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Honda teases 2012 Civic before Detroit debut

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Honda, Design/Style

Civic Concept Sketch

Civic Concept Sketch – Click above for high-res image

Here’s our first official glimpse at the face of the next-generation Honda Civic. This sketch is intended to give the world an idea of what we can expect from the Civic show car Honda will display at the Detroit Auto Show in January. From the looks of things, the compact coupe will take the look of the current Civic and throw in some additional attitude. Along with some aggressively swept headlamps reminiscent of the European Civic Type R, the sketch also shows off a fascia with more menacing proportions. A large air inlet down low and slit fog lights help pull the car from the throws of anonymity.

Of course, it’s always difficult to tell what will survive the transition between design sketch and reality. We don’t expect to see those huge wheels nor the wildly flared hips make their way to production. Speaking of production, Honda has a long history of rolling out concepts that are nearly identical to the real deal, so keep your eyes on Detroit for what could be the first look at the next Civic.

[Source: Honda]

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Honda teases 2012 Civic before Detroit debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, Honda lead latest J.D. Power owner loyalty survey

Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota

J.D. Power 2010 Customer Retention Study

Customer loyalty is incredibly important to automakers and something earned by providing both good products and service. J.D. Power has just put out its 2010 Customer Retention Study to show how well each automaker is doing at keeping existing car buyers coming back for more. Leading the way are Ford and Honda who tie each other with a 62 percent rate of customer retention. Hyundai, Lexus and Toyota are right on their heels however with a rate of 60 percent each.

Overall, import manufacturers have the edge on the domestics but that gap has slimmed down due to customers realizing that American automakers are producing a greater number of good products. Of the top 10 automakers in the study, nine are imports.

One of those imports is Kia, which has climbed the most compared to the 2009 study. Rising 21 percentage points, the Korean automaker now sees a rate of retention of 58 percent. That’s 10 points above the industry average.

Be sure to click past the jump to take a look at the full press release for more information on this study.

[Source: J.D. Power]

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Ford, Honda lead latest J.D. Power owner loyalty survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Volkswagen, Diesel

Fuel efficiency is rapidly becoming one of the most influential determining factors when new car shoppers go looking for their next vehicle. And, as our friends at Consumer Reports correctly point out, earning top fuel efficiency marks generally means shopping in one of three categories: diesels, hybrids or subcompacts.

As such, the consumer-oriented magazine has pitted four fuel-sippers against each other in their upcoming January, 2011 issue: the 2011 Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-Z, Mazda2 and Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Of these four models, the Jetta is the only one that’s currently Recommended – the Fiesta and Mazda2 are too new to have adequate reliability data and, though expected to be reliable, the last-place CR-Z scored too low in CR’s own road testing to recommend.

CR tested two versions each of the Mazda and Ford subcompacts, one with a manual transmission and the other with an automatic. The Fiesta was ranked slightly higher than the Mazda2 overall, though the magazine seems to like both vehicles. Of the Honda, CR writes that “the ride is choppy, noise levels are high, and on-limit handling can be tricky.” Couple those unfavorable traits with lower-than-expected fuel mileage of 35 mpg and limited utility, and it’s understandable why CR wasn’t particularly impressed with the CR-Z.

Though somewhat pricey at $27,204, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI performed admirably, delivering 36 mpg overall and a superb 49 mpg on the highway in the hands of CR’s testers. As an aside, CR also took a look at the Fuel Doctor FD-47 fuel-saving device, and rather predictably, found that it basically did nothing at all. Check out the full press release after the break, check out CR’s thoughts about the CR-Z, or just wait until the January 2011 issue hits the newsstands for the complete results.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend

VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting – Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models

Filed under: Car Buying, Honda, Earnings/Financials

2011 Honda CR-Z

2011 Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has hit rough water with sales of its new CR-Z, Accord Crosstour and Insight models According to Automotive News, the three models are underperforming in a big way.

