Best Used Honda to Buy: Every Model Ranked by Reliability
By Caropsy · July 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Honda is America's fourth-largest auto brand in 2026, and the Honda CR-V is the best-selling SUV in the entire country. Honda's reliability track record is second only to Toyota among mass-market brands — their 10.8% chance of reaching 250,000 miles is more than double the industry average. Here's how every major model stacks up used.
Honda models ranked — best to buy used
1. Honda Civic (2015–2021)Consistently one of the safest used car purchases available at any price point. The naturally aspirated 2.0L and turbocharged 1.5T are both reliable. The 10th gen (2016–2021) is the strongest. Minor: the 1.5T can have oil dilution in cold climates on 2016–2019 models — less of a concern in warm states.
2. Honda Accord (2013–2017, 2.4L)The 9th generation Accord with the naturally aspirated 2.4L is one of the most durable midsize sedans ever built. Simple engine, zero turbo complexity, routinely hits 200,000+ miles. The 10th gen 2018+ is good but the oil dilution concern on the 1.5T applies here too in cold climates.
3. Honda CR-V (2015–2016, 2.4L)The last CR-V with Honda's naturally aspirated 2.4L engine. No oil dilution risk, proven reliability, strong fuel economy. The sweet spot before Honda switched to the turbocharged 1.5T.
4. Honda Pilot (2019–2022)The 3rd generation Pilot sorted its 9-speed transmission issues by 2019. Spacious three-row family SUV with Honda's strong reliability backing. Avoid the 2016–2018 launch years due to transmission complaints.
5. Honda Fit (2015–2020)A marvel of packaging. Tiny on the outside, surprisingly spacious inside. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is famously reliable and cheap to maintain. One of the best affordable used cars available under $15,000.
Honda models to approach carefully
Honda CR-V (2017–2019, 1.5T, cold climates)The 1.5T oil dilution issue is real in cold-weather states. Warm-state buyers face much lower risk. Always ask where the car spent its life before buying one of these years.
Honda Pilot (2016–2018)The new 9-speed automatic generated significant shudder and harsh-shift complaints in the first three years. TSBs were issued but the issue persisted on many examples.
💡 Honda's naturally aspirated engines — the 2.4L in older Accords, Pilots, and CR-Vs — are among the most durable powertrains ever put in a mass-market vehicle. Whenever you can choose between NA and turbo on a Honda, choose NA.
Bottom line
The Honda Civic and naturally aspirated Accord are Honda's most bulletproof used buys. The CR-V with the 2.4L (pre-2017) is another standout. The Pilot is solid from 2019 onward. Across all Honda models, the naturally aspirated engines outperform the turbocharged alternatives in long-term reliability.
Considering a used Honda? Grade it before you buy.