Walk into any massive corporate-owned dealership today and you usually get the same vibe. Plastic smiles. Scripted pitches. That weird feeling that you’re just a number on a spreadsheet. Honestly, that’s why Ken Harvey Dublin Honda sticks out in the East Bay. They’ve been at it since 1977, which is basically an eternity in the car world.
Ken Harvey himself isn't some faceless executive in a skyscraper. He’s a guy who started with a motorcycle shop in 1954 and actually raced Hondas at Bonneville. That mechanical DNA is still baked into the place. You see it in the way the service techs talk to you—less like salesmen and more like people who actually enjoy engines.
The Local Roots Most People Ignore
We’re talking about a dealership that sits on 7 acres along Dublin Blvd, but its history goes back much further. The Harvey family has roots in the Tri-Valley dating to the 1850s. That’s not just a trivia point; it matters because they can’t just pack up and leave if things get rocky. They live here.
Most dealerships these days are being swallowed by giant public conglomerates. You know the ones—where the General Manager changes every six months. At Ken Harvey Dublin Honda, it’s still family-owned and operated. Ken and his son Taz Harvey run the show. This ownership structure creates a weirdly consistent culture that you don't find at the big-box auto malls in the valley.
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Why the Service Department is the Real Story
Ask anyone who’s owned a Civic or a CR-V for ten years. The sales floor is where you start, but the service bay is where the relationship actually happens.
In 2026, things have changed. You aren't just getting an oil change anymore. They’ve leaned heavily into transparency. For example, it’s pretty standard now for their techs, like Gabriel Laranang, to send you a video of your car while it’s on the lift. They point at the actual leak or the worn-out brake pad so you aren't just taking their word for it. It's a "see it for yourself" approach that honestly should have been mandatory decades ago.
- Video Diagnostics: You get a text with a link showing exactly what the tech sees.
- Loaner Vehicles: They actually have them, which is a lifesaver when your Pilot needs a two-day repair.
- Shuttle Service: Still a thing for those of us who need to get to work in Pleasanton or Livermore while the car is in the shop.
What to Watch Out For (The Real Talk)
Look, no business is perfect. If you check the reviews for Ken Harvey Dublin Honda, you'll see a 4.5-star average, but the 1-star reviews are where the lessons are. Some people have complained about the "hard sell" in the finance office or aggressive upselling on tires.
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It’s a car dealership. They want to sell you stuff.
The trick is knowing how to navigate it. If you go in for a $90 oil change and they come back with a $2,000 list of "recommended" repairs, don't panic. Use that video they sent you. Ask which items are safety issues and which ones can wait six months. Genuine experts there, like Joshua Mendoza, are usually pretty good about helping you prioritize, but you've got to be your own advocate.
The Inventory Reality in 2026
The days of 600 cars sitting on the lot are kinda over, thanks to the shift toward custom ordering and EV transitions. But they still keep a massive footprint. If you’re looking for the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport or the new Prelude, they tend to get larger allocations because of their volume history.
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They also run the "Ken Harvey Advantage." It’s basically a suite of perks they tack onto their vehicles. Some people love the added protection and car washes; others see it as an extra cost. You’ve just got to weigh if those "extras" actually add value to your specific lifestyle.
Navigating the Buying Process at Dublin Honda
If you’re heading to 6300 Dublin Blvd to buy, skip the "walk-in and wait" routine. It’s 2026; do the heavy lifting online first.
- Check the Instant Cash Offer: If you have a trade-in, use their site to get a baseline number before you arrive. It stops the "we'll give you $500 for your trade" surprise.
- Ask for Vince or Jay: Based on recent customer feedback, these guys have a reputation for being straightforward.
- The Finance Office: This is where the gap insurance and extended warranties come out. Read everything on the tablet. If it’s not on the screen, it’s not in the deal.
Is It Worth the Drive?
If you’re coming from Hayward or Castro Valley, you’ve got options. You could go to Hayward Honda or even over to El Cerrito. However, the Dublin location is the flagship. It’s bigger, the facility is newer, and because it’s the hub of the Harvey Auto Group (which includes Mazda and Tracy locations), they have more "pull" with the manufacturer.
Ken Harvey Dublin Honda isn't just a place to buy a car; it's a piece of Tri-Valley history that has managed to survive the corporate takeover of the auto industry. Whether you’re there for a 2026 Hybrid Civic or just an Express Service oil change, the vibe is different because the name on the building actually belongs to the guy who owns the place.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a visit, start by browsing their current "Manager Specials" online to see which VINs they are trying to move quickly. For service, schedule your appointment mid-week; Tuesday through Thursday usually sees a faster turnaround than the Monday morning or Friday afternoon rush. Always ask for a copy of your Multi-Point Inspection (MPI) report before you pay, and don't be afraid to ask for the "video recap" if the service advisor doesn't automatically send it.