It started with a visit to the lot for a specific type of truck. Sam at Pono's did an amazing job from start to finish, from negotiating a lower sale price and the best interest available with the bank, to delivering the truck to us in Kona because we had to work every day and couldn't make it to Kona. We're so happy we went all the way to hilo to Pono's because none of the lots in Kona had what we were looking for. MAHALO Sam, Go Avalanche! read more

I inquired about the pricing for one of their cars and was met with a very wide response of 'mid 20's' not an actual number and way too expensive for the car I had asked about. I emailed back with a list of cars I'd like to see/wanted to know the prices of, with zero response back. Not a very good way to get business, seems very sketchy that non of their vehicles on the website have actual prices listed. Definitely staying away from this dealership, based on other reviews as well. read more

I don't know how these guys stay in business. How you gonna sell a car when you don't return calls or emails? Mind blowing how bad their customer service is. Aiona and Servco customer service was in point and ended up with a cherry deal from Aiona's. Don't waste your time with Pono. read more

Went in today and had to ask for help with seeing two vehicles. After being left in the lot while the two salesmen were in the office eating and vaping. The vehicles were so high priced when I did eventually get help and then the sales man who was rude just left me outside and went back into the office. Left and went to Aiona Car sales and got the best help. read more

Inquired about a car because I really, really needed a vehicle. I had asked prior because I don't have the best credit score. But they said okay let's come in and talk. Basically went there to be laughed at. Such a cocky salesman. He really laughed at my situation. No aloha. read more

Was really interested in a Toyota Camry they had on the lot, and wanted to spend some money with them. I swung by the lot and express interest in a particular vehicle, filled out the necessary paperwork online, waited patiently 1 week left messages on messages went 2 weeks and still no answer. So I took my money elsewhere, I'm the proud owner of a brand new 2020 Toyota Camry!! Moral of the story, they DO NOT return phone calls..not sure why they pick and choose who they want to do business with, thought everyone's money was green in Hilo. read more

Eric is a very compassionate and empathetic businessman. My family came across some hard-times and long story short, Eric went ABOVE and BEYOND to help us out. Seriously, we need more local businessmen with Eric's ethics. Always there for our community, always supportive of the kids, and always there for our family. THANK YOU SO MUCH Pono's for being so kind and generous! If you need to buy a car, go to Pono's! If you need to sell your car, go to Pono's! Just go see Pono's for any and all your vehicle needs! PERIOD! read more

I purchased a jeep from ponos the miles was altered .. After I bought car and drive away check engine went on. Got back to kona went through car wash whole roof leaked!! They said they would fix problems and there mechanic shop took jeep for 3 days said they had to order parts..never called me back and when I called they had no idea what I was talking about. They charged me 13,000 for a car that was kelly blue book at 3,000 . Costed me 2200 to fix problems in engine that mechanically told me was old problems from before purchase.. 7 months later driving saddle road my passenger tire flew off the studs in tire was so rusted we could've been hurt badly luckily my babies was with grandma... and 2 months after purchase I have disconnect battery every time I park cause battery gets drained/ not the alternator..... Now I still owe 8,000 on super unsafe jeep. And if I trade in now my payments will double. Witch I cant afford... They took advantage of a first time buyer. And put me and my family in a unsafe vehicle.. read more

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I was interested in a vehicle from Pono's but it didn't have a price, so I clicked the email to ask for a price and ask about the vehicle as well. I did this not only once but 3 times.. C'mon guys... Oh well I got a 2020 Tacoma instead. read more

If you're having a hard time with your current car and you don't have the best credit don't waste your time. This dealership is not pono.

So happy I read these reviews before I went to purchase a vehicle from them. It sounds like it would have been a terrible mistake I think I will check out other places crazy to hear about what they are doing to credit scores and things. Almost every review is stating that after purchase something major has gone wrong with car. Maybe someone should report them to the Better business Bueuro. read more

Went in the other day to look to buy a truck, I specifically wanted a tacoma went to Pono's cause I'm always seeing the trucks with my luck I drew the most crappiest salesperson ever his name was Mitch, doesn't know a dam thing about trucks or pricing fucking spacey as hell I wouldn't doubt it if he's mentally challenged..was a complete total waste of my time going there I wish I had another sales person maybe this review would be different if you go to Pono's to buy a car avoid that guy! HE FUCKING SUCKS AT HIS JOB!! read more

This place is such a joke. Pono is the worst kind of man. Went to Ponos for my first car and found what I thought was a great deal. Found out within 30 days my car needed significant repair. When I brought it back to Ponos they laughed me out of the door saying I bought it as is. I ended up having to surrender back to the bank without even driving the car for 2 months. i spend the next two years riding the bus digging myself out of a 9,000 dollar bank loan for a car that I didnt even have and worse because of it no other dealership would sell me a car without ridiculous high payments triple what I could afford. Before Ponos I had a 700 credit score. Now I am barely reaching 500. Even if this place has your dream car, FORGET ABOUT IT.....GO TO Aionas or Big Island Used Cars. Bought a car from Aiona, I am more than satisfied and Big Island Used Cars is where majority of my family buys there vehicles. NOT ONE LEMON from them. read more

