2007 Current Honda Accolades

2007 Honda Accord Coupe

Car and Driver's 2007 10 Best Cars
2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Guide Best Buy, Mid-Size
2007 IIHS Highest Rating for Front and Side Impacts


2007 Honda Accord Sedan

Car and Driver's 2007 10 Best Cars
2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Guide Best Buy, Mid-Size
2007 IIHS Highest Rating for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Cars.com, Best New Car for Small Families
February 2007 Car and Driver Comparison, 1st
2007, Parents.com, Best Mid-Size Sedan


2007 Honda Accord Hybrid

Car and Driver's 2007 10 Best Cars
2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Guide Best Buy, Mid-Size


2007 Honda Civic Coupe

2007 Consumers Digest, Best Buy, Best Small Car
2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Guide Best Buy, Compact
2007 Intell-Choice Best Overall Value, Best of Compact Class & Base Sport Class
2007 Kelley Blue Book, Best Resale Value, Coupe
2007 Edmunds Most Wanted, Coupe under $20 000 US
2007 IIHS Highest Rating for Front, Side and Rear Impacts


2007 Honda Civic Sedan/Hybrid

2007 Consumers Digest, Best Buy, Best Small Car
2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Guide Best Buy, Compact
2007 Autoweek, Reader's Choice Award, Best First Car
2007 Parents.com, Best Family Car/Compact
2007 IIHS Highest Rating for Front, Side and Rear Impacts
2007 Vincentric Best Value Compact under $18 000 US
2007 Edmunds Most Wanted Compact Sedan under $20 000 US



2007 Honda CR-V

2007 Consumer Digest, Best Buy, Best Compact/Midsize SUV
2007 Consumer Guide, Best Buy, Compact SUV
2007 NHTSA 5-Star Rating for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Edmunds Most Wanted SUV under $25 000 US
2007 Vincentric Best Value Compact SUV under and over $23 000 US
2007 Autoweb Best New Compact SUV
2007 IIHS Top Safety Pick for Front, Side and Rear Impacts
2007 Motorweek TV, Driver's Choice Award, Best Small Utility


2007 Honda Element

2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 IIHS, Highest Rating for Front Impact


2007 Honda Fit

2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
Car and Driver's 2007 10 Best
2007 Cars.com, Best Deal for First-Time Drivers
2007 AJAC Best New Small Car under $18 000
2007 Popular Mechanics, Automotive Excellence Awards
2007 Consumer Guide, Best Buy, Best Small Car
2007 Energuide, Most Efficent Wagon in Canada


2007 Honda Odyssey

2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Kelley Blue Book, Best Resale Value, Minivan
2007 Consumer Guide, Best Buy, Minivan
2007 IIHS Highest Rating for Front and Side Impacts
Car and Driver's 2007 5-Best Trucks (3rd consecutive year!)
2007 Autoweek, Reader's Choice Awards, Best People Mover/SUV
2007 Consumer Digest, Best Van
2007 Vincentric Best Value Minivan over and under $27 000 US


2007 Honda Pilot

Car and Driver's 2007 5 Best Trucks (6th consecutive year!)
2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Guide, Best Buy, Mid-Size SUV
2007 Vincentric Best Value Mid-Size SUV over and under $30 000 US
2007 IIHS Top Safety Pick for Front, Side and Rear Impacts


2007 Honda Ridgeline

2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Front and Side Impacts
2007 Consumer Digest Best Buy, Best Pickup
2007 Automobile Magazine, All-Star


2007 Honda S2000

2007 NHTSA 5-Star for Side Impact and Rollover Resistance

Note: These include only the new 2007 awards, accolades for 2007 Honda vehicles.

Honda FCX's European Debut

Honda's next-generation FCX Concept fuel cell vehicle made its European driving debut at the Gotland Ring in Sweden. The vehicle is highly efficient, with an energy efficiency of around 60 percent; approximately three times that of a petrol-engine vehicle, twice that of a hybrid vehicle and 10 percent better than the current FCX.

Honda Civic JDM Mugen RR

On September 13, the hottest Civic model will be available to Japanese enthusiasts. The Type-R gets the full once-over from Mugen, and the result is the Honda Civic Mugen RR. Designed to be perhaps the ultimate front-engined/front-wheel-drive performance car, the Mugen RR sheds an additional 10kg (22 lbs) off the standard Civic Type R's weight, coming in at 2733 lbs. In addition to the weight loss, the freer-breathing Mugen RR picks up 15 horsepower over the regular Type R. It's rated at 240 hp at 8,000 rpm and 160 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. Complementing the added power and and decreased weight are a new bodykit, upgraded brakes all around, a retuned suspension, new wheels and tires, and logo-emblazoned Recaro sport buckets. There will be a limited of 300 vehicles all in the colour red.

