Photo: Darren Handschuh

Many car dealerships claim to be the best, but Bannister Honda can prove it.

The Vernon auto store won the 2017 Canadian DealerRater Honda Dealer of the Year Award, beating out more than 200 other Honda dealerships across the nation.

The award recognizes top Canadian auto dealers that demonstrate excellent customer service as expressed by consumer reviews written on the DealerRater website.

Last year, the Vernon store won the Dealership of the Year in B.C. and the Customer Satisfaction Award.

General manager and co-owner Pat Loehndorf said he is honoured by the award.

“There are 234 dealers across Canada, so to be the top-rated dealer is a real honour,” he said.

One of the key's to Bannister Honda's success is transparency and to let the customers do the talking through online reviews, of which the dealership has hundreds.

“If somebody is not satisfied, we want to know about it,” said Loehndorf, adding he will personally contact any customer who has posted a negative review.

Even the dealership's sales staff are rated online.

“We let the public and our paying customers say what they think of us,” said Loehndorf. “You really have to put yourself out there and let the people decide.”

DealerRater CEO Gary Tucker said the award is really based on public opinion.

"Car buyers have spoken and have identified Bannister Honda Service and Car Sales as the best Honda dealer to do business with in Canada," said Tucker. "The quality and number of reviews for Bannister Honda Service and Car Sales speak volumes of the top-notch experiences they provide to customers."