Looking For A Honda On The Cheap?
Used doesn’t always mean less, especially when you’re hunting for a Honda. Some used Hondas are total steals that still shine years later. Others? Let’s just say if you have the wrong model, you’ll be looking out for your next mechanic visit every time you hit the road. So, let's check out the disasters first before moving on to the ones that are actually worth your while.
1. Honda Clarity
The Clarity struggled to meet consumer expectations. Battery degradation hit PHEV owners hard, especially in warmer climates. Lease buybacks became common, and resale values nosedived. For a model meant to signal progress, it became a lesson in market misalignment.
2. Honda Odyssey
Even though it was a favorite for families, transmission issues plagued Odysseys from 1999 through 2004 and again in 2011. Replacement costs could run over $4,000, and class-action lawsuits reflected widespread failures. Despite improvements in later generations, these problem models still remain on used lots.
3. Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid
On paper, the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid promised innovation and efficiency. But in reality, it brought a wave of owner frustration. Over 900 NHTSA complaints highlight repeated failures in the electrical and hybrid systems. Abrupt battery shutdowns and regenerative braking glitches turned this model into a cautionary tale.
Al Pavangkanan from Van Nuys, USA on Wikimedia
4. Honda Crosstour
The Crosstour never quite found its crowd. Its sloped rear roofline compromised cargo space and rear visibility, which turned practicality into a puzzle. Though mechanically solid, its confused styling and limited versatility kept demand low. Honda pulled the plug in 2015 and never looked back.
5. Honda Acura ZDX
Marketed as an upscale experiment, the Acura ZDX missed nearly every mark. Only available for three model years (2010–2013), it was hard to see out of impractical inside and overpriced. Even Honda pulled the plug early, quietly distancing itself from the flop it created.
6. Honda Pilot
Misfires in the V6 engine became a recurring nightmare for 2009–2013 Pilot owners. Oil consumption, spark plug fouling, and expensive repairs followed. Lawsuits led to extended warranties, but many Pilots still carry these risks unless they've had costly updates.
7. Honda Insight (1st Gen)
Few cars promised what the first-gen Insight did: over 60 mpg in early 2000s traffic. It never truly fits into daily life. With cramped space and battery packs that aged poorly, the promise wore thin. It showed potential, but reliability and practicality fell severely short.
8. Honda Del Sol
This '90s targa-top coupe drew smiles for its playful styling and open-air roof. Owners eventually learned that leaky seals and underwhelming engine choices didn’t age well. Today, parts are scarce, and many Del Sols suffer from body rust and fading interiors.
9. Honda CR-Z
Intended to revive the CR-X legacy, the CR-Z aimed for sport-hybrid appeal. Its mild acceleration and mediocre fuel economy failed to please either crowd. The model couldn’t match hybrid competitors in terms of efficiency or performance. After years of lukewarm interest, Honda quietly ended production.
10. Honda Civic Hybrid
Between 2006 and 2008, the Civic Hybrid looked ideal on paper. Reality struck when battery failures emerged early, sometimes as soon as 60,000 miles. CVT issues added to the pain, and resale values dropped sharply, too. Honda later improved the hybrid line, but these models are better left in the junkyard.
As we promised, not every used model is a gamble. Here are the ones that deliver real value, year after year.
1. Honda Accord
Year after year, the Accord proves its place as a benchmark for midsize sedans. Models from 2013 onward have low maintenance costs and impressive longevity. Solid resale value and top safety ratings make it a smart, no-fuss choice for buyers looking for long-term dependability.
2. Honda Civic
This generation marked a turning point for the Civic. Redesigned from the ground up, the 2016–2018 models brought upscale interiors and available turbocharged engines. Reliability bounced back strong, and fuel efficiency stayed competitive. With sharp styling and better materials, this Civic erased memories of the 2012 misstep.
3. Honda Fit
What looks like a small hatchback from the outside hides one of the most versatile interiors in its class. The Fit’s Magic Seat system flips and folds in ways that rival small crossovers. Combine that with great mileage and bulletproof reliability, and you’ve got a used car worth scouting.
4. Honda CR-V
The CR-V focuses on what matters: reliability and efficiency. Models from 2012 onward are known for low-cost ownership and strong crash ratings. Ideal for both families or solo adventurers, it consistently ranks among the most recommended used compact SUVs on the market.
5. Honda Ridgeline
Not every truck needs to shout. The Ridgeline keeps a quiet, competent profile with its unibody frame and clever storage features like the lockable in-bed trunk. For buyers needing pickup utility without the truck-like punishment, it’s a used gem that holds up better than most expect.
6. Honda Element
Discontinued but not forgotten, the Element is one of Honda’s most unique and practical designs. Wide doors and upright cargo space made it a hit with dog owners and outdoor types. The 2007–2011 models are especially prized for their durability and still command high used prices.
7. Honda HR-V
Honda’s HR-V carved out a space between the hatchback and SUV. Its raised stance gave it crossover appeal. Flip-down, flip-up rear seats opened up smart storage options. Pair that with low maintenance costs, and it became a go-to option for practical urban driving.
8. Honda Prelude
Though no longer in production, the Prelude remains a favorite among enthusiasts. This model’s sharp handling and timeless coupe silhouette make it stand out in the used market. Well-maintained examples from the late ’90s still offer a spirited drive and a sense of analog performance.
User Audiophile on fi.wikipedia on Wikimedia
9. Honda S2000
With an 8,900-rpm redline and nearly perfect weight distribution, the S2000 still turns heads and car reviews. This weekend’s reliability rivals modern compacts. Values are rising fast, making it one of Honda’s most collectible and rewarding used cars that you can buy.
10. Honda Insight (2nd Gen)
While the first generation had issues, the second-gen Insight (2010–2014) delivered what buyers wanted: a reliable hybrid at an accessible price. Real-world mileage often hits 40+ mpg, and battery problems are rare compared to early hybrids. It’s a smart entry point for those seeking eco-friendly Honda value.
