Certified Used Honda Best Buys

The Honda Certified Used Cars program offers used Honda automobiles that meet strict quality and reliability criteria imposed by the automaker. These vehicles go through a 150-point inspection, a detailed vehicle history check and must also satisfy age and mileage requirements before being accepted as certified used Honda cars. As a result, Honda is able to offer an extended warranty on each vehicle in the program (up to seven years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain and up to four years / 48,000 miles as a comprehensive limited warranty). Let's take a look at three of the best buys available through the Certified Used Honda program. Photos Courtesy of Honda

2005 - 2009 Honda S2000

The 2005 - 2009 Honda S2000 is the sportiest used Honda model available as a certified vehicle. The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster that features a power top and a sport tuned suspension that gives it the strong handling characteristics that have made it popular amongst the performance crowd. The vehicle's aggressive styling is backed up by a 2.2-liter, 237 horsepower four-cylinder engine that also produces 163 lb-ft of torque. Most of this output is accessed at higher RPM levels, which can easily be attained through the judicious management of the vehicle's six-speed manual transmission. The used Honda S2000 is also notable for remaining true to its pure sports car roots. The vehicle's interior amenities are simple but adequate, with luxuries largely limited to leather seats, air conditioning and a power convertible top. A special lightweight CR model is also available for those who are intent on taking their used Honda S2000 to the track.

2007 - 2008 Honda Fit

The 2007 - 2008 Honda Fit offers a value-focused compact hatchback platform that prioritizes fuel economy and practicality. This first generation edition of the used Honda Fit is the most affordable version of the vehicle, and it provides fuel economy of 27-mpg in stop and go driving and 34-mpg during highway cruising from its 109 horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A choice of five-speed automatic and manual transmissions is also part of the used Honda Fit package. Inside, even the base used Honda Fit comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks and a folding rear seat that can expand its cargo capacity to 41.9 cubic feet of space. Opting for the Fit Sport installs larger 15-inch alloy wheels, a body kit that includes a rear spoiler and equipment such as keyless entry, an MP3-capable CD player and fog lights. Automatic editions of the Fit Sport also offer steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

2005 - 2009 Honda Civic

The 2005 -2009 Honda Civic can be had in both coupe and sedan editions, and it offers a range of equipment and engine choices that covers the gamut from stripped-down commuter car to peppy compact performance model. The least expensive edition of the used Honda Civic is the DX, and it features a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine good for 140 horsepower and fuel mileage in the neighborhood of 24-mpg city and 36-mpg highway. The more robust used Honda Civic SI steps up with a 197 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that comes with a six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential and stiffer suspension settings. For 2009, the Honda Civic received a styling facelift, making that year the one to target for those seeking a used Honda whose appearance matches that of the current model.

Summary

The certified used Honda program offers shoppers the kind of reliability, quality and warranty coverage typically only found on new vehicles. The certified program also maintains an extensive inventory of low-mileage, used Honda crossovers, cars and minivans, making it simpler in many cases to find the exact vehicle you are looking for. When searching for a used Honda, the certified program can add peace of mind and reduce the stress that is often associated with trying to locate quality secondhand automobiles.