Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Honda Accord Hybrid 2005: The Weekly Driver Review-Honda

If there are any reservations among consumers about the overall worthiness of hybrid vehicles, the 2005 Honda Accord has done its part to end the apprehension.

The Accord hybrid — which joined the Civic and Insight hybrid models this year — is a high-performance, fuel-efficient, well-designed and spacious addition to the more than two-dozen available configurations of the exceedingly popular Accord.

The hybrid shares all of the upside attributes of the gas engine Accord. But it also features a surprisingly quick 255-horsepower three-liter, V6 engine. And, of course, it offers the benefits of substantially increased gas mileage via its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) electronic systems.

My test drive for the week was the four-door sedan that included every available Accord option, including leather seats, a navigation system and XM satellite radio. With its nicely toned silver pearl metallic exterior, perfectly complementary gray, leather interior, 16-inch alloy wheels and classic Accord body style, the hybrid is one sharp-looking sedan.

For years, Accords have received high marks in many design and functionality categories. The hybrid version only confirms the reasons for the praise. Its front and rear-seat room is plentiful and comfortable and its controls and instrumentation are attractive. The hybrid model does have 2.8 cubic feet less trunk space than other Accord sedans, but the available area is still adequate.

More impressive is the hybrid's performance. During my one-week's tenure with the car, I made many around-the-town treks in which the hybrid's quick acceleration, responsiveness and fuel-economy high ratings were readily apparent. The hybrid has a 7.5-second, 0-60 mph designation, for example. And at stop signs and stop lights, the engine's gas to electric transition idle stop function provides an appreciably quiet waiting period.

I also took the vehicle (and a friend) on a 180-mile round-trip trek from Sacramento to San Francisco, and that's where the vehicle performed particularly well.

In bumper-to-bumper traffic, while accelerating to change lanes or when reacting suddenly to an erratic driver's moves, the hybrid was in charge. It's quick, it steers with precision, and it provides a quiet, confident ride.

With its efficient, well-designed and easy-to-use navigation system and quality CD and satellite radio features, the Accord hybrid is matched well against its formidable competition, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.

The Accord hybrid does not come cheap, though. The fuel-efficient option adds a $3,000 premium to the Accord's high-end base price and pushes the vehicle into the $30,000 price range. Its one option package is the navigation system and that adds another $2,000.

As a result, paying more than $32,000 for a Honda Accord warrants some additional hesitancy while comparison shopping.

But if the manufacturer's estimated yearly fuel cost of $842 and the estimated mileage averages of 29 (city) and 37 (highway) are reasonably accurate, the increased purchase price should be neutralized by a potential buyer with environmental concerns and with long-term ownership plans.

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

Safety features — Driver and front passenger dual-stage front, side and side curtain airbags; ABS brakes.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 29 mpg (city), 37 mpg (highway).

Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powerpack, 8 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price — $30,140.00.

Honda

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 (Voted Best Car of the Year, 2005)-Honda New York

Honda is a company that has build a great reputation over time for reliability and trustworthiness, and is without any question of doubt one of the most popular names on the auto market today. Because they are so popular, it’s no surprise why there are many certified used car dealers around for them too.
Honda has also joined the race to produce cars for the environmentally conscious among us or those who are just frugal about fuel. One such car that will save money on gas, even if it does cost a bit extra to purchase, is the newly revealed 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid.
The very new 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid already has a great reputation. In 2005, it was voted as Best Car of the Year by Car and Driver, and that was not the only award it received in 2005 either. The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid is a new kind of auto developed only in the past couple of years.
How it works is that it has a small internal combustion gas engine in the front of the vehicle which is smaller than other cars. The engine builds up electricity to power electric motors. These motors can accelerate the car more economically than can a regular car powered by just a gas engine. The reason is because normally, acceleration guzzles a heap of gas, but on the 2006 Honda Hybrid, the gas engine doesn't have to work so hard when gathering speed. What happens is the electric motors power the car by using the energy already stored up by the engine while breaking or at ticking over, and the result of this is that considerably less gas is used and there comes the economy.
Some of the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrids can get as much as 40 to 50 miles on a gallon of fuel or more. That is more than double the mileage of many conventional cars on the roads today! And with the rising cost of petrol, although you have to pay a pretty penny for a new Honda Hybrid, this motor quickly saves you so much money in the long run
For a person like me, this is a perfect model. As a businessman who travels a lot, I can effortlessly notch up hundreds of miles in a week on my car’s odometer, and often more. In addition, traveling between the great states, I often have to drive through mountainous areas, which, for a regular car does just dreadful things for your mileage and fuel economy. Ahh, but with my 2006 Honda Hybrid, it's nothing. Those clever electric engines handle the speeding up and deceleration with hardly a noticeable increase in additional consumption. You see, what they have to use up on the climb, they simply make up for on the downhill part of the trip.
It has to be said that I love my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid car. It's just so much better than the gas guzzler I used to have, which was a 2000 Jaguar XJR, and although it was just heaven in comfort and style, I reached a point in my life where style wasn’t the only important consideration anymore. Nowadays, I'm trying to save some money, and to think about the environment a little more.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Honda Civic and Accord-Honda New York

