ON HIATUS INDEFINITELY.

Due to the fact that school is about to start and I've been put into extra shifts at work, it is simply impossible to find time here and there to blog. I will try to update the blog every week around Saturday, but for now, there will not be any new posts until I say so.

Thanks for being a loyal reader, and remember to always contribute through comments and emails! I look forward to reading them when I get the time to. Thanks again.

News - More 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Teasers

I like those wheels, but I'm not sure about the back... it doesn't really match.

More information on September 1st, 2009.

News - 2010 US Acura TL On Sale!

The 2010 US Acura TL is here! The only changes are that a 6-speed manual transmission is now offered and a High Performance Tier package is offered on the SH-AWD model. Pricing for the 2010 Acura TL begins at MSRP $34955.

Review - Globe and Mail on the 2009 Honda Civic

( Quoted from the Globe and Mail )
" There's no denying the Civic is Honda's most prized possession. It is Canada's best-selling car and has held the top spot for 11 straight years. The small car is reliable, fuel-efficient and value-packed for the price. The four-door sedan version ranges from $16,990 to $26,680, while the two-door coupe costs between $17,190 and $26,680. When it comes to the sedan, there are several models to choose from, including a gas-electric hybrid for $26,350. My tester is a new trim dubbed "Sport" that costs $21,780. "

For more information, visit http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/affordable-reliable-whats-not-to-like/article1266321/ .

News - Vancouver Island's only Acura dealership closes

Vancouver Island's only Acura dealership is closing Monday and being replaced by the hot-selling Kia brand. The Graham family, who own the Honda and Nissan dealerships in Victoria, said the shift away from Honda's premium brand was due to a deteriorating market for high-end automobiles and the parent company's new blueprint calling for expensive improvements to lots and showrooms.

Ed Graham said yesterday the family has acquired the rights to sell Kia from Reg Midgley, who is converting his lots on the Old Island Highway back to used vehicles. Kia models were being delivered and Acura signs dismantled yesterday at the dealership at 2620 Government St., at Hillside and Gorge. About $300,000 in improvements will be pumped into the new dealership -- now called Kia Victoria -- and all 24 staff, including sales manager Rick Proctor and dealership manager Eli Pasquale, will be retained in the changeover, said Graham.

Graham said Acura owners can still have warranty and service work done at Campus Honda in Victoria, which has been certified to handle the work. "Acura's new image program and the economy being what it is, didn't make any [financial] sense to us," said Graham, adding higher-end cars were not selling well during the recession.

"We had to look at the viability of the whole organization and things were beginning to get tough in a tough economy. When the economy was going good with Acura we did really well, but when the economy got tough, it got really tough around here. It was time to make a change."

Review - Auto123 on the 2009 Honda Ridgeline

( Quoted from Auto123 )
" But the compact and mid-size pickup segment isn’t as strong as the full-size one. Unlike the other Japanese brands that sell conventional models, Honda is trying its luck at offering something different. The Ridgeline is the pickup truck from Mars and looks like no other. By the way, the most visible difference between last year’s model is a redesigned front fascia. "

For more information, visit http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/ridgeline/2009/review?carid=1092301404&artid=109810 .

News - Honda Civic refreshed model arrives in India

India’s leading premium carmaker, Honda SIEL Cars India is all set to surprise the motown by launching a refreshed version of its D-segment car ’Civic’, as revealed by one of its dealers requesting anonymity. Although there won’t be any technical upgradation, the new model will get a mid-life facelift which involves slightly updated exteriors – new front bumper and grille design, new headlights and tail-lamps and new alloy wheels.

Another dealer has revealed that there could be new cloth materials and patterns on seats, door linings and armrests. It is widely believed that the car will retain many of its design cues and technical specifications from the pre-2009 model, including its 1.8 liter inline-4 engine and two-tier dashboard with a digital speedometer. Furthermore, once the facelifted Civic hits the showrooms across the country, Honda SIEL will be phasing out the older version, though the company has not officially confirmed it. The prices and other details have yet not been announced by the company yet.

According to an auto journalist Anti-lock brakes (ABS); Electronic Brake Force distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) may be standard on the new Civic, while multiple airbags might be on the options list. The engine will be the same 1.8-litre i-VTEC unit, which will continue unchanged for 2009.

The refreshed version of the Civic is already on sale in North America.

News - Honda India

India's Hero Honda will cross sales of 4 million units in the fiscal year to March and will launch nine new models by then, a senior company official said on Thursday.

