Honda Recalls 2012 Accord, 2012 Crosstour, 2011-2012 Ridgeline

Honda has issued two recalls today -- one for the 2012 Accord and 2012 Crosstour, and another for the 2011-2012 Ridgeline. 

The 2012 Accord and Crosstour recall is the most worrisome of the two. According to a bulletinfrom the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Accords and Crosstours from the 2012 model year may have been built with a faulty inflator for the side-curtain airbag on the passenger's side. As a result, those airbags may not deploy during a crash, seriously increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Thankfully, the size of this recall is fairly small, including only 347 units to date. (Given the popularity of the Accord, the recall could've been much larger a few months down the road.) Hondaexpects to notify owners of affected vehicles about the recall by next Friday, February 10. At that time, they'll be able to take their vehicles to a Honda dealer, who will inspect the airbag system and replace inflators as necessary, free of charge.

If you have questions about the 2012 Accord and Crosstour recall, we encourage you to ring Honda Customer Service at 800-999-1009, or call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall campaign #12V030000.

* * * * *

The 2011-2012 Ridgeline recall centers around the Ridgeline's spare tire, which has come withinaccurate inflation information on the attached placard. If owners use the spare tire and it's improperly inflated, the tire could fail, leading to an accident. Approximately 206 Ridgelines are included in this recall.

Honda has already begun sending out notices to Ridgeline owners, so if you have one of the recalled vehicles in your garage, you should receive something in the mail very soon. At that time, you can take your Ridgeline to a Honda dealer, who will amend or replace the tire information placard free of charge. 

Should you have additional questions about the Ridgeline recall, call Honda Customer Service at 800-999-1009, or ring up the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall campaign#12V025000.

2012 Honda Fit

The Fit is Honda's entry-level model (and lowest-priced model) in the U.S., and it perhaps comes closest to emulating what the Civic used to be: well-configured, affordable transportation with a fun-to-drive edge.

While the Civic has become somewhat larger, softer, and more anonymous in look and feel over the years, the smaller Fit manages to feel nearly as roomy thanks to its tall, upright body style and still-best-in-class 'Magic Seat' seat-folding arrangement.

Depending on how you see the 2012 Honda Fit—and how you value a voluptuous exterior—you might be turned off somewhat by its obvious preference of function over form. It's difficult to make a super-practical, small, tall hatchback like the Fit look even vaguely sexy, and the tall proportions arguably make it look like a scaled-down minivan in some respects. Inside, the Fit has an airier feel than in some other small cars, with a relatively low (by today's standards) beltline and a vast expanse of dashboard ahead, due to the rakish windshield. 

You won't find impressive performance from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Honda Fit, but provided you don't have a stopwatch in your hand you'll find it quite fun-to-drive with the manual gearbox. A five-speed automatic is also offered and comes with paddle-shifters in Fit Sport trims. And though sheer velocity might not come easy in the Fit, its handling and maneuverability are stellar, with this small hatchback possessing a responsive, tossable feel around town or in tight corners.

The Fit feels just fine at 80 mph, and settled enough for longer-distance highway cruising. Honda claims to have made the Fit even quieter for 2012 with more insulation from road noise.

If you're cross-shopping a lot of small cars, you'll notice that while appointments are simple and sturdy in the Fit, something is very different—in a good way—about its interior packaging. The Fit makes the most out of a small space, for both passengers and cargo--and it feels like Honda has applied some minivan ideas here. There's enough headroom and legroom for two adults—or three kids—in back, and the so-called Magic Seat folds flat by lifting a single lever and pushing the seatback forward, with no need to remove rear headrests in the process. In front the driving position is upright but comfortable, with a good view forward.

The cargo floor is especially low for easy loading, amassing an impressive 20.6 cubic feet of EPA cargo room. In addition, there are two glove compartments (upper and lower), plenty of cup holders (redesigned in the center console for 2012), and many useful storage compartments and cubbies in the center console, dash, and doors—as well as under the back seat.

The Honda Fit has earned respectable safety ratings from the IIHS, although it roof strength score was just 'acceptable.' That said, the 2012 Honda Fit offers an especially strong body structure, along with a long list of safety features including front seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.

The 2012 Honda Fit includes plenty of features and option possibilities and manages to buck the stripped-down small-car stereotype in this respect. Both the Fit and Fit Sport models include a pretty generous list of features, and for 2012, equipment on the Fit Sport has been bolstered, with additional dash trim, steering-wheel audio controls, and upgraded seat fabric. Air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; keyless entry; a USB input; and an MP3-compatible CD sound system are included with the base Fit. The Fit Sport gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, a security system, and USB connectivity for the sound system, along with sporty cues throughout. Offered only on Fit Sport models is a package adding the navigation system. The navigation system now includes Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and streaming audio, but that's unfortunately the only way to get it.

2012 Honda CR-V Will Arrive On Time, Despite Supply Shortages

2012 Honda CR-V Concept

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Last week, Honda warned shoppers that the redesigned 2012 CR-V could be delayed due to severe flooding in Thailand. An article posted last night to Auto News, however, confirms that the CR-V will arrive on time after all.

The Thai floods have had a significant impact on Honda's production schedule -- and its bottom line. Most significantly, Honda has closed all of its facilities in Thailand, and they may not open again for six months. The automaker also scaled back production at its six North American facilities to 50% output through November 10, and it scrapped current financial forecasts. (Yesterday, the floods forced Toyota to follow suit and nix its own estimates.)  

