Operation Steer Clear
The FTC targeted 10 auto dealers, a few of which are southern California Honda dealerships (including the one I bought my CR-Z from, Honda of Hollywood), for deceptive advertising and failure to disclose additional high fees. The dealerships targeted are in CA, TX, GA, IL, NC and MI.
"Honda of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Norm Reeves Honda of Cerritos, Calif., violated the FTC Act by deceptively advertising that consumers could pay $0 up-front to lease a vehicle when, in fact, the advertised amounts excluded substantial fees and other amounts. The ads also allegedly violated the Consumer Leasing Act (CLA) and Regulation M, by failing to disclose certain lease related terms. Norm Reeves Honda’s ads also allegedly violated the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z, by failing to disclose certain credit related terms."
List of dealerships and more information here:
FTC Announces Sweep Against 10 Auto Dealers | Federal Trade Commission
"Honda of Hollywood and Norm Reeves Honda of Cerritos advertised that consumers could pay no money up front to lease a vehicle, not disclosing that excluded substantial fees and other amounts. The ads also allegedly failed to disclose certain lease-related terms. Norm Reeves Honda's ads also failed to disclose certain credit-related terms.
The dealers agreed to consent orders issued by the FTC, prohibiting them from further misrepresentation in advertisements or similar deceptive practices. They are also required to "clearly and conspicuously" disclose terms."
SoCal auto dealers charged with deceptive ads | abc7.com
Just a friendly heads up for the fellow Honda enthusiasts and prospective buyers.