When you see the EX abbreviation in the price list of new Honda vehicles, you may wonder what it stands for. And Honda forums will give you quite a lot of witty ideas like "Extremely Xpensive" or just "Expensive", etc. But really, this is the trim name that doesn't mean anything and doesn't stand for anything.
Years ago, Honda has one of the traditional names for its middle-range trims in Accord and some other models - "Executive". We are pretty sure that the EX trim name comes from there and was invented as the more up-to-date and easier way to say "Executive". But still, it's just the name of a trim and it doesn't mean anything important to the driver.
Why does Honda come up with some trim names?
Actually, every car manufacturer does. You will see that most car makers stopped using words to denote their trims. Only some companies still use the whole word or even a combination as the name for one of the trims. Most companies choose letters like S, SE, SEL, SES, etc. They also mean just nothing - they only show the level of safety and comfort equipment you get with your vehicle.
The EX name is just the same as S or SE for Volkswagen or Ford vehicles but it's used in Honda models.
For some models, the EX trim is the cheapest one. For example, the Honda CR-V EX is currently the most affordable Honda CR-V you can get in the US. While in a very popular Civic sedan, you can buy an even cheaper version called Sport while EX is the second cheapest trim.
So, the EX trim is one of the most affordable versions of a Honda vehicle. And it may mean "Executive" because this is what historically some trims in Honda were named. But it shouldn't mean anything else.
Is it good to buy the EX trim Honda?
Actually, the idea to buy any version of the new Honda vehicle is good. You may get a really good vehicle with all the needed safety options and with quite reliable technology. If you are concentrating on the cheapest available vehicles, then the EX trim will be a good choice. But if you wish for something exclusive and unique, you should pay attention to more sophisticated trims.
The EX trim will only have the necessary equipment. For example, some may have an air conditioner but no climate control. It may have a limited number of airbags. Also, some models will even have drum brakes on the rear wheels. So, this is obviously not the dream vehicle.
But, on the other hand, any EX-trim Honda will be quite comfortable and safe. So, if we would choose a more affordable car that still has everything you need in it, we would choose the EX trim. Although it's often the base trim of a Honda vehicle, it should be OK for you in most cases.
When is it better to buy a higher-trim Honda?
It's always better to buy something more luxurious if you can afford it. For example, if you buy a new vehicle with the help of leasing or a loan, just look at the monthly payment difference. If the difference between the EX and the Touring or EX-L is just a couple of bucks a month, why should you go for the EX?
Also, if you can afford to pay a couple of thousand more, you should go for higher trims. With them, you get more technologies, more cool features, more comfort, and what's more important more safety.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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