The $80 Million Shakeup: 5 Shocking Changes At Honda Of Downtown Los Angeles Under New Ownership
The landscape of Los Angeles automotive sales has fundamentally changed, and the epicenter is Honda of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). As of late 2025, the dealership is operating under a massive new ownership structure following a staggering $80 million acquisition, signaling a new era for one of the city’s most prominent Honda dealers. This isn't just a simple name change; it's a complete overhaul of the dealership's operations, inventory focus, and long-term strategy for serving the vast Southern California market.
The transition, which involved a multi-year effort, positions the dealership to leverage the resources of a major national group, promising enhanced customer service and an aggressive push into the latest 2026 model-year vehicles. This definitive guide breaks down the most critical updates and what the new ownership means for every driver in the Downtown LA area looking for a new or used Honda.
Honda of Downtown Los Angeles: The New Era Profile
The dealership has been a staple in the Los Angeles community for years, but its recent acquisition has injected new capital and a fresh vision. Here is the essential profile of the newly-transitioned entity:
- Dealership Name: Honda of Downtown Los Angeles (Honda DTLA)
- Physical Location: 780 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (Implied from service records and reviews)
- New Ownership Group: Brandon Steven Motors (BSM)
- Acquisition Price: $80 Million
- Previous Ownership (Historical): Joe Shuster (Former President/Owner)
- Group Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas
- Significance of Acquisition: It marks the 13th store for Brandon Steven Motors and their first dealership in the California market, establishing a major West Coast foothold.
- Sales Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Hours may vary, always check the official site)
- Service Hours: Generally Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Varies, check for specific Saturday hours)
- Core Services: New Honda Sales, Quality Used Vehicles, Certified Service Department, Genuine Honda Parts, Vehicle Pickup Service (for maintenance).
The $80 Million Acquisition: What Brandon Steven Motors Brings to LA
The sale of Honda of Downtown Los Angeles to Brandon Steven Motors was a monumental event in the automotive industry, finalized after what the new owner, Brandon Steven, described as a "three-and-a-half-year grind." This $80 million transaction is more than just a financial milestone; it represents a significant strategic move by the Wichita, Kansas-based group to expand its successful dealership chain into one of the most competitive markets in the United States: Southern California.
The new ownership immediately translates to enhanced resources and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction, which is already reflected in recent positive customer reviews from late 2024 and early 2025. The goal is to combine the local expertise of the existing DTLA team with the proven, large-scale operational strategies of the BSM group.
5 Crucial Updates and Changes Under the New DTLA Regime
The shift in ownership has brought several immediate and projected changes that directly impact consumers, from inventory selection to maintenance convenience. These updates are vital for anyone planning to purchase or service a vehicle in the Los Angeles area.
1. Aggressive Focus on 2026 Model Year Inventory
The dealership is currently a hub for the latest and greatest from Honda. They are heavily promoting the brand's recent success in the 2026 model year, which saw Honda earn four prestigious Car and Driver 10Best awards—more than any other brand. The award-winning vehicles now prominently featured include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, and the all-new 2026 Honda Passport. This focus ensures LA drivers have immediate access to vehicles with top safety features, advanced technology, and superior gas efficiency.
2. The Anticipation of the 2026 Honda Prelude
One of the most exciting pieces of news comes from the DTLA blog: the expected release of the highly anticipated 2026 Honda Prelude in late 2025. Honda of Downtown Los Angeles is positioning itself as the primary source for updates and pre-orders on this iconic model's return, driving significant curiosity and traffic from enthusiasts across the region. This strategic marketing move highlights the new ownership's commitment to pushing high-profile, performance-oriented models.
3. Enhanced Service Convenience with Vehicle Pickup
Recognizing the unique challenges of car maintenance in a dense urban environment like Downtown LA, the Service Department has highlighted a key convenience feature: a Vehicle Pickup Service. Customers can now schedule a time for the dealership to come and pick up their vehicle for service, a massive time-saver for busy professionals. This customer-centric approach is a clear sign of the new management's focus on operational efficiency and superior Customer Service.
4. Competitive Lease Deals on New Models
To attract the Southern California market, Honda DTLA has been running aggressive promotional campaigns, including deals like a lease on the 2025 Honda Accord SE Sedan for a highly competitive monthly rate. These Honda lease deals on popular models like the Accord and the 2025 Honda Pilot (often compared to competitors like the 2025 Toyota Highlander) are designed to capture market share and make the transition to a new Honda as affordable as possible.
5. Increased Transparency and Streamlined Buying Process
Recent customer feedback highlights a commitment to a stress-free and transparent buying experience. Reviews specifically praise staff for making the car-buying process "easy and stress-free," emphasizing that the final price matched expectations without "any hidden fees." This focus on ethical sales practices, including clear communication on processes like the Release of Liability, is a cornerstone of the new ownership's strategy to build trust and long-term relationships in the Los Angeles community.
The Future of Honda DTLA: A West Coast Powerhouse
The acquisition of Honda of Downtown Los Angeles by Brandon Steven Motors for $80 million is a definitive statement of intent. It positions the dealership not merely as a local dealer but as the flagship West Coast operation for a major national dealership chain. By focusing on the newest models—from the tech-savvy 2026 Honda HR-V to the returning Honda Prelude—and prioritizing customer convenience with services like vehicle pickup, Honda DTLA is setting a new standard for automotive retail in the region. For LA drivers, this means a better selection of New Honda Vehicles, more competitive pricing, and a significantly improved service experience.
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