12:02 pm, August 13, 2026
Motoring website Honest John has closed after 25 years, with its car reviews and other content being incorporated into Drive.co.uk.
HonestJohn.co.uk, founded in 2000, has been redirected to Drive.co.uk, a digital car marketplace backed by Volkswagen Financial Services.
Visitors to the Honest John website are now presented with a message directing them to Drive and explaining that the site’s car reviews have been incorporated into the new platform.
Honest John became well known among motorists for its independent-style car buying and ownership advice, including its extensive Real MPG database, car reviews and consumer advice.
It was acquired by Heycar for a rumoured £750,000, with the acquisition completed in February 2020.
Drive describes itself as bringing different ways of getting on the road into one place, allowing users to explore and compare options.
According to the company, it ‘brings together thousands of approved used vehicles, the majority of which are under eight years old, from Volkswagen Group and aligned retailers, alongside new lease offers from VWFS, all in one place’.
Dan James, chief transformation officer, Volkswagen Financial Services UK, said: ‘Drive is an important milestone in our digital transformation. We’ve brought together the technology and expertise to create a platform that helps customers make more confident decisions by combining vehicle choice, finance and expert guidance in one place.
‘At the same time, Drive helps our retailer partners and Volkswagen Group brands connect with more customers who are actively looking for their next vehicle.
‘This is only the beginning. We’re building a new generation of digital products that simplify buying, financing and owning a vehicle, delivering better experiences for consumers and retailers.’
The closure has been noticed by various online forums such as Pistonheads, with users reporting that the website had been redirected to Drive this week.
Its website was still carrying news, reviews and advice shortly before the closure, including its Real MPG and car buying sections.
The Honest John brand remains registered to Volkswagen Financial Services DS (UK) Limited, according to its website terms.