Though most Hondas sold in North America are built using parts from North American suppliers, the 2012 CR-V depends on "a few critical electronic parts" from Thailand. Honda has been working with other companies throughout its supply chain to address the problem, and apparently, it's found a solution.

News of the 2012 Honda CR-V's on-time arrival was sent to dealers yesterday. In that memo, Honda noted that production at U.S. facilities will rise slightly -- up to 75% capacity -- through November 23. Production in Canada will also get a boost, but plants there won't return to full output until November 25 at the earliest.

The 2012 Honda CR-V has already appeared in concept form at the Orange County International Auto Show. The production version will debut next week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it should roll into showrooms this December.

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2012 Honda Odyssey

The 2012 Honda Odyssey is the priciest of the minivans, but innovative seating and excellent handling set it apart from all the rest.See What the
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Honda completely redesigned its Odyssey minivan last year, giving this near-perfect family vehicle a more detailed look, improved seating, and new connectivity and entertainment features.

For 2012, Honda has addressed one of our chief complaints with the launch of the redesigned Odyssey last year. Honda was aiming to move on from the Baby Boomer crowd and extend the Odyssey's appeal to a younger crowd of new parents in their 20s and 30s, yet the new Bluetooth, connectivity, and infotainment features that this more tech-savvy crowd especially values were only offered on top trims. This year, Bluetooth, a USB interface, 2 GB of music storage, and the i-MID information display are included in all but the base LX.

Minivans are the shape they are because the boxy proportions maximize space and the rounded edges and rakishness help aerodynamics and highway gas mileage, but Honda has managed to make the latest Odyssey a little more interesting in the details. While pictures don't always do the new lightning-bolt beltline, which drops the window line a bit behind the sliding door, justice, we think the new cue adds style as well as function—giving third-row passengers a bit more window space while accommodating the thicker back pillar that's common to other Hondas like the CR-V.

Climb behind the wheel of the 2012 Honda Odyssey after doing the same test-drive route in an SUV or taller crossover, and it's likely you'll become a minivan convert (or rediscover the van). The Odyssey has always been one of the most responsive-driving and cleverly packaged minivans, and neither of those aspects have changed. You can drive an Odyssey on tight, twisty roads with the same verve as you would a sporty sedan, and handling is top-notch. The Odyssey has strong acceleration from the 247-hp, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine; top Touring and Touring Elite models of the new Odyssey get a new six-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the line does just fine with a five-speed. Odysseys with the six-speed are a little bit better on gas though, with ratings up to 19 mpg city, 28 highway, but all Odyssey models now have Variable Cylinder Management, to save gas, and active noise cancellation, to bolster the Odyssey's already quiet and refined interior.

In keeping with the Odyssey's very family-focused package, it's brimming with smart details that keep the interior safe and stress-free for parents and kids. The three rows of seating are now even better for six adults, thanks to a new second-row configuration that allows the outboard seats to actually tilt and slide outward—changing the width of the second row depending on whether there are two adults, three, or a combination of child seats there (there are now five sets of LATCH connectors, for child seats). Last year, the third row gained an inch of legroom and in some trims an armrest, while its folding mechanism got even better, with one-arm operation and no need for a power-folding mechanism. And the Odyssey was the first minivan to achieve both top five-star results in the revised federal crash tests as well as Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS.

While connectivity and audio features have been bolstered for 2012, some of the other more desirable features, such as a blind-spot system, auto-leveling HIS headlamps, and a hard-drive-based music system, remain the exclusive domain of top Odyssey Touring and Touring Elite models. FM-based (free) traffic updates, extended voice controls, and a stunning wide-screen entertainment system (with first-in-class HDMI input) help truly distinguish these top models, although the top Touring Elite costs nearly $45k.Great handlingThoughtful interior touchesGas mileage of a mid-size sedanMore child-seat positions than other vansTop-notch wide-screen entertainment systemStill no Bluetooth on base LXPricier than other minivansVisibility for lane changes

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Long Term Update 3: 2011 Honda Odyssey

I have recently (re)discovered that the Honda Odyssey is just about the perfect road trip vehicle. Over the long holiday weekend, I took the minivan on a camping trip up to Sequoia National Park. Having not made a campground reservation, we removed the second row seats in the Odyssey in case of a last minute need for sleeping in the van. Luckily, that wasn't necessary since we eventually found a campsite. Two reasons why this was lucky: first, the lock-down points for the seats protrude above the floor level, making kneeling or sitting in the center of the floor less than comfortable (let alone sleeping on it). And second, can you call it camping if you're not sleeping in a tent? Aside from the floor knobs, the Odyssey really feels cavernous with the second row removed. We could have fit a bear in there!

During our stay in the giant forests of Sequoia, we were tempted to forgo a campfire, make ourselves comfy in the third row seats, and fire up the DVD rear entertainment system with its 16.2-inch wide screen. Instead, we enjoyed our view of the night sky, and the peace and quiet afforded by the surrounding wilderness. It's nice to know the luxuries are available but, more importantly, the Odyssey got us there and back in comfort, with plenty of room to spare.

