Honda Cars : 2nd Generation Honda Fit, 2009 for us North Americans | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

This is the 'refresh mode' or otherwise called 'inspiration point' mode.

This car is called a Honda Jazz in other parts of the world (Europe and Japan to name a couple). Even though us in North America have only had this car since the 2007 model year it has been out in the world since 2001, which put it due for a major makeover everywhere else. Here are some snap shots of what the rest of the world has access to and what we will be able to buy for the 2009 model year.

Changes from the 2008 are;

-Overall length, width and wheelbase have been increased.
-Tire Pressure Monitoring System is provided.
-An emergency tire repair kit is provided instead of a spare tire. (I am pretty sure we will see the spare tire here.)
-The front quarter windows are three times of the size of those in the previous model, and the width of the front pillar has been reduced by 20 mm to provide enhanced visibility.

-The rear seats are 20 mm wider, 15 mm deeper, and have cushions 10 mm thicker for enhanced ride comfort in comparison to previous model.
-The new Fit comes with either of two new engines: a 1.3 liter i-VTEC or a 1.5 liter i-VTEC.
Fit’s practicality has also been enhanced with four-mode “Ultra Seat” and three-mode “Ultra Luggage” storage spaces.

Here's a nice write up from Edmunds;

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=122688

Honda Cars : Some Honda History; 1969 - 1972 Honda N600 Coupe & Sedan | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Canadian Driver just came out with an interesting article on the 1969 - 1972 Honda N600. I didn't know much about this car, so it's a good read.

Here's the link to the article;

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/69-72_honda600.htm

The car even made it into the tv show C.H.I.P.S. Awesome.

And the dash still looks better than 40% of the cars out there.

Honda Cars : 2008 Car and Driver Magazine 10 Best Cars Awards; 2008 Honda Accord & 2008 Honda FIT make the list | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Well, it's not January 2008 yet, but Car and Driver Magazine has released their coveted 10Best Awards. They judge each car in three general areas, the first being how well the vehicle performs its intended functions. They expect sports cars to be fast and exhilarating, whereas we presume a family sedan will be frugal and practical. Then second, they show a preference for the more engaging cars in each category, be it athletic driving manners, a seductive look, or a powerful engine sure to induce a grin every time they climb behind the wheel. Finally, they are suckers for a good deal, so an inexpensive car that’s fast, fun, and practical will certainly rise to the top of our list.

The invited list works as follows: Last year’s winners are automatically invited back, as well as other all-new or significantly upgraded machinery for 2008. Each car gets only one shot at making their 10Best list, but many stay on it for years.

Here's a list of the winners this year with the article on the car;

2008 10Best List
BMW 3-series

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14359/2008-bmw-3-series.html
Cadillac CTS

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14360/2008-cadillac-cts.html
Chevrolet Corvette
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14361/2008-chevrolet-corvette.html

Chevrolet Malibu
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14362/2008-chevrolet-malibu.html

Honda Accord
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14363/2008-honda-accord.html

Honda Fit
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14369/2008-honda-fit.html

Mazda MX-5
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14365/2008-mazda-mx-5.html

Mazda Mazdaspeed3
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14366/2008-mazdaspeed-3.html

Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14367/2008-porsche-boxster-and-cayman.html

Volkswagen GTI

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14368/2008-volkswagen-gti.html

Here's a link on Wikipedia that shows the history of winners, just click on the year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_and_Driver_Ten_Best

Honda Cars : Canadian Driver Tests the 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan AT 4Cylinder | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Here's a nice little article from www.canadiandriver.com on the new 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan AT with the 4 cylinder engine. Worth a read if you're looking for a good mid-size car.

Here's the link;

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jm/08accord.htm

Honda Cars : Impending Import Sportscar Comeback | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Well the domestic's started it first, by having their 'muscle car' comebacks with the new Dodge Challenger, Charger, old is new again Ford Mustang, and the coming GM Camaro/Firebird. All creating excitement for the respective brands with beautiful designs. (The Challenger and the Camero are going to be HOT cars!)

It looks like the Imports won't be taking this lightly, looking at reinstating some of the retired vehicles. Honda has already in a way entered the fray in 2006 with the Honda Civic Si, which has been argued to be the 'official' replacement of the Prelude. Nissan is rumoured to be bringing back the 240SX for 2010, which would fit nicely in a price point below the 350Z.

2010 Nissan 240SX?

Toyota; rumors of a new Celica are not offical, but some car magazines say that a newly revived Celica may be built by 2011 in front or all-wheel-drive, powered by a V-6, while the sibling Rear-wheel-drive Supra may possibly return as a 2010 model with a supercharged V-6 or hybrid model.

2010+ Toyota Celica?!?

2011+ Toyota Supra?!?

Honda is also talking about bringing back the CRX (see prev. posts) and another rumour is that they may re-badge the S2000 a Acura (here in North America) and bring out a 2 door version of the TSX called a 'Prelude Edition' of some sort. I am not so sure Honda is convinced that it needs another 2 door with the success of the new 2008 Honda Accord. They have the V6 wrapped up with the Accord and they have the 4Cylinder wrapped up with the Civic Si (and the 4Cylinder Accord).

2011 Honda CRX?!? Doubt it.

Honda Cars : 2005 Honda WOW Concept, a possible direction for the Next Gen Honda Element? | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The Honda WOW (WOW stands for Wonderful Open-hearted Wagon) was a concept car. First introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Auto show and was designed to fit the needs of both a person and their pet.

Now don't get me wrong, this vehicle is a 'Concept' vehicle in the truest sense of the word (there are things in this vehicle that would never fly into a production version - wood floor!), but I can't help but notice the similarities between the WOW and what I would think the current Honda Element could evolve into. From the fact that it is a 'tall wagon' (SUV) to the way its doors open.

Here's a link to more info. if you're interested;

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/tokyo/0510_honda_wow/index.html

Honda Cars : Aftermarket Honda Ridgeline Caps | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

I thought I'd put some information together on the two caps made for Honda Ridgelines that I know of, complete with links to the manufacturer's website.
Here is a LEER Cap and a link to the site;
http://www.capworld.com/TruckCapsLids/Leer/_100XQ.html

Here is the A.R.E. Cap and a link to the site;

http://www.4are.com/product/view_models.php?mk=h&md=r