Category Archives: Honda – DO NOT USE

Honda expands dealership of CNG-powered Civic

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Honda - DO NOT USE

Japanese automaker Honda has expanded the dealership of its compressed natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX with the recent addition of Oklahoma as a sales base.

Oklahoma became the fourth state in the U.S. to sell the GX, which was launched in California in 2005. Since then, retail sales have expanded to New York in 2006 and Utah in 2009.

“Honda seeks market opportunities for the Civic GX where strong natural gas refueling infrastructure exists,” Elmer Hardy, senior manager at Honda’s alternative fuel division, said in a news release.

KTUL-TV reported that Oklahoma provides a tax credit of up to $2,500 for motorists who buy CNG equipment to fuel their vehicle at home. At the same time, consumers can also claim a 50 percent tax credit for CNG vehicles, such as the Civic GX.

The 2010 Civic GX boasts an EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway and was named the “greenest vehicle” by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. It is the only OEM-built, CNG-powered passenger car assembled in the U.S.

Top hybrid cars of 2006

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE, Lexus - DO NOT USE

Due to the fluctuating nature of gas prices, many consumers have decided to invest in a hybrid car to help save money and ensure a predictable monthly budget. Prospective car buyers in the market for a used hybrid vehicle in New Jersey may want to check out the Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2006 Lexus RX 400h, two of the best selling, most energy-efficient cars manufactured in 2006.

Honda completely redesigned the Civic Hybrid in 2006, adding supplementary safety, performance and refinement features. New standard equipment includes side curtain airbags, front-seat airbags, four-channel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and a telescoping steering wheel.

The ’06 Civic Hybrid is powered by Honda’s integrated motor assist system, which consists of a 1.3-liter V4 gas engine combined with an electronic motor and a continuously variable transmission, according to MSN Autos.

The new powertrain is capable of producing 110 horsepower and is even more fuel efficient than the previous year’s model. Honda’s most popular hybrid gets 50 miles to the gallon in the city and on the highway.

Meanwhile, consumers who are looking to purchase a slightly more sophisticated energy-efficient vehicle may be interested in the Lexus RX 400h, which was the most popular luxury hybrid sports utility vehicle manufactured in 2006.

The super ultra low efficient vehicle-rated (SULEV) RX 400h is equipped with a new hybrid system that combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with three electric motor-generators, according to Edmunds.com.

The hybrid SUV’s powertrain produces 268 horsepower and boasts a EPA rating of 33 miles per hour in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RX400h can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, an impressive number considering the fuel-efficient nature of the vehicle.

What sets the ’06 Lexus apart from other hybrids is its plethora of standard features, including “dual-zone climate control, GPS navigation, power seats, power windows, a power liftgate, rear-seat DVD, a megawatt audio system by Mark Levinson,” the news source reports. “You can run all that stuff at the same time without any fears of draining the battery.”

Honda, Subaru and Toyota ranked top three all-around automakers

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Subaru - DO NOT USE, Toyota

On Monday, in their annual spring auto issue, Consumer Reports ranked Honda and Subaru the two best all-around automakers. Surprisingly, in spite of their numerous recalls, the non-profit magazine ranked Toyota as the third best car manufacturer, the same designation that they received last year.

David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, said that Toyota remained among the top three automakers because they continue to assemble quality vehicles, according to The New York Times.

“I think once they get through all the recalls, you’ll see that they are a very, very reliable manufacturer,” Champion stated.

Meanwhile, the Big 3 American auto companies fared no better than they did in 2009. While Ford ranked 11th among all car manufacturers, General Motors and Chrysler finished in the last two positions.

However, in the individual categories, the Chevrolet Traverse won the best family SUV and the Silverado pickup was recognized as the best truck.

The 2010 Consumer Reports rankings were based on the performance, reliability, utility and comfort of each brand.

2005 Honda Pilot: A reliable, active family vehicle

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

Consumers in the market for a reliable used sports utility vehicle in New York or New Jersey may want to check out the 2005 Honda Pilot, one of the more practical and economical family cars on the road today.

Honda’s midsize SUV received a major power upgrade in 2005. The only available engine for the ’05 Pilot is a V6 with 255-horsepower, a 15hp increase from the previous year’s model.

The Japanese automaker also added an 8th seat, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a six-disc CD player and available keyless entry. Fuel-tank capacity increased to 20.4 gallons from 19.2 in 2004.

For the weekend warriors, the Honda added 60/40 split folding bench seats for the 2nd and 3rd rows, which should significantly expand available cargo space.

“The Pilot drives more like a car than a truck, with the crisp, predictable handling for which Honda is known,” says Automotive.com. “Yet it delivers impressive fuel economy. As a Honda, it offers quality, durability and reliability.”

In 2005, a standard new Honda Pilot went for about $28,000.