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2012 Honda Accord Coupe

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If you want an affordable mid-size coupe—particularly one that has a more grown-up feel rather than sports-car edginess—the 2012 Honda Accord Coupe is one of your best choices. And in fact, the Accord is one of the few choices; the Nissan Altima remains a chief alternative, though the Nissan feels a little more overtly sporty and a little less refined.The Accord Coupe is very closely related to the Honda Accord Sedan, but with a smoother downward-curving roofline, more sculpted flanks, and different styling around the rear, the Coupe can appear to be proportioned quite differently—even though the two versions essentially have the same front end. The longer doors can be deceiving, but overall the Accord Coupe is about three inches shorter than the sedan (two inches shorter in wheelbase).

Functionally, that means a little less legroom. And with the low roofline, ingress and egress are a little tough; if you're leaning toward the Coupe, don't have plans to carry adults back there on a regular basis as it's tight.

Accord Coupes drive much like their sedan counterparts. The base 190-hp four-cylinder engine is plenty perky, but step up to the V-6 and you get a more mature, powerful touring-coupe feel that, fully loaded, would pass as a luxury coupe. Ride quality is good, and steering feels secure yet responsive.

Pricing isn't that much different for the Accord Coupe than for Accord Sedan models. While they're well-equipped compared to other value-priced mid-sizers, our same complaint for the rest of the Accord holds here: Bluetooth hands-free is only included in top EX-L trims with leather and navigation.

For more about the 2012 Honda Accord Coupe—including related news, pricing, and pictures, plus what other review sources have said—see our full review on the 2012 Honda Accord lineup.

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2012 Honda CR-V, Subaru BRZ, 2012 Chevrolet Sonic: Today's Car News

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Today at High Gear Media, we review the 2012 Ford F-150 and drive the 2012 Chevy Sonic. The 2012 Honda CR-V gets revealed on the Internet while Subaru releases images of the BRZ STI Concept. All this and more in today's car news, right here on The Car Connection.

The 2012 Honda CR-V has been revealed on the Internet before its official debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Unfortunately the 2012 Honda CR-V may be delayed due to the flooding in Thailand.

Subaru releases images of the BRZ STI Concept which will be shown at the 2011 LA Auto Show.

After driving the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8-liter hatchback, we think you should get the 1.4-liter turbo.

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo has finally been confirmed for production.

Robocalls are coming to an OnStar vehicle near you.

Did you know your local auto dealers hate high-mileage cars?

Elon Musk says the Model S is sold out and Tesla will be profitable in 2013.

We review the 2012 Ford F-150 and love the new powertrains, but the ride is somewhat jiggly.

One in four U.S. car engines will stop when you do in 2015.

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2012 Honda CR-V May Be Delayed Due To Thailand Floods

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Flooding in Thailand has begun making serious waves in the U.S. According to a press release, the disaster will force Honda to scale back production at facilities across the U.S. and Canada in coming weeks, and there's a distinct possibility that the automaker will miss its December launch window for the 2012 CR-V.

The Thai floods began raging months ago, and although they haven't generated much news coverage here in the U.S., we're definitely feeling their effects. Toyota brought U.S. production to a halt last weekend due to parts shortages, and the company has fully idled production at three facilities in Thailand itself. Toyota has also warned that until production in Thailand returns to normal, supplies of the 2012 Toyota Prius may be scarce.

Honda has shuttered all of its factories in Thailand, and company representatives say that those plants may not open again for six months. On this side of the Pacific, production at Honda's six facilities across the U.S. and Canada will be rolled back to 50% of normal output from tomorrow through November 10, with subsequent "adjustments" to be announced. At the moment, Honda doesn't expect to institute any layoffs at North American facilities.

What's more, Honda has hinted that the December arrival of the 2012 Honda CR-V may be pushed back. According to the release, "The December on-sale date of the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V could potentially be delayed by several weeks. The on-sale date will be announced in the near future." Given the severity of the situation in Thailand -- the worst flooding the country has seen in 50 years -- we can likely strike "could potentially" and replace it with "will definitely".

The problem, Honda says, lies with the CR-V's electrical components. Though the majority of Hondas made in North America are manufactured with products from North American suppliers, "a few critical electronic parts are sourced from Thailand and other regions of the world". Honda says it is working with suppliers throughout its network to address the shortages. We'll keep you updated on the company's progress.

In the meantime, Honda debuted a concept version of the 2012 CR-V in Anaheim -- yes, Anaheim -- at the recent Orange County International Auto Show. Honda has said that it will unveil the 2012 production model at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, and since we've heard nothing to the contrary (yet), we still expect to see it there in two weeks. Stay tuned.

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Trading Places: Is Hyundai the New Honda?

Growing up in Southern California in the 1980s, I used to ride along with my parents, staring out the car window and trying to spot the coolest automobiles the world had to offer. All the best wheels came to SoCal, from Ferrari 328s and Porsche Turbos to Lotus Esprits and BMW M1s. The cars that really grabbed me, though, were the ones I believed I could purchase by the time I had a license: the Toyota Corolla GTS, Volkswagen GTI, and Honda CRX and Prelude.

I wanted Hondas the most, because, as I read in such magazines as Motor Trend, they offered the best blend of technology, reliability, and affordability. The CRX Si won MT’s 1988 Import Car of the Year with its mix of 16-valve aluminum engine, four-wheel independent suspension, and $10,195 price tag. “The most exhilarating ride you’ll find this side of a formula racer,” MT wrote. The ’88 ICOY runner-up, the Prelude Si 4WS, the first production car to offer four-wheel steering, was another Honda I coveted. Honda was a pioneer, and every car enthusiast knew it.

