage. This is a perk for high mileage drivers. And it’s definitely not uncommon for Honda drivers to exist in that category.

The downside? Like Ford, Honda’s rust coverage has its limitations. Honda covers rust damage that has essentially rusted through and made holes in metal, but only from the inside out. They don’t cover perforation that began with rust on the exterior of the vehicle.

Honda also covers new cars for 3 years, 36,000 miles for roadside assistance, limited accessories, and federal emissions. Unless you’re in California, then your emissions warranty lasts for 3 years, 50,000 miles.

Where does it really fall short?

Honda’s factory warranty is limited, like all warranties. When compared to other vehicles in the bottom half of the bunch they come out pretty average. Most carmakers’ warranty packages pale in comparison to the likes of Hyundai or Kia. But the Honda factory warranty really isn’t that bad.

One of the places where Honda notably falls short is in a lack of tire coverage. Though Honda dealers will help you find a tire warranty with an outside entity, they don’t offer one under the Honda umbrella.

Room for improvement

Honda offers several extended warranty options. This allows for increased bundling of services, as well as extended years and mileage for your warranty package. All warranties are limited, and can even vary a little bit –– and of course motorcycle warranties will differ entirely.

It’s important to check with your dealer or take a look at the manual and make sure you understand the details before purchasing a vehicle with a factory warranty. It’s also smart to read the fine print before shelling out cash for an extended warranty. But, from where we’re standing, Honda’s warranty leaves room for improvement but it’s really not that bad.