2009 Honda Hybrid

Honda is following Toyota's success Prius hybrid in building a dedicated hybrid model for the planned 2009 model slotting below the Civic in size. Honda is planning a unique styled dedicated hybrid model that's different and unique in its own way, not just hybrid version of an existing model.

"Now buying a hybrid is very much about making a statement," Bonawitz, Vice President of Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Co. said. "Obviously, this is leading us to bring a new hybrid to market that is uniquely styled." The new car, while lower in price than the Civic Hybrid, will still be a family car, and will not be a tiny commuter car like the Honda Insight, he added. Despite the car's low price, Honda will not lose money on it, he said. "It will not be a loss leader."

J.D. APEAL Study 2007

Honda captured a whammy this year at J.D. APEAL study. It captured the most segment awards with the Fit (tied with the Toyota Yaris), CR-V, Ridgeline and Odyssey (3rd consecutive year). Many of those cars also was in the Top 10 Ranking in the APEAL study.

The study, now in its 12th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.

The 2007 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2007 from more than 91,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2007 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

UK Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback Test Drive

A Civic Type-R UK test drive by York Press. Find it @ http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/display.var.1492793.0.0.php

The 2008 Honda Pilot is now on sale!

The 2008 US Pilot is now officially on sale!

For 2008, the Value Package which replaces the 2007 LX trim level gets a $500 price jump from 2007's LX model price. It includes privacy glass, alloy wheels, satellite radio, roof rails, rear spoiler, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, six speakers w/ six-disc in-dash CD changer and steering wheel mounted audio controls. An example of the VP model is the first picture, the red Pilot.

For 2008, the Special Edition model represents a supplement to the EX model. This version adds a DVD system or in Honda terms, a RES (Rear Entertainment System), satellite radio, power moonroof, rear ambient console lighting and a 115-volt power outlet. An example of the SE model is the second picture, the black Pilot.

So, for the last year for the Pilot, will be sort of a pricey one.

For all the information about the 2008 US Pilot, visit http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Pilot

Spied! 2009 Honda Ridgeline

Looks like the 2009 Honda Ridgeline refresh will include a 2008 Pilot-like front end seen in spy photos. Other than that, it looks like nothing else is planned for the rest of the exterior but it is a bit too early for 2009-spec vehicles so there may be more exterior changes planned. As expected, there may be a new interior.

However, the hybrid model planned for the 2009 Ridgeline refresh has been pushed to the second generation model expected in 2011.

2008 Acura TSX is here!

The 2008 Acura TSX has little changed for 2008. However, there is a slight price increase, just 1 0r 2 hundred bucks up from 2007 prices. Also this year, there is just a slight feature change and a new Deep Green Pearl. However, this colour looks substantially different when viewed in light.

For more US Acura TSX information, visit http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?initpath=TSX

2008 Honda Element is here!

This year, the SC version is now available both a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also this year, the Atomic Blue Metallic colour replaces the previous bluish colour. Basically the Element is unchanged this year as Honda prepares a new, fresh Element for 2009.

For more US Element/Element SC information, visit http://automobiles.honda.com/models/element_jump.asp?ModelName=Element

2008 Honda Ridgeline is here!

Not much to report for the 2008 version of the Ridgeline. There are just a few possible features changes and a Dark Cherry Pearl colour. Also, the RTX special model returns for 2008.

For the US 2008 Ridgeline information, visit http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Ridgeline

Behind the Wheel: 2008 Honda FCX

Consumer Reports has recently tested the next-generation, all-new, fuel-cell 2008 Honda FCX. Find the review on the Consumer Reports Blog or @ http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2007/06/honda_fcx_conce.html

Honda is considering making hybrids in China

Honda is deciding to produce hybrid cars in China where regulators want more energy efficient vehicles to help combat the nation's choking pollution problem. Honda plans to test demand in China for the Civic Hybrid in three months. Toyota became the first foreign car maker to produce hybrids in China with the Prius. Honda has said that the Civic Hybrid will have a price advantage compared to the Prius. Honda sold a record of 323,469 automobiles in China in 2006, up 25.9 per cent from the previous year. But it has acknowledged that competition is fierce in China as more automakers look to sell cars in what is emerging as the world's second largest auto market after the United States.

