Route 23 Honda

Couple of weeks ago I purchased my first car on my own and I couldn’t be more excited. It was such an awesome experience. Rolando Rengel, is so skilled and he def knows everything about everything! So helpfull and we, my dad and I, received a really nice and professional attention, 100% recommended.
Thanks again Honda in Route 23 and of course Rolando Rengel for such an excellent experience!

This place is a reprehensible place of business! The service writer was EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY BELLIGERENT, CONFRONTATIONAL, CONDESCENDING AND WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO BE RUDE when I asked about charges before starting the work. I have never experienced anyone so rude. (hopefully karma will sort this out, I hope someone treats him and his family that way!) The cashier happened to be nearby and witness this super patronizing attitude and even she gasped. I have bought and serviced our cars there and would never recommend this place to anyone. They say word of mouth is the best advertisement, well it’s also the best deterrent because I tell everyone I know how bad the place is. Do not buy or service your car at Rt 23 Honda!!!

Had a small problem fixed it

I think we’ve purchased 4 CRVS FROM this dealer. One of the chief reasons is the outstanding service we receive. This week I had my first servicing on our newest Honda. I chose the express service. Arrived at 7am and was out in about a half hour with no hassles and in a comfortable waiting room. Thank you Celines Cisneros for your attention and customer service.

My MIL asked me to look over a letter sent to her from Honda for her 2007 CRV. The letter was for a recall on the drivers door actuator and an extended warranty for the same part on the other doors dated in Jan. 2015… needless to say she ignored it & forgot all about it until her doors wouldn’t stay locked. I spoke to Andrea Schmidt in Customer Service and she told me to bring it in and they would honor the recall.
Driving the car you could hear the locks clicking every time you’d stop and start. There was also a shake in the steering wheel so my husband told Lad Kolozi from Service look at everything while it was there for the recall. Recalled 2 doors having issues, found a leak and the rear shocks were both shot. They needed the car overnight for the additional repairs so my husband was lent the new CRV as a loaner. Unfortunately they missed a 3^rd door lock or it failed on the way home so I had to go back the following day but it worked out because that morning the TPMS light came on (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) which is the sensor for the sensors so we had that fixed as well. Luckily, Pompton Honda is conveniently located next to the Pompton Queen Diner so we had lunch while we waited. Not that Honda doesn’t have snacks but it was lunch time.
All in all her CRV is now running better than it has in a while and my MIL recognizes that it needs more than just and oil change from time to time when you have over 100,000mi. Everyone there was super pleasant and helpful-​bring your iPad they have free wi-​Fi.

I did my research, knew what I wanted to/​should pay for my CR-​V and got the price and financing I was looking for. The sales people are nice, but like all others I’ve run into, pushy. You just gotta know when to walk away. During the buying process at other dealerships I’ve gotten way more pushy salespeople and ones that have been super nice when showing you a car are extremely angry at you when you say you’re not interested. Douschebaggery to the fullest. Car dealerships should change their model of doing business. Anyway, these folks were least like that and let me leave and come back to buy when I was ready.
My car has been very reliable and I love it. The service department is open on weekdays late and I bring it in after work 6pm-​7pm for my service needs. Very convenient. The staff is super nice and really works with you to let you know of needed service and points out things you can wait on. They have even advised me of service I asked for but wasn’t needed (tire rotations). That saves me money and shows the dealership is not in it to screw people out of theirs. Wait times are usually spot on as to what they inform you of. I hope all this continues. Very pleased with my experience with Route 23 Honda.

Still have not received a call from this company in regards to cancelling my gap insurance and warranty after paying off my car. Yet, they have time to post Unilocal comments. Honda Corporate has been notified and I have a case manager. I also read on the BBB site that they do not respond to BBB complaints. If it was such a great company why are most if not all the reviews negative? Next step, contacting the family attorney.

