Honda Cars : New Honda Accord outperforms higher-priced luxury vehicles like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The release of the all-new 2013 Accord arguably marks the biggest launch in Honda’s history, and the automotive giant is not holding anything back. Coupled with a complete redesign and a whole slew of industry-leading standard features, the ninth generation Accord is living up to the hype of the media buzz surrounding its launch.

“The latest incarnation of the Accord represents the best value-per-dollar of any vehicle on the market,” said Chris Kelly, who road tested the all-new Accord for VehicleTests.com. “After seeing all the high-tech standard features that come with the Accord, I got reverse sticker shock because the car was so inexpensive with more technology and safety features than a lot of luxury cars that are twice its price,” which is why VehicleTests.com awarded the 2013 Honda Accord with its vaunted 5-Star rating.

The 2013 Accord comes at starting price of $21,680 with an array of hi-tech standard features, including a rearview camera and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. Other standard technologies include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, Multi-Information Display (i-MID), SMS text messaging function and Pandora Internet Radio interface. These are just some of the reasons for the high praise from VehicleTests.com, which produces independent test-drive videos for consumers.

Honda

Citing "reverse sticker-shock" based on the vehicle's high-tech features compared to its affordable price, VehicleTests.com awarded the 2013 Honda Accord a 5-Star rating.

“After I spent the whole day driving the new Accord, I found myself missing the great features it has once I got back into my own car,” adds Kelly. “You get used to those features really fast.”
 
Drive safer
One of the features to which Kelly refers is the new Honda LaneWatch blind-spot display, which enhances visibility of the passenger-side roadway thanks to a camera that displays what is in your blind spot on the i-MID screen. The Lane Departure Warning system uses cameras to make sure the vehicle is aligned within the lines on the roadway and alerts the driver if he or she is drifting. There is also Forward Collision Warning, which alerts the driver if he or she is closing in too fast on the car ahead.

This new technology, coupled with the 2013 Accord’s standard safety features, also contributed to its 5-Star rating from VehicleTests.com. The vehicle comes with four-wheel anti-lock braking system, a total of six airbags, including front and rear head airbags and dual front side-mounted airbags. In addition, the Accord has emergency braking assist, electronic brake force distribution, both a driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system, stability and traction control and tire pressure monitoring. Additionally, the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface and SMS text messaging function allows for hands-free phone usage, which means less distracted driving.
 
Go faster for less
The 2013 Accord comes in eight different trim levels, from the standard LX to the EXL, including the all-new Sport and top-of-the-line Touring models. Engine options include the 2.4L four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and the six-cylinder with 278 horsepower, which is more horsepower than the Lexus ES, BMW 328i or Mercedes Benz C Class. However, more power doesn’t mean less fuel economy. Due to its new Earth Dreams technology, the 2013 Accord offers better gas mileage than previous Accords that had less horsepower.

While the all-new Accord has a lot more horsepower, the cabin was extremely quiet during the road test. “Normal conversation volume measures in at 65 decibels,” says Kelly. “The new Accord measures in at an exceptional 56 decibels. It was amazing to see the amount of soundproofing that Honda put into the vehicle.” Under the hood of the 2013 Accord, you’ll find a thick soundproofing mat, which helps keeps most engine noise away from the cabin. However, Kelly says that the Accord also features additional rubber gaskets around the edges, which provides even more soundproofing.

As part of its road-test, VehicleTests.com drove the vehicle for 50 miles on the highway at 60 miles per hour with cruise-control, in order to test the fuel economy — listed at 35 miles per gallon. Kelly and his team found that the Accord they tested actually exceeded the listed miles per gallon by a good amount. However, he could not disclose the actual figures for legal reasons.

The American-made Honda Accord has been one of the best selling cars in history, which is one of the reasons why it has boasted the highest resell value of any car in its class and has won many resell value awards from Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com. In fact, New York Honda dealers are already celebrating its sales success - it is selling faster than any Honda in history.

Based on early reception, this vehicle is receiving — including the high rating from VehicleTests.com — it looks like Honda’s problem is not going to be market share because customers know a deal when they see one. With industry-leading standard features, a shockingly low MSRP and more technology and safety features than many more expensive luxury vehicles, Honda may have a challenge keeping up with the demand in the market place.

“The new Accord is selling faster than any Honda in history,” said Rob Sabbagh, President of the Tri-State Honda Dealers Association.

