Buyer Tips

The Top 10 Used Honda Cars to Buy

By Mike Richards Updated: 05/20/2019 Posted: 05/14/2019

In 2017, the demand for compact cars fell 11.1% while that of sub-compact cars went down by 20.4%. The same downward trend has affected the sale of midsize cars. However, this decline in demand has not affected the popularity of Honda cars, to both new and used car buyers.  This is because used Honda cars are favored for their reliability and affordability.

2009 Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit became a hit with Honda car lovers because of the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that replaced the 1.5-liter I-4 engine in the previous model. Many people who drive small cars considered the Honda Fit one of the most engaging of the cars its size. Other positive aspects of this car are the fuel efficiency, cargo space, and comfort. Some of the standard features in this car include power windows and door locks, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, air conditioning, and a stereo with an auxiliary input jack. This car received good ratings from the crash tests conducted by IIHS.

2011 Honda Civic

The 2011 Honda Civic is available in sedan and coupe body style. It has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 140hp. This car comes fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission, although a 5-speed automatic option is also available. Other features include power windows, power steering, front reading lights, cruise control, side curtain and side-impact airbags, and anti-lock brakes. The fuel tank has a capacity of 13.2 gallons, and the EPA estimated MPG is 25 city and 36 highway.

2012 Honda Accord

The 2012 Honda Accord has been rated one of the most reliable from the Honda brand. It is a used cars with a high resale value, primarily due to its dependable and reliable engine. This 4-door sedan comes fitted with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 177hp. Some of the features include 5-speed automatic transmission, brake assist, day time running lights, electronic stability control, emergency trunk release, traction control, 4-wheel ABS, cruise control, and power mirrors. The EPA estimated MPG is 23 city and 34 highway.

2012 Honda Fit

Even after several years of production, the Honda Fit remains popular among the subcompact vehicle buyers. The 2012 Honda Fit received improved sound insulation. The trim levels are DX, LX, and Sport. Honda Fit Sport received some styling changes on the fascia and wheels, although the standard features remained the same as the previous model. The 1.5-liter engine cranks out 117hp. This smooth, powerful engine is one of the attractive features in this car. Buyers can choose between the 5-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission. The EPA estimated MPG is 28 city and 35 highway.

Standard features on the DX include power mirrors, rear wiper, fuel consumption display, front stabilizer bar, 60/40 back seat split, CD/MP3 stereo, two-speed intermittent wipers, and telescopic steering column. The additions to the LX trim include air conditioning, roofline spoiler, cruise control, rear speakers, keyless entry, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The sport trim has front and rear stabilizer bars, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six speakers, and chrome exhaust finisher.

2013 Honda Civic

Honda made significant changes to the 2013 Honda Civic, both in the interior and exterior. The interior of all the trims received an upgrade. The sedan retained the DX, LX, EX trim levels. The EX-L trim was renamed Touring. For the coupe, the LX and EX trims remained, while the EX-L trim was renamed EX-L Navi. The DX trims only have a 5-speed manual transmission while the other trim levels have the option of a 5-speed automatic transmission. This car comes fitted with a 1.8-liter I-4 engine that produces 140hp. This car’s MPG is 28 city and 35 highway.

Some of the features include vehicle assist control, power and folding door mirrors, power mirrors, steering wheel mounted audio controls, heated front seats, auto-off headlights, exterior temperature gauge, USB connector, and Bluetooth audio. The LX trim has air conditioning, heated mirrors, heated front seats, and remote entry with trunk release. The additional features in the EX include automatic climate control, rear camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and four-wheel disc brakes.

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid comes in two trim levels: Hybrid and Hybrid Touring. The standard features in the Hybrid trim include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Econ mode button, security system, pedestrian alert system, chrome door handles, chrome grille with LED illumination, LED daytime running lights, active noise cancellation, power heated folding mirrors, cruise control, eight-way power driver seat, exterior temperature indicator, and remote entry system. The additional features on the Hybrid Touring include leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power moon roof, heated rear seats, LED headlamps, satellite navigation, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Honda did away with the traditional transmission and instead opted for two electric motors. This vehicle comes fitted with a 6.7kWh lithium-ion battery which powers the electric motors. The first motor cranks out 166hp while the second motor serves as a generator and an intermediary between the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and the other motor.

Further Reading

2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V was redesigned as it entered its fourth generation. The changes include improved fuel efficiency, increased power, and physical appearance. This car has four trim levels. The LX and EX are front wheel drive but can be changed to all-wheel drive on request. The EX-L and Touring are all-wheel drive. The standard features in this model include Eco Assist, folding split rear seat, an expanded view of the driver’s mirror, an intelligent multi-information display, electric power steering, cruise control, keyless entry, vanity mirrors, auto-off headlamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and an SMS text messaging function.

The additional features of the EX trim line include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, power sunroof, front seatback pockets, variable intermittent wipers, six speakers, cargo cover, and illuminated vanity mirrors. The EX-L adds XM satellite radio, leather-trimmed seats, and a premium stereo. The Touring has chrome door handles, a navigation system, and roof rails. This model has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

2007 Honda Accord

The 2007 Honda Accord comes equipped with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V6 engine. Buyers have the option of choosing between the 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Some of the standard features include side-impact and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and dual front airbags. This car has 13 trim lines. They come in sedan and coupe body types except for the 2.4 VP, 2.4 SE, and 3.0 SE which are only available in sedan. When buying the Honda Accord, it is vital for you to know the trim line you are interested in since the features vary. For example, those that are powered with a 2.4-liter engines crank out 166hp while those with 3.0-liter engines produce 244hp.

2009 Honda Civic

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on the 2009 Honda Civic produces 197hp. This is an excellent car for buyers willing to trade fuel efficiency for more horsepower. It comes fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. The trim lines in this model include the base model, Si (sports version), a Hybrid, and GX (natural gas version). The hybrid and GX come exclusively as four doors, while the rest are available in sedan and coupe body types. Honda introduced additional trims in this lineup to include LX-S and VP sedans.

The standard features in all the trims include Bluetooth hands-free link and USB audio interface. The exclusive feature in the Si trim line include 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, synthetic sports seats, and Si exterior slim. The 1.8-liter engine is also available in the base trim for those interested in better fuel efficiency. It cranks out 140hp and EPA estimates an MPG of 26 city and 34 highway.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is integrated with a powerful electric booster motor. It also has deeper electric power reserves thanks to the new lithium-ion battery pack. It has with a 2.4-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 201hp. The only transmission available is the 6-speed manual. Standard features include Bluetooth, cruise control, telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and an LCD screen close to the speedometer. This car is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Although Honda has a handful of models, they have been quite reliable and remain one of the most favored cars on the US roads. The introduction of hybrid cars increased the options available to buyers of used cars.

Comments