Every car enthusiast also knew that Hyundai, which released its first U.S.-market car, the Excel, for 1988, was the opposite of a pioneer — a follower. The perception of many was that Hyundai was a Honda copycat: “Hyundai” looked and sounded somewhat similar to “Honda,” and it, too, used an H badge. Hondas were high-quality and fun to drive, and Hyundais were, um, not.

In the 1990s and into the 2000s, Honda remained a forerunner. It introduced titanium connecting rods and VTEC variable valve timing in the Acura NSX. The Integra Type-R, the poor man’s NSX, offered a handbuilt I-4 with 108 hp per liter, unheard of for the day. And the Legend was the first near-luxury car to alert Europe that Japan was serious about upscale autos. As H-badged Hondas, Civics, Accords, and Preludes got VTEC, the Insight introduced Americans to the hybrid, and the S2000 afforded speed junkies the feeling of a MotoGP bike in a car.

Since then, Hyundai, somewhat under the radar, has steadily improved the quality of its growing lineup, building cars that are as reliable and often rewarding as they are affordable. Over the last few years, specifically, while Honda has lifted off the trailblazing throttle, Hyundai has put its pioneering foot to the floor. For instance, Honda currently tops out at a six-speed automatic. Hyundai? Eight. Honda offers not one car with a direct-injected engine. Hyundai? Seven (and counting). The most luxurious Honda, the Acura RL, pales next to the amenities and power of Hyundai’s Genesis and Equus. Hyundai satisfies rear-drive sports-car fiends with the Genesis Coupe. Honda? Not so much. Honda’s tiny CR-Z Hybrid (34 mpg combined) barely surpasses the fuel economy of the comparably sized Veloster (32), which is devoid of any hybrid wizardry. What the Veloster isn’t devoid of, however, is a dual-clutch transmission, that sporty tech piece adopted by Audi, BMW, Ferrari, and Porsche. And now Hyundai. But not Honda.

Hyundai still has a ways to go, especially in terms of chassis dynamics, but the perception and reality of the brand have changed. When looking to the future, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an H badge leading the way — just not the one I adored as a kid.

Illustration: Doug Fraser

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2012 Honda Civic

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The Honda Civic used to be not only the sportiest-driving compact but also arguably the most stylish and desirable. But that car you remember might not bear much semblance to what you'll find after some cross-shopping. In the years since then the Civic has grown, and Honda has vied for more of the mass-market, but in the process has lost a lot of the appeal that used to charm miserly enthusiasts, as well as affluent households who could afford more, to add a Civic to the garage. That said, the Civic remains a comfortable, spacious, and economical small-car choice.

While the Civic has been fully refreshed for 2012, not much about the lineup itself has changed. The Civic still comes in standard Coupe and Sedan models, a Civic Si two-door coupe, a Civic Hybrid sedan, an eco-minded Civic HF, and a Civic Natural Gas. The newest generation, all new for 2012, builds on the car's traditional strengths—sporty roadholding, good gas mileage—but faces increasingly stringent competition from new entries like the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cruze.

With this latest redo the Civic has become undeniably a little more conservative. While the new Civic retains much of the futuristic, previous-generation model—including its rakish roofline—it tones down the look with more conservative rear styling. Likewise, inside Honda has kept the dual-tier instrument panel but recontoured it to cant slightly (and disconcertingly, to some) toward the driver.

While the new Civic performs just as well as the previous one, driving enthusiasts who remember what this model once was will find it irksome that Honda's also taken a step toward the conservative side here. The 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, paired with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, feels strong and responsive, and it isn't at all boomy when revved as some other models. The Si performance model gets a larger, 201-hp, 2.4-liter four that promises—but doesn't quite deliver—a stronger kick. Meanwhile, our favorite of the lineup is probably the improved 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, which gets an improved version of Honda's mild-hybrid system and impressive 44-mpg city and highway ratings.

Honda hasn't changed the size of the Civic, but with improved seats and a little rejiggering of available space, everyone's going to be pretty comfortable, considering this is a small car. Front seats are a little short and flat, but backseat accommodations are among the better ones for this size. Trunk space is vast, too. Road and wind noise aren't quite the issues they were in the previous-generation Civic, and the ride is a bit softer. But while interiors have been rapidly moving upscale in this class, the Civic's interior feels like a sore point, with hard plastics, thin-feeling panels, and a relatively cut-rate feel.

With a starting price of just $15,605, the Civic remains very affordable. But that base DX model doesn't come with all that much—windows are hand-winding, and there's no Bluetooth, air conditioning, or cruise control. Other models add features—like an improved navigation system, USB inputs, and a new secondary display screen in the line of sight—but also have much a much higher price tag, and it's disappointing that Bluetooth and satellite radio are only offered on the top-of-the-line EX and EX-L models.

Safety-conscious shoppers should make note that the 2012 Honda Civic has already been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

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2012 Honda Pilot

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The Honda Pilot might at first glance look like yesterday's news—the kind of ruggedly styled, truck-based SUV that's gone out of favor. But in truth, it's one of the better choices for everyday, on-the-road family use—especially if you're the type to eschew minivans—and the overtly boxy body yields an especially roomy interior.

