Billy Craft Honda

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 4:41 AM

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.”

2012 Honda Accord Won’t See A Price Increase

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 8:54 AM

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.

The 2012 Honda Fit To Get Updated

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:03 AM

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.

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

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 9:37 AM

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.”

2012 Honda Crosstour Offers New Colors And Features

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 5:17 AM

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.

Five Honda’s Win 2011 “Lowest True Cost to Own” awards.

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:27 AM

Five Honda’s Win 2011 “Lowest True Cost to Own” awards. Edmunds.com gives out the awards and it is based on a 5 year ownership period.

Among the winners were the Honda Accord Sedan, Accord Coupe, Civic, Ridgeline, and Pilot. Honda’s luxury arm, Acura, also made it onto the list of winners with the Acura MDX crossover.

“One of the key factors that pushed many of this year’s award winners over the top was their free maintenance plans, which can save car owners hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a five-year period,” said Danny Zhou, senior director of data products and operations at Edmunds.com. “The 2011 Volkswagen CC, for example, edged past its closest competitors in the Sedan $30K-$40K category in large part because it offers free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.”

Edmunds’ True Cost to Own data is based on a number of key factors including depreciation, interest on financing, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance, repairs and any federal tax credit that may be available. After taking these variables into consideration, Honda vehicles excelled in providing value over five-years.

Rules of Defensive Driving

Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:48 AM

If you would like to prevent a car accident, read these tips!

In this collection, "70 Rules of Defensive Driving," by RoadTrip America's contributing expert Robert Schaller, he shares wisdom gained from nearly fifteen years of teaching defensive driving and traffic law in his home state of Arizona.

1. Pay Attention
2. Don't Trust NOBODY!

3. Yield Anyway!
4. Don't Speed!

5. Don't Drive Impaired
6. Wear Your Seat Belt!

7. Buy and Use Safety Devices
8. Motorcyclist, Protect Thyself!

9. Don't Run Red!
10. Drive Precisely

11. Chill Out!
12. Look Down the Road!

13. Create Space
14. Drive to Communicate

15. Drive Predictably
16. Always Signal Your Intentions

17. Know Your Blind Spots!
18. Avoid Distractions

19. Avoid Backing Up
20. Beware of Intersections

21. Be A Freeway Pro
22. Know How To Stop

23. Know When To Use Your Headlights
24. Slow Down in Rain or Snow

25. Maintain Your Tires
26. Take Care of Your Vehicle

27. Get Rid of Tailgaters
28. Maintain an Even, Measured Pace

29. Check for Hydroplaning
30. Know How To Recover From A Skid

31. Avoid Head-On Collisions
32. Be A Safe Passer

33. Avoid the Single-Vehicle Collision
34. Deal with Light Glare

35. Never Play Chicken With a Train
36. Beware of Stopped or Slow-Moving Vehicles

37. Practice Animal Avoidance!
38. Don't Prevent Others from Passing

39. Drive Your Van Safely
40. Practice Smart Bicycling