Source (with video of the road test);

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/review-2013-honda-accord-article-1.1193218

Honda Cars : Autonet.ca (new version of Canadian Driver.com) Review: 2006-2011 Honda Civic | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

An old Japanese nameplate
History Honda Civic is one of the oldest Japanese nameplates sold in Canada, having been launched here in 1972, and has been the best-selling car in this country for the past 13 years.
The 8th generation of the Japanese compact was marketed from 2006-11, until an all-new 2012 model came out this spring. Despite the popularity of hatchback models in Canada, Civic has been available only as a coupe or sedan since 2006, although a hybrid version also was available. At the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, Civic Si was named best new sports car and Civic sedan best new economy car. Search available trim options for the 2006-2011 Honda Civic

The good stuff
With its rugged ACE body structure (which stands for Advanced Compatibility Engineering), the 8th generation Civic is one of the safest compacts and has earned 5-star ratings from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for both driver and passenger in frontal crash testing. Si models, available in both coupe and sedan form, have a potent 2.0-litre inline four making 197 hp. From 2006-11 Natural Resources Canada named Civic Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient compact sold here, with ratings of 4.3L/100 km highway and 4.7 city. Civic seats were once too thin and hard, but now are extremely comfortable - even on long trips.

Heads up!
2006-07 models, both coupes and sedans, suffered from an unusual number of recalls (for Honda), the most serious of which was a leak that could cause rear wheel bearing failure and which affected 107,653 cars. Something to be wary of in these times of high prices at the pump: the Si burns premium fuel. The 1999 and 2000 Civic Si has had the dubious distinction of being the most stolen car in Canada for several years running. This problem has been solved with the anti-theft engine immobilizer that is standard on 8th generation vehicles. The Si is a willing performer, but the 2.0-litre engine is a bit of a screamer when driven to its 8,000 rpm limit.

Overall
Except for the Hybrid, which is made in Japan, Civics sold in Canada are built at Honda’s Alliston, Ont. assembly plant and sold in several trim levels. The two-tier instrument panel was controversial at first and does take some getting used to. Fuel economy with the 1.8L gas engine won’t approach that of the Hybrid, but still will be in the range of 7.5L/100 km highway. As with all popular cars, used Civics sell at a premium - especially newer, low-mileage examples.

Prices at a glance
Year range Approx. price range
2006 $8,000 - $14,000
2007 $9,000 - $15,000
2008 $10,000 - $19,000
2009 $13,000 - $21,000
2010 $14,000 - $23,000
2011 $15,000 - $25,000

Vitals
Engine: 1.8L SOHC I4 (140 hp); 2.0L DOHC I4 (197 hp); hybrid system, 1.3L SOHC I4 plus electric motor (110 hp) Transmissions:5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual (Si); CVT (hybrid) Layout:front engine; FWD. Body: 4-door sedan; 2-door coupe.

Source;
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/usedmodels/2011/05/26/18196891-autonet.html

Honda Cars : Video: 2011 Mazda2 - Good, but not quite (Honda) Fit | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

You know that the Honda FIT is a good car when it's used as a benchmark when comparing other good cars....

The subcompact Mazda2 isn't a bad car, but "not bad" isn't enough to take the world by storm. In today's competitive car market, there are plenty of really good cars to pick from.

Good fuel mileage is a big reason buyers go for small cars. The Mazda2 returned an average of 30 mpg overall with an automatic transmission and 33 with the manual in our testing. While that's not too shabby, it isn't outstanding these days. The larger and more comfortable Toyota Corolla compact returned 32 mpg overall in our tests with an automatic, and the midsize Hyundai Sonata GLS clocked in at 27 mpg overall.

Both of those cars are newer designs than the wee Mazda, and that's one of the 2's problems: Engine, transmission, and other technologies are advancing so fast that an older design just can't deliver the fuel economy of newer models. And the Mazda2 is an older design, having been on sale in Japan, Europe, and other markets for several years before being introduced to U.S. buyers earlier this year.

That leads to the other problem. There's good reason why carmakers bring certain models to certain markets and don't bring others. Roads, driving habits, and lifestyles vary tremendously around the world. The Mazda2 does not drive like it was designed for U.S. roads. That's because it wasn't.

The 2 is a kick to drive around town, zipping in and out of tight spaces and easy to park. On back roads, it's also entertaining to toss around. But the 2 isn't a fun cruiser. It's noisy on those highways we Americans rely on to get around so much, with a choppy ride, and it can feel a bit darty, requiring a lot of steering correction to stay on course.