Anil Dua, senior vice-president for marketing and sales, said all plants were running at 100 percent capacity and that the firm was planning to raise capacity in Haridwar to 6,000 units per day from 4,000 at present.

Review - Autonet on the 2009 Honda Pilot

( Quoted from Autonet.ca )
" The Honda Pilot is not the kind of vehicle I would buy because it doesn’t fit my lifestyle needs and I don’t particularly like sport utilities. But, I have to admit that it sure does come in handy during those weeklong vacations jam-packed with daily getaways for the entire family and some friends. "

For more information, visit http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/testdrives/2009/08/13/10454781-autonet.html .

News - Honda Sales

Honda Motor Co’s car sales in Japan rose 13% in the first three weeks of August from the same period last year, helped by government incentives to boost auto demand, two sources familiar with the matter said.

At the current pace, Honda’s monthly sales excluding mini vehicles would post a double-digit rise for the first time in 10 months.

Japanese car demand dropped sharply after the economic downturn hit the country last fall, but has started picking up thanks to tax breaks and subsidies under a government initiative to promote cleaner vehicles.

The two companies have outperformed industry-wide sales so far in August, which have been flat year-on-year, the same source said. Industry-wide sales fell 4.2% in July from a year earlier

News - Honda Crosstour Teasers

Honda has released two teasers of the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour. First impressions, it looks as if the Crosstour will develop a more streamlined and rakish design when compared to the Accord sedan.

More info to be released September 1st.

News - Honda Insights excels at Euro NCAP Crash Test

The Insight is in good company, with the Jazz, Civic and Accord all awarded the maximum five star rating since the introduction of the new rating scheme.

Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme focuses on the vehicle’s overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy to understand single score. The new system considers passenger protection during impact to the front, side and rear of the car, and pole (if the car impacts with a tree or other fixed narrow object), child protection and pedestrian protection. The availability of driver safety aids is also considered.

The Euro NCAP rating for Insight reflects Honda’s commitment to passenger and pedestrian safety. ‘Real-world’ safety has always been an important consideration for Honda when developing new models. Honda’s car-to-car crash test facility at the Tochigi R&D plant analyses impacts between models of different sizes and weights and develops solutions to avoid injuries for all parties.

News - CFC Results Good News for Alliston Plant

The first bit of good news coming out of Honda's manufacturing plants in Alliston was announced Friday to associates who were told Plant 1 will add two Saturday shifts, September 19 and 26, to meet demand for Civics in the United States courtesy of the American government's Cash for Clunkers program.

News - Cash for Clunkers, a Honda success

Consumers who traded in their “clunkers” for a more fuel-efficient vehicle through the government’s popular rebate program turned most often to the Toyota Corolla, but new federal data show Honda vehicles were a popular pick as well. 690114 new cars were sold through the Cash for Clunkers program along with $2.88 billion in rebate applications submitted. In 2nd place to the Corolla was the Honda Civic, the Honda Accord was 8th, while the Honda Fit was 9th. Honda, along with Toyota were the only 2 automakers that had 2+ in the top 10 popular buys from the CFC. Honda was the manufacturer of about 13 percent of all new vehicles purchased with the help of the program’s rebates, falling behind Toyota, General Motors and Ford.

LIVE TALK - 8PM EST/7PM MST Time

If you've got any questions for me to answer immediately, or you're looking to get the fresh batch of Honda news, catch LIVE TALK right above here beginning tonight at 8PM Eastern Standard Time. It's a new way of communicating on The Acura and Honda Blog, and I hope you use it to your advantage. See you tonight!

NOTE: Do not post personal questions or anything, this is merely an Acura and Honda related chat.

Review - CarAdvice on the 2009 Honda City

( Quoted from CarAdvice )
" Inside the cabin, there’s a surprising amount of room. While the exterior of the car looks meagre, it’s inside where it excels. 506-litres worth of boot volume, along with leg-stretching rear seat passenger ability makes the City flexible for short city trips and long distance trips away – or so you would think. "

For more information, visit http://www.caradvice.com.au/38091/honda-city-vti-l-review-and-road-test/ .

News - 2010 Honda CR-V

This is officially, the new front end of the 2010 Honda CR-V. As it looks here, the front end has been revised to give a more subtle and sleeker look along with a new alloy wheel design. Along with a slightly refreshed rear end, perhaps a few engineering changes, additional feature equipment and possibly the slightest of interior revisions, you've got the 2010 MMC Honda CR-V.