For 2012, Honda has given the Pilot what amounts to a mid-cycle refresh, doing away with the oddly framed, grille introduced in 2009 and instead substituting a more tasteful grille that we see, simply, as a more vertical take on the brand's passenger-car front ends. Back at that last redesign, the Pilot became even more macho, creased, and imposing, with a chunky look that we liked, other than garish grille, so we'll consider that a victory. Interior themes are also a bit gimmicky and overwrought in a chunky, macho aesthetic.

Otherwise, Honda also introduces a six-speed automatic transmission for 2012; it's paired with the familiar 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, and it altogether keeps with Honda's smooth, responsive, and sweet-sounding reputation for these powertrains, while improving the highway rating on front-wheel-drive models by 2 mpg, to 25 mpg—making it the most fuel-efficient three-row eight-passenger vehicle, according to Honda (now 17/24 or 18/25). A cylinder-deactivation system remains to help cut fuel consumption while coasting or cruising, and we've found real-world ratings to be on the high side of those estimates. Handling is much better than the tall silhouette suggests, and once you get past the initial surprise of the tall driving position, you'll find handling to be reasonably crisp, with good maneuverability.

With a carlike unibody design, bolstered structurally with some of the benefits of an SUV, the Pilot is able to draw from the best of both worlds. Ride quality is on the firm side, but the optional four-wheel-drive (actually all-wheel drive) system has a Lock mode and is a champ in deep snow or mud. Four-wheel-drive models can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

The Pilot's interior is roomy and functional, and it's one of few vehicles this size to have a third row that's spacious enough for adults—though headroom is tight in the far back and you'll sacrifice cargo space to use it. Front seats are generously sized and excellent for long road trips, while the second-row seats slide fore and aft for easy access to the third row or to get just the right balance of legroom between rows. Both the second and third rows fold forward and are split 60/40, and overall, the interior just brims with functionality in the form of cubbies and bins. The only common criticism from our editors is that the dash feels cluttered, and there are too many hard plastic surfaces just ahead of the driver. However otherwise the Pilot feels very refined and quiet—and Honda has made further improvements in this area for 2012.

Family safety is probably a top priority for the Pilot's family shoppers, and here it's reassuring but not exactly top-notch. Side-curtain bags cover all three rows, and its feature set is just as good as any vehicle in this class; test results have been pretty good, though the single most concerning blemish is a 'marginal' score in the IIHS roof strength test.

From a feature standpoint, the big news for 2012 is top-and-center on the dash; Honda has brought the information screen it terms i-MID—a color LCD screen that shows trip computer and audio functions up more in the line of sight. It also includes enhanced steering-wheel controls. But as anyone who's shopped Honda before will know, desirable features are kept for more expensive trims, and that new display is only on EX-L models. The Pilot is available in four different trim levels—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each of which is offered in 2WD or 4WD. You'll need to step up to EX-L or Touring trims to get upgraded leather upholstery. That said, base 2012 Honda Pilot LX models come with rear air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, and a seven-speaker sound system, while the top-of-the-line Touring includes a host of tech features, such as a nav system, a rearview camera, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, a USB audio plug, backup sensors, and available rear DVD entertainment. Also for 2012, the navigation system has been updated and includes 15 GB of media storage.

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Long Term Update 2: 2011 Honda Odyssey

Los Angeles does not have the smoothest road surfaces in the world. Sure, some cars have a ride so soft and plush you barely notice the gaping seams between the concrete slabs, or the cavernous potholes. The Odyssey is not one of these vehicles. Don't get me wrong; driving this minivan is not a jarring, back-breaking experience. However, the Honda Odyssey transfers more road feel and noise than I would prefer. The suspension is stiff enough to keep this minivan from wallowing over bumps and dips, but instead I feel and hear the road, and I wish it could be quieter. I love using the Hands-free Bluetooth connection with my cell phone to make calls, but with all that interior noise, I feel like I end up yelling to get the other person on the line to hear me. Conversations with passengers tend to be at a higher decibel level, too.

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A Million Miles, Fifteen Years And A Honda Accord

Million Mile Joe and his 1990 Honda Accord. Image: Honda

The average American driver racks up 13,476 miles per year on their odometer. That makes “Million-Mile” Joe, of Norway, Maine, well above average; Joe has accumulated nearly one million miles on his 1990 Honda Accord over the last fifteen years.  That works out to be nearly 4,700 miles of driving per month, meaning that Joe drives as much in a season as the average American drives in a year. 

A former automotive service technician turned insurance claims adjuster, Joe is meticulous about his car's maintenance, and keeps detailed records of all services performed. He’s got notebooks full of data, and Honda reports that he’s taken nearly 700 pictures of his odometer to document the mileage.  If nothing changes, Joe is on schedule to cross the one-million-mile mark this September, and Honda will be documenting his progress on their Facebook page.

Ironically, Joe bought his Accord as a six-year-old used car in 1996 with 74,000 miles on it. His obsession with keeping records didn’t start until he crossed the 300,000 mile mark, but it’s safe to assume that Joe followed the car’s maintenance schedule religiously even if he didn’t document it. As remarkable as Joe’s achievement is, it really highlights the fact that manufacturers publish recommended maintenance schedules for a reason; stick to them, and you may have a million mile car in your own garage.

[YouTube, via Honda]

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Honda Fit Shuttle U.S.-bound?