More Honda Accord!

2 more shots of the 2008 Accord. The side doors look to have little padding and the dashboard looks a lot like the current Civic.

Day to Day Review: Honda Element SC

A 3-day review of the Honda Element SC from CanadianDriver. Find it @ http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=142

New UK Honda Accord GT Sport

Honda UK has added a new trim level to its range with the introduction of the Accord Sport GT, a new trim/equipment package based on the existing Euro Accord (Acura TSX). It gets a sport suspension, Graphite-finish alloys and appearance and convenience upgrades. Those include the Premium White Pear colour shown, dark chrome grille and door handles, red gauges, carbon fiber-look inlays on the dash and center console, a decklid spoiler, premium audio, nav, Bluetooth, and more. This model will go on sale September 1.

Honda's new Accord interior pics surface

It now appears that many if not all of the Accord trim levels will receive the dash-mounted LCD screen. This photo was taken from a 4-cylinder model with beige on black interior, silver interior trim, 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-spoke Mitsubishi Galant-like steering wheel. There will be 2 gauges with a info centre in the middle, similar to that of a CR-V. It also appears as if that the four-cylinder model will receive single zone climate control compared to the V6's dual zone climate control that was seen in V6 model spy photos.

Honda CR-V Review

Another Honda CR-V Review by the New York Times. Find it @ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/automobiles/autoreviews/10AUTO.html?em&ex=1181534400&en=ba7c3b0d1d9fc538&ei=5087%0A

Survey: Honda Civic Most Popular for Teens

According to a national survey made by Quality Planning Corporation (QPC), the most popular car preferred by teenage drivers is the Honda Civic. Both new and used seven-year-old Honda Civics topped the list. The survey targeted cars that were driven by teens although not necessarily owned. For teens, it was found that the average price for their used cars was $7,410 dollars USD with the typical vehicle being is 9 years old and the average driver logging in about 9,307 miles annually.

Sports cars were absent from the top ten list possibly due to greater insurance costs and risks presented that the driving performance-oriented cars encourage, reports QPC. Large SUVs were also found to be no longer popular for parents because of high gasoline prices and the belief that a heavy vehicle could possibly not be the best choice for a new driver.

J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

This time, Honda improves to 4th place from 6th last year with 108 problems per 100. It had the least defects in a non-premium automaker. Acura however, dipped to 17th place, worse than average with 130 problems per 100.

American Honda's East Liberty, Ohio plant which produces the Honda Civic sedan and Element received the Bronze Plant Quality Award. Honda's Suzuka and Sayama plants both received the Bronze Plant Quality Award in the Asia Pacific region. The Suzuka plant produces the Honda Civic Sedan/Hybrid, Fit and the S2000. The Sayama plant produces the Acura RL, Acura TSX, Honda Accord Sedan/Hybrid and the Honda CR-V.

The 2007 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 97,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2007 model-year cars and trucks surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate problem determination and drive product improvement.

Overall, Honda's doing pretty good. Although, since Acura is Honda, why is it struggling?

Honda Civic Si Review

A review of the 2007 Honda Civic Si. Find it @ http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/amc/07civic_si.htm

Canadian Acura CSX Type-S Review

A review of the new Type-S version of the Canada-only Acura CSX model. Find it @ http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/07csx-s.htm

No More Accord Hybrids

Honda has opted not to introduce a hybrid version of the Accord when the next-generation is released this fall.

Honda says that it has decided to change plans to produce a new Accord Hybrid and instead, the 2009 Accord Diesel version will be in its place.

The problem with that is, well there's the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Saturn Aura Hybrid and in the future, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and a possible Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger Hybrid. But the Accord Hybrid never got good mileage anyways and it would be good for Honda to focus on something that really gets good mileage.

Honda has also said that it will leave gasoline-electric models to the Civic and another new model in 2009.

Honda will also introduce diesel versions for its other vehicles in North America in 2009.

Stay tuned.

June Photo of the Month

A very customized car indeed!

This is a 2002 Honda Integra Type R Mugen version.

Honda CR-V UK Review

Another UK review of the Honda CR-V. Find it @ http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Honda_CR-V_roadtest.html?id=1054

Record US Honda/Acura Sales

Honda and Acura US posted record May sales, with total units sold increasing to 145,367, up from 141,810 in 2006, breaking the previous May record set in 2004.