Week In Review - A Recap of Honda This Week

Honda brings the 'Si' moniker to Europe. Honda of UK has released a new trim level to its 5-door Civic range. The Si will be available with a 1.4L or a 1.8L gasoline engine or a 2.2L turbo diesel and will be positioned between the SE model and ES model....


Acura gives us a preview and the full meal on the 2010 Acura ZDX. Today Acura has officially announced that its latest vehicle, the 4-door coupe ZDX will be hitting dealerships this winter, full of firsts for Acura....


Honda gives us the dish and a press release on the 2010 Honda Accord. The 2010 Honda Accord lineup receives new features on certain models with an expanded application of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink to vehicles equipped with leather seating surfaces (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and new rear seat ventilation ducts on Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for more-direct rear passenger airflow....


Honda introduces GT Sport Package to the Civic Hatch. Days after introducing the Si trim for the UK Honda Civic hatch, Honda is releasing a similar model in Germany. Instead of calling it the Si, Honda calls it the GT Sport Package....


Honda introduces the 2010 Honda Spirior in China, rebadged Acura TSX. Honda has announced that it has being production of the Spirior sports sedan (the name is part Spirit and part Superior) with sales of the new premium sports car slated to start in China in September 2009....

Acura will be putting a heavy emphasis on fuel efficiency, will it work?

Honda is about to enter the Electric Vehicle race, details by clicking here!

Acura is giving its customers more on its 2010 vehicles, find out what it's giving as standard equipment by clicking here!


Review of the Week - CanadianDriver gives a full look at the 2009 Honda Ridgeline

News - 2010 Acura Lineup Feature Changes

Acura will begin to deliver three favorite consumer options as standard equipment across the entire lineup, in nearly every 2010 Acura model. Bluetooth Hands-free connectivity, XM Satellie Radio and an iPod/USB adaptor will be standard from the TSX to the ZDX. The XM Satellie Radio will come with a free 3-month trial subscription, then owners can either opt to cancel or continue the subscription. Normal prices for these options would range from around $300 to $600 each, so it's a pretty good idea that Acura's offering them as standard. One exception is that the Acura MDX base model will not have a USB input, but will have the XM radio and Bluetooth. Why? I don't know. Still, Acura is savvy to include three of the most desired vehicle options — when it comes to entertainment and convenience — in its standard package. Expect a slight increase in pricing ( $100-$700 ) for 2010 models.

Review - Canada.com on the 2009 Acura MDX

( Quoted from Canada.com )
" The first question was whether the MDX could swallow all our junk — two boogie boards, two skim boards, two coolers, three bins, three carry-on bags, toys, coats, scooters, food, games and miscellaneous other items. If we were using the van, we might have added the kids’ bikes, but they weren’t essential. After some careful loading, repacking and shuffling, all our stuff miraculously fit in the MDX’s cargo hold — with space to see out the rear window even. "

For more information, visit http://www.canada.com/cars/Acura+worthy+family+hauler/1662780/story.html .

News - American Honda spends $600 000+

According to a regulatory filing, American Honda Motor Company has spent exactly $623041 on lobbying for the Cash for Clunkers program, hydrogen fuel cells, aftermarket repair industry issues and other automotive issues during the second quarter of this year. Along with the above, Honda also lobbied on legislation that would provide safety standards for alerting the blind on silent vehicles, aka hybrids and electric cars and lobbied for funding in creating and supporting projects that were associated with hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.

Honda has long emphasized the use of hydrogen fuel technology and is currently offering limited leasing in Southern California of the FCX Clarity, Honda's fuel-cell sedan. In July 2009, Congress moved to restore $190 million dollars to funding for hydrogen research, despite questions from the Obama administration over their practicality.

News - Honda to enter EV race

Honda Motor Co. is about to join Toyota and Nissan in the race to launch electric vehicles in the first half of the next decade. Honda is planning to begin full-fledged development of electric vehicles because the US' will begin tightening environmental regulations in the future. Honda will also consider marketing electric vehicles in Japan. Toyota has announced it will sell EV vehicles beginning in 2012 with Nissan looking for mass production by next year for release in Japan, Europe and North America.