There are two names that define Honda cars more than any other: Civic and Accord. Sure, newer models have sprung up including the CR-V, Element, Insight, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and more. Yet, it is these two heralded models that continue to make up the backbone of the famed Japanese automaker even to this day. Let’s look at the history of the Civic and Accord and how these models have brought Honda to where it is today: a seller of vehicles espousing world class quality and affordability.
The Honda Civic has graced American roads since the early 1970s. For years it attracted quiet notice as it was truly a “mini” amongst giants. Consumers had pet names for the car including –- “pregnant roller skate” –- yet the car began to quickly attract a loyal following. Indeed, with two fuel shortages popping up in the 1970s the gas sipping Civic caught on for its economy as well as for its reliability. To this day, 30 year old plus Civics can still be seen around town as owners carefully maintain their vehicles with the highest quality Honda Civic parts. Today’s Civics, although larger than their predecessors continue to receive accolades including receiving an all around five star safety rating from the NHTSA.
In the early 1980s Honda introduced the Accord, a five passenger sedan. With the opening of Honda’s first US automotive plant in 1982, the Accord quickly established itself as a segment darling with consumers. By 2001, the Accord became the best selling car in the US, bypassing the ever popular Toyota Camry. Since then, the two cars have been the top sellers in the U.S. Well crafted Honda Accord parts are keeping even the most classic Accord on the road today. Indeed, it is this level of quality and reliability which continues to make Honda cars a world leader in value as well as dependability.
So, whether you own an older Accord or Civic or one of Honda’s many newer models you can keep your car running for years by purchasing reliable Honda Civic radiators and other parts as needed. Honda reliability and dependability are trademarks of this esteemed Japanese automaker and all of their models are certain to continue to be world class performers for many more years.
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

The New Truck From Honda: Ridgeline-Honda New York

The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s new pickup truck on the market. It uses Honda's unibody large vehicle platform, shared with the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey. It is powered by an all aluminum 255 hp 3.5 L V6 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive capable of towing 5000 lbs. The Ridgeline will be the first pickup truck with a fully-independent suspension.
Some of the more innovative features of the Ridgeline are its tailgate, which can fold down or hinge to the side, and an 8.5 cubic foot “In-Bed Trunk" below the truck bed. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. The Ridgeline comes with anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.
The bed is 49.5” x 60” with the tailgate up. With the tailgate down, you get 49.5” x 79”. And remember, the tailgate also swings to the side so you can easily access the in-bed trunk. The tailgate is designed to support 300 lbs. While driving. The steel reinforced composite bed resists dents and corrosion. Another neat feature were ample tie downs in the beds and several cargo lights.
Standard towing features include prewiring 4 pin and 7 pin, along with a brake controller. Heavy duty radiator, power steering cooler, and transmission cooler keep things cool when the work begins. Huge 4 wheel disk brakes help stop quicker with the aid of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All the dealer has to do is install the hitch and harness.
The 8” ground clearance works well with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Yes, all 4 wheels. Unheard of in a truck, but this is a Honda. They wanted their truck to instill confidence in the corners and a stable, responsive feel while maintaining ride quality. The closed box frame and unit body construction means this truck is tough and ready to work.
Traction control is standard along with a locking rear differential for extremely low traction conditions. It can stay locked with a push of a button up to 18 mph. Along with traction control, you get stability control called Vehicle Stability Assist. This corrects your cornering problems before they even become a problem.
The tires come with tire pressure monitoring systems which will be standard in all vehicles very soon (government mandate). Air bags are all around in front, side, and side curtain. It will only deploy what is necessary depending on the type of accident. These safety features along with ABS braking make this one of the safest trucks on the road.
There are three trim levels starting with the RT, RTS and the luxury RTL. You can get heated leather seats and a moonroof. These amenities were only thought to be available in cars. This truck also has available navigation system, homelink, and a hidden in dash cd changer.
The 22 gallon tank is ample for the 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway EPA mileage estimates. The six color combinations come with 3 interior choices. Options include a bed extender, tail light “garnish”, chrome bumper trim, 17” wheels, body side protectors, roof rack, fender flares, running boards and a towing package mentioned above. I’ve also seen hard tonneau cover-locking for the bed, and in-bed trunk dividers. There’s a larger brush guard for the front bumper available for you off roaders.