Honda brought the subcompact Fit to our shores a few years ago, and it, too, was a design not intended for the U.S market. But with much more interior room and a clever folding rear seat that turns it into a mini cargo truck, the Fit has been a hit with American buyers. It's one of our top-Rated subcompacts.

The Mazda2 entered the increasingly crowded subcompact category as a contender and outscored some others in our testing. But it isn't as Fit as some others.

Source;
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/12/video-2011-mazda2-good-but-not-quite-fit.html

Honda Cars : Car and Driver: 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit, 2011 Mazda 2 - Comparison Tests | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Most drivers in Europe motor around in small, efficient hatchbacks without feeling like failures. But here, in America—the hell with the gas bill—size still matters. On the Continent, the social stigma that’s attached to driving a very small car isn’t as virulent and deprecating as it continues to be for many drivers in the U.S.

So Ford is trying, once again, to take the edge off that particular shame with its latest Fiesta—a snazzy-looking, Euro-transplant B-segment subcompact that emphasizes lots of features and high fuel economy. Mazda enters the fray with its 2, first released in Europe in 2007 and, ironically, riding on the same platform as the Fiesta (they share the same 98.0-inch wheelbase). These new releases make Honda’s product planners look like fortune tellers who were right to take a chance on bringing the first-generation Fit here in 2006, then following up in 2009 with the second-generation model.

Because these cars extol the European automotive virtues of snappy handling and fuel efficiency, we decided to test them in the most European-feeling city in North America: Montreal. The city is actually on an island in the vast St. Lawrence River, and the old quarter has cobblestone streets filled with ancient churches, beckoning cafés, and charcuteries. As in Europe, most of the population speaks a language you don’t, although some Montréalais defaulted into English after encountering a few seconds of our blank staring.

The 600-mile trip from Ann Arbor to Montreal is almost as far as a run from Paris to Berlin. Our hot day began with distinct Euro flair at lunch in southern Ontario, where our finicky managing editor was alarmed to see his root beer served without ice. Zut alors! Speaking of refreshment, all three cars come standard with air conditioning, even at their dollar-menu starting prices. The Fiesta begins at $13,995 in four-door trim. If you prefer, as we do, the style of the five-door, the minimum is $15,795. The Mazda and Honda come in one body style only and start at $14,730 and $15,650, respectively. In instant-ramen trim, all three of these cars have anti-lock brakes, power windows and locks, and plenty of airbags.

For our test, though, we rounded up the more “luxurious” versions. The feature-heavy Fiesta SES comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, LED parking lights decked out with chrome, satellite radio, and the Sync infotainment system. Another $795 adds a package with keyless ignition, heated front seats, and extra chrome. As-tested price: $18,770.

Honda also throws 16-inch alloys on the uplevel Fit Sport, in addition to a body kit, chrome exhaust tips, fog lights, cruise control, remote entry, and a rear anti-roll bar. Navigation and stability control (our test car was produced early in the year, before the ability to combine this option with the manual transmission disappeared) cost an extra $1850. Add in dealer-installed rubber floor mats, for $130, and our test car rang up at a rich $19,140.

“Sport” indicates the base Mazda 2 trim. We sampled the grander Touring model, with alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, and a rear spoiler. All that added up to $16,185, nearly three grand cheaper than the Fit.

After more than 1300 miles of mostly suffering through Ontario’s 401 freeway (think Nebraska), touring Montreal’s environs, and exploring the edge of the wilderness of Quebec, we can report with assurance that none of these diminutive hatches suffers from a Napoleon complex. All three belong at the top of the heap in the subcompact class, and one belongs at the very top

3rd Place: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Highs: Rock-solid chassis, quiet on the road, high-class looks.
Lows: Slower than a Mumbai bureaucrat, worst fuel economy here, disconnected shifter, windshield glare.
The Verdict: Getting the bronze medal still means you’re a winner, right?

Here's a link to the full review;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2011_ford_fiesta_ses_page_2

2nd Place: 2011 Mazda 2 Touring
Highs: Low curb weight, Miata-style driving fun, value priced.
Lows: Low on features, soft seat cushion, feels cheap over bumps.
The Verdict: A featherweight, but no lightweight.

Here's a link to the full review;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2011_mazda_2_touring_page_3

1st Place: 2010 Honda Fit Sport

Highs: Cavernous interior, near-perfect ergonomics, strong engine, goes the farthest on a gallon. Lows: Trucklike braking distance, wind noise, looks that only a mother could appreciate.
The Verdict: Everything we love in a tiny, affordable car.