2006 Honda Civic: Car of the year

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

Consumers in the market for a used Honda in New Jersey may want to check out the 2006 Civic, Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year.
Honda completely redesigned the Civic for 2006. They gave it a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, more premium features and much more style, according to Edmunds.com.

“The outgoing 2005 Civic was a quality automobile – well crafted, capable, a strong value – but it didn’t tingle the fingertips, never moved the “gee!” meter,” says Motor Trend Magazine. “The new 2006 Civic does.”

Available as a sedan or a coupe, the 2006 Civic comes standard with an electronically controlled i-VTEC system with variable control timing, which continuously boosts power and fuel efficiency.

The ’06 coupe, which suffered from a power outage in the previous year, is the fastest production Civic in the company’s history. It has a powerful 197-horsepower engine, a six-speed manual transmission with a limited slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension, according to the news source.

Although the coupe and the sedan were designed with less trunk space and foot room than the 2005 model, they pack more punch and have a much sportier look.

Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Highlander: Three of the more fuel-efficient compact SUVs on the market

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Posted in General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Toyota

In the current economic conditions, many consumers have decided that fuel economy is one of the more important factors involved in the car buying process. For those interested in purchasing a used SUV in New Jersey, there are several models that can offer you the benefits of a larger family vehicle that won’t hurt your wallet at the pump.

In 2005, several car manufactures began specializing in the compact sports utility vehicle. Three of the highest rated, most moderately priced SUVs that also have the best fuel economy include the Honda CR-V, the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Highlander.

The 2005 Honda CR-V is one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. It gets a respectable 23 miles per gallon in the city and a very solid 29 mpg on the highway, according to About.com.

The ’05 model is equipped with Honda’s four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine that is more than capable of competing with various sedans on the highway. With 160-horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, the CR-V is able to outperform most any compact SUV in its class, Edmunds.com reports.

Honda’s 2005 CRV comes standard with an “intelligent” variable valve timing system called i-VTEC, which allows the engine to generate plenty of power while maintaining an impressive fuel economy. It offers class-leading interior space, yet drives more like a sedan than a larger family car.

“If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, all-purpose vehicle with a sense of adventure and fine foul-weather capability, the CR-V is hard to beat,” says the news source.

Just behind the CR-V in terms of fuel economy for a compact SUV is the Toyota Rav4, which gets 23 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The two-wheel drive, manual transmission model is even more fuel-efficient.

In 2005, the Rav4 was reequipped with a more powerful engine and received significant safety improvements.

The ’05 model has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161-horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Similar to the CR-V, the Rav4 comes standard with a variable valve timing system that boosts torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds.

Outfitted with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and side airbags for front passengers, outshines its competition in terms of standard safety features. In government crash tests, the Rav4 earned four out of five stars for frontal impact protection and a perfect grade for side impacts, according to Edmunds.

The Rav4 is the first car to win the Best Pick designation for both front and side impact tests.

“Intended for a life on pavement, the RAV4 really shines in this environment, where its taut suspension, quick steering and tight turning radius come together to produce one of the best-handling SUVs we’ve ever driven,” says the news source.

For consumers interested in a mid-size SUV with a strong fuel economy, the 4-cylinder Toyota Highlander may be of interest.

Highlanders are available with a 230-horsepower V6, but the V4 model gets significantly more miles per gallon. City mileage ranges from 18-22 mpg, but the Highlander can get up to 27 mpg on the highway.

It is available with four-wheel-drive and can seat up to seven passengers. The ’05 Highlander sits much higher than the Rav4 of CR-V and has considerably more interior space. It costs a bit more than some compact SUVs, but is fairly priced for its size, strong fuel efficiency and smooth ride.

“The Highlander is so darn smooth it encourages the driver to make every trip a pleasure for his or her passengers,” says Phillip Powell from About.com.

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Nissan Quest: Three of the top minivans of the decade

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Posted in General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Nissan, Toyota

Over the last few years, car manufacturers have begun concentrating on developing smaller sedans and have started producing fewer family-sized vehicles, meaning there are smaller quantities of new minivan models to choose from today than in the past. For consumers in the market for a used minivan in New Jersey, you are in luck. Many industry experts feel that the most popular vehicles of the genre were produced in 2006 and 2007.

The folks at MSN Autos have recently put together a list of the most sought after minivans on the road today. Topping that list are the 2006 Honda Odyssey, the 2007 Toyota Sienna and the 2007 Nissan Quest.

The ’06 Honda Odyssey, ranked the most popular minivan by the news source, was named Consumer Guide’s 2006 Best Buy, Money Magazine’s 2006 Best Minivan and Kelley Blue Book’s 2006 Best Resale Value.

The Odyssey has a powerful V6 engine, carlike handling and optional eight-passenger seating, according to Edmunds.com. If consumers purchase the EX or the Touring package, they will have access to Honda’s variable cylinder management system, which deactivates three of the six cylinders during cruising to maximize fuel efficiency.