Honda New York

Friday, October 26, 2007

The inside story – Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V is the strong 4wd with i-vtec powerplant engine. It’s will send you to anywhere that you wish. From the outside, it’s look great and powerful. With the rigid body, it’s look very elegant. The inside of Honda CRV is also great, to give the comfortable driving. The quality of Honda continues from older model to Honda CR-V. this is the Honda CR-V inside :

Flat Floor
One interior feature that gives the Honda CR-V a genuine edge is its lat floor. Created by burying the transmission tunnel and mounting the gear stick on the dashboard. There’s a much greater sense of space up front of this and having the shifter so close to hand makes for a far more comfortable driving position.

Throttle Off
It’s only a curio really. But when it comes to pointless aeroplane-style handbreakes. Honda has succeeded where Vauxhall an Renault have recently failed. The Honda CR-V is quick, easy and effective in operation , a far cry from the clumsy hat in the zafira.

Screen Burn
A poorly conceived satnav is a real let-down though. It’s fiddly and much the hardest to work.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Honda New York - An Honest Review of the Honda 2007 CR-V-HondaNY

Honda... New York, the two go together like Wall Street and Manhattan. As well they should. If you’re looking for a Honda New York, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll get an honest review of the Honda New York 2007 CR-V.

Honda New York – Honda 2007 CR-V – What’s Under The Hood?

The new, 2007 Honda CR-V is definitely more powerful than any other CR-V to date, though just slightly. This year, you will find the same 2.4 liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine as last year, but with 10 more horsepower and 1 more pound-foot of torque. This slight improvement came as a result of a slightly higher compression ratio, higher flow intake manifold and exhaust and having the timing slightly changed.

Don’t let me mislead you though, this car is not something that will win you any blue ribbons on the quarter mile track, but that’s OK. It wasn’t meant for the quarter mile track. It was meant to carry you and your family through the jungles of the city and for that, there is ample power. As you need to merge onto highway traffic, the CR-V provides plenty of power and driving around town it may even appear to be pretty quick.

The only transmission that is available with this year’s model is a five-speed automatic that is equipped with Honda’s GLC system. No, that’s not GLC as in “Great Little Car”, but rather “Grade Logic Control”. A computer chip helps the transmission control module from missing the right gear while on hilly terrain. It might be a little over-kill for most city jungle scapes, but it was a nice thought nonetheless.

One of the options that many will appreciate is the Real Time AWD (All Wheel Drive) system. This feature is most beneficial from a safety stand point, as opposed to any serious off roading. Honda and safety have always gone hand in hand and this feature is just another example of that relationship.

This 4WD safety system was designed mostly to keep the wheels from spinning in wet, slippery conditions. The multiplate clutch and hydraulic pumps only apply power to the rear tires if there is a difference in rotational speed between the rear and front. The system works great and appears to have been well engineered.

Honda New York – Honda 2007 CR-V – How Does It Drive?

This car feels solid and drives very well. The newly revised front suspension helps keep things going in the right direction and reduce any sense of sway around the corners. This year’s model tracks slightly wider than last years and the larger wheels wear a slightly bigger and wider tire. The new placement of the engine/drivetrain package has also lowered this CR-V’s center of gravity. All of these minute changes have helped this year’s model become slightly easier to drive and more predictable as well.

As far as road noise is concerned, no real problems were noted. Normal conversation was never inhibited by either road or tire noise, though there was a noticeable wind whistle created from the outside mirrors on the model we tested.

All in all, we really enjoyed this car. The engine and transmission package was reasonable and the car drove like a solid SUV that we would expect Honda to make.
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