Skip down to the asterisks if this is too long for you.
First off, I’m convinced the
and
reviews are planted. They’re too convenient and perfect. How can this place be 4.9 out of 5 stars on a car dealership rating site well-​known to car dealerships? I’m severely skeptical, especially after my experience at this dealership, and even more so after seeing the much lower ratings on Unilocal,which isn’t nearly as closely monitored by dealerships as dedicated car dealership rating sites like
and
(making it less likely for them to plant reviews on here).
As a fresh college grad and first-​time car purchaser (lessee to be exact), I had done a bit of research before ever setting foot into a car dealership. I know that car dealers, by and large, are actors who have to resort to scummy measures to make money. Deceit is the name of the game. Everything is under the guise that they’re trying to get you the best deal and package for your needs. Yes I’m aware that there are honest, respectable car dealers — but with the odds against me, I walked in there rightfully apprehensive.
Now for the specifics about my experience.
*****************************************************
Customer service was good. Everyone was nice. We had a lot of questions, and although our dealer was visibly getting frustrated with us, we wanted to cover all of our bases. We wanted to know exactly what we were signing up for. That’s where things went downhill.
After some time, our dealer, STEPHEN MAINS, convinced me to fill out credit paperwork. I was extremely hesitant, but even as I was writing my social security number down and signing my name, he assured me that this was a SOFT credit check that does NOT affect my credit score, and that a HARD credit check is ONLY performed once you agree on the deal and say you are ready to move forward, and the bank is contacted.
I did no such thing. We were very specific about this credit check — and we even told him a personal family story about how a family member’s credit was unknowingly and continuously negatively affected when he was car shopping — and he assured us this was nothing like that. Except it was. He even did the check for my poor brother, who was willing to co-​sign for me. Little did we know…
I did not agree on a purchase, as I needed more time to think about my options, and yet later that same day, I received (and verified) an official e-​mail I had never received before, stating that there has been a (negative) change to my credit. I haven’t had such a change to my credit since I applied for loans for college, and that was once in my life. Was he so convinced that he would close the deal that he thought he could get away with lying to my face and doing the hard credit check? That’s seriously poor business right there.
We called him directly as soon as we found out what happened, and he pulled the «you signed the paper, your signature is on there» card! I hadn’t been that pissed off in a very long time. He practically admitted to duping me, and said too bad. I’m about to begin my professional career as a doctor, and my credit is already off to a shaky start. How would you feel, especially knowing it was unnecessary?
I would advise everyone against going to this dealership! It turned out that my dealer was only interested in making a quick deal, and I must say, he’s a great actor. None of my friends will ever consider this dealership now, and I plan on continuing to spread the word.

Why do I return to this place. It all started out when they ripped us off and took advantage of my poor mother buying a car. I try to bring the car to the same place to get serviced. They have messed things up every time I have been Here and on top of it have been rude.
They charged us for the wrong car and service. They didn’t screw oil cap on and we leaked oil in a brand new crv thus isn’t an old car. And had to go back and they were ride and offered no apologizes or even so much as a free car wash. Coming here for an oil change they are consistently rude and nasty. Trying to call them you get the same. What ever happened to customer service? Please go to another dealership where they’d appreciate your business. Jiffy lube will be doing my oil changes from now on and I am sure will be quicker happier cheaper and without mistakes.

This review regards the sales department. I had an extremely pleasant experience at Route 23. I walked in after shopping around at multiple dealerships and felt very welcomed and attended to immediately. My kind and helpful salesman, Steve Mains, was such an honest guy. He really listened to my concerns and helped move the process along smoothly. I walked out with a brand new 2014 Honda Accord Sport with an UNBELIEVABLE deal. I really enjoy the drive and the car is a lot faster than you’d believe. The interior is spacious and the standard backup camera is great.
Their financing department really works with you in regards to budget. Wilson Feliciano is also very knowledgeable and efficient!
This dealership has restored my faith in a painless car buying experience and I highly recommend Steve if you’re looking to purchase your next vehicle with a hassle-​free process. I’ll be sure to come back next time I’m in the market for another Honda. Thank you!