“The [2006] Honda Odyssey is quieter, more spacious and offers even more innovative features than before, including increased seating configurations and unique storage solutions,” says the news source.

In 2007, the Toyota Sienna actually beat out the Honda Odyssey as Consumer Reports’ Top Pick of the Year and was recently named one of their best used cars.

The Sienna received a huge power upgrade in 2007 with the addition of a 266-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that replaced the 3.3 liter 2006 engine, making it the most powerful minivan in its class.

“Whether you’re a new parent, an empty nester or somewhere in between, [the 2007 Sienna] will almost certainly meet your needs,” says Edmunds.

It has a smooth ride, solid gas mileage and excellent safety features. Similar to the Odyssey, the Sienna has eight-passenger seating capacity and excellent handling. All ’07 models that have CD changers are satellite radio compliant.

The Nissan Quest, which finished 5th in MSN Auto’s popularity ratings, received a facelift in 2007 with a complete revamping of the vehicle’s interior.

Nissan expanded the Quest’s storage capacity, improved its center stack design and added a six-disc CD player with MP3 playback and Bluetooth connectivity, the news source reports. They also added a larger glovebox, a newly designed third row seat and revised climate controls.

Even with the new changes to the interior, the most impressive features of the 2007 Nissan Quest may be its handling and power.

“The 2007 Nissan Quest is an enthusiast-oriented option in the minivan category; the van is acquiescent around corners and offers sharp steering,” says Edmunds. “The V6 is eager off the line, accelerating with gusto. Overall, the large Quest feels more agile than its heft suggests.”

The Quest only seats seven, but offers much more interior room than other minivans in its class. It has flat folding seats in both the second and third row making it ideal for family travel.

If you are interested in a used minivan in New Jersey, you should certainly take a look at the 2006 Honda Odyssey, the 2007 Toyota Sienna and the 2007 Nissan Quest. They were all designed and produced during the peak of minivan ingenuity and are fairly priced.

The 2006 Honda Insight in a class of its own in terms of fuel economy

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

With the constant fluctuating of gas prices over the past few years, many consumers have decided to purchase a hybrid car to save a few dollars at the pump. People in the market for used Honda models in New Jersey may be interested to know that the 2006 Honda Insight gets more miles to the gallon than any other hybrid in its class.

The ’06 Insight has an estimated fuel economy of 48 miles per gallon in the city and 58 mpg on the highway, according to FuelEconomy.gov. It also leaves a substantially smaller carbon footprint than many of its competitors.

Honda’s 2006 model is a compact two-door sedan with quick steering, exotic construction and a host of standard equipment, Edmunds.com reports. The Insight combines a 1.0-liter, 12-valve three cylinder VTEC-E gasoline engine with a lightweight electric motor that can recharge itself with having to be plugged in.

The Insight is susceptible to crosswinds due to its small stature, but “the car’s small dimensions and light, accurate steering make it a breeze to maneuver in crowded areas.”

Off-duty DUI checkpoint supervisor crashes Honda Accord, gets charged with DUI

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

Owners of used Honda models in New Jersey might appreciate the irony of a recent incident involving a Pennsylvania State Police corporal.

John Quigg, a 24-year veteran with the state police who supervises DUI checkpoints, is currently facing disciplinary action following an alleged drunk driving incident last month.

Quigg, who is also a drug recognition expert, meaning he is trained to determine what illegal substance a suspect is on based solely on their behavior, reportedly crashed his Honda Accord into a guardrail on interstate 76 in the Philadelphia area. The accident was not believed to be of a serious nature.

According to a state police spokeswoman, Quigg was found unresponsive and slumped over in his vehicle. The 47-year-old Pennsylvania native was taken to the hospital where he was charged with driving under the influence and careless driving. He also allegedly had an open container in the vehicle, according to AOL Autos.

Corporal Quigg, who is currently in recovery, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation, NBC.com reports.

Used CRVs in New York the pedigree of best-selling SUV

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

Honda currently manufactures the best-selling SUV, which could partly be thanks to used CR-Vs in New York and elsewhere.

Compact SUVs are one of the most popular vehicles in the auto industry right now. Of these, Honda’s CR-V is the best-selling, according to an article published by USA Today that detailed the release of the 2010 model.

While the average age of a CR-V buyer is 52-years-old, many young Americans find the SUV hip enough for them to drive too, reports the news source. About 56 percent of the people who purchase a CR-V are women, 70 percent of whom are married, college-educated or both.

But perhaps the most intriguing fact about CR-Vs, which can be bought new for just a hair over $20,000, is that the median household income of the people who drive them is $90,000, according to the publication. This statistic means there could be some relatively well-off people driving this compact SUV.

Not much has changed since the latest generation of the CR-V first came out in 2007. Motor Trend says 2007 represents a year of great value for this SUV, which means the 2010 model could owe part of its future success to used CR-Vs in New York.