If you’re not ready to spend the money on a brand-new car but don’t want the hassle of combing the classifieds, it’s worth looking at a certified pre-owned (CPO) Honda. Honda has a sterling reputation for reliability, and Honda’s CPO program includes a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Not only that, but every CPO Honda must pass a rigorous 182-point inspection by a trained Honda technician. If that’s not enough, Honda also throws in 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty and two free oil changes during the first year of CPO ownership.
Here’s a look at three popular Honda CPO options: the 2018 Honda Accord, CR-V, and Pilot:
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price = CPO: $26,825
Sticker price when new: $31,865
We think the 2018 Accord EX-L with navigation hits the sweet spot in terms of both value and features. Power is from a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is plenty strong to keep the Accord moving, while also returning 38 mpg on the highway. Prices are down about $5,000 from when it was new. If you prefer hybrid power, you can pick up a CPO EX-L hybrid for $27,566, which is about $4,700 off the original MSRP. Non-CPO Accords go for about $400 less, but remember that a CPO car includes an industry-leading 182-point inspection as well as several other perks. Expect to pay about $2,000 more if you want the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
See the Certified Honda Accord models for sale near you
Practically the definition of a midsize sedan, the Honda Accord has been in production for more than 40 years. The 2018 Accord represented a complete redesign, with a choice of turbocharged engines, a hybrid, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance aids on every trim level. The 2018 Accord has a sporty, sleek look to it and a low stance. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine makes 192 horsepower, plenty to get the Accord moving while returning an impressive 33 mpg combined.
Inside, the Accord is roomy and sophisticated, with plenty of rear-seat legroom and 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Standard features include a backup camera and a 7-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity.
You can pay an extra $2,000 or so if you want the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, although we think the 1.5-liter is plenty powerful enough and makes better fuel economy. We also prefer the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with the 1.5-liter to the 10-speed automatic that goes with the 2.0-liter engine, which sometimes has trouble downshifting for aggressive passing maneuvers. A voice-activated navigation system came standard on the upper trims but was an option on the EX-L, so it might be worth looking out for.
Among the reasons we like the EX-L is because typically base Honda trims are very basic, with such things as cloth seats. In fact, the base LX doesn’t even have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. In addition to the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance functions, the EX-L has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, leather seats, and a 450-watt audio system.
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.8
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 Stars
| 2018 Honda Accord EX-L | |
| Most Common Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 192 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 33 mpg (30 city/38 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter turbo I4; 2.0-liter I4 hybrid; 6-spd manual; 10-spd automatic |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 105.6 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 16.7 cubic feet |
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price = CPO: $35,145
Sticker price when new: $28,766
It is a testament to the quality and durability of the Honda CR-V that prices have not dropped significantly for CPO models. While the second-highest EX-L trim with navigation and all-wheel drive can be had for $28,446 (down about $4,500 from new), our choice is the top Touring trim. For one thing, the CPO price of $28,766 represents nearly a $6,500 drop from new, but it’s only about $300 more than the EX-L.
Considering it has LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a 330-watt/9-speaker premium audio system, we think it’s worth the extra money. It’s also worth pointing out that a CPO 2018 CR-V costs on average about $500 more than non-CPO units. But given that Honda’s program includes a 182-point inspection and extended warranty, among other perks, we think it’s well worth the extra cost.
See the Certified Honda CR-V models for sale near you
The 2018 Honda CR-V was basically a carryover from the previous year, with no significant changes. The base LX model continued with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, whereas all the higher trims were powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged I4. It makes about the same power but earns better fuel economy.
We love the 2018 CR-V’s interior comfort and space, and appreciate such things as its 7.8 inches of ground clearance. Coupled with all-wheel drive, that means the CR-V can handle snow and foul weather without breaking a sweat. All trims above the base EX also have the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance and safety features. Due to its practicality, reliability, and great resale value, the Honda CR-V was named KBB’s highest-rated compact SUV of 2018.
Honda has historically bundled options together as part of a trim level, with very few things being offered á la carte. Navigation, an option on EX-L trims, is standard in the Touring. All-wheel drive is another essential option and it’s great not only for sure-footed driving but all-weather reliability. Plus, while it’s not a boulder basher, the CR-V can handle dirt and mud trails so it’s nice to have that go-anywhere ability.
Given that the Touring is the top trim of CR-V, it is fully loaded with leather seating, a navigation system, LED headlights, and a 9-speaker/330-watt premium audio system. Other appealing features are a hands-free tailgate and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.8
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 Stars
| 2018 Honda CR-V Touring | |
| Most Common Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 30 mpg (28 city/34 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.4-liter I4 |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 105.9 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 75.8 cubic feet |
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price = CPO: $29,964
Sticker price when new: $40,655
With three rows of seats for up to eight passengers, the 2018 Honda Pilot is a solid and well-built SUV that’s perfect for a large family. Among CPO Pilots, we think the sweet spot is either the EX-L with navigation or the EX-L with rear entertainment, depending on your specific needs. Their CPO prices are nearly identical.
We like the EX-L because it includes the Traction Management system first seen on the EX and also has leather seating. This CPO price is for an EX-L with all-wheel drive, which we prefer to front-wheel drive. The top Touring and Elite trims are fully loaded, but it’s worth noting that their CPO price is about $5,000 higher. You can save about $600 if you buy non-CPO, but considering Honda’s rigorous inspection process and all the added perks of a CPO car, we think that $600 is money well spent.
See the Certified Honda Pilot models for sale near you
If you’re looking for a large, well-built 8-passenger SUV, the 2018 Honda Pilot makes a very good choice. There are larger SUVs and those with more cargo capacity or higher tow ratings, but the Pilot has a lot to recommend it. The sole engine choice of a 3.5-liter V6 sends power to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive optional. There’s virtually no fuel economy penalty, and the all-wheel-drive system works well with the traction management system available on the higher trims.
Also available on all trims above the base are an upgraded audio system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the LaneWatch right-side camera. The interior of the Pilot includes some nice soft-touch surfaces and large and comfortable seats. There’s also a good center console bin and extra storage space under the floor. Despite its size, the Pilot is easy to drive, with responsive steering and agility that’s unexpected in a vehicle of this size.
Which EX-L you choose really depends on the needs of your family, so if rear-seat entertainment brings familial tranquility, then that’s a great option. However, we like the Garmin navigation system in the Pilot, so that’s our choice. And while no one would call the 2018 Honda Pilot an off-roader, we still think all-wheel drive is a great option to have. It’s a smooth system that makes the big SUV all that much more connected to the road when the weather turns nasty.
The EX-L also includes leather seating. We strongly recommend the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features, which adds a collision mitigation braking system, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning, among other things.
We think the EX-L is at the best blend of price and features among CPO 2018 Honda Pilots. The base LX is very basic, and even the EX trim adds the Intelligent Traction Management system and an upgraded audio setup. All-wheel drive is beneficial — especially if you live in a cold-weather state — and the EX-L is the first trim offered with leather seating. The EX-L also has a powered moonroof and a power liftgate, as well as sound-deadening acoustic glass on the windshield.
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 Stars
| 2018 Honda Pilot EX-L | |
| Most Common Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 21 mpg (18 city/26 hwy) |
| Also Available | 9-spd automatic; FWD |
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 151.7 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 83.9 cubic feet |
