Autonet.ca (new version of Canadian Driver.com) Review: 2006-2011 Honda Civic

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

Video: 2011 Mazda2 - Good, but not quite (Honda) Fit

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

Car and Driver: 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit, 2011 Mazda 2 - Comparison Tests

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

Globe and Mail: 2010 Honda Accord: Accord a choice selection

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/

Autoblog: Utility Review: 2010 Honda Fit Sport actually does "fit" it all in

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/

2010 Honda CR-V EX-L NAVI Review

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

2010 Honda Civic DX-G Sedan Review

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

Car and Driver Magazine Comparison Test; North America's Favourite Sedans

The Buzzard-and-Baloney Brigade - Comparison Test
We compare seven of America’s most popular family sedans, searching for value and verve, and whether there’s really any meat in the middle.

BY JOHN PHILLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON KILEY March 2008
1st Place: 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan
In its 32-year existence, the Accord has landed on C/D’s 10Best Cars list 22 times. We must have cost Honda a pile of cash in trophy cases alone. In this group, our Accord carried the highest base price, but it was because we wanted to sample the 190 horsepower that comes with the EX, rather than the base LX’s 177. It paid off. Our test car was the second quickest to 60 mph.
The Accord’s essential goodness, however, doesn’t derive from power alone. Even with the standard stability control chipping away, our EX was also the fastest through our lane-change test.

Honda has simply nailed the econosedan formula, and it isn’t just a matter of building the highest-revving engine, the most competent suspension, and the most ergonomic interior. The trick is getting every component talking openly and honestly to every other component. It’s that sonorous mechanical interplay that lends the Accord its agility and charm. Throttle tip-in reminds us of a BMW 3’s, and there’s steady power delivery right up to 7100 rpm. Steering heft and linearity are spot-on, although some of us noted that this new rack doesn’t transmit road textures as clearly as did its forebear. The taut-yet-frictionless chassis makes up for it, however, posting regular updates on available grip. The brakes are easy to modulate. The thin A-pillars let you see around turns. In short, no car in our cast was as eager to establish a friendly rhythm when the roads got tricky.

Although the Accord was tied with the Avenger for loudest idle, it was merely a matter of our microphones registering quantity of sound versus quality.

Like the Sonata, the Accord is now officially a large sedan, with the extra room paying dividends abaft. For two or three adults, the rear seat proved the most spacious in this group. But try it yourself—the seatback is steeply reclined. We loved the three-tier dash, whose bulges and contours place all secondary controls at your fingertips. Which is lucky, because the center stack—ahem—contains 34 buttons.

We wish the Accord came with a manumatic, but you can shift manually by pulling straight back from D, to D3, to 2, to 1. Left to its own devices, the five-speed is prescient about holding lower gears on downhill grades and during spirited driving.

Like its predecessors, this latest Accord contains real meat in the middle. And that ain’t no baloney

Highs: Telepathic interplay among chassis, engine, and transmission.
Lows: Needlessly complex center stack, could use more steering feel.
The Verdict: Another Accord? We’ve pretty much run out of nice things to say.

2nd Place: 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5S Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-7.html
Highs: Drag-strip king, a real corner carver, a Mosler vault of a platform.
Lows: CVT not to everyone’s liking, no stability control, dour cockpit.
The Verdict: True dual personality—fun in the hills, serene on the interstates.

3rd Place: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-6.html
Highs: Elegant cockpit, superb engine isolation, a handsome lad.
Lows: A little heavy, needs more than four gears, fat A- and C-pillars.
The Verdict: The best four-cylinder mainstream car GM has ever built.

4th Place: 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-5.html
Highs: Soothing interstate cruiser, pillowy ride, delectable manumatic.
Lows: Too much body roll, could do with a stiffer platform.
The Verdict: One foot deeper into Honda Accord territory.

5th Place: 2009 Toyota Camry LE Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-4.html
Highs: Eerily quiet, Lexus-like switchgear, limousine ride.
Lows: Early understeer, too much body roll, plastic hubcaps.
The Verdict: Practical and tranquil but not much of a dancer.

6th Place: 2008 Ford Fusion SEL Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-3.html
Highs: Sharp styling, leather interior, thoughtful ride-and-handling trade-off.
Lows: Too little power and a transmission that spoils the party.
The Verdict: Right face, wrong drivetrain.