Here's the link to the full review;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2010_honda_fit_sport_page_4

Honda Cars : Globe and Mail: 2010 Honda Accord: Accord a choice selection | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Choosing a family sedan is a daunting task.

There are way too many choices, including the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and the Volkswagen Jetta – to name just a few. So when it comes to narrowing down your choice, a good option is to turn to the best-sellers like the Honda Accord to find out what all the fuss is about.

The 2010 Honda Accord sedan comes in a number of trims. The base LX model starts at $25,290. The most expensive model is the top-of-the-line EX-L V6 Navi sedan, which costs $37,390. My tester is in between – it's an EX-L Navi sedan with an inline-four-cylinder engine. It's $32,790 and offers a nice balance of luxury, practicality and affordability.

The 2010 Accord is a carry-over from 2009. Design-wise, the Accord isn’t a stunner, but it’s not distasteful either. It has attractive sharp angles across its body.

Even if you settle for the base model you won’t be disappointed. It’s well-equipped for the price, outfitted with power heated side-view mirrors, power door locks, power windows, cruise control and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column.

My tester adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moon roof and a fantastic navigation system that is simple and straightforward to use. Unlike many other navigation systems with touch screens, this one is accessed via a dial you turn to scroll through the alphabet to input your destination. You can even do it while driving, which some people might consider a distraction, like talking on your cell phone. But it’s intuitive and fast – you barely take your eyes off the road to program it. What is distracting is the layout and all the buttons and knobs that surround the driver. It’s difficult to quickly find some functions, like the scan button.

The cabin is spacious and the front seats are comfortable. They’re eight-way power adjustable with height adjustment; while the passenger seat is four-way power adjustable on my tester. The base model gets six-way adjustable seats, but it’s manual so it requires some elbow grease to find the perfect driving position.

Buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel let you set the cruise control, change the radio, or adjust the volume. The controls are illuminated so it’s easier to see at night. My tester has an upgraded stereo with a 270-watt premium system with six-CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and seven speakers including a subwoofer.

It also has many useful storage compartments including a centre console bin, front and rear door pockets, a sunglass holder, driver and passenger seatback pockets and dual front illuminated vanity mirrors. A centre armrest in the back has dual cup holders and a locking trunk pass-through to carry longer items such as hockey sticks or skis.

In the rear, legroom is a little tight for taller passengers; but headroom is excellent thanks to the Accord’s tall roofline. The trunk is spacious, too, with 397 litres of room. And the rear seats fold down should you need more space.

My tester has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough you can opt for the top EX-L V-6 trim with a more powerful 3.5-litre V-6 engine that puts out 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a five-speed automatic transmission with smooth and seamless gear changes. There’s no manual-shift mode, either, which I like. I rarely use the gadget anyway.

The four-cylinder doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ride. Even though it’s a four banger, the ride is steady, refined, and compliant. The Accord accelerates quickly and gets up to speed when merging onto the highway with faster-moving vehicles.

It’s agile and perfectly sized so it doesn't feel awkward to park or drive. Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and small pillars. The sedan also soaks up potholes and other degradations in the road well. But when pushed, some engine noise is noticeable. While it’s sure-footed and comfortable, the steering is a bit loose for my tastes.

Overall, it’s a practical family car and an excellent daily commuter. It’s also more fuel-efficient than the V-6, which is rated at 11 litres/100 km city and 6.7 highway. My inline-four tester is rated at 9.9 city/6.5 highway, which is respectable, especially if you do a lot of highway driving.
All Accords also come with numerous standard safety features such as front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front seat head restraints, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, child-proof rear door locks and lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH).

Amid the pack of mid-size sedans, the Honda Accord stands out as one of the best family cars on the market.

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/reviews/accord-a-choice-selection/article1605194/

Honda Cars : Autoblog: Utility Review: 2010 Honda Fit Sport actually does "fit" it all in | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

In the past couple of years, Honda has gotten no end of grief about the styling of models like the Pilot, Crosstour and, of course, the entire Acura lineup. One car has remained largely immune to criticism: the Fit. Since its introduction to the U.S. market several years ago, the Honda Fit has become one of our favorite small cars... and for good reason. It offers a great balance of handling dynamics and fuel efficiency, a reasonable price and, most importantly, utility.

During the first half of 2008 when fuel prices ran up in the United States, a lot of people gave up their SUVs in favor of smaller vehicles. Since then, many of those same people have had buyers remorse, in part because they felt their new smaller vehicles were just too cramped. The Fit clearly demonstrates that down-sizing doesn't have to mean giving up so much space and cargo hauling ability. It's certainly smaller than a typical crossover or SUV, but it's by no means tight. To demonstrate that, we borrowed a Fit from Honda recently while out in Los Angeles.

