Honda Has Best Used Cars According to Consumer Reports

Many people are aware that a new car depreciates the minute it is driven off of the lot. In fact, the average new car loses almost half of its value in the first three years of ownership. For many purchasers, the choice is to buy a quality pre-owned vehicle to avoid taking the hit on depreciation. The problem, though, is finding one that is considered reliable. There are many tools to help consumers find the most reliable used vehicle but the authority on the matter is probably Consumer Reports.


Each year Consumer Report Magazine ranks the most reliable models. Each winner in a category indicates that owners of those vehicles have experienced relatively few problems over time with the winning make and model. This year, Honda models dominated the winners circle. Toyota suffered several losses on the list because of their continued troubles with recalled models. In all, Honda won the top spot in six out of the nine categories. Here is how the list shaped up:

Category: Small Cars
Winner: Honda Civic

Consumer Reports says: “The Civic is reliable, economical, and fun to drive. In 2003 the Hybrid model arrived, and 2006 brought standard antilock brakes and curtain air bags. But electronic stability control is available only on later high-end models. The Honda Fit hatchback is smaller than the Civic. “

Category: Family Cars
Winner: Honda Accord

Consumer Reports says: “The Accord is a very reliable choice and is enjoyable to drive. It's a quiet, agile car that received a standard antilock brake system with the 2003 redesign. In 2006 the V6 models received standard ESC, which was added to all models with the 2008 redesign.”

Category: Small SUV
Winner: Honda CR-V

Consumer Reports says “The comfortable, carlike CR-V has a smooth, spirited four-cylinder engine and gets good fuel economy. Look for models from 2005 on, when ESC and curtain air bags became standard. Reliability has been better than average each year.”

Category: Large SUV
Winner: Honda Pilot

Consumer Reports says: “The Pilot is a roomy, refined, and fuel-efficient SUV. It has flexible seating for eight passengers, and crash-test results are impressive.”

Category: Minivans
Winner: Honda Odyssey

Consumer Reports says: “The Odyssey is a spacious and comfortable minivan that has always had a good ride and handling. A 2005 redesign improved interior flexibility. Look for models built after 2003.”

Category: Pickup Trucks
Winner: Honda Ridgeline

Consumer Reports says: “The Ridgeline combines the handling of a car with the utility of a pickup truck. The cabin is easy to access, and the engine is smooth and responsive.”

Contact Walker Honda at http://www.walkerhonda.com/ or 318-445-6677 for information on a new or pre-owned Honda.