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Million Mile Joe’s 1990 Honda Accord approaches 1,000,0000 mile milestone [video]

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Long Term Update 5: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

A great vehicle, practically speakingFrom the August, 2011 issue of Motor Trend / Photography by Motor Trend Staff Whatever your opinion on the Accord Crosstour's styling, you have to agree it's practical. As copy editor Zach Gale explains, "Not everyone who needs all-wheel drive wants a CR-V. When you're looking for a Honda with cargo space and AWD, the Crosstour serves its niche nicely. I found the Crosstour to be a comfortable highway cruiser." But there are some tradeoffs, as he continues: "The steering could use more feel, but that could be easily changed in an upcoming refresh. Unfortunately, the Crosstour's gigantic blind spots cannot, and, for me, that's a deal-breaker." He was impressed with the Honda's rear-seat legroom, which is notable, considering his 6-foot, 4-inch frame, but was disappointed with the sloping roofline's effect on rear-seat headroom (for the same reason). Testing director Kim Reynolds is fond of the Crosstour. "It's well made; I like the materials; it's quiet for a Honda (for an Accord) and nicer-riding; and the extra room in back -- as well as its folding-seat flexibility -- is most welcome." It seems that in the world of the strange-looking problem-solvers on the road today, the Crosstour tends to appeal to older drivers. Gale notes, "I parked the Crosstour near a Toyota Venza after a road trip to San Francisco and thought of [art director] Mike Royer's comment on the Honda feeling more mature. The Toyota is clearly trying to impress a younger audience, with our short-term test model's dark orange paint and 20-inch wheels (19s are the smallest size available)." It's not flashy and it's not a race car, but it does the job. It's just unfortunate that there are so many compromises.
$288.83 (2-oil change, inspection, rotate tires, 1-replace rear differential fluid) $225.92 (replace front brake pads, resurface front brake rotors)

Motor Trend Rating:

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First Test: 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

Soul Survivor: Will Losing 1000 RPMs Work Better a Decade Later? / Photography by Michael Shaffer If you're an auto enthusiast, you can hardly be faulted for thinking Honda has largely abandoned you. In fact, you might even feel justified in thinking that the once enthusiast-driven company has lost the plot and gone Toyota, ditching drivers' cars for various forays into the hybrid scene and profitable-but-bland people-movers of various shapes and sizes. You might even get depressed when you look at Honda's enthusiast car portfolio circa 2001 and compare it to its portfolio today. A decade ago, Honda's lineup included the likes of the S2000, Civic Si, Acura NSX and Integra/RSX -- and the Prelude had only just been discontinued, with 2001 being its last year. These days, the options are substantially more limited. There's the oddball CR-Z and the only member of the above list to make it out of the aughts, the Civic Si. Somewhat of a constant in Honda's lineup for some two decades, the continued presence of the Si has served as a beacon of hope for enthusiasts even as the rest of its sporty brethren died off one by one over the past decade, each leaving no heirs. But the Si, like the rest of the Civic lineup, has just undergone a fairly significant transformation, bringing its hope-bringer status into question. One reason why is that the 2012 Honda Civic Si is no longer powered by the high-revving K20 2.0-liter four. It has made way for a slightly modified version of the K24 2.4-liter also found under the hood of the Acura TSX that makes slightly more power (201 hp versus 197 hp), considerably more torque (170 lb-ft versus 139 lb-ft), but redlines at 7000 RPM instead of 8000 and is nowhere near as free-revving as its predecessor. As a result, the character of the 2012 Si is decidedly different. Motor Trend Rating:

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Honda Showcases CR-Z and Zero Emission Concepts at Geneva 2010

Honda has unveiled two battery electric urban concept cars at Geneva, the stylish EV-N and the three-wheeled 3R-C, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting. The radical concepts draw on Honda’s expertise in zero and ultra low emission technologies to show two urban vehicles with no harmful tailpipe emissions.

Both, EV-N and 3R-C, build on Honda's vast working knowledge of battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. Honda began producing the battery electric vehicle EV Plus in 1996 with the vehicles being leased to selected customers in the US. Since 1999 Honda has been selling petrol electric hybrid cars and in 2008 introduced the world's first production fuel cell electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity.

All of these vehicles utilize electric motors for propulsion and batteries to store power and it is this real-world production experience that Honda is bringing to its latest concept models. Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle uses a Lithium ion battery to store the energy from regenerative braking and Honda is currently enhancing its expertise in this area. Last-year a deal was signed with GS Yuasa to build a joint venture battery plant to produce Lithium ion battery packs for future Honda vehicles.

EV-N
The EV-N is a battery electric vehicle study, which evokes the spirit of the diminutive 1967 N360 city car. Honda designers have incorporated Honda's own solar panels in to the roof of the concept, to charge the car while it is parked. Two of Honda's U3-X, electric personal mobility devices are attached to the inside of each door. The two-door Concept is envisioned with a Lithium ion battery pack, and small electric motor for predominantly urban use.

The EV-N concept's four-seat interior makes use of the compact dimensions of the battery electric drivetrain, to maximise space and utility, without increasing the vehicles dimensions. The seats of the car have been produced in a mesh finish, which is both very light and easy to change, to make it easy to change the colour and style of the interior, quickly and easily. The interior has been designed in a deliberately minimal style, to reduce the weight of the vehicle, increasing range and performance.

3R-C
This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain, is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the center of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver's seat while it is parked and not in use. When the three wheel vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the chassis, with significant protection.

The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C's designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.

