7 Used Hondas With Superb Reliability You Do not Need To Ignore – Jalopnik

Honda established its fame for reliability many years in the past. Now one of many world’s best-known automakers, Honda’s first automobiles did not hit the scene till the early Sixties. Yet, by the next decade, it was already famend for constructing ultra-dependable autos. As Motor Trend famous in a 2021 retrospective on the 1978 Accord, “Simple and reliable, that was Honda’s unique selling proposition in 1978.” Its automobiles aren’t so simple as they was once, however the different half of that formulation stays true.

RepairPal, which bases its reliability scores on restore orders at 1000’s of auto outlets, says, “The Honda Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 32 for all car brands.” It tallied the common restore prices for Hondas at $428 per yr, in contrast with an business common of $652. Other sources agree that Honda affords excellent dependability. Consumer Reports ranks it quantity 4 amongst all manufacturers for each new automobile reliability and used automobile reliability for 2026.

To decide which used Honda fashions are essentially the most dependable, we’re primarily utilizing JD Power’s rankings for 2 causes. First, the group generates its scores by surveying verified automobile homeowners after 3 years of possession, which offers an ideal barometer for used automobile patrons to go by. Second, its mannequin reliability histories are damaged down by yr, going again 2 many years. The general scores are derived from 4 separate scores, certainly one of which is labeled “Quality and Reliability,” which is what we’re eager about right here. Any mannequin that scores 81 or increased for reliability receives a score of “great.”

Honda’s household automobile has been a perennial favourite of American automobile patrons since its introduction in 1976. In truth, the Accord has been America’s best-selling automobile 4 instances, in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 2001. In no small half, it is because there are few automobiles which can be anticipated to final like a Honda Accord. According to JD Power, the standard and reliability score of the 2009 via 2017 Accord fashions is especially stellar, scoring 81 factors or increased in these years, incomes a score of “great.” AutoTrader backs that up by noting that “resale value is a strong measure of reliability, and historically, this vehicle has been a value-retention champ.”

The 2009 Accord was the second yr of the eighth-generation mannequin, which was produced between 2008 and 2012. Per JD Power, the 2010, 2011, and 2012 variations of this iteration of the Accord have been exceptionally dependable. For most autos, recommending a 14- to 17-year-old automobile would increase eyebrows, however the huge variety of older Accords on the highway means these fashions could also be a viable alternative for customers on a funds. It was obtainable as a coupe or sedan, with a alternative of four- or six-cylinder engines.

The complete ninth-generation, 2013 via 2017 Accord additionally earned JD Power’s “great” score for reliability. The ninth-gen Accord was barely smaller than its predecessor however retained its legroom in entrance and boosted it by an inch in again. Its refined new exterior was matched by inside know-how, together with the HondaHyperlink connectivity system, launched in 2013. As such, automobile customers in search of a extra fashionable used automobile could discover this technology to be price contemplating.

It’s no secret that we love the Civic right here at Jalopnik. We even known as the 2025 Honda Civic hatchback hybrid the platonic splendid of financial system automobiles, combining terrific gas financial system with an virtually unreasonably excessive fun-to-drive issue. This combo has made the Civic a best-seller since its introduction in 1973, since which era Honda has bought greater than 15 million of them in North America alone. Reliability has all the time been a powerful go well with for this little Honda, however JD Power singles out the 2021 to 2025 Civics, particularly, for a reliability rating of “great.”

The 2021 mannequin was the final yr of the Tenth-generation Civic, and judging by JD Power’s endorsement, Honda actually nailed it simply earlier than shifting on to the subsequent technology. RepairPal concurs, giving the 2021 Civic an “excellent” score of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars, noting that this “ranks it 3rd out of 36 for compact cars.” This mannequin was obtainable in sedan and hatchback varieties. Engines included a base four-cylinder and a 180-horsepower, turbocharged, 1.5-liter unit that was good for a 7.2-second 0-to-60 time with a guide transmission. A really competent constantly variable transmission (CVT) was obtainable, too.

