Honda Used Cars are IIHS Rated as Best for Teen Driver Safety

TORRANCE, CA -- July 16, 2014: Several model years of Honda pre-owned vehicles have been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as part of its first-ever list of safer used vehicles for teen drivers. Research conducted by IIHS found that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and suggests that the type of vehicle driven has a big effect on the degree of risk. Further IIHS research showed many teens drive used vehicles lacking important safety technology, and, as a result, a list was compiled to help guide parents in making safer choices.

Honda pre-owned vehicles earning this first recognition from IIHS as among the best, safer choices for teen drivers under $20,000[2] include the Honda Accord Sedan (2012 and later), Accord Coupe (2013-14), CR-V (2012 and later), Element (2007 and later) and Honda Odyssey (2011 and later). Additionally, the Honda Pilot (2006 and later) and the Honda Odyssey (2005-10) were included on the list of good choices for teen drivers under $10,000[2].

"Enhancing the safety of our customers and the quality of our products is a top priority for Honda," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "Our long-term commitment to enhancing safety and durability makes Honda an ideal choice when shopping for safe, reliable transportation, new or pre-owned, for all drivers including teens."

For added piece of mind, customers choosing a Certified Pre-Owned Honda vehicle on this list from one of our authorized Honda dealerships, an extensive limited warranty is included. According to IHS Automotive, Honda is the most durable, longest lasting brand in its class[1].

Vehicles considered "best choices" for under $20,000[2] have good ratings for side crash protection, good head restraints and seats for rear crash protection, and good roof strength to protect occupants in rollover crashes. Vehicles considered "good choices" for under $10,000[2] have good or acceptable side crash protection and head restraints rated better than poor. If rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicles earn a 4 or 5 Star Overall Vehicle Score, for model years 2011 and later, or 4 or 5 Stars in the front and side crash safety tests for earlier models tested under NHTSA's old rating system.

All Honda vehicles on the list come equipped with standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSAŽ) with traction control (what IIHS calls Electronic Stability Control or ESC) and provide good protection in moderate overlap front crash tests. According to IIHS, systems like Honda's VSAŽ reduce fatal single-vehicle crash risk by about half and fatal multiple-vehicle crash risk by one-fifth (see Status Report, June 19, 2010, at iihs.org).