7th Place: Dodge Avenger SXT Sedan
Write up; http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/the_buzzard_and_baloney_brigade_comparison_test+page-2.html
Highs: Good fuel economy, easy-to-read gauges, inexpensive.
Lows: A festival of NVH, hard interior surfaces, feels insubstantial.
The Verdict: A mid-size sedan relying almost entirely on its sticker price.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe 6-speed Manual Transmission

Canadian Driver has a nice article on the new Accord Coupe. For those of you interested in the car, it's a great read. This is a day-to-day hands on write up.

Here's the write up;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/ctc/blog/?p=169

Car & Driver Magazine Small SUV Comparison

9X SUV's. The Ford Escape VS Honda CR-V VS Hyundai Tucson VS Jeep Liberty VS Nissan Rogue VS Mitsubishi Outlander VS Saturn Vue VS Suzuki Grand Vitara VS Toyota RAV4. This is a pretty cool comparison, comparing the different vehicles 'off-road' worthiness! A few surprises here.

1st PLACE: 2008 Toyota Rav4 4X4 4cylinder

Highs: Spacious back seat, Toyota ergonomics, Toyota resale value.

Lows: Noisy at WOT, needs a fifth gear, ought to come with alloy wheels.

The Verdict: Chassis, drivetrain, and body all speaking the same language.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14481/2008-toyota-rav4-4x4.html

2nd PLACE: 2008 Honda CRV EX 4WD 4cylinder

Highs: Amazing fit and finish, a cockpit as cheerful as an Easter hat.

Lows: Odd-looking nose, could use a manual lock for the rear axle.

The Verdict: Dynamically a TKO. A tsunami of quality, verve, and value.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14480/2008-honda-cr-v-ex-4wd.html

3rd PLACE: 2008 Nissan Roque SL AWD 4cylinder

Highs: Go-get-’em handling, steering, and acceleration.

Lows: Grim rear visibility, nervous off-road, somber interior.

The Verdict: A stunning example of extracting the most from the least.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14479/2008-nissan-rogue-sl-awd.html

4th PLACE: 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 4WD 4cylinder

Highs: Clever liftgate, carlike on pavement, hauls a lot o’ stuff.

Lows: Cheap-looking interior, gritty engine noise, vague steering.

The Verdict: Crisp exterior styling but dynamically bland.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14478/2008-mitsubishi-outlander-se-4wd.html

5th PLACE: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD XSport 6cylinder

Highs: Strong in the muck, macho styling, as solid as a tank.

Lows: Cramped interior, noisy at idle, somber and soulless cockpit.

The Verdict: A mini SUV with the heart of a Hummer.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14477/2008-suzuki-grand-vitara-4wd-xsport.html

6th PLACE: 2008 Saturn Vue XE AWD 6cylinder

Highs: Luxo interior, soothing interstate cruiser, Euro suspension tuning.

Lows: Daggerlike lumbar supports, smaller inside than it looks.

The Verdict: A handsome lad who is 400 pounds overweight.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14476/2008-saturn-vue-xe-awd.html

7th PLACE: 2008 Ford Escape XLT AWD ?cylinder

Highs: Open and airy cockpit, an accomplished long-distance cruiser.

Lows: Needs more isolation from road noise, could use a fifth gear.

The Verdict: Honest and attractive, but the freshening didn’t go far enough.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14482/2008-ford-escape-xlt-awd.html

8th PLACE: 2007 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4WD 6cylinder

Highs: Vaultlike platform, a bull in the mud, a brand name with cachet.

Lows: Cramped seats and footwells,too heavy, dismal fuel economy.

The Verdict: Happy in the mountains of Montana, unhappy on errands in Minneapolis.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14475/2007-hyundai-tucson-limited-4wd.html

9th PLACE: 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 6cylinder

Highs: Vaultlike platform, a bull in the mud, a brand name with cachet.

Lows: Cramped seats and footwells,too heavy, dismal fuel economy.

The Verdict: Happy in the mountains of Montana, unhappy on errands in Minneapolis.

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14474/2008-jeep-liberty-limited-4x4.html

Interesting read.

BTW: Here is a link to the overall scores;

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/download/TinyUtes_final.pdf

J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Initial Quality Study

The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories—quality of design and quality of production (defects and malfunctions).

Some surprises as to where some manufacturer's sit, both high and low.

Here's a link to a PDF of the article;
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pdf/2007088.pdf

DB Walkaround; 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan -PART TWO-

The 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan -Part TWO-

Features, Advantages, and Benefits

Honda has raised the bar as far as what the Honda Civic comes with for features. Let's start with the basic features that most cars have and move on from there.