The Honda CR-Z sporty hybrid coupe
The European version of the Honda CR-Z makes its debut at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show. The European version features a 2 2* cabin layout, bespoke LED accented headlights and is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The CR-Z is a unique new car, combining the advantages of a clean, efficient petrol electric hybrid powertrain with a manual transmission and a stylish coupe body. This exciting new coupe will change current perceptions of hybrids, with its engaging chassis and responsive IMA hybrid system.

All-new, sporty, aerodynamic, 2 2* coupe formWide track, short wheelbase chassis for agile and responsive handlingUnique 3-Mode Drive System to tailor steering, throttle response and IMA assistance to the driver's needs1.5-liter i-VTEC engine coupled to the Honda IMA parallel hybrid system with CO2 emissions of 117 g/km** and 5.0 l/100km fuel economy in combined mode**World's first 6-speed manual transmission combined with a hybrid drive trainDriver focussed cockpit design with 3D instrumentsEuropean market cars to be equipped with flexible 2 2* seating arrangement

The CR-Z‘s exterior styling is formed around a "one-motion wedge" concept with a low bonnet line and wide stance giving the car a confident, athletic look. Signature Honda design features, such as the split level rear glass hatch and aerodynamic, shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The overall power output of the engine and IMA system is 124 PS and a healthy 174 Nm of torque. The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-liter Civic and arrives at just 1500 rpm, a level where previously only turbocharged engines deliver their maximum. Even with torque levels directly comparable with a Civic, the CR-Z emits 35 g/km** less CO2 than its conventionally powered cousin. Other harmful exhaust emissions are also very low and the Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack can be recycled through Honda dealers, at the end of the vehicle's life.

For the first time, a fuel efficient, low emission parallel hybrid system is combined with an ultra precise 6-speed manual gearbox. The manual gearbox is a core part of the driver engagement Honda's engineers wanted to bring to the CR-Z model. The flexibility of Honda's unique IMA parallel hybrid system allows it to be used with a range of transmissions, not just CVT-based gearboxes.

The manual transmission is complemented by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is new to Europe and is a key component in the CR-Z's unique character. This powerful, yet efficient engine is based on the engine found in the Brazilian version of the Jazz. The eager to rev nature of the medium capacity engine, is enhanced by the additional 78 Nm of torque provided by the 14 PS electric motor, which is situated between the engine and transmission. The electric motor boosts torque at low and medium revs, which gives the CR-Z in-gear flexibility more usually associated with turbocharged engines.

To maximize driver choice and enhance the day to day driveability of the car, the CR-Z is fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to adapt the car's settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximise economy, or strike a balance between the two.

Sport buttons have become commonplace, usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda's 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy the open road, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance and increases the weight of the electric power steering.

Honda recognizes that even the most enthusiastic driver may regularly experience heavy traffic, where maximizing fuel economy is more desirable than the perfect line through a corner. In these situations ECON mode can be selected, which prioritises fuel economy in the operation of the drive-by-wire throttle, ECU, air conditioning and the hybrid system. For those times when spirited driving is not possible or desirable, the Eco Assist function, in conjunction with the ECON mode, allows the driver to enjoy beating their best economy score on the way to work, or in heavy traffic.

At all other times the car can be run in NORMAL mode, which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions and suits most driving situations.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight to guide the driver in driving more economically and ecologically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z's meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. In NORMAL mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, in ECON mode it is also blue (glowing green when driven economically) and it has a green eco flower lit alongside and when the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the CR-Z is in SPORT mode.

Careful consideration was given to exhaust design to ensure that as well as being efficient, the CR-Z is a car that encourages the enthusiastic driver and sounds quite unlike any previous compact hybrid. Other components including engine mounts and sound deadening were tuned to ensure that the sporting elements of the exhaust were heard by the driver, but less desirable noises often associated with sports exhausts were attenuated.

The exterior design of CR-Z deliberately evokes the iconic style of the 1980s CR-X, which was originally developed to provide a small, stylish car that could achieve spectacular economy. Signature features of the CR-X, like the split level rear glass hatch and low shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The shallow raked roofline and sharply truncated tail of the CR-Z is a key Honda design feature shared with many models past and present. All of these cars have been designed to cut through the air with minimal disturbance, reducing drag to lower fuel consumption and emissions. The CR-Z's blue tinted headlights are accented with LED daytime running lights, positioned in the lower section of the front lights. This is the first time LED daytime running lights have been applied to the front of any production Honda car and help to emphasize the wide sporting stance of the new hybrid coupe.

The interior of the production car has been developed from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show CR-Z Concept, with its 3D displays and driver focussed cabin. The high-technology instrument binnacle places all of the commonly used controls close to the driver's hands, allowing full concentration on driving at all times.

The dashboard of the new coupe has a complex two-level construction, with a dark upper portion appearing to float above a light grey lower dash section, which continues into the center of the inner door panels.

Equipment levels on the CR-Z are generous with all grades benefitting from six airbags, active headrests, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. All CR-Zs will also come fitted with Climate Control, 6-speaker CD player, USB iPod® link and an engine start button. Middle and top grades benefit from leather seats, steering wheel audio controls and alloy pedals. Top grades gain Bluetooth® Hands Free Telephone controls, Cruise Control, Panoramic Glass Roof, HID lights and 240W high power audio system - including a boot mounted sub-woofer.