2022 noticed the introduction of the Eleventh-generation Civic, which additionally obtained a 4.5 score from RepairPal. This mannequin swapped the Tenth-gen mannequin’s angular exterior for a extra refined look. The inside obtained refinements, too, in each the structure and the shows. The base 2.0-liter engine generated 158 hp, whereas the 1.5-liter turbo made 180 hp. There was additionally a 200-hp Civic Si mannequin. Aside from the 2023 return of the Honda Civic Type R, there have been few modifications till 2025, which noticed new trim ranges, together with a reborn Civic Si mannequin.

Since its introduction to the U.S. market in 1997, the compact Honda CR-V shortly turned one of the in style autos within the phase. As of 2023, Honda claimed it was the best-selling compact crossover SUV (CUV) within the U.S. since its launch, with almost 6 million bought. JD Power weighed in on the CR-V’s reliability, giving a “great” score to the 2007 via 2014, 2016, 2024, and 2025 fashions. ISeeCars charges the CR-V quantity two out of 66 crossover SUVs for reliability, noting that statistics present it has a “30.3 percent chance of reaching at least 200,000 miles during its usable lifespan.”

The 2007 via 2011 fashions have been a part of the CR-V’s third technology. Its exterior featured extra rounded, car-like traces in comparison with earlier fashions, with a brand new double grille and different refined styling cues. A 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower engine was the one alternative below the hood. The 2012 fourth-generation CR-V bought a brand new grille and gained a 185-hp model of the two.4-liter four-banger. JD Power provides a “great” score to the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 fashions of this technology.

The CR-V does not get blessed with a “great” score once more till the 2024 and 2025 mannequin years, which adopted an entire redesign in 2023. It seems extra refined than earlier fashions each in and out, with a well-designed inside and a extra fashionable exterior. Powertrain decisions embrace a turbocharged, 1.5-liter, 190-hp inline-four and a 200-hp hybrid system that incorporates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder matched with electrical motors. There have been no vital modifications to the current-gen CR-V since its introduction, so used 2024 and 2025 fashions are very aggressive with new 2026 variations.

The subcompact Honda Fit held down the entry-level spot in Honda’s lineup within the U.S. from 2007 via 2020. It was bought throughout three generations, the primary (2007 to 2008), second (2009 to 2014), and third (2015 to 2020), all of which scored extremely for dependability. JD Power awarded a score of “great” to eight Fit mannequin years: 2007, 2008, and 2009 from the primary technology; 2011, 2012, and 2013 from the second; and 2017 and 2019 from the third. A-Z Eventz scores the primary technology a stellar 4.9 out of 5.0 stars, the second a 4.8, and the third a 4.6.

An older Fit could also be a greater purchase for the cash, since newer fashions have loved a resurgence of recognition lately, maybe, partly, due to the upper value of gas in gentle of latest spicy geopolitical occasions. As a end result, newer Honda Fits are principally depreciation proof. But even first-generation Fits are nice little automobiles, with critiques for the 2007 mannequin praising its fun-to-drive quotient, its roomy cabin for such a small automobile, and its versatile second-row “Magic Seat.”

The second-generation Fit that debuted in 2009 drew comparable reward for its inside, which Consumer Reports known as “unusually versatile and flexible.” CR notes that the Fit obtained normal stability management starting in 2011. Motor Trend’s overview declared, “Honda improves on an already superb recipe,” and highlighted improved horsepower and dealing with. The third technology, if you will discover one at an affordable value, affords extra energy, higher gas effectivity, and a extra upscale inside.

The Honda HR-V debuted for the 2016 mannequin yr within the U.S., providing lots of the benefits of its larger CR-V sibling in a smaller, nimbler package deal. It was based mostly on the subcompact Fit’s platform, so it isn’t stunning that it gained a fame for being a enjoyable and dependable little car. The first U.S.-spec technology of the HR-V was bought from 2016 via 2022, with the second technology arriving in 2023. JD Power provides a “great” reliability rating to the 2021 via 2026 fashions, splitting the 2 generations.