At its group's technological development base in Tochigi Prefecture, Honda has been designing electric vehicles ranging in size from subcompacts to small cars. It is also working to present a prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall. The development comes as calls rise for more environment-friendly vehicles. Among them, the state of California is urging automakers with high sales volumes to enhance marketing of zero-emission cars. At the moment, Toyota and Honda have been the leading field for hybrids, with the Prius and Insight models. However Honda has determined that it has to diversify its 'green' car lineup with electric vehicles. Honda will still keep its global hybrid expansion plan alive. Even if its begins full-fledged development of electric vehicles, hybrids are likely to remain a core product, a senior Honda official said.

Review - CanadianDriver on the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

( Quoted from CanadianDriver )
" It’s difficult to complain about a car that will travel 100 kilometres on just six litres of gasoline. Even more so when a car will travel that distance on that little gas in the rigours of stop-and-go driving. Especially when the car in question isn’t the kind of penalty box one used to have to drive in order to save a few pennies at the pumps. The Honda Civic, of course, is far from a hairshirt on wheels. And the Civic Hybrid, despite being one of the oldest gas-electric hybrid models available today, is notable for its combination of efficiency and comfort. Honda has been making much of its newest hybrid, the Insight, but a week in the Civic Hybrid proved that it is still very much worthy of consideration. "

For more information, visit http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/08/18/test-drive-2009-honda-civic-hybrid.htm .

News - 2010 US Honda Ridgeline

The 2010 US Honda Ridgeline is here! The RTX model has been dropped leaving the RT, RTS, RTL and the RTL NAVI trims. Pricing for the 2010 US Honda Ridgeline starts at $28200.

News - 2010 US Honda Odyssey

There are only 2 changes for the 2010 Honda Odyssey ahead of a 2011 makeover, the EX now gets the Rear Entertainment System option and the Touring drops its problematic PAX tires. Pricing for the 2010 US Honda Odyssey begins at $26805.

News - 2010 US Honda Fit

The 2010 US Honda Fit is on sale now! The only major change is that a MUGEN package is factory-available on the Sport model. The other change is that the Sport model with the VSA and NAVI options is only available with the automatic transmission. Pricing for the 2010 Honda Fit begins at $14900.

Review - Gaadi.com on the 2009 Honda City

( Quoted from Gaadi.com )
" Our route plan included the best and worst of roads. But first we had to tank up the City to the brim at the petrol pump we usually fill up from. Aspi was there to give us a few pointers on how to get the best from the car without sacrificing on driving pleasure. The onus was definitely on saving fuel but that didn’t mean we were going to stick to the left most lane at a speed slow enough for trucks to overtake us. We left from the gas station at 11:30 am and being a Saturday , the traffic wasn’t too bad. However , the trick of keeping an eye on the real time fuel bar and the tachometer made sure that the display showed an average of 16kmpl in the city with the air-con on. Soon , we were on the multi-lane expressway , where I decided to stick to 90-95km/h with a cautious right foot on inclines. At these speeds , we could hardly hear the engine spinning. Sanjay made sure good music kept us in the mood while Ravi did the calculations and noted down important information like time , distance , fuel economy etc. "

Fore more information, visit http://www.gaadi.com/expert-reviews-262-Weekend_getaway_on_Honda_City .

News - 2010 Honda Spirior

Honda has announced that it has being production of the Spirior sports sedan (the name is part Spirit and part Superior) with sales of the new premium sports car slated to start in China in September 2009. The Spirior is essentially an Acura TSX / European Honda Accord and it's just only been introduced to the Chinese customers.

The Spirior is being produced at the plant of Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co. in Wuhan, Hubei province. Sales targets from September-December 2009 is 15000 cars. The Spirior is the 3rd model being produced at this joint venture after the CR-V and the Civic sedan. Annual production capacity at the Wuhan factory will be increased to 200000 units, up 80000 units. Thus, Honda's overall China production capacity will sit at 610000 units a year.

News - Honda introduces GT Sport Package to Civic Hatch

Days after introducing the Si trim for the UK Honda Civic hatch, Honda is releasing a similar model in Germany. Instead of calling it the Si, Honda calls it the GT Sport Package. It costs 500 Euros and includes colour-coded bumpers and side skirts, dark chrome door handles and fuel cap, as well as a mesh front grille. The package is offered with the 1.4 Sport and 1.8 Sport variants. The package can only be selected with four specific body colour options, Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red, Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic. It also comes with part leather upholstery and new alloy wheels.

News - 2010 US Honda Accord

Note the rear seat heater ducts in the second picture. Unfortunately they did not provide a picture showing what revised climate control buttons looked like. But that's all! Pricing for the 2010 Accord Sedan starts at $21055, the 2010 Accord Coupe starts at $22555.