Take the Insight hybrid, which is falling 40,000 units short of even the most conservative estimates inside the company. Outsold 8-to-1 by its Toyota Prius rival, Honda has only managed to shift 19,325 units through November – the company originally targeted sales of 60,000 to 80,000.

Likewise, thus far this year, Honda has sold nearly 20,000 fewer Crosstour models than its biggest competitor – the Toyota Venza, selling just 25,927 units compared to the Toyota’s 43,325. Need we remind you, Honda’s original sales goal for the Crosstour was 40,000 units per year, a number we were deeply skeptical of after first driving the vehicle at its launch last November.

Although it hasn’t been on the market that long, early sales for Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid coupe aren’t any more encouraging. Automotive News reports that Honda had conservatively intended to sell around 15,000 of the two-seat hybrids per year, but so far, only 4,373 have made their way off of dealer lots and another 3,000 are currently sitting in inventory. Thankfully, there is one bright spot in the Honda stable – the 2011 Odyssey. The minivan bowed in September, and it’s performing well against a minivan segment that has heated up with a range of new competitors.

Automotive News suggests that the problem boils down to a change in Honda’s image from a company with compelling products to one that plays it safe. Throw in styling that isn’t for everyone and aging (but still selling) models like the CR-V and Accord, and you’ve got a recipe for decreased market share.

Honda, meanwhile, says that it doesn’t focus on market share because that leads to bad habits (read: incentives), instead opting to focus on percentage-increases in vehicles sold. That’s a fair strategy, but slow sales of key new models suggest that Honda needs to do some soul-searching. Might we suggest getting back to its roots as an engineering-driven car company?

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting – Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda announces end of Element production

Filed under: SUV, Honda

2010 Honda Element

2010 Honda Element with Dog-Friendly Package – Click above for high-res image gallery

After a nine-year run, the Honda Element will officially be killed off after the 2011 model year. The Element has suffered from slow sales numbers over the past few years, and in the model’s death notice, Honda specifically cites that a large amount of customers prefer the better refinement and improved fuel economy of the automaker’s CR-V crossover.

Since its debut in December of 2002, more than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States. During its lifespan, we saw the introduction of the bolder-looking SC model in 2007, and just last year, Honda began offering the 2010 Element with a dog-friendly package (pictured). Modest facelifts over the years have helped keep the Element somewhat fresh, but newer competitors on the scene have helped expose weaknesses in refinement and power. That said, Honda’s boxy sport-ute has long been praised for its utility-oriented and easy-to-maintain interior – not to mention kicking off the modern styling trend of boxy vehicles.

Follow the jump to read Honda’s official statement. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly Package

[Source: Honda]

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Honda announces end of Element production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda Insight

2011 Honda Insight – Click above for high-res image gallery

The slow-selling Honda Insight hasn’t exactly stolen any of the Toyota Prius’ thunder since its introduction last year, and with new green cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ready to join the battle, the future of Honda’s hybrid hatch doesn’t look too bright. Still, the Japanese automaker has given the Insight a host of improvements for the 2011 model year, including a new base model that retails for $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge).

So, what do you ~~lose~~ gain with the base Insight? For starters, a downgraded stereo system is on hand, with a single CD player and two – yes, two – speakers. Audiophiles need not apply. Remote entry is standard on the base Insight, but if you want amenities like cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest and floor mats, you’ll need to opt for the mid-grade LX trim. In other words, the new price leader is something of a municipal and fleet special. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pricier EX now comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and can be optioned with navigation.

The Insight’s 1.3-liter inline-four with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist carries over largely unchanged, with fuel economy rated at 40/43 miles per gallon, city/highway. 2011 Insight models are arriving at Honda dealers as you read this, and for the full details on what’s new, follow the jump for Honda’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Insight

2011 Honda Insight

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA opens safety probes into older Honda CR-V, Kia Optima models

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Recalls, Safety, Honda, Kia

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is looking into issues with 2006 Honda CR-V models and 2007 Kia Optimas. According to The Detroit News, both vehicles have garnered a fairly small number of complaints – just three each – for separate problems. In the case of the CR-V models, owners have experienced electrical failures that led to fires in the driver’s side door. Owners claim that the master window switch overheated, causing the damage. NHTSA is looking into around 150,000 of the Honda models.

