Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL: The Reality of the Big Name Change

Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL: The Reality of the Big Name Change

Walk down Pioneer Parkway today and you’ll see the familiar H-logo towering over the lot, but something’s fundamentally different. For decades, Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL was the name etched into the local car-buying consciousness. It was more than just a place to grab a Civic; it was a legacy that started way back in 1974 when Bob Lindsay Jr. teamed up with his dad in Galesburg. They eventually brought that family-owned vibe to Peoria, carving out a massive reputation for being the "less scummy" option in a sea of high-pressure dealerships.

But here’s the kicker. If you’ve been living under a rock—or just haven’t needed an oil change lately—the Bob Lindsay name on the Honda building is technically a thing of the past. As of late 2025, the dealership transitioned to Victory Honda Peoria, part of the massive Victory Automotive Group.

Does it matter? Honestly, it depends on who you ask.

Some locals on the Peoria subreddits are mourning the loss of "local accountability," fearing that a conglomerate with 60+ locations can’t possibly care about a squeaky brake pad as much as a guy whose name is on the sign. Yet, the data shows a different story. The transition wasn't a sudden shuttering but a handoff. Most of the staff you’ve known for years—the people who actually know your car’s service history—are still walking the floor.

Why People Still Search for Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL

Brand loyalty is a weird, stubborn thing. You don't just stop saying a name because a corporate lawyer signed a few papers. People still hunt for Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL because they remember the specific way they were treated there.

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Think about Mike McAtee. For years, his name was synonymous with the dealership. Customers would drive from Springfield or Bloomington specifically to work with him because he wasn't "salesy." He was just a guy helping you find a Ridgeline. Or Scott Schuster in the service department—the kind of guy people would name-drop in recommendations because he actually reset the oil life counter (you’d be surprised how many shops "forget" that little step).

The "Cookies" and the Culture

It sounds silly, but people talk about the cookies. A dealership's culture is often found in the small stuff. The "no-pressure" atmosphere wasn't just a marketing slogan; it was the reason someone like Paul Schmidt, the Sales Manager, could keep a customer base for twenty years. When Victory took over, they kept the 900 W Pioneer Pkwy location, and they kept that core team.

The Service Center: Still the Heart of the Operation

If you’re driving a 2019 Pilot or a brand new Accord, the service center is where the rubber meets the road. Literally.

The service department at the former Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL location remains one of the busiest in Central Illinois. Why? Because they have the specialized Honda diagnostic tools that the "quick lube" places down the street simply don't.

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  • Recall Handling: In early 2025, there was a significant uptick in recall work. One local owner of a 2019 MDX and TLX reported a frustrating experience with a jerking sensation after a recall fix, proving that even the best shops aren't perfect. But they kept the car, fixed it the next day, and returned it detailed. That’s the nuance.
  • Price Transparency: Unlike some dealerships that hide "shop supplies" fees until the very last second, the Pioneer Parkway crew has stayed relatively fair. You’re looking at standard Peoria rates—about $60 to $80 for a synthetic blend oil change and tire rotation, depending on the current specials.
  • The Schedule: They’re open early. 7:00 AM on weekdays. If you work at OSF or Caterpillar, you can drop your car off before your shift starts.

The Inventory Shift Under Victory

One major change since the transition from Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL to Victory is the sheer volume of cars. Being part of a national group means they can pull inventory from across 12 states.

If you want a very specific trim level of a Honda Odyssey—say, the Elite in Radiant Red—the old family-owned setup might have told you it’s a six-week wait. Now? They can likely find it at one of their other 60 locations and have it on a trailer within 48 hours.

There’s a trade-off, though. Some buyers have noted that the "Re-giftathon" sales and other corporate-wide promos feel a bit more "big-box" than the old-school Lindsay way. Is it better? If you want a lower price through volume, yes. If you want a Christmas card from the owner, maybe not.

What to Watch Out For When Buying

Buying a car in Peoria is basically a contact sport. You’ve got Uftring, Sam Leman, and Mike Miller all vying for your attention.

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When you head to the lot that used to be Bob Lindsay Honda Peoria IL, go in prepared.

  1. Check the Add-ons: Even "good" dealerships try to bake in things like nitrogen-filled tires or "interior protection" packages. One buyer in January 2026 mentioned they bought the protection package but had to wait three weeks for a follow-up. Always get the installation date in writing before you sign.
  2. Trade-In Realities: Used car prices are a roller coaster. In 2023, they were insane. In 2026, they’ve leveled off. Don't be shocked if your trade-in offer feels low compared to three years ago. Use KBB Fair Market Value as your baseline, not what your neighbor told you they got for their truck in 2022.
  3. The "Cash" Myth: Some people think bringing a suitcase of cash gets them a better deal. It doesn't. Dealerships actually make more money when you finance through them because of the kickbacks from lenders. If you have the cash, use it as a tool, but don't expect them to drop the price by $5,000 just because you aren't using a bank.

The Verdict on the Transition

The name "Bob Lindsay" is still on the Acura dealership nearby, and that family legacy continues there under Jim Lindsay. But for Honda fans in Peoria, the "Bob Lindsay Honda" era has evolved.

Victory Honda Peoria is the new reality. It’s bigger, it’s faster, and it has more cars. But the "Lindsay way"—that specific brand of Central Illinois hospitality—is still being kept alive by the mechanics and sales staff who stayed through the buyout.

If you’re looking for a new CR-V or just need your 100k-mile service, the building at 900 W Pioneer Pkwy is still the place. Just don't be surprised when the person answering the phone uses a different name.

Actionable Next Steps for You

  • Verify your Warranty: If you bought a "Lifetime Warranty" under the Bob Lindsay name, check your paperwork. Most of these were third-party administrators (like CNA or Fidelity) and remain valid regardless of who owns the dealership.
  • Download the App: The Bob Lindsay Honda mobile app still exists for many legacy users to track service history, but you should check if you need to migrate to the Victory Automotive Group version for new rewards.
  • Call Ahead for Recalls: Don't just show up. Honda has had several software-related recalls recently. Call the service desk at (309) 692-3200 and give them your VIN so they can ensure the specific parts are in stock before you drive over.
  • Look for "Legacy" Salespeople: If you want that old-school experience, ask for Jeff Hanneman or Rachel Chase. They’ve been around long enough to know how things were done before the corporate shift and can help navigate the new system without the "big-box" feel.