News - 2010 Honda Accord

Well, I've given you a full list of what's to be new or changed on the 2010 Honda Accord, without much ado, here is the 'full press release' regarding the 2010 Honda Accord.

The 2010 Honda Accord lineup receives new features on certain models with an expanded application of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink to vehicles equipped with leather seating surfaces (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and new rear seat ventilation ducts on Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for more-direct rear passenger airflow.

Subtle modifications include graphically optimized climate control buttons and the addition of a trunk roof lining on Accord EX models.

"The Honda Accord offers something for a diverse range of people seeking anything from a comfortable family car to an aggressive coupe with looks and power," said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The feature changes to the 2010 Honda Accord elevates its appeal and supports a legendary reputation as a class leader for quality and customer satisfaction."

The Accord Sedan's exterior expresses an upscale and powerful presence with a distinctive 6-sided grille, flared fenders and inset character lines sculpted into the sides of the body. Building on the sedan's design character, the Accord Coupe's unique muscular stance is highlighted by a longer hood, projector beam headlights and a sleek, lower-profile roofline.

"Interior styling on all models seeks to provide attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation1 System with Voice Activation and XM Radio2 . The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and complement the Accord's sporty side. The fold-down, lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis," Honda reported.

New for 2010, a more-contrasting "lighter" gray color theme for the climate control buttons on all models helps to better differentiate the system controls in relation to nearby dark gray audio system buttons. Models equipped with the available dual-zone automatic climate control enhance the manual fan control override button to include on/off functionality with corresponding changes to the button graphic. For additional simplicity, the dual-zone activation button name changes to "SYNC" from "DUAL."

Available engine choices include a V-6 and a 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. The VCM system contributes to an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/29 miles per gallon in the Accord Sedan V-6.

The performance-oriented Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission exclusively has a 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine (without VCM, hence no "i" in VTEC) that offers an exclusive valvetrain, intake and exhaust system that broadens the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range.

A 190-horsepower 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Accord Sedan EX, EX-L and Accord Coupe LX-S, EX and EX-L. The 2.4-liter Accord Sedan LX and LX-P four-cylinder engine produces 177 hp and features a DOHC i-VTEC valvetrain system. When equipped with the available automatic transmission, both 4-cylinder engines achieve an EPA rating of 21/31miles per gallon3 city/highway.

Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (available with all 4-cylinder engines and standard on V-6-powered models) and an available 6-speed manual transmission on the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, a sophisticated arrangement for any vehicle, inspire spirited handling performance while also supporting a comfortable ride. The 2008 Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on the model.

Three audio systems are available on all with MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, and includes a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio2 is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on Accord EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. New for 2010, Accord EX-L models now include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly connecting compatible mobile phones.

The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on the Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission. Every model features four-wheel disc brakes.

Review - The Globe and Mail on the 2009 Honda CR-V

( Quoted from The Globe and Mail )
" The CR-V is and always has been the benchmark for this market and consistently posts impressive sales numbers. I can't tell you how many new-car introductions I've attended that feature the CR-V as the one to beat in the compact SUV segment. It is a remarkably popular car and crosses all kinds of demographic boundaries. "

For more information, visit http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/still-the-one-to-beat/article1257552/ .

Review - CanadianDriver on the 2009 Honda Ridgeline

( Quoted from CanadianDriver )
" Regular visitors to this column have probably noticed the latest in a string of automotive descriptors in the past month: ‘omni-ute’. The Honda Ridgeline is running mighty close to being an Honourable Mention in this category. What else would you call a crew cab pick-up, which still manages a trunk space that rivals most cars? The usual responses from the auto scribe community speak of the ‘Anti-Truck’, or ‘The Truck For People Who Don’t Like Trucks.’ Bushwah. Everybody likes trucks, especially when something needs to be hauled. What they don’t like is trucks that don’t fit in suburban garages, high teens for litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres, and parkability that requires either a) a crew of spotters, or b) a very long walk across the parking lot. "

For more information, visit http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/08/20/inside-story-2009-honda-ridgeline-vp.htm .

News - Detroit catching up to Lexus, Honda

In an encouraging sign that Detroit automakers are making better cars, Cadillac, Buick and Lincoln Mercury matched Lexus and Honda -- and topped revered competitors such as Toyota and Mercedes-Benz -- in the most recent American Consumer Satisfaction Index.