I brought my new CRV in spring 2012. My car battery died two days ago. I had to purchase a new battery otherwise I wouldn’t be able to drive or would need to jump start my car every time. I have a 3 year warranty. My husband called and spoke to Linda who said to come into the service center with the battery and they will take it from there. Also, she said there’s no need to me to buy a new battery as it is covered in the warranty.
Well ummm, how the heck am I suppose to drive my car to the Honda if I don’t buy a new battery? Is Honda going to pay for my car tow? After speaking to Linda, I drove my car using my new purchased battery to Honda.
The service center manager, Lou said to leave it there and they will have to call me back after they test it? How long does it take to test a damn battery? We came here before 10am and it is past 2pm now. I don’t live close by and Linda never said I had to come back. This is bunch of bs! We called them at 2:30 to check up on the status which no can tell us yet because they still didn’t test it. At 3:30 (30 minutes before closing on Saturday) Lou called us and said nothing is wrong with the battery and that it’s probably the car to bring the car in for diagnoses.
I have never heard of anything more bullshit than this. Nothing is wrong with my car! I tried starting 10 times and it won’t start until we jumpstart the battery. It’s the damn battery. It’s been more than 3 weeks now driving with new battery and car haven’t died. Honda just doesn’t want to give me a new battery. Stop trying to rip off people!

My first visit to Rt 23 Honda, I told them the battery light was on. Mike Murphy asked if anything had been changed, I told him alternator. He then asked if the replaced alternator was aftermarket or OEM. At this point to me it felt as if he had already had his mind set on telling me the alternator was bad because it was aftermarket. Told me it would cost $ 30 to check. After 1 hour, tells me the alternator is bad. He redeems himself by providing copies of test receipts for battery and alternator which I could then appreciate. Mike was very professional and I felt taken care of by him. He also shared with me his background in the industry and his experience with after market parts. I then hunt down an OEM alternator from another Honda dealership in Union. I install it myself because Rt 23 Honda wanted to charge me $ 300 for labor which was ridiculous. I installed Honda alternator in 1−½ hours and guess what, battery light is still on. Go back to Rt 23 Honda and they offer to re-​test for free. This time they only provided me with battery test recpeits. After 3 hours, they tell me that alternator, starter, and battery are good but never checked to see if the battery icon is still on. They give me a loaner and feed me bologne that they are going to have another technician look at it. Next day I call to get the status of the car. Again more bologne, Kelly says she just talked to the technician and asks me if the alternator is new and is it OEM from Honda, what! Why would they need this information? Seems like to me she needs some background to help her decide what weak explanation she is going to feed me. Calls me back 10 minutes later, and tells me the alternator is bad however, this time no test receipts were given to me. What changed from alternator test on Saturday saying it was good to Monday alternator test saying it was bad? This was asked and nobody could answer. When asked for explanation the only answer received is that there isn’t a manager in. These people are full of it. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY! After about 5 hours of waiting and 3 days having to drive out there, my car still has the same battery icon lit on the dashboard and now continues to sit in my garage. Talk about bad service and feeling used. On receipt says to call Lou Popek for any problems. After 3 calls and 5 days later he finally returns my call. But not before, speaking with Andrea Schmidt who says Lou is no longer with them. They both tell me to go in that they will take care of me however, neither of them acknowledged me when I went in and both stuck me behind in line to deal with Kelly who is dealing with all fifteen customers in the waiting room. These people need to get their stuff straight. This is poor management skills in my opinion and would not waste hard earned cash to these clowns.

I took my car in for a recall to the service, it was quick service due to a software upgrade. I thought it should be quick since it’s just plugging in the obdII scanner and updating it. However, how do I know it was done or not. You have to take their word for it. I wish it was pictures taking before the update and afterwards. I am very skeptical at every mechanical shop, I usually do my own maintenance unless it’s a recall as in this case.