A few of us on Autoblog team still have other jobs besides writing to keep us busy. In this writer's case, this involves a lot of video production and webcasting work. Getting the work done requires a fair amount of gear, which is packed into four flight cases. On this trip we weren't able to scrounge up a larger vehicle like we usually do because of some late scheduling, but when Honda offered up a Fit Sport with navigation, we went for it.

Most automakers in Europe offer "van" versions of their B- and C-segment small cars, which are popular among small businesses like florists, messengers and plumbers. These are typically three-door hatchback bodies with solid metal where the rear side windows would be and the rear seats removed, much like a Chevy HHR panel van. These small vans are popular because they offer ample storage and easy access through the hatch.

We reviewed the current second-generation Fit about a year ago and also have personal experience with a first-generation model in the family fleet, so we knew it had far more usable space inside than is apparent from the outside. Nonetheless, we still thought we might have to pile some stuff up toward the roof. As it turns out, after folding down the back seat, we were easily able fit four large cases plus a couple of backpacks into the 57.3-cubic-foot cavity without extending above the window line. Another advantage of the Fit is a relatively low lift-over height compared to your typical SUV or crossover, which is a very handy thing when loading heavy boxes.

The best part is that we did it all without having to slide the front seats way forward. Even with some 300 pounds of gear in the back, the Fit still felt nimble and had no problem climbing the surprisingly steep roads up into the Hollywood hills above the Sunset strip. Because of the nature of our kit, we didn't need to use the Fit's "Magic Seat," but if we had needed to bring our own 50- inch flat panel display along, we could have folded the rear seat cushions up against the seat back and slid it inside through the rear door opening. Even with the rear seat in its standard position, the Fit can swallow over 20 cubic feet of stuff and carry four adult passengers in comfort. See if you can do that with your Lexus LS600h!

Source;
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/utility-review-2010-honda-fit-sport-actually-does-fit-it-all/

Honda Cars : 2010 Honda CR-V EX-L NAVI Review | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Standing out from the crowd is no small task for compact sport utility vehicles. The competition in this market segment keeps getting wider and fiercer. Yet, at the same time, most entries feature similar aesthetics, making the selection a tough dilemma.

The front grille stretches wide to form a complex structure that integrates a pair of tapered headlight clusters for a unique crowning effect.

How does the Honda CR-V continue to shine, then? Well, this popular Japanese SUV boasts a rather distinctive silhouette and, while extreme off-road trips are definitely not its game, it offers a smooth, uneventful ride along with a sensible, fuel-efficient operation.

Sensible — now that’s a word that perfectly defines all aspects of the 2010 Honda CR-V.

Singular styling
It’s obviously a difficult thing to let your imagination run wild and create a fancy design when you’re given a specific assignment: to develop an SUV-style product that will appeal to the masses.

Consequently, Honda designers didn’t break any mold with the CR-V’s raised tail, fairly upright hatch and anonymous body lines. They did, however, have fun with the slightly arching roofline in the back that somewhat improves aerodynamics (or at least the impression of). The shape of the rearmost side windows further enhances this feeling of motion.

Revised for 2010, the front grille stretches wide to form a complex structure that integrates a pair of tapered headlight clusters for a unique crowning effect. Here you have an unpretentious SUV that still manages to stand out at first glance. Nothing flashy; just smart stuff.

Inside, the CR-V is surprisingly well-equipped (granted, my tester was the top-of-the-line EX-L NAVI). Build quality and material selection also impressed me, especially given the price range. The cabin is fairly spacious, too. Even tall friends of mine who sat in the back never complained about a lack of room. Behind them was a convenient cargo area offering easy access and decent volume.

Up front, the dashboard sure looks nice and displays cool backlighting at night, but the gear selector once again finds itself in an unconventional spot, right in the middle of the center stack. Some say they appreciate such ergonomics; I, on the contrary, find manipulating the CR-V shifter quite unnatural and unpleasant.

Build quality and material selection impressed me, especially given the price range.

Newfound energy on the road
The biggest flaw of the Honda CR-V used to be its underpowered 4-cylinder engine that often voiced discontent whenever you would try to push it. Fortunately, engineers addressed the issue by increasing output (+14 horsepower) while making the engine less fuel-thirsty. Bravo!