The scores, based on a 0- to 100-point scale, ranged from 78 to 89. Cadillac and Lexus tied at the high end, followed by Honda, General Motors Co.'s Buick and Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Mercury at 88 in second place. But the automotive brands registering the biggest improvement over the last year were Volkswagen, Lincoln Mercury, Chevrolet and Chrysler.

The ACSI is a national indicator of customer satisfaction based on quarterly surveys of people buying products and services from about 200 companies across 44 industries. This quarter's results were based on a survey of about 11,000 consumers.

So how do companies just out of bankruptcy translate shining report cards into higher sales and profits?

"They can become more innovative," said Claes Fornell, the University of Michigan professor who directs the ACSI research. "The car as we have known it is changing fundamentally. Whether Detroit will take the lead in that, I don't know."

Fornell challenges the conventional wisdom that a successful turnaround requires recapturing lost customers.

"The most dissatisfied customers have left. This notion of market share being a key to success is somewhat misplaced," he said. "It is much more profitable to retain a customer than to grab a new customer from someone else."

Feature Writer Jimmy - Protecting Your Cars from Rust

The devastating effect of rust on a vehicle has been long considered the worst malignancy a vehicle can be overcome with. People who live in cities that have an abundance of used cars, Ottawa is an example, should exercise a higher level of attentiveness to rust build up on their older vehicles. Older cars have less advanced body protection than most new cars and older paint jobs are more susceptible to rust. New vehicles utilize more modern materials in their construction and are less prone to rust problems.

Below the surface of a vehicle, though, rust can be even more damaging. If rust attacks the frame of a car the structural integrity can be compromised and result in catastrophic failure of the vehicle in accident situations. If this happens, a minor accident can become a much more major event. Underneath the paint rust can cause damage to places that are not visible to the eye.

Depending on the environment you live in, semi-annual inspections of your vehicle can help you detect rust before it gets a firm hold on your car or truck. Colder climates that have a lot of freezing and thereby require salted and sanded roads are an example of an environment where it would be necessary to check for rust at least twice per year.

In general, rust takes time to cause real problems on a car. As a car owner, if you are vigilant in the upkeep of your vehicle, you can stay ahead of rust. Rust on the surface of a vehicle is also easily fixed. A bit of sanding to get back to the metal, perhaps some body compound and re-painting will generally solve the problem.

If, on the other hand, you find yourself the owner of a vehicle that has been let go and the rust has begun its steady progression from one side of the metal to the other, you will need to do some serious work in order to fix the problem. Rust must be completely eliminated so grinding, sanding, welding and body molding compounds may become a necessity. Sometimes replacement of an entire piece of the vehicle, such as a quarter-panel, becomes necessary. In the case of a body panel bonding compounds or fiberglass may be used. If it’s a structural component that undergoes stress while the car is being driven, replacing the metal is the right way to go. If there is ever a question of safety, it may be much simpler to replace the part. Despite the amount of work that may be required, keeping the rust at bay on your truck or car is integral to the health of your vehicle.

Review - MotorTrend on the 2010 Acura RDX 2WD

( Quoted from MotorTrend )
" Our RDX was no slouch even with the added drivetrain mass --- we likened it to the Evo of crossovers when we said goodbye. Acura's SH-AWD is impressive; through planetary gearsets and electromagnetic clutch packs, it's capable of overdriving the outside rear wheel to create yaw, which reduces understeer. The downside is the roughly 200 pounds it adds to the curb weight. Without it, the RDX's fuel economy rises 2 mpg, up to 19/24 city/highway. It's livelier on its MacPherson front and multilink rear suspension too. "

For more information, visit http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0908_2010_acura_rdx_review/index.html .

News - Acura Focusing on Fuel Economy

Overall image in the marketplace and street status have often been one of the roadblocks for Japanese luxury brands to expand and get their name known out there. With Lexus on its way to build an image and status and Infiniti right behind Lexus, Acura is having a hard time with its own push to build an image and status on the street. Thus, it's making a push to boost its image and achieve Tier 1 luxury automaker status, but in a unique and different way than the others. As most automakers use big powerful engines making 400+ hp as luxury image attention grabbers, Acura is looking in the opposite direction, instead of power, it will focus hard on fuel economy to differentiate itself in the very competitive luxury car market.

"Hitting the 2016 CAFE requirements is going to be hard," said John Watts, senior manger of Acura product planning. "We are betting more in the fuel economy direction."