I've been calling since they opened at 8 and now it's 10:30 I've must of called atleast 30 times, they do not answer there phones. Bad service. How do they run a business if they don't talk people into coming down ? Makes no since. I think Aiona Car Sales is the way to go. read more

Pono Used Cars changed my financial information on the loan application so they could squeeze me into a loan I couldn't actually afford. "The bill of sale" also stated an odometer mileage 20,000 miles less than the actual reading in the vehicle stated therefore committing both financial fraud as well as odometer fraud. They also let their workers drive their cars racking up miles and making them dirty and even more used. Their office was totally unorganized chaotic and unprofessional. Currently deciding whether I will file a federal investigation or not because altering the odometer numbers like that to falsify the value of the car is a felony. Over priced car with high mileage and thousands down the toilet. Filling out applications for legal assistance now. Do yourself a favor and don't go here you will likely be scammed and taken advantage of. They are the polar opposite of "pono". read more

High priced vehicles, staff is no help at all. I literally went from here to another used car dealership and purchased my vehicle immediately. Woulda not trust these folks! read more

These guys are amazing! They worked some serious magic and got me back on the road. I am so absolutely grateful. Thank you so so so so so so so so so so so so soooooooo much! read more

Pono's is a crook. If you buy from them, make sure to have a mechanic check out the vehicle before purchasing!

I just bought a Toyota from Pono's and the service was really phenomenal from all the sales people and workers. I had read the reviews before hand but in talking to them on the phone and in person decided to be my own judge and give them a try. I was first contacted by Tyrone after enquiring online about a vehicle, then went with Mitch to try out the vehicle, then thought about it a few days and went back and purchased it. Mitch is super nice and very informative and Erik the owner was great to work with as well, even when at first we didn't decide to buy the vehicle and wanted to look around. Their "mascot" dog Duke was very precious as well and helped entertain my granddaughter while we were talking. He was even very friendly! All the workers went above and beyond to say Aloha or Hello and were willing and able to talk to us and help out in any way possible. Once purchased the sale went quickly and I had the paperwork in hand within 30 minutes I'd say. I was helped by Domingo to get the "stuck" baby seat out of my old truck and put into my new one. It was well past closing time and they all stayed to help in one way or another till I was set to go. Sam was also very helpful with information and the car detailer gave my granddaughter a toy to play with which she loved and it kept her distracted. I drove my vehicle home and it seems to be working well and they told me I can come back and have a detailing done and they will also be there for me if anything goes wrong on the vehicle. I don't think you can beat that. I'll keep you posted! read more

I was rather disappointed when I went to ponos to get a car, they kept trying to sell us something we didn't want. No one listened to what we said we needed and then they wouldn't stop calling us because we got approved for a bigger loan. All they had to do was take the time to listen to what we wanted and we would have bought our car from them. read more

Check engine light came on less than three days after making purchase. Seems like the light was just reset to hide an issue. Coincidence maybe but unlikely. read more

When buying a used car the saying "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) is always quoted. What is sad is that is now a crutch used by dealers to sell unroad worthy vehicles to people with a need but not the financest to have the vehicle checked out. Ponos, if you can sleep every nite thinking you've done no wrong then power to you. Those if us who know different also there is a place for you in you know where. read more

i went to pono's and found a potential car. sales guys was super nice, but after i filled out all the paper work, i had to wait for the manager cause he had to go through the banks and stuff. i was supposed to get a call back from them to see what had happened. 2 weeks late got NO call back. went i hilo mazda and got a car in 3 days. so ridiculous. seems like the manager picks who he wants to help out read more

Nice vehicles, but the mark up on them are kinda ridiculous!! 49k for a base model 2016 SR5 tacoma with lift and tires..

My 19 year old son went to Pono's used cars desperate to have his own vehicle. He quickly settled into purchasing a truck for $7,500 without having anyone else look at it or even test driving it! He signed a contract taking the truck AS IS with no warranty. 8 days later while on his way to work the truck broke down leaving him to pay $380 to have it towed from Kohala to Hilo. Frustrated by this and feeling like my son had been taken advantage of we went to Pono's used cars and spoke directly to Eric. He reassured us he would have a mechanic look at it and cover the cost of the repairs. Still feeling upset by the whole situation we decided to leave and wait to see what the mechanic. As we were leaving Eric again came out to talk with us. Knowing I wasn't satisfied he offered to return $7,000 of my sons money and pay the $380 for the cost of the towing. He had absolutely no obligation to do this. My son made a rush decision but out of the kindness of his heart Eric wanted to make things right! I am very thankful that he took the time not only to listen to my concerns but to actually hear me. Thank you Pono used cars for having the integrity and heart that is sometimes lost in the world of business. Mahalo! read more