The new mill could be described as lively and responsive, not to mention quiet and predictable, even when you ask for a little more performance than you probably should. On-the-fly accelerations aren’t breathtaking but still on par with buyer expectations for this type of vehicle. As a bonus, the five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control knows how to pick the right gear at the right time.
The suspension plays a key role in delivering car-like driving dynamics, while Honda’s part-time 4WD system proves opportunistic in the most civilized conditions.

On the other hand, the steering doesn’t feel as sharp and high on feedback as one could hope for. It does a decent job most of the time but clearly remains the weakest link in an otherwise well-executed, fun-to-drive compact 'ute.

The suspension plays a key role in delivering car-like driving dynamics, while Honda’s part-time 4WD system (which acts like a FWD setup until the front wheels start to slip) proves opportunistic in the most civilized conditions. As mentioned earlier, the CR-V should never be mistaken for an extreme sports tool; drivers who dare will get stuck in a hurry.

Wrap-up

Like I said, the competition in the compact SUV segment is wide open and incredibly fierce. Admittedly, despite a few shortcomings, the 2010 Honda CR-V still comes from the dominant breed and attracts more than a fair share of consumers. Emotion has little to do here; CR-V success depends on a simple, sensible recipe.

Source;

http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/cr-v/2010/review?carid=1102300306&artid=117056&pg=2

Honda Cars : 2010 Honda Civic DX-G Sedan Review | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

This car is a clear testament to Honda's know-how. Introduced in late 2005 as a 2006 model-year car, the latest generation of the Civic just about changed the face of the compact car segment with its near-futuristic styling and innovative cabin. That was five model years ago, but the Civic still reigns supreme in its category.

How? Well, it's about doing one thing and doing it well. The Civic has a long history, relatively speaking, here in North America as a choice form of economical transportation that is fun to drive. This simple, yet important, recipe has been maintained throughout the Civic's 35-plus year existence.

Growing with the times
As the generations seemingly flew by, the eighth iteration of the Civic is the biggest ever. More capacious, powerful and comfortable, this car is no longer a small second family car, although it certainly can handle these duties as well.

In car-years, five is a big number, especially for the Japanese. Usually, a thoroughly revamped car would be circulating on the web or, minimally, a refreshed body would have been presented to the masses “last” year.

This is not really the case for this Civic. The fact that it continues to be fashionable demonstrates that Honda was so spot-on with their styling exercise that it has required next to nothing to stay current. The car's wedge shaped front end and high tail remain modern and even sought after by those that appreciate the “raked” look.

Roomy, well thought-out and versatile, the Civic's passenger quarters are still amongst the most welcoming in the segment, as much as some cars that have only recently been unveiled. Perhaps my only complaint here is the location of the emergency brake handle which digs into my knee. Otherwise, the firm seats and flat rear floor are very accommodating. One thing I do like is the location of the speedometer at the top of the dashboard; I'm left wondering why other manufacturers have yet to copy this.

Peppy for sure
In the compact segment, sub-2.0L engines are usually reserved for the base cars. In the Civic's case, it's the only one you can get (non-Si). Dropping 140 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, this car's powertrain can do what most competitors’ 2.0L engines can do all the while consuming less fuel. Our tested DX-G car was equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission which was a rarity when the car was originally launched.

At only 1,239 kg, the Civic need not struggle with lazy arduous weight transfers when tackling on and off-ramps. Instead, the agile suspension and precise power steering make this car a joy to drive. Responsive as ever, the Civic is a pleasure on the highway as well as in town; it's always nice to get back behind the wheel of a lithe car.

The autobox works well, never missing a shift however, for this automobile, nothing rivals the pure enjoyment of working the five cogs yourself. Perhaps the best outcome of driving a Civic is the low fuel consumption numbers you can expect regardless of your driving habits. An average of only 7L per 100 km is a common occurrence.

Honestly
In all honesty, I'm not a big fan of the Civic unless it's a white four-door Si. I personally have had a bad family experience with a 2006 Civic and truthfully, the car is getting old. Be that as it may, I'm obviously the confused or deranged one as the car is still popular, almost too popular. I know the car is good, but I'm convinced that its name carries it most of the way. Think of a reputation. The Civic's is nearly impeccable, it has great resale value and ownership costs are low...

I'm confronted with the fact that this is not my favourite car, because it's such an “open-and-shut” choice to make. I'm all for the underdogs, maybe, but for your money, it is seriously tough to go wrong when you drive away from a Honda dealer at the wheel of your new Civic.

Source;
http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/civic-sedan/2010/review?carid=1102300202&artid=114631