For many many years, automakers have been battling it out for horsepower and engine output, from luxury cars that produced around 200-300hp 10 years ago, now produce 500-600 hp. But lately a balance of power and economy seems to be drawing in crowds and as the economy is stabilizing and fuel prices set to rise, it's only sensible that the balance will continue for some time. Acura's focus on fuel economy has eliminated the V8 engine that was originally developed to be featured in the Acura RL and MDX and has cancelled a plan to move the RL from SH-AWD to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Instead of high output engines, we are likely to see Acura adopt hybrid technology, an option Watts said that the company is studying.

Preview - 2010 US Acura ZDX

Today Acura has officially announced that its latest vehicle, the 4-door coupe ZDX will be hitting dealerships this winter, full of firsts for Acura. The ZDX features the 3.7L V6 producing 300hp found in the MDX and RL and contains Acura's first 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's SH-AWD. As well, the ZDX will feature an Integrated Dynamics System, which tailors the fully independent suspension's Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering together to suit either ‘Comfort’ or ‘Sport’ settings. The ZDX will receive Acura's largest wheels, 19-inchers with 7-spokes trimmed in alloy. Inside, the ZDX receives hand-stitched leather dash elements, LED interior lighting, a panoramic glass roof that has dual automatic sunshades and a number of other premium treatments unique to the ZDX only. The ZDX can seat 5, with the second row seats up, there are 26.3 cubic feet of space, with the second row seats down, there are 55.8 cubic feet of space. As well as the trunk, there is also an integrated under floor storage area that adds an additional 2.2 cubic feet of storage space.

There will be 3 trim levels on the ZDX, the base model (ZDX), mid-range ZDX (ZDX Technology Package) and the top-level ZDX (ZDX Advance Package). Standard features across the lineup include Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, XM satellite radio with iPod integration, panoramic glass roof and a power tailgate. The Technology Package adds a navigation system with voice recognition, a premium audio system and a backup camera. The Advance Package adds a blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control and the collision mitigation braking system featured in the RL and MDX.

The ZDX goes on sale this winter, positioned between the MDX SUV and the RL sedan, giving it a price range of around $40000-$46000 window. Mileage is EPA estimated at 16 mpg for the city and 22 mpg for the highway with a fuel capacity of 21 gallons.

Review - Carpages on the 2009 Honda Odyssey

( Quoted from Carpages )
" The 2009 Odyssey is the 4th year of its 3rd generation. It has always been considered one of the better minivans, and the 2009 model is no different. The Odyssey is available in DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Touring models. Our test vehicle was a mid-level EX in an attractive Bali Blue. "

For more information, visit http://www.carpages.ca/article/2009/08/16/2009-honda-odyssey-road-trip-review .

Review - The Car Connection on the 2010 Honda Pilot

( Quoted from The Car Connection )
" The 2010 Honda Pilot won't blend in with the crowd, that's for sure. But you'll have to decide whether the Pilot's controversial grille and chunky, sometimes overwrought styling fits you or is just too over-the-top. "

For more information, visit http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/honda_pilot_2010 .

Review - Auto123 on the 2009 Honda Civic Sedan

( Quoted from Auto123 )
" Aside from my door lock dilemma, the Civic continues to impress our family. The design of this four door sedan is conservative as well as sleek. The body colored front fascia divides the front into upper and lower segments. On the lower side, the large center opening funnels air into the rad and around the motor. The outer “scoops” duct air into the wheel well to aid in brake cooling. The upper half does duct more air into the engine bay, but seems primarily designed to hold the Honda emblem and a chrome strip. "

For more information, visit http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/civic-sedan/2009/review?carid=1092300203&pg=1&artid=108234 .

News - Honda UK releases new 5-door Civic Si

Honda of UK has released a new trim level to its 5-door Civic range. The Si will be available with a 1.4L or a 1.8L gasoline engine or a 2.2L turbo diesel and will be positioned between the SE model and ES model. It will be mostly a cosmetic model, rather than a performance model. Compared to the SE trim, the Si adds color coded body mouldings, foglights, Si-specific front grille, 17-inch graphite alloy wheels (16-inch on 1.4L engine models), dark chrome door handles, half leather interior, audio system USB port and a fuel filler cap. The Si will be priced £850 higher than the SE, ranging from £15,800 for the 1.4 to £18,305 for the turbo diesel. The Si will go on sale in September.

Week In Review - A Recap of Honda This Week

Is Acura considering a TSX Wagon for North America? For years, the European and American auto companies have been offering wagon variants of their compact sport models and now it's time for the Japanese to turn up the heat!...


