Best Used Honda Models for Commuters

Choosing the right used Honda for your commute comes down to how you drive every day.

For drivers around Lawrence, the Merrimack Valley, Greater Boston, and Southern New Hampshire, that can mean anything from short local trips to longer highway commutes on I-93, I-495, and Route 213.

Some drivers want the best possible fuel economy. Others need more passenger room, cargo space, available all-wheel drive, or simply a more comfortable vehicle for a longer commute.

The good news is that Honda has several strong options on the pre-owned market. The Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V and Fit each offer something different depending on your commute, budget, and everyday needs.

Which Used Honda Is Best for Commuting?

For most drivers, the decision starts with three questions:

• How far do you drive each day?
• How much passenger and cargo space do you need?
• Do you prefer a sedan or SUV?

A Civic can make sense for drivers focused on efficiency and value. An Accord adds more interior space and long-distance comfort. A CR-V gives you SUV versatility and available all-wheel drive, while the Fit remains an interesting option for drivers who want something small, efficient, and easy to maneuver.

Honda Civic: An Efficient Everyday Commuter

The Honda Civic has been a popular choice for commuters for years because it combines efficiency, manageable size, comfortable driving characteristics, and everyday practicality.

For example, a 2020 Honda Civic Sedan LX with the CVT carries an EPA rating of 30 MPG city, 38 MPG highway and 33 MPG combined.

That makes it a strong option for drivers who spend a significant amount of time commuting but don't necessarily need the additional size of a midsize sedan or SUV.

The Civic is also easy to maneuver around town and compact enough to make parking less of a hassle, which can be especially useful for commuters heading into denser areas around Boston, Cambridge, or surrounding North Shore communities.

Honda Sensing on Used Civic Models

Technology can matter just as much as fuel economy when you're driving every day.

Honda made the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies standard across all 2019 Civic Sedan and Coupe trims. The suite includes technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System.

When shopping older used Civics, equipment can vary by trim and model year, so it's worth checking the features on the specific vehicle you're considering.

Why Consider a Used Civic?

• Excellent fuel economy
• Easy to maneuver and park
• Comfortable size for everyday commuting
• Honda Sensing available on many newer used models
• Good balance of efficiency and practicality

For drivers who primarily commute alone or with one passenger, the Civic can provide everything they need without moving into a larger vehicle.

Honda Accord: More Comfort and Space for Longer Drives

Drivers with longer commutes may want to move up to the Honda Accord.

The Accord gives you additional passenger space and a larger overall cabin while still delivering excellent fuel economy.

A 2020 Honda Accord LX with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and CVT is EPA-rated at approximately 30 MPG city, 38 MPG highway and 33 MPG combined.

That means drivers don't necessarily have to sacrifice efficiency just because they want more space.

The Accord can be especially appealing if your commute includes substantial highway driving on routes like I-93 or I-495, or if you regularly carry passengers.

What About a Used Accord Hybrid?

A used Accord Hybrid can make even more sense for drivers focused on fuel efficiency.

Honda's hybrid system combines electric-motor assistance with a gasoline engine to reduce fuel consumption, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving.

As with any used hybrid, the condition, service history, mileage, and overall vehicle history should be considered when shopping.

Why Consider a Used Accord?

• More passenger room than a Civic
• Comfortable for longer drives
• Strong highway fuel economy
• Available hybrid models
• Larger trunk and overall interior

If your commute is longer or you regularly carry passengers, an Accord may be worth the step up from a Civic.

Honda Civic vs. Honda Accord for Commuting

Both models can make excellent commuter vehicles, but they serve slightly different needs.

If your priority is keeping things compact and efficient, the Civic makes a lot of sense.

If you want more space without giving up strong fuel economy, the Accord may be the better fit.

Honda CR-V: SUV Versatility for New England Commuting

For drivers who prefer an SUV, the Honda CR-V offers a different combination of practicality and efficiency.

The CR-V provides a higher seating position, more cargo room than Honda's sedans, and available all-wheel drive on many used models.

A 2020 Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive carries EPA ratings of approximately 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, while AWD versions are rated slightly lower.