Meanwhile, the agency is investigating 41,000 Kia Optimas for faulty transmission shift cables. Owners have reported problems with the cables becoming detached from the transmission, effectively locking the vehicle into or out of gear. In one case, a vehicle rolled away after being shut off. The Detroit News reports that Kia has issued a service bulletin concerning improperly-installed shift cables that may detach over time.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: NHTSA opens safety probes into older Honda CR-V, Kia Optima models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA reviewing Honda Accord Hybrid sudden acceleration claim

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Safety, Honda

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation in to mid-2000s Honda Accord and Civic hybrid models after receiving a complaint that originated from a fatal crash in July of 2005. In this instance, the driver of a 2005 Accord Hybrid said that she was driving over rumble strips on the side of a highway, and when she tried to apply the brakes, the car sped up and caused her to cross into oncoming traffic. NHTSA reports that the resulting accident caused the Accord’s passenger to die, while the driver sustained disabling injuries.

It’s no surprise that NHTSA is being particularly careful these days when receiving complaints citing unintended or sudden acceleration, especially after the series of Toyota recall fiascoes earlier this year. Using NHTSA’s crash database, the Accord driver found 22 other incidents similar to hers, all of which involved Honda Accord and Civic hybrids. NHTSA plans to further research this individual complaint before starting an official investigation into these Honda vehicles. Hat tip to Frank W!

Gallery: 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

[Sources: Bloomberg, AutoWeek]

Report: NHTSA reviewing Honda Accord Hybrid sudden acceleration claim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Acura NSX built on flip-flopped Honda Accord chassis?

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Acura Advanced Sports Car concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Peter Lyon, Motor Trend’s correspondent abroad, Honda is still hard at work on a successor to the much-loved NSX sports car. If true, we can expect the halo car to be powered again by a six-cylinder engine, this time augmented by a hybrid powertrain.

Up to this point, we’re willing to put on our tinfoil NSX fanboy hats to suspend our fleeting grip on reality in hopes of a return to Honda-spec supercardom. However, not even Mulder himself could sell us on what Lyon is suggesting. According to MT’s man in Japan, Honda is planning to use a flip-flopped Accord platform as the basis for its super coupe. You read that right.

While we’d love to see a 400-horsepower, all-wheel-drive NSX hit the market in 2014, we’re not holding our collective breath… especially for one based on a backwards Accord chassis.

Gallery: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Next Acura NSX built on flip-flopped Honda Accord chassis? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Honda debuts Fit EV concept, production version coming in 2012

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Honda, Electric

Honda Fit EV concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We were a bit miffed at the Paris Motor Show this year when Honda debuted its ~~Fit~~ Jazz Hybrid and told us there were no plans to bring it to the United States. Bigger plans were in the works, however, and we’ve now caught our first glimpse at the Fit EV concept on display at this year’s LA Auto Show.

Visually, the Fit EV doesn’t stray too far from the design language we’ve come to know from the gasoline-powered hatchback, albeit with a few concept-y touches thrown in for good measure. Interior refinement is standard-grade Fit spec, as well, with a modified gauge cluster showing battery and efficiency information.

Honda has outfitted the Fit EV with a version of the electric motor used in the automaker’s FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, and we’re told that range will be around 100 miles with a top speed of 90 miles per hour. Sounds like a Nissan Leaf competitor to us. Though purely a concept right now, Honda plans to sell a production version of the Fit EV sometime in 2012, and fleet testing of the electric hatch will commence in the coming months.

See the Fit EV for yourself in our galleries of live and stock shots below, and follow the jump for the full details in Honda’s press release.

Gallery: LA 2010: Honda Fit EV Concept

Gallery: Honda Fit EV Concept

Honda Fit EV Concept

[Source: Honda]

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LA 2010: Honda debuts Fit EV concept, production version coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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