2012 Honda Civic Leads KBB.com’s Compact Sedan Comparison

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The 2012 Honda Civic leads KBB.com’s compact sedan comparison.

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic came out on top in a recent compact sedan comparison by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Although the Civic tied for the top stop with the Hyundai Elantra, editors found that the Civic had its own distinct strong points.

“At some point in time, most everyone drives a compact sedan, whether it is a commuter car, second car, empty nester car or even a rental car,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, noting the importance of this segment.

Specifically, editors praised the Civic’s value and performance. Like with previous generations, the new Civic “does it better all at once,” and “succeeds a lot and fails nowhere.” While each compact sedan in the comparison fits the needs of a certain buyer with his or her own set of priorities, the Civic was the most well-rounded of the bunch.

“Because this vehicle class is an inevitable part of most American drivers’ lives, we wanted to put the top new models up against each other head-to-head to see how they would fare,” added Nerad. “While the caliber of vehicles is better than ever in the compact sedan category across the board, each model proved to have different strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should know about before they make their final decision.  The cars are in the same segment, but they certainly aren’t the same, and we found that each meets the needs of a particular set of consumers.”

Read more: http://www.hondainthenews.com/2012-honda-civic-leads-compact-sedan-comparison/#more-2018

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2012 Honda Accord Won’t See A Price Increase

For 2012, the account will receive minor styling updates. There’s also a new Special Edition trim level. Other big updates include a standard USB audio interface on every Accord with the addition of the feature to the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedan models.

Engine choices on the 2012 Honda Accord include a 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i‑VTEC four-cylinder engine. There’s also a 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, which is standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models. Lastly, there’s also a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower.

To boost fuel-efficiency on V6 models, the Accord also boasts Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, an innovative valvetrain system that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising. Accord transmission choices vary by engine and trim level and include a five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Safety is assured thanks to the Accord’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), which is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. This system works in conjunction with other safety features including front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver’s and front passenger’s active head restraints. There’s also Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control and four-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

When it comes to convenience and entertainment, the 2012 Honda Accord really shines. Buyers can choose between three audio systems and a satellite navigation system that includes an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. That system also provides the Zagat Survey guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions.

The 2012 Honda Accord continues to be a sophisticated model that excels in safety, performance, and fuel-efficiency. The four-cylinder Accord LX Sedan with a 5-Speed Manual has an MSRP of $21,380. The 2012 Accord coupe starts at $22,980.

Read more: http://www.hondainthenews.com/2012-honda-accord/#more-1998

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The 2012 Honda Fit To Get Updated

The 2012 Honda Fit will get updated styling and equipment.

Honda’s versatile, fuel-efficient, and fun five-door now features a quieter interior and a range of other new features for the 2012 model year. The B-segment continues to be an important segment as more consumers search for fuel efficient cars, and the 2012 Honda Fit will maintain its appeal thanks to its reasonably-sized exterior dimensions and cavernous interior.

For 2012, the Fit will receive new standard equipment and a few minor updates to its styling. Sport models will feature new grilles, black headlight bezels and a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels. The base model will boast body-colored mirrors and a new wheel cover design. Last but not least, the Fit Sport will include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, as well as Bluetooth hands-free telephone on navigation-equipped cars.

The 2012 Fit will continue to be powered by Honda’s venerable 1.5-liter four cylinder engine, which produces 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Buyers will be able to choose between a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Honda Fit may not change much for the new model year, but it will continue to offer an award-winning formula. Awards and accolades for the Fit include:

• Car and Driver Magazine’s “10Best Cars” list continuously from 2007 through 20112
• In the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, the Fit earned the highest initial quality score in its segment
• The Fit has also been named a 2011 Top Recommended vehicle by Edmunds.com in its 2011 New Car Sedan Buying Guide.
• Fit captured the 2011 Residual Value Award for “Best Sub Compact Car” from ALG.

Read more: http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-announces-updates-to-the-2012-fit/#more-1995

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Honda Finishes Second In The 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS)

Honda finishes second in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.

It was Honda’s best performance ever in the annual study, which this year evaluated data from more than 73,000 buyers/lessees of new 2011 vehicles after 90 days of ownerships.

Three of the company’s manufacturing plants also received IQS honors, including two of its facilities here in America. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, which builds the all-new Honda Civic, was one of only three plants in the world to win a J.D. Power Platinum award this year, and the automaker’s complex in East Liberty, Ohio, where the Honda Accord Crosstour, CR-V and Element are built, took home a Bronze award.

Not coincidentally, all of those vehicles finished in the top three of their segments for Honda.

“Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business, and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organization—in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales—to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura.”

Read more: http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-gets-best-ever-ranking-in-2011-initial-quality-study/#more-1966

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2012 Honda Crosstour Offers New Colors And Features

The 2012 Honda Crosstour offers new colors and features!

For 2012, there’s even more standard features coming to the Crosstour. The base EX model will include auto on/off headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface. Two new colors are also available on all Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl replaces Tango Red Pearl.

The more luxurious EX-L model adds 18-inch aluminum wheels with P225/60R18 all-season tires, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, Kevlar cone audio speakers, front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, an auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, a HomeLink transmitter and a cargo privacy cover.

Powering the 2012 Honda Crosstour is the same 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine that powers the current model. The engine produces 271 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It’s even equipped with Variable Cylinder Management(VCM), which allows the engine to run on 3,4, or 6 cylinders to maximize power and efficiency.

Read more: http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-adds-more-standard-content-to-the-crosstour-for-2012/#more-1960

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