Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A blue 2020 Honda Pilot is shown parked near a lake area.

Which Used Honda Is Right for You?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Honda over the years, it’s that this automaker certainly offers a diverse arsenal of vehicles. Something in their lineup can appeal to virtually any driver. Whether you’re seeking out the ultimate adventure companion or maximum reliability during your daily drive, there’s a Honda out there that will check all the boxes on your wishlist. If you’ve just started thinking about trading your current vehicle in for something better, my top suggestion would be a Honda—and, more importantly, a used Honda—due to the features you get for an affordable price. When you pass by your local used Honda dealership, though, you may wonder which Honda model is best for your personal needs.

The answer to that question depends on various factors. Thankfully, I have a few favorites that I’d like to share with you—to help you make the right decision for your next vehicle.

Commuting Champions: Honda Fit & Honda Insight

If you’re asking yourself which used Honda is best for commuting, two models top my list. The first is the famous Honda Fit, known for its exceptional fuel efficiency and surprisingly roomy interior. Not only is this compact commuter easy to maneuver around packed city streets, but it’s also loaded with features to keep you comfortable. Choosing models from 2020, its last year in production, allows you to enjoy the largest cabins in their class—as well as cozy materials and a Magic Seat in the rear, which is configured to handle more cargo. It’s equipped with a pleasant four-cylinder engine, which produces up to 40 mpg on the highway—making it a winner for those who frequently commute.

Another commuter favorite is a hybrid, the Honda Insight, which showcases the design of a sedan—as opposed to the traditional hybrid body style. In addition to having a sporty build, the Insight also offers an elegant and refined cabin, perfect for drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Opt for models from 2019 or newer to enjoy an easy-to-use infotainment system, which comes in handy on long, tiresome drives into work. Like the Fit, the Insight also impresses with its incredible fuel efficiency—capable of up to an astonishing 55 mpg. This is another reason why commuters flock to the Honda Insight.

A blue 2021 Honda CR-V Elite is shown parked near a small lake.

Inclement Weather Warrior: Honda CR-V

Which Honda is good in the snow, you ask? Well, that would be the CR-V, which is loaded with plenty of advanced safety features to help you stay confident in most weather conditions. The last thing you want to worry about is whether your vehicle can handle slick roads; rest assured, the Honda CR-V has you covered from front to back. I recommend models from 2017, as this model year experienced an extensive redesign, boasting new features and capabilities.

Through the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assist features, drivers enjoy maximum security—even when the road under your tires gets icy. From Collision Mitigation to Lane Keeping Assist, automatic high beams, and more, this cutting-edge system equips the CR-V to keep passengers safe. Opt for available all-wheel drive and you can take on any type of road condition with precision—so you arrive at your destination safely. In addition to its talent for taking on the elements, the CR-V provides a smooth and refined ride with exceptional handling. Overall, this is the go-to vehicle for those concerned about the weather.

Family Favorite: Honda Odyssey

If you’re wondering which Honda is best for families, the Odyssey has all of your needs covered. Minivans get a bad rap, in my opinion, believed to be uncool and cumbersome, but the Odyssey is different. It’s stylish, capable, and filled with all of the features—not to mention space—that your family needs on a daily basis. Choosing models from 2020 onward allows you to take advantage of cutting-edge styling via the 25th Anniversary package. You’ll also have access to a power-operated rear gate, Magic Slide seating in the second row, and much more. It’s no secret that the Odyssey was built to haul families around; one look inside will tell you everything you need to know about this spacious, kid-friendly traveler.

From a rear-seat entertainment system to keep the youngsters occupied to a built-in vacuum to help you keep your vehicle free of crumbs and other debris, the Odyssey thinks of everything. Plus, with 140.7 cu.ft. of total cargo space—depending on the model year—accommodating everything you need to bring along for the ride is effortless. When your family needs a vehicle that’s designed for their comfort, the Honda Odyssey is one of the best on the road.

A silver 2021 Honda Passport Elite is shown from the front while parked in the desert.

Off-Road Pro: Honda Passport

Looking to do a little exploring? If you’re searching for Honda’s best off-road vehicle, you’ll find it in the Passport. Choosing models from its revival in 2019 provides a fine-tuned, all-wheel-drive system—so you can traverse any type of terrain with agility like no other.

Its available i-VTM4 system, which stands for Intelligent Variable Torque Management, provides the control you need to venture off the beaten path with confidence. Choose between various drive modes to enhance traction and smooth out your ride; modes include Sand, Snow, Mud, and more.

Harness the excitement of your discovery with the Honda Passport. Its smooth, precise handling and thrilling driving demeanor make this SUV a key player in your off-road escapades—wherever they take you next.

Top Tower: Honda Pilot

You may be looking for a vehicle that can tow, especially if you want to use it for work or frequently take the camper out for weekend adventures with the family. When it comes to the best Honda for towing, the Pilot is my top choice. Able to tow up to 5,000 lbs with its all-wheel-drive option, you’ll be able to handle many types of hauls.

The Pilot’s capable V6 engine provides this three-row SUV with the power it needs to take on tough jobs. Plus, with an exceptionally smooth ride—even when fully loaded with passengers and gear, the Pilot continues to be a popular choice for drivers in search of a strong, weight-resistant vehicle.

A red 2020 Honda Accord LX is shown parked on the side of a city street near a used Honda dealership.

Most Reliable: Honda Accord

For your everyday errands, quick drives through town, and other daily drives, you want a vehicle that’s reliable—one that you can trust each and every day. The Honda Accord has been a crowd favorite for years, earning top marks in reliability. And, it has been named a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winner in 2021. It has also been named Best Midsize Car for six years straight, so you know that the Accord will never let you down.

Choosing models from 2018, which went through an extensive redesign, allows you to enjoy extra perks, including more standard safety tech, a new infotainment system, and a selection of engines that won’t disappoint. Versatility is perhaps what makes the Honda Accord so popular with many types of drivers, as it enables families, commuters, road trippers, and others to get the most out of their journey. It’s roomy, stylish, easy to handle, efficient, and extremely long-lasting. If you want a vehicle that offers one of the best experiences on the road, the Accord is it.

The Best Used Honda for Your Journey

Every driver is unique, which means that not every vehicle will work perfectly for their needs. It helps to know that Honda has so many options in its lineup to appeal to more drivers everywhere. These top options are a few of my absolute favorites, so if you’re just getting started in the car shopping process, I recommend giving these models a closer look. To enjoy your ride to the fullest, you need a vehicle that complements your needs perfectly, and I think just about anyone will find a perfect fit somewhere in Honda’s inventory.