2008 Car and Driver Magazine 10 Best Cars Awards; 2008 Honda Accord & 2008 Honda FIT make the list

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

Canadian Driver Tests the 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan AT 4Cylinder

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

Impending Import Sportscar Comeback

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.

2005 Honda WOW Concept, a possible direction for the Next Gen Honda Element?

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

Aftermarket Honda Ridgeline Caps

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

Honda Set To Make Humanoid Robots A Reality

"Honda's concept is to create a robot that can help around the house, or assist the elderly or someone confined to a wheelchair or bed, that's why ASIMO is just 1.3 metres high so he can communicate eye-to-eye with someone seated in a chair, while still being able to operate light switches and door knobs, and work at tables and work benches. In future, ASIMO might also perform tasks that are dangerous to humans, such as fighting fires or cleaning up toxic spills." According to Honda Australia Senior Director Lindsay Smalley.

ASIMO can walk at 2.7kph and run at 6kph, he uses eye cameras to recognize surrounding environments, register stationary objects and avoid moving obstacles as he moves around. Force (kinesthetic) sensors in his wrists allow him to push carts and give and receive objects, such as a tray of drinks, while an IC Communication card means he can interact with people relatively autonomously, the company says.

Today's ASIMO is more mobile than his predecessors with extra hip, knee and foot joints.

Smalley added that Honda can apply many of ASIMO's technological achievements to other areas such as automotive safety. "For instance, what we have learned from ASIMO about human movement has helped us design a more effective crash-test dummy and develop some of the world's safest cars for pedestrians; while the radar ASIMO uses to move around is being adapted for use in Honda cars as Night Vision, and for detecting and avoiding pedestrians while driving," he said.

Here's the link to the actual article;

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Smart_Ideas/Tomorrow_s_Technology/J8P6F8J5

For more info on ASIMO;

http://www.asimo.com.au/

Newsweek: Honda Accord destined to be #1 in US

Here's a article proclaiming the 2008 Honda Accord as moving into the top spot among US buyers (potentially dethroning the Mighty Camry). Worth a read;
http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/nov2007/bw20071116_686255.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page_top+stories
Here's a link to Business Week;
http://www.businessweek.com/

Honda's Working on alot of Things, but....

Whoa! Now I think I've heard it all! Honda is working on gas-electric, clean diesel, clean diesel Hybrid, Fuel cells, but I don't think they've covered this one yet.
If a Quebec company has its way, dirty diapers normally destined for landfills will soon be transformed into a cost-effective, synthetic diesel fuel. The company is called AMEC out of Montreal, Canada.
Anyway, not normally a topic I cover, but I couldn't resist. Here is the article if you are interested;
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071119/diapers_diesel_071119/20071119?hub=SciTech

Honda Civic Si Coupe Transformer

Apparently the original Bumble Bee in the movie Transformers was supposed to be a Honda Civic Si until GM threw a whack of cash to have all GM products featured. Here's what the Transformer looked like.

Inspiration for the Next S2000

This is just a compliation of design ideas of what the Next Gen Honda S2000 may look like, as it has been official for awhile now that Honda is proceeding with a Full Model Change over. The last pic is the Mugen verion of the current S2000.

IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2008

The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. Another requirement is that winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control (hence no Honda Civic!). This requirement is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.

Top Safety Pick 2008 award winners

Large cars
Audi A6
Ford Taurus with optional electronic stability control
Mercury Sable with optional electronic stability control
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Audi A4
Honda Accord
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy with optional electronic stability control

Midsize convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volvo C70

Small car
Subaru Impreza with optional electronic stability control

Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
BMW X3
BMW X5
Ford Edge
Ford Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz built after August 2007
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class
Saturn VUE built after December 2007
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Subaru Forester with optional electronic stability control

Large pickup
Toyota Tundra

Here's a link to the site;

http://www.iihs.org/

Older Honda Brochures

Here is a link to a bunch of downloadable brochures. Free too.
http://www.hondarevolutions.com/html/resource.htm

'2009 Honda FCX Clarity' Revealed

Well, here's the production version of the FCX the hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered car, this will go on sale mid 2008, initially limited to Southern Californians where hydrogen filling stations are available. Apparently it is only going to be leased for 3 yrs for $600US/mth. Honda also is developing a home fueling station that uses a home's existing natural gas supply to produce hydrogen. In a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, hydrogen combines with oxygen in the vehicle's fuel-cell stack, and energy from the reaction is converted into electricity to power the vehicle. The vehicle's only emission is water.

2008 Honda Accord Coupe VS 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Comparison by Edmunds

2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe 6 Speed Manual Transmission.

2008 Nissan Altima V6 Coupe 6 Speed Manual Transmission.

Here's a nice comparison write up by http://www.edmunds.com/ between two really nice cars.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123357#30

Enjoy the write up, and NO, it wasn't written by Honda.

Honda Happiness Fixed Price Repairs

It looks like something new is being implemented in Europe. It is calle 'Honda Happiness Fixed Price Repairs'. It appears that when you purchase your new Honda you can buy a service plan which essentially allows you to pre-pay for the first 5 years of your servicing at a discounted price. I would imagine that this would also allow people to finance this plan with their vehicle as well. Pretty cool concept, I hope it makes it's way over here.