The 2008 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission, yeah, that's right a 5-speed automatic transmission. I am not saying that this is unique to Honda, but I will say it is pretty unique to a 4 cylinder engine, most manufacturer's give you a 4-speed automatic (almost all give you a 5-speed manual). By having the extra gear to kick into, when you are at higher speeds (hwy) you will idle lower, making for a quieter engine/quieter ride and rpm's are lower so you conserve gas (check it out, at around 110km's/hr, the idle sits just over 2,000/rpm's - most vehicles will be at or over 2,500/rpm's).

The air conditioning unit comes with a micron filter which works like a heppa filter on a vaccum, filtering out alot of the debris in the air, this helps those out with alergies, etc. The Civic comes with both a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, which means that not only will the steering wheel tilt up and down - but it will also move in and out. This is great for people of my body type. I am not the tallest guy in the world (5'8") and what height I do have is in my legs, so when I sit in a seat I sit further back because of my longer legs, so I find I end up reaching a bit for the steering wheel. By having the telescoping steering wheel, I can move it closer to me (in/out) so I don't have to compromise my seating position, which makes for a more comfortable ride. Electronic Cruise Control is on the car, so you can comfortably set your speed and rest your foot on a long drive or for you 'lead-foots'. The full power group is included on this trim, power windows, power door locks, power heated side door mirrors, and a power moonroof with the tilt feature, all convenience features made to make life easier!

The audio is something pretty good for a factory deck. In most cases it is made by Alpine (I have seen decks made by Panasonic as well), I don't know why they don't brag about this, Alpine and Panasonic make good electronic's. The decks will play most +/- burnt CD's and mp3 files. There is also an auxillary jack located below the power outlet to plug in a i-pod or mp3 player, all you have to do is get a 'stereo cable' (has two male ends that look like the end of a earphone cable). It will not charge your i-pod at the time and you have to use your i-pod to control the songs etc., however you can get what's called an 'i-link' from Honda where you can do both.

The first thing that you will be drawn to when you step inside of the car is the new 'heads up' display. You'll notice that all of your most commonly used guages are always within your front periferal vision, you do not have to peek through the steering wheel in order to see what the speed, gas, or oil temperature is at. The more your eyes are on the road the safer you'll be. You really have to hand it to Honda for putting together such a dramatically different dash together than ever before (competitor's included), they could have kept turning out the same old stuff and still sold a whack of cars.

The middle armrest actually can be pulled forward to give you more of an armrest (or is some cases of sitting closer to the dash a armrest at all). Inside of the armrest is a generous storage compartment that will fit 10X CD cases and also has another power outlet for a cel phone. This extra power outlet gives you 2X in all. The nice thing about the power outlet being tucked away in the armrest/storage compartment is that when you charge your cel phone in the armrest it will be out of sight, so if you stop for a coffee at 7-Eleven (http://www.7-eleven.com/) a thief doesn't pass by, sees it and does a smash and grab. Plus, having the cel phone out of the way while you are charging it, you won't have all the cables in the way of the shifter.

Exclusive to the 2008 Civic EX-L's is the Leather with heated front seats. If you have kids or pets, leather is easier to keep clean than cloth. There is a manual height adjustable seat as well, perfect for me being long in the leg, so I can 'pump it up'.

Introducing, The DB Walkaround

I will be reviewing/going over a specific car in great detail. I will start with Honda (for pretty obvious reasons) and eventually moving onto other brands and vehicles.

Here are the sections that I will cover in depth;

-Introduction
-Under the Hood/Performance
-Features, Advantages and Benefits
-Safety
-Economy (gas mileage, etc.)
-Other (little known facts, etc.)
-Competitors

I may add other sections as we go. So stay tuned (pun intended), the first one will be within the next 48 hours.

BTW: Anything you can add in the comments section would be appreciated.

Consumer Guide's Award Winners for 'Best Buy' and 'Recommended'

Honda has done a pretty good job of making the 'Best Buy' and 'Recommended' list for the Consumer Guide Awards. Here is the list of the Honda and Acura vehicles to make the lists, and if you click on the appropriate car, it will take you to the write up page.

BEST BUY AWARDS
2008 Acura MDX
2007 Acura MDX
2007 Acura TL
2008 Honda Accord
2007 Honda Accord
2008 Honda Civic
2007 Honda Civic
2008 Honda CR-V
2007 Honda CR-V
2008 Honda Odyssey
2007 Honda Odyssey
2008 Honda Pilot
2007 Honda Pilot

RECOMMENDED AWARDS
2008 Acura TL
2007 Acura TSX
2008 Honda Fit
2007 Honda Fit
2008 Honda Ridgeline
2007 Honda Ridgeline

Here is the link to the full list of other cars;
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/