Honda offers several programs that can be interpreted as an “Honda upgrade program,” ranging from factory-backed trade-in bonuses to official restoration services and even aircraft performance upgrades. While a single, global “Honda upgrade program” doesn’t exist, specific regions and divisions have clear initiatives to help customers get into a new vehicle. A common question is whether this is a buyback program—the answer is that it functions similarly, but is often a trade-in support program offering cash incentives, though a formal guaranteed future buyback option also exists in some markets.
🚗 “Upgrade to a New Car” (Trade-in Support)
The closest match to a customer-focused upgrade program is currently active in Vietnam. Honda Vietnam’s “Super-affordable support – Upgrade to a new car” campaign is a time-bound initiative designed to make trading in your old car simple and rewarding.
This is not a traditional buyback program (where the value is agreed upon at the original sale). Instead, it’s a direct cash bonus when you trade in any used car (not just Hondas) for a new Honda. The process is handled at authorized dealers, ensuring a transparent and professional valuation.
For customers looking to upgrade, Honda Vietnam offers the following cash support when you purchase select new models:
- Honda CR-V or Civic: 30,000,000 VND (approx. $1,180)
- Honda HR-V or BR-V: 20,000,000 VND (approx. $785)
This program significantly reduces the financial friction of upgrading and provides a secure alternative to private selling.
🔄 The “Assured Buyback” Program (India)
If you are looking for a classic buyback program that guarantees your car’s future value, Honda launched one in India in late 2024. In partnership with Cars24, the “Assured Buyback Programme” guarantees the resale value of a new Honda at the time of purchase .
How it works:
- Guaranteed Value: When you buy a new car, the program secures a minimum future resale price, protecting you from market depreciation.
- Easy Upgrades: It provides a clear, predictable pathway to upgrade to a newer or more advanced model later.
- Peace of Mind: This program eliminates the uncertainty of finding a buyer or negotiating a price down the line.
✈️ Beyond Cars: HondaJet Upgrade Program
The “upgrade” concept even extends to Honda’s aircraft division. The HondaJet APMG S is a performance upgrade package for existing HondaJet Classic and APMG owners . It allows owners to enhance their aircraft with features from newer models, such as:
- Faster avionics processing.
- Increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW).
- Improved handling with the Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS).
This is a modification/service program for current owners, distinct from a trade-in or buyback scheme.
🇯🇵 Preserving Heritage: Honda Heritage Works
For enthusiasts who want to “upgrade” their classic car by restoring it to its original glory, Honda will launch Honda Heritage Works in April 2026 in Japan. Initially focused on the first-generation NSX, this service offers two restoration packages:
- Basic Restoration: Focuses on mechanical performance (engine, suspension).
- Total Restoration: A comprehensive, concours-level restoration of the entire vehicle.
This program allows owners to preserve and enhance their treasured vehicles using genuine Honda expertise and reproduced parts.
Where to Find the Honda Upgrade Program: Complete Guide for US, Canada, and Australia
🇺🇸 Honda Upgrade Programs in the United States
The United States doesn’t have a single national program branded as “Honda Upgrade Program,” but several regional and dealer-specific initiatives achieve the same goal. Here’s where you can find them:
California
- Los Angeles: Multiple dealerships participate in the Honda Loyalty Program, offering existing Honda owners $500-$1,500 bonus cash when trading up to a new model. Check with key dealers like Honda of Downtown LA or Puente Hills Honda.
- San Francisco: The Bay Area sees strong participation in Honda Military Appreciation and Loyalty Programs. Serramonte Honda and San Francisco Honda frequently run upgrade promotions.
- San Diego: Kearny Mesa Honda and San Diego Honda offer competitive trade-in bonuses, often combining manufacturer incentives with dealer-specific upgrade deals.
Texas
- Houston: Major dealerships like Honda of Clear Lake and West Houston Honda participate in national loyalty programs. The Honda Lease Loyalty program allows lessees to waive certain fees when upgrading before lease end.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: David McDavid Honda and Honda of Denton regularly feature “Upgrade to Honda” events with enhanced trade-in values and special financing for returning customers.
- Austin: First Texas Honda and Honda of Austin offer trade-in assistance programs that function similarly to an upgrade program.
Florida
- Miami: Braman Honda and Miami Lakes Honda participate in Honda’s Southeast regional promotions, often including $500-$1,000 loyalty bonuses.
- Orlando: Classic Honda of Orlando and Holler Honda run seasonal upgrade events with guaranteed trade-in offers.
- Tampa: Honda of Brandon and Mastro Honda offer competitive trade-in valuations plus loyalty cash.
Northeast
- New York City: Paragon Honda (Woodside) and Honda of Manhattan are high-volume dealers that frequently offer upgrade incentives and guaranteed trade-in programs.
- Boston: Major dealerships like Honda Village (Newton) and Colonial Honda participate in Honda’s Northeast Loyalty Program.
- Philadelphia: Fred Beans Honda and Reedman-Toll Honda offer upgrade specials with bonus cash for current Honda owners.
Midwest
- Chicago: McGrath Honda of St. Charles and Honda of Downtown Chicago participate in regional loyalty initiatives with upgrade bonuses.
- Detroit: As Honda’s Midwest hub, dealers like Sesi Honda and Feldman Honda of Novi offer competitive trade-in upgrade programs.
- Columbus: Honda’s American headquarters region (Roush Honda, Lindsay Honda) often features enhanced upgrade incentives.
Pacific Northwest
- Seattle: Honda of Seattle and Dick’s Honda offer loyalty programs with upgrade bonuses typically ranging from $500-$1,000.
- Portland: Carr Honda and Honda of Portland participate in Northwest regional upgrade promotions.
🇨🇦 Honda Upgrade Programs in Canada
Canada offers more structured upgrade programs through Honda Canada’s national initiatives and dealer participation.
Ontario
- Toronto: Multiple GTA dealers including Agincourt Honda, Downtown Toronto Honda, and Scarboro Honda participate in Honda Canada’s Loyalty Program. Eligible owners receive $500-$1,000 toward a new Honda purchase or lease.
- Ottawa: Dilawri Honda and Dow Honda offer upgrade programs with guaranteed trade-in values and loyalty bonuses.