When your check engine light comes on, where do you bring your car? I bring mine to the dealer as they are most knowledgeable on diagnosing the issue — right?
I thought so too … So I bring my Honda in because it’s running fine but the dreaded check engine light is on. They diagnose the problem and tell me $ 500+ to fix. Some obscure fuel related evaporative issue (???) — they also tell me about approximately $ 1,500 in «service needs» because the car hasn’t been in «in a while». I tell the service department I’ll pass on the extra services for now and ask them to remediate the engine light. Love it when the dealer hits you with the extras :)
I’m busy at work (work in NYC) so don’t call them to follow up for 3 days. When I do call, service person says I declined service and picked up the vehicle (???) … I let them know they’re mistaken, I declined the «extras» but asked for the engine light problem to be resolved, so they check and 30 minutes later they call and say they have the car but a part needs to be ordered before they can fix it and will be a few days — they apologize and provide a loaner. Wow, a service department that loses your car — strike 1…
Car ready 5 days after I drop it off so I get my car. Within a day of picking up the car, the dreaded check engine light is back on again — strike 2 …
Still busy at work so I drop the car back a few days later and let them know the check engine light is back on. They call the next day and say they apologize, the technician looked at it, that «two wires were crossed» but it’s been fixed, reset and test drove. I’m not a mechanical person but this doesn’t pass the smell test…
I pick car up right before service department closes — they apologize and assure me problem has been resolved … Turn on key and now SRS light is on, check engine light is off but within 10 miles of driving the «dreaded check engine» light is on again!!! … Strike 3!
This is what they call service?
Car is going back for service and hope they don’t cross more wires to resolve the check engine light by inactivating my Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) again.
Let’s hope they get it right the 4^th time and don’t cross any more wires to endanger my family!
So «Route 23 Honda» stands behind their work right? Well on the 4^th visit to resolve the same problem, they mentioned actually the problem was something else!!! Well, $ 300 later and more work and the problem was resolved.
The dealer kept it for the weekend and put 80 miles on the car to ensure everything was in order … Having a dealer mis-​diagnose a problem and put a customer through the number of visits I went through is unacceptable. The service manager («Lou») was 100% unhelpful.
Hey, where’s my EZ-​Pass tag? It was in the car when I dropped it off.
If you prefer unprofessional service, a company that uses questionable business practices, or generally just want to throw your money away, be sure to visit Route 23’s service department.
Thanks Mike M at Route 23 Honda for your comment… your service manager isn’t helpful so I won’t try to speak to him again but thanks for the offer. BTW,
1. Where’s my missing EZPass tag?
2. Take me off your Email list

«If you were my Korean brother, I’d punch you in the face right now.»
That was the quote Sales Manager Mike Lee said to me the night of me signing on with Rt 23. If I didn’t sign I was «making a huge mistake.»
Yes he said it sarcastically. But I was taken back by it. Who really talks like that?
To make a VERY long story, short, I signed on for a car I didn’t want and couldn’t afford. This was at 7:30 pm on a Saturday night. I had attempted leaving 3 separate times but they just wouldn’t take no for an answer.
When I called Monday morning, the next available business day to reach them, to cancel the deal, Mike called me back saying «I’m sorry that car is sold and there’s nothing I can do.» Granted I never took delivery of ownership of the vehicle and they only had a $ 2500 deposit, not the $ 13k I promised.
I pleaded with him «please, you can keep the $ 2500, let me just find a car that I want and take my time. You can have the $ 2500, as a commitment to me working with you, but let me just move at my own pace and find the car that fits my budget.» He wouldn’t budge.
I spoke to someone I had a connection with at the Honda Northeast office and explained my situation. Well I realized I was in the right, not they. You CANT force me to take a car I don’t want, can’t afford and didn’t take delivery of. I canceled my deposit on my card and was refunded my money. Now if you were me, would you feel obligated to shop there again?
It’s too bad Mike you treated me the way you did. It’s too bad you make car-​buying one of the most stressful experiences, really when it shouldn’t be. You could’ve been a decent guy and treated me with dignity. You had $ 2500 and could’ve had a customer but you wanted to be a big tough guy and try and intimidate me on the phone. Well now look here, you’re out the deposit, there’s zero chance of me ever setting foot in your dealership again and I can assure you I’m pissed off enough where you’re gonna be replying to a variation of this negative review on a lot of different car dealer review sites. Plus now everyone I know will not set foot here either. Great business tactic.
But to reply to your original quote from the top about «if I were your Korean brother»:
«If you were my Italian brother, I’d do something much worse to you than punch you in the face.»
Good riddance jerks.

This dealership treated me with respect. Their sales and finance people were knowledgeable and courteous. They didn’t harass me with excessive follow up. I have not used their maintenance department. With all due respect, I have my car serviced by a trusted mechanic.

