Monday, March 28, 2011

The One - 2011 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has always been a customer favorite, it's 'the One', and thanks to new styling and increased fuel economy for 2011 it continues to be one of our top-selling models. The 2011 Accord Sedan and Coupe received significant updates this year. For the Accord sedan, its exterior received a more upscale and powerful presence with a new style for the front grille, front bumper and rear deck lid, and new wheel design. The Accord Coupe’s unique muscular stance was enhanced with a bolder front grille design, new front bumper shape, enhanced brakelight appearance and a new wheel design for V-6 models. New features on certain 2011 models include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe, a USB Audio Interface on all coupe models and Accord EX and EX-L Sedans, and a rear view camera on sedans equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Additional interior updates on all models include new seat fabrics on models with cloth seats, an updated instrument panel design and more-refined accent points throughout the interior. The Accord SE Sedan now comes with the added luxury of leather-trimmed seating, heated seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Honda Cars of Bradenton Responds to Ripple Effect

About the Impact on Production of Major Earthquake in Northeastern Japan

Considering the current situation of the nationwide recovery efforts in Japan, Honda had previously announced the suspension of production until March 20. On March 18th, Honda made the decision to extend the suspension of production of finished units at the following plants until March 23, 2011: for automobiles, Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie) and for motorcycles, Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto).

Concerning operations from March 24 on, Honda will make decisions based on the status of the recovery of parts supply as well as Japanese society as a whole. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and request their understanding during these challenging times.

March 18,2011 (Honda)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

2011 Honda Odyssey Earns Best-Possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in More-Stringent Federal Government Crash Test Safety Rating Program

Odyssey among first vehicles to earn 5-stars in all crash test subcategories

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score1 of five stars and is one of the first two vehicles ever to earn five stars in each seating position for all three crash tests, each crash test category and the overall rating, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Odyssey joins the 2011 Accord Sedan as one of the few vehicles to date that achieves the federal government's best-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five stars in the combined frontal and side crash safety ratings.
The Odyssey achieved its top Overall Vehicle Score with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests2 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. Additionally, the Odyssey received four stars for the rollover rating3, the highest achievable in the light-truck vehicle class using the program's measurement methodology.
The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. As a convenience to new car shoppers, the Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests and the rollover-resistance into a single, summary score between one and five stars. Additional information is available at www.safercar.gov.
Complete NCAP safety rating results for the 2011 Odyssey are:

All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.
Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated4 city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.
New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.
The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle – designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.
For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.


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1 Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs). Vehicles tested under this program cannot be compared to model-year 2010 and earlier vehicles. Ratings can only be compared with similar ratings on model year 2011 and later vehicles if rated under the new program.
2 Includes a new, additional test mode for side-pole impact.
3 Vehicle tested includes electronic stability control as standard equipment, branded as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) on Honda and Acura vehicles.
4 Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

2011 Honda Odyssey - More Accolades

2011 Honda Odyssey named Automobile Magazine’s All-Star of the Year – Details

AUTOMOBILE Magazine has named the 2011 Honda Odyssey as one of the winners of its prestigious 2011 AUTOMOBILE Magazine “All-Star” awards, the publication announced today.

The Odyssey has won the All-Star award a total of eight times in its history, winning votes from the magazine’s editorial staff for the vehicle’s versatile and comfortable interior, refined handling dynamics, family friendly features and fuel economy.
“The all-new Odyssey represents the latest and best thinking that Honda has to offer in a minivan,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The recognition from AUTOMOBILE Magazine as an All Star is an honor made possible by the hard work and passion that Honda associates have put into the design and construction of the vehicle.”

The completely redesigned Odyssey improves for 2011 with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new “3-mode” second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated1 city/highway/combined fuel economy of up to 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle, designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Odyssey previously won the AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star Award in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Additional information regarding AUTOMOBILE Magazine and the All-Star awards is available at www.automobilemag.com. Consumer information regarding the Odyssey is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

SOURCE: Honda

Thursday, March 10, 2011

As Gas Prices Approach $4.00 per Gallon

All-New 2012 Honda Civic Emphasizes Style, Fuel Economy and Performance

Two models offer 40+ mpg!!!!