Honda is putting its full effort behind Hydrogen, what's the deal? Honda says it is currently backing hydrogen power for the cars of the future, disputing a decision made by the Obama administration to drop the fuel-cell technology in favor for battery-run cars....


The NSX may be cancelled, but is Honda going to completely move away from producing sports cars? As you may know, late last year, Honda cancelled it's 2012 NSX plan due to the costs associated with working and producing such a vehicle. But all hope isn't gone yet....


The IIHS crash-tests the 2010 Honda Insight, gives it a passing score, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS, has just rated 3 new 2010 models for crash safety, including the new Honda Insight hybrid and initial results are all good....


Honda axes FR-V, good deals can be had, The Honda FR-V/Edix is about to be axed by Honda, to disappear by fall 2009. The production of the low-volume six-seat MPV is about to end and the last car will be produed some time at the end of this month....

Honda is about to add additional plant shifts, where and who will be affected?

Effect of the Cash For Clunkers on Honda Dealerships...


Review Of The Week: Driving.ca looks back at the Honda 600.

News - Cash For Clunkers' Effect on Honda Dealerships

In the midst of all the consumer assistance from the government with the Cash for Clunkers program, it seems that its immediate detriment to the dealership is felt a little stronger than first thought. Honda dealerships are reaching out to the financial arm of the corporation for a loan themselves to give them some cash flow due to the time that it takes the government to issue moneys owed to the dealership. According to a source at Honda, who wished to remain anonymous, “It’s difficult to work through all of our figures since we can’t take into account the money we should have but don’t. It makes it difficult to figure out what kind of stock we can bring back in, when we’re not sure when we’ll be in the proper financial location that we should be in.” When asked how long it took to receive payment for a Cash for Clunkers deal, he replied “The last one we received I believe took about a month and a half from the day we sent the proper forms.”

Honda has seen a significant spike in its automobile sales since the inception of the Cash for cluners program and even a larger spike since President Obama signed an extension for the program, but it doesn’t seem to be as much as they need to make their cash flow sheet look appropriate to the amount of sales they’ve made. Honda Financial has shown that they have interest in helping out the dealers to keep their cash flow in the green, so as not to raise red flags that their dealership may not be performing as expected from Honda’s corporate suits. Honda dealers, however, don’t seem to be showing any fear of losing customer’s due to lack of stock, “Honda’s will always sell, because every Honda has something for everyone. They are not a niche car, like many others. Just because we don’t have the perfect one on the lot, doesn’t necessarily mean that will drive the customer away.”

News - Honda Stocks

Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC) traded 0.2% higher (up $0.07 to $32.23) today on volume of 79,341 shares. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $34.29. Analysts are watching closely as they believe stock prices are about to rise above that 52-week high level. Honda is currently above its 50-day moving average of $28.57 and is way above its 200-day moving average of $25.34. Analysts are bullish on HMC's shares and expect it to do very well in the coming months.

Feature - 2009 Japanese Honda Stream

The current Stream was introduced way back in 2006, and Honda gave the Stream a mid-life refresh just 2 months ago. The Stream now has a more corporate family look, following the FCX Clarity style, which was then used on the Insight and the Japanese Odyssey. Along with the refresh, Honda has given a modified suspension and different various trim choices for the interior. As well as exterior color changes, also come a new RST model, helping the compact MPV to achieve an R-type character. This does not include powerplant upgrades but only exterior styling that consists of a new rear bumper with integrated air diffuser and special taillights, fresh 17-inch alloy wheels, ergonomic seats, sportier interior trim that comes with aluminum embellishments and contrasting red stitching on the leather steering wheel and gear knob together with a sportier suspension arrangement. Honda removed the third row seating from the compact MPV in keeping with its sporty character and for weight reduction purposes.

Review - The Bangkok Post on the 2009 Honda Freed

( Quoted from The Bangkok Post )
" The Honda Freed we are getting may be built in the archipelago, but it has a totally different origin in design and engineering. The Freed (short for freedom) is born in Japan last year to be the B-segment MPV replacement for the outgoing Mobilio model. Based on a stretched current Jazz hatchback platform, it offers six, seven or eight seats in Japan. In similar ways to Thailand's automotive product champion where pick-ups are taxed a mere 3%, vehicles with seven or more seats in Indonesia are subject to the least amount of tax. Thus the Freed was chosen for local assembly and sales there. "

For more information, visit http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autoreview/22034/people-freedom .