CarGurus agrees, describing the HR-V as a superb used car, attributable to its “solid reputation for reliability, strong resale values, and very practical interior.” It notes that first-generation HR-Vs tended to have points with their CVTs, though, judging by JD Power’s reliability score for 2021 and 2022 fashions, that downside was apparently sorted out by late within the first technology’s mannequin run. So, usually, it’s best to discover that HR-Vs from 2021 and onward will absolutely stay as much as Honda’s fame for dependability.

The first technology HR-V arrived with a 141-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a normal guide transmission, an non-compulsory CVT, and non-compulsory all-wheel drive (AWD). There have been few modifications earlier than a 2019 mid-cycle refresh, which introduced a revised entrance finish, new driver-assist options, and a CVT designed to shift extra like an everyday automated transmission. The second-gen mannequin appeared in 2023 with a very redesigned, extra refined exterior and a 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. This version of the HR-V remains to be in manufacturing in 2026, so used fashions nonetheless look recent and new.

It’s laborious to recollect now, however minivans was once massively in style, and Honda created the Odyssey to seize a bit of that market method again in 1995. Today, minivan gross sales have dropped by three quarters from their peak, and plenty of carmakers stopped constructing them, however the Odyssey troopers on. JD Power assigns a reliability score of “great” to the 2012 and 2015 fashions, each of that are a part of the van’s fourth technology, which debuted in 2011. Owner critiques collected by A-Z Eventz agree, describing “long-term reliability, with some vehicles lasting over 200,000 miles with only routine maintenance.”

The fourth-generation Odyssey featured a very refreshed exterior with a particular down-and-up kink within the beltline behind the rear doorways that Honda calls the “lightning bolt.” Reviewers praised its dealing with and its non-compulsory six-speed automated transmission, which helped to beat a relative lack of energy from its V6 engine. The engine wasn’t a slouch, although, being a 248-horsepower, 3.5-liter unit. The powertrain delivered a high quality that is comparatively uncommon within the minivan phase: enjoyable, or one thing darn near it.

The fourth-gen Odyssey additionally sported the considerate and intelligent design options for which Hondas are famend. The aforementioned “lightning bolt” kink within the rear home windows offers a greater view from the rear-most row. The second row of seats will be slid ahead or set with the outboard seats wider aside for simpler three-across seating. The third row is the well-known Honda Magic Seat. Sliding rear doorways on each side allow simpler entry.

SUVs have converged on a sure diploma of blandness within the 2020s. However, again across the flip of the century, automakers have been way more daring and experimental, leading to such uncommon fashions because the Isuzu VehiCROSS, the Chevy HHR, and, in fact, the hallucinatory Pontiac Aztek. Honda entered the fray with the Element in 2003, and the odd however virtually infinitely versatile little SUV quickly turned one of many automobiles that outlined the 2000s. It was discontinued after 2011, however alongside the best way, it racked up “great” reliability scores from JD Power for the 2008, 2010, and 2011 mannequin years.

CarGurus agrees that it is reliable, going as far as to say of the Element, “There are no unreliable model years.” It does word, nevertheless, that the 2003 mannequin had a number of first-year glitches with its door locks and ignition. We’ll go together with JD Power’s advisable mannequin years listed above, which can put it on the older finish of our mannequin suggestions, however given that there is nothing just like the Element on the highway right now, if you will discover one, you simply could need to seize it.

Right from the beginning, the Element was notable for its cute-but-rugged exterior, its clamshell doorways that supplied quick access to a spacious inside, and rear seats that may very well be eliminated, reclined, or stowed towards the facet partitions. Throw in non-compulsory AWD and a washable plastic ground, and the Element is the right outdoorsy way of life trucklet. The first technology featured a 160-horsepower four-cylinder powerplant. The 2009 redesign introduced exterior and inside refinements, further performance corresponding to an non-compulsory cooler, and 6 additional horsepower.