For commuters who also need their vehicle for groceries, sports equipment, family trips, or weekend activities, the added versatility can make the CR-V especially appealing.

Available all-wheel drive can also be useful for drivers throughout the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire, where winter weather can quickly change road conditions.

Consider a Used CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 model year introduced the CR-V Hybrid to the U.S. market.

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid is EPA-rated at 40 MPG city, 35 MPG highway and 38 MPG combined.

That gives used-car shoppers the ability to combine SUV practicality with excellent fuel efficiency.

Why Consider a Used CR-V?

• More cargo room than a sedan
• Comfortable seating position
• Available all-wheel drive
• Strong fuel economy for a compact SUV
• Hybrid models available beginning with the 2020 U.S. model year

For drivers dealing with changing New England weather or simply wanting more everyday versatility, the CR-V can be a strong commuter choice.

Honda Fit: Small Size, Big Practicality

The Honda Fit takes a different approach.

It's one of the smallest vehicles in this group, but its interior design makes impressive use of the available space.

Honda's Magic Seat® system allows the rear seating area to be configured in multiple ways, giving the Fit more flexibility than you might expect from a subcompact hatchback.

A 2020 Honda Fit LX equipped with the CVT is EPA-rated at 33 MPG city, 40 MPG highway and 36 MPG combined.

That combination of fuel economy, compact dimensions, and interior versatility can make the Fit particularly attractive for city and suburban commuters.

Why Consider a Used Fit?

• Excellent fuel economy
• Easy to park and maneuver
• Flexible Magic Seat interior
• Useful cargo space for its exterior size
• Great fit for urban and suburban commuting

Because the Fit is no longer part of Honda's current U.S. new-vehicle lineup, shoppers interested in one will primarily be looking at the pre-owned market.

Which Honda Fits Your Commute?

There isn't one Honda that's automatically best for every commuter.

Consider a Civic if:
You want strong fuel economy, a manageable size, and a comfortable everyday commuter.

Consider an Accord if:
You spend more time on the highway or want additional passenger space and comfort.

Consider a CR-V if:
You want SUV cargo space, available all-wheel drive, or a higher seating position.

Consider a Fit if:
You want something compact, efficient, and easy to maneuver while still having flexible cargo space.

The right choice depends on how you actually use your vehicle every day.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Honda

The specific condition of a used vehicle matters just as much as the model you choose.

Two Hondas from the same model year can have very different histories depending on mileage, maintenance, previous ownership, and how they were driven.

Before buying any pre-owned Honda, take time to review the vehicle carefully.

Review the Vehicle History

A vehicle history report can help provide information about areas such as:

• Reported accidents
• Previous ownership
• Title history
• Recorded mileage
• Available service records

Keep in mind that a vehicle history report should be considered one part of the buying process rather than a guarantee that every previous incident will appear.

Check for Open Safety Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a VIN lookup tool that allows shoppers to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired safety recall.

This is different from a complete vehicle history report.

A NHTSA VIN search is specifically useful for identifying open safety recalls associated with the vehicle.

Inspect the Vehicle Carefully

A pre-purchase inspection can also help identify potential mechanical or maintenance issues before you buy.

Important areas to review include:

• Engine condition
• Transmission operation
• Brakes
• Tires
• Suspension
• Steering
• Fluid levels
• Battery and electrical components
• Exterior and underbody condition

Maintenance records can also provide helpful insight into how the vehicle was cared for by previous owners.

Find the Right Used Honda at Commonwealth Honda

The best commuter vehicle is the one that fits your actual routine.

The Honda Civic offers excellent everyday efficiency. The Honda Accord provides more space and comfort. The Honda CR-V adds SUV versatility and available all-wheel drive, while the Honda Fit offers impressive efficiency and flexibility in a smaller package.

At Commonwealth Honda, we can help you compare available pre-owned Honda vehicles based on your commute, budget, passenger needs, and the features that matter most to you.

Whether you're commuting from Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Andover, North Andover, or elsewhere in the Merrimack Valley, heading toward Greater Boston, or traveling between Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, there's a used Honda that can fit the way you drive.

Explore our pre-owned Honda inventory and find the right vehicle for your commute.