Featuring the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic is designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer when it launches this spring. The entire redesigned ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel efficient with two models – the all-new Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering fuel economy estimates of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

The tradition is Economy...The time is now...the time is right!

Built on the tradition of Honda fuel efficiency, the economical Civic HF model will be the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only powered Civic in the lineup when it launches this spring. Equipped with a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the Civic HF is targeted to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy1 of 41 mpg on the highway. The 2012 Civic Hybrid, which will be outfitted for the first time with a lithium-ion battery and a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy1 of 45 mpg, an improvement of 4 mpg compared to the current Civic Hybrid. Both the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models will be equipped with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency and Honda ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles.

Absolute State of the Art Versatility

"The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. "For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model."

In addition to the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models, the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic GX Natural Gas models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models. The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy2 of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg when compared to the current model. The Civic Natural Gas vehicle is anticipated to earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Natural Gas models will all be equipped with the Honda ECO Assist technology.

Along with improved fuel economy, the new Civic lineup also delivers more performance, particularly with the Civic Si. The Civic Si sedan and coupe models will be equipped with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well as a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine is anticipated to deliver 200 horsepower with 170 ft-lb of torque. Even with the larger engine and a 22 percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy1 of 31 mpg; an increase of 2 mpg when compared to the current model.

The 2012 Civic lineup includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, a new "HF" high fuel economy version, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.

Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications

140 horsepower,
1.8-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
5-speed automatic transmission
ECO Assist technology
EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg
EPA-estimated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg

Civic Hybrid Specifications

110 horsepower,
1.5-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine (combined gasoline + electric)
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Lithium-ion battery
ECO Assist technology
EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid city/highway combined fuel economy: 45 mpg

Civic Si Specifications

200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, 2.4-liter
i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
6-speed manual transmission
EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg

(1)Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

(2)Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

2011 Honda Accord - The One

The bragging rights just keep on coming. Here are a few of the accolades that have followed the Honda Accord for all these years. And this is great news for all current and future Honda Accord owners. While you all bought your car for different reasons...yet there is one fact that should make you smile....all the accolades add value to your Accord!!!

For example - For a record 25th time, Car and Driver magazine has named the Honda Accord one of the 10Best Cars. Car and Driver says, "The Accord remains inscrutably excellent. It manages to combine all the practical virtues you need in a family sedan—plenty of interior space, lots of available infotainment and trim choices, a quiet and relaxed ride, subdued engines, and effortless transmissions—with a fluid chassis that urges a driver to wring it out on back roads and off-ramps."[1]

Download the article. (You need Adobe® Acrobat® to open this PDF document.) [1] Car and Driver, January 2011

The 2011 Accord Sedan earned a 5-star safety rating in each combined NCAP category[1]—quite an honor, especially given the new, more stringent standards enacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Every Accord Sedan helps protect you with a host of standard safety features, including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control and active front head restraints. Plus, every Accord features standard front, front side and side curtain airbags to help reduce the likelihood of injuries in a collision.

[1] Based on frontal crash, side crash and rollover categories. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, The Trusted Resource for automotive information, honored the 2011 Accord with its Best Resale Value Award in the Mid-Size Car category[1]. This prestigious award is given to vehicles that are expected to have the best resale value after five years of ownership.

1] Vehicle's projected resale value is specific to the 2011 model year. For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

Honda has a history of environmental leadership dating back to a time when green was simply a color. Several decades later, we are proud to carry that tradition along, and be recognized as the country's Greenest Automaker by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)—for the fifth time in a row[1].

[1] Based on a Union of Concerned Scientists analysis of fleetwide global warming and smog emissions from 2008 model year vehicles.

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