I’ve recently had the occasion to visit another car company’s dealership and that experience has made me realized how SPOILED I am by Route 23 Honda. I bought my car at another dealership and have had it to Route 23 Honda for all but one service since 2000 and I can’t say ANYTHING bad about my experiences here. Some of my praises.
1. Just come in any time for an oil change. They have you out within an hour. At other company dealerships, you have to set up an appointment for an oil change.
2. Need some work done on your car and you need to leave it for a few hours? They can set you up with a courtesy car. I have never had a problem getting a courtesy car here. Keep in mind, I didn’t buy my car here.
3. On more than one occasion, as my car has gotten older (It’s a 2000 Accord with 260,000 miles) and has needed some unexpected TLC, they have been able to accommodate me with a courtesy car on the spot. For example, a few months ago I brought it in for an oil change and they noticed a leak and wanted a technician to take a look it. I was able to leave the car and drive off with a courtesy car.
4. The people in the service department are INCREDIBLY friendly and helpful. I’ve learned a lot about auto mechanics over the years from my conversations with them.
I’ve read some of the other complaints here and, although I understand where they’re coming from, all auto dealerships are expensive and most places will charge you $ 100 for a diagnostic when an «idiot light» is on. If there is a problem with the car, they will roll the cost of the diagnostic into the cost of the repair. If there’s nothing wrong, it’s piece of mind about the car. They’ll also tell you what likely set the light off.
The bottom line here is that if you have a Honda, or are in the market for one, this is a place you should visit. Having owned two American cars before this, (Dodge, Chevy), I can’t justify buying anything other than a Honda and I would (and will) drive out of my way to have my car serviced at Route 23.

I’ve been a fairly loyal customer of Route 23 Honda for about 5 years — I purchased my car here, & I’ve been bringing her regularly for service (both scheduled & emergency/​unexpected). I’m blissfully happy with my car, and always thankful that they found me the car of my dreams.
The service employees always take the time to explain what, if any, maintenance needs to be done on my car whenever I bring it in. They also check to make sure everything is in working order, even if I take her in for only an oil change. I appreciate how thorough they are, & it makes me feel safer with all the driving I have to do between checkups.
Oil changes are quick & easy. They don’t wash my car after services as regularly as they used to; maybe I have to ask? The price of services can be high, depending on what mileage I’ve passed — but is anything ever cheap when it comes to car service? Sometimes the prices are jarring (even if they can help me out) & I’ve had to delay services more than once until I could afford them. I’m a poor grad student, after all!
The service employees are very easy to talk to & willing to listen to all of my car-​related concerns. At the end of the day, I’m really comfortable bringing my car here & I know they’ll take good care of her.

DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. As my e-​mail address is a fairly common name, I occasionally get email that’s not meant for me. I’ve asked multiple times to be removed from their database without success. I’ve escalated to the point where I went to Honda corporate and asked them to stop the junk email.
Since they’ve ignored my requests multiple times, I’ve marked all their e-​mails as spam through Google’s mail system. The more they send, the more they’re marked and the less likelihood of their emails getting to your inbox.
Don’t get me wrong. Honda is a great company. I’m on my third Honda and the hubby is chomping at the bit to upgrade to a 2013 or perhaps a 2014. But I will not buy from this dealership, ever. Mainly because I’m in Texas so I’m totally out of their market. But partially due to their business practices.

Very disappointed in the service I received here last weekend. I’ve always known Honda, even their service dept., to provide outstanding customer service.
I took my car in for an oil change and new wipers. I also asked if they could take a look at my check engine light that’s been on. Sure, they say, for the bargain price of $ 115 to ‘diagnose’ the problem. Seriously?! Ok, skip that!
They tell me the oil change includes a review of my brake pads, tires and topping off all fluids along with a quick hand car wash. This should all take ½ hr but I leave my car for over 2 hrs while I go shopping. Come to pick up my car and all the service technicians are going ‘did you wash it?’ ‘I didn’t wash it, did you wash it??‘
The older woman who had taken my car in then tells me no one washed my car but if I want to wait a few more minutes they can wash it now. She makes it sound so appealing– «they’re just gonna hose it down and throw some soap on it” — yet somehow I manage to resist and ask for my keys.
Fast forward to Monday morning when I reach for my wipers to clear some pollen from my windshield… I’m out of washer fluid. So much for ‘topping off the fluids’
Oh yeah… worth every penny of my $ 65!