The stylish interior has a 2 2* layout, opening up the possibility of carrying smaller adults for short distances or children on longer journeys. The one-touch motion folding rear seats open up a flat floored cargo area, that gives a surprising 400 liters of cargo space, comparable to a C-segment hatchback. The flexible luggage area also has an under-boot area of 19 liters to stow additional cargo, or store items out of sight.

The chassis was an important factor in the development of the new car, with driver enjoyment being a core part of the design brief. The platform shares some components with the Jazz and Insight models, but the wheelbase, track width and set-up are all unique to the new hybrid. Overall the CR-Z has a 115 mm shorter wheelbase and is 295 mm shorter in overall length than the Insight, enhancing agility and reducing kerb weight by 44 kg compared to its 5-door, five-seat, family car cousin.

The CR-Z suspension features unique, spring and damper settings and the tolerances are also unique. One of the major detail changes is the adoption of a forged aluminium lower arm in the MacPherson strut front suspension to replace the Insight's pressed steel items. This reduces weight of each wishbone by 4 kg and also increases strength to cope with the wider track width and tyres.

2 2 configuration is only available in the EU and Japan. All figures preliminary and are subject to homologation

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2012 Honda Civic Ultimate Guide: Reviews, Gas Mileage, Videos

While the launch of the all-new 2012 Honda Civic was slowed somewhat by the after-effects of the Feburary earthquake and tsunami in Japan, 2012 model cars are now in dealerships.

Gas mileage has gone up pretty much across the board, with the lowest figures of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined coming from the hot-rod 2012 Civic Si model.

On the other end of the scale, the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid earns the highest fuel efficiency numbers ever recorded by a modern-day Civic, checking in at 44 mpg times three. That's its rating on the city, highway, and combined drive cycles.

If, like many buyers shell-shocked at $4-per-gallon gas prices, you're most interested in the 2012 Civic's gas mileage, here's a single article that summarizes the fuel economy of all the models:

MILES PER GALLON: 2012 Honda Civic Gas Mileage

But because we've covered the 2012 Honda Civic on many High Gear Media sites, we thought we should put together this handy Ultimate Guide to absolutely everything we've written about the latest versions of Honda's best-selling compact sedan and coupe.

We've already driven the 2012 Civic on two separate occasions, driving all the different models during the media launch outside Washington, DC, and then spending several days throughout New York state with the 2012 Civic Hybrid model.

REVIEW: 2012 Honda Civic: First Drive Impressions

REVIEW: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid: Multi-Day Drive Report

But if you're not in the mood for long drive reports, we've also carved up our impressions into several short videos (none longer than 3 minutes).

Most of them were shot at the 2011 New York Auto Show, when the new 2012 Civic was formally unveiled to the world and to the car-buying public.

VIDEO: 2012 Honda Civic: Two-Minute Video Review Of New Sedan

VIDEO: 2012 Honda Civic: Video Rundown Of The Complete 5-Car Lineup

VIDEO: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid: 44-MPG Compact's High Points

VIDEO: 2012 Honda Civic HF 41-MPG Model: NY Auto Show

VIDEO: 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas: Video Of Alternative-Fuel Car

VIDEO: 2012 Honda Civic Si Walkaround

If you have questions about the 2012 Honda Civic line after all of this, leave them in the Comments below.

We'll do our best to answer them.

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Report: Hyundai/Kia to surpass Toyota, Chrysler, Honda in May sales

Leftlane has been reporting on the seemingly endless supply of positive news coming from Hyundai and Kia as they continue to quickly grow their market share in the U.S., while at the same time former market leaders Toyota and Honda continue to tumble.

While the list of factors for and against each respective automaker continues to grow in complexity with each passing day, the news that Hyundai/Kia are expected to outsell both Toyota and Honda when May’s sales are tallied will likely simultaneously catch many off guard while others will see the swap as an inevitable change. Whatever your stance, the preliminary numbers have been crunched by TrueCar and all signs point to a new number three automaker in the U.S.: Hyundai/Kia.

As the effects of the natural disasters in Japan begin to actually catch up with the market, new car sales in the U.S. are expected to drop 3.7 percent compared to the same month last year, to just 1,060,392 vehicles sold. Put into more recent context, that even marks a significant decline compared to April of this year which showed a Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate (SAAR) of 13.18 million vehicles, compared to an expected SAAR of just 11.85 million in May.

But the big story comes from a mix of Asian automakers as they continue to battle for market share in the U.S. Hyundai/Kia are expected to report 115,434 unit sales, a massive 43.4 percent jump from the same month last year. While the Koreans are moving forward with a vengeance, Toyota is expected to fall back from the number three rank with just 109,416 forecast sales in May, down 32.8 percent from 2010 levels.

Honda is also suffering, expected to produce just 92,889 sales, which would mark a 25.6 percent drop from last month’s numbers and 20.7 percent lower than the same month a year ago. Chrysler is expected to produce 110,132 sales, a little over a five percent gain compared to 2010 and enough to secure the fourth most sales for a manufacturer.

General Motors and Ford will maintain their one and two ranks, with GM producing an expected 225,394 vehicle sales, while Ford will report about 188,280 vehicles sold.

Will it continue? Only time will tell how much Toyota and Honda (among other Japanese automakers) will bounce back once production capacity returns to normal, but in the meantime Hyundai/Kia and U.S. automakers will gladly continue to provide consumers with viable alternatives that continue to erode away precious market share from the Japanese automakers.

References
1.’Hyundai/Kia has third…’ view

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