Honda US posted record May sales of 129,447, up from May 2006 results of 125,639.

Honda 's new May record was bolstered by all-time record sales of the compact Civic and subcompact Fit and a new May record for the CR-V crossover SUV, now the best-selling SUV in the U.S. Civic sales went up 32.6% to 39,993, shattering an all-time record. Civic Hybrid sales of 4,520, up 50.4%, also broke the all-time record of 4,146 set in August 2005. Record May CR-V sales increased by 35.9% to 19,513. Fit results of 5,361 achieved a new all-time record.

Other Honda US products for May include the Accord, 31,915; Odyssey, 15,235; and Pilot, 10,133. Ridgeline and Element volume totalled 3,600 and 3,187.

Year-to-date, Honda Division sales of 551,220 are up 2.5% with total car sales increasing by 3.9 percent and light truck sales increasing by 0.7% on a DSR basis.

Acura US sales totaled 15,920. The recent introductions of the completely redesigned MDX luxury SUV and all-new RDX crossover SUV pushed Acura light truck sales up 82.6% to 6,635. The MDX posted strong May sales of 4,623, up 27.2% versus last year and up 7.1%.

Record Canadian Honda/Acura Sales

Honda Canada reported an all-time record May sales of 18,242 units by its Honda and Acura divisions. The combined Honda and Acura division sales were up 18% over last year. Honda reported record May sales of 16,477 units, up 21%. Honda's May sales were also an all-time record for any month's sales, surpassing the previous monthly record of 14,702 set in September 2006. Acura division posted a 5% decrease with sales of 1,765 units.

In May, Honda Canada announced the Honda Benefit program which had gave buyers of a 2007 Fit and 2006/07 Civic manual, $1000 off.

Honda's record sales in May were fuelled by record Civic sales, record Fit sales, record Pilot sales, record CR-V sales and record Ridgeline sales.

Acura's record sales in May were fuelled by a gigantic record sales of the MDX.

Honda's Marysville Plant Tops

Honda's Marysville assembly plants has received top honours from an automotive researcher for the least amount of time to produce a vehicle.

Honda's Marysville plant, where it produces the Accord sedan and coupe and Acura TL sedan, topped the list for stamping productivity.

The Japanese automaker also landed in first place for overall assembly performance in North America; each vehicle takes 21.1 hours to assemble, according to the Harbour Report. The annual study measures assembly, stamping and engine productivity performances for North American automakers, using a labor hours per vehicle measure to calculate the total salary and hourly labor content required to produce one unit.

2008 and 2009 Honda Preview

2008 Accord: All-New, Hybrid likely not to return; replaced by the Accord Diesel version
2009 Accord: Same as 2008

2008 Civic: New MUGEN model and finally, a leather-trimmed model for the Civic (may be for US only because of the Acura CSX in Canada), an Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters
2009 Civic: Mid-Model Change with a Diesel Option

2008 CR-V: Same as 2007 except for possible colour changes
2009 CR-V: Possible slight feature, colour, etc changes

2008 Element: Same as 2007, Last year for the current gen.
2009 Element: All-New

2008/2009 FCX: All-New, Only in California and Japan

2008 Fit: Same as 2007, but Tidewater Blue Metallic (Base and Sport) and Blackberry Pearl (Sport Only), All interior colors will come with Black interiors, Taffeta White and Lunar Mist Metallic will be discontinued, Last year for current gen.
2009 Fit: All-New with possible diesel engine

2008 Pilot: New VP and SE models with available 2WD in US round out the short year for the 2008 Pilot and Mocha Metallic will replace Desert Rock Metallic in US
VP model adds to or replaces LX model: Privacy Glass, Machined Alloy Wheels, XM Satellite Radio, 6 Disc Audio System with 7 Speakers, Roof Rails, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Body Color Door Mirrors, Door Handles and Rear Spoiler
Special Edition model adds to or replaces EX model: DVD Entertainment System, Sunroof, XM Satellite Radio, 115 Volt Outlet, Conversation Mirror, Ambient Overhead Console Lighting
2009 Pilot: Coming out in Spring 2008, All-new

2008 Odyssey: Mid-Model Change, possible elimination of the PAX tires, new colours
2009 Odyssey: Same as 2008

2008 Ridgeline: Same as 2007, possible colour changes
2009 Ridgeline: Mid-Model Change

2008 S2000: New Club Racer model
2009 S2000: ??? Will the S2000 be redesigned or scrapped?