Here's the link with more info;

http://www.honda.co.uk/happiness/?campaignid=CM0683&advertiserid=dreamonline

The Next Acura NSX Sneak Peek

For those who don't know, Acura is Honda in Japan and Europe. It's pretty much only in North America that some of the Honda's are badged Acura.

2008 Honda Odyssey Mid Model Facelift Pics

Minor changes at best, 'if it ain't broke....'.

New Honda Hybrid in the Works to Properly Compete with the Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius has pretty much dominated the Hybrid battle, at least as far as numbers are concerned. This is partly due to the fact that the Prius has alot of usable space, especially considering that it is a hatchback. In my neck of the woods, the Prius is the Taxi cab of choice (and who can blame them, great on gas with flexible storage space). The Honda Civic has its battery located between the trunk and rear seat, limiting the trunk space and getting rid of the rear folding seats (the only knock that I can think of on the car)!
Honda has now decided that it is time to give the Prius a little more competition. Honda has big plans for their next Hybrid. The new model will only be available with a hybrid system and is rumored to take its styling cues from the FCX fuel-cell vehicle set for production next year.
See my post on the FCX here;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2007/10/2010-honda-fcx.html
My guess is the one up manship begins not only with style but a Clean-Diesel Hybrid Engine!

How a 2006 to 2008 Civic Hybrid Works and other FAQ's

I get alot of questions about how the Civic Hybrid works. Hybrid vehicles are powered by a conventional internal combustion engine just like any other vehicle. The difference is that on a hybrid, that engine is supplemented with an electric motor. In Honda's case, the system is known as Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Both the gas engine and the electric motor are used to propel the car. The electric motor on the Civic Hybrid is sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. The engine and electric motor are directly connected together and turn as a single unit; the Civic engine is always turning while the car is moving.

Whenever you step on the brake pedal of a hybrid, or even just let go of the gas, the computer switches the polarity of the electric motor turning it into a generator to recharge the battery. The brake pedal regulates how much current is sent back to the battery. The harder you step on the brake pedal, the more drag the generator places on the forward motion of the car thereby slowing the vehicle. If the vehicle is not slowing enough, the regular brake system takes over seamlessly to stop the car. When we are ready to go again, the computer will send battery voltage back to the electric motor to move the car. This amounts to free energy, so we need less power from the gasoline motor, hence less gasoline is needed. Since we do not need as much power from the gasoline engine, it can be made smaller and more fuel efficient.

Another way that the Civic Hybrid saves gas is by shutting the engine off whenever you come to a stop. As soon as you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the engine comes back to life without skipping a beat.

You never need to plug the car in to charge the battery, keep in mind that in climates that are cold (ie: Winnipeg, Canada - where I am from), it is wise to plug the car in via the block heater. The battery pack is self-sufficient and recharges itself automatically when decelerating through regenerative braking, as well as when cruising.

The Civic Hybrids run on just regular unleaded gasoline.

You cannot run on the electric motor only when you run out of gas.

The battery pack in designed to last 10years under normal driving conditions.

A Funny one to get the week off right

This is a comic strip by Henry Payne. It's called CarTOONS.

Honda's CR-Z Concept

This could be what some speculate the new CRX.

The Honda CR-Z is a lightweight, two-seater sportscar equipped with Honda’s petrol-electric hybrid IMA powertrain. Honda is looking at a way to create a lightweight sportscar that is fun to drive, but also good to the environment.

The CR-Z features the latest Honda hybrid IMA powertrain to deliver low emissions and impressive economy.

CRZ stands for Compact Renaissance - Zero.

Car & Driver Magazine Honda Odyssey VS Toyota Sienna VS '08 Dodge Grand Caravan VS Nissan Quest VS Hyundai Entourage LTD

Another comparison test for Car And Driver Magazine Online, another 1st place finish for Honda.

1st Place Finish: 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L

Car & Driver Summary

Highs: The most confident steering, the best front seats, great instrument cluster, nifty second-row mother-in-law seat. Lows: Narrow passage to third row, fairly loud inside when cruising, body quivers more than most others on bumps. Verdict: Once golden in the class, now a golden oldie.

Here is the write up;

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14142/2007-honda-odyssey-ex-l.html

2nd Place Finish: 2007 Toyota Sienna LE

Car and Driver Summary

Highs: Disciplined and quiet V-6, good passing power, creamy shifts, quiet interior, best second-row seats. Lows: High effort to fold second- and third-row seats, boring to look at even for a minivan. The Verdict: Rolling anonymity.

Write up;

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14145/2007-toyota-sienna-le.html

3rd Place Finish; 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

Car and Driver Summary

Highs: More stowage possibilities than your local mini-storage, strong V-6, quiet inside, pinpoint overhead reading lamps. Lows: Too much Jeep Commander in the shape, rickety center console, rather bleak interior materials. The Verdict: Can’t beat the clever packaging inside.

Write up;

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14147/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-sxt.html

4th Place Finish: 2007 Nissan Quest SL

Car and Driver Summary

Highs: High-fashion shape, kneeling second row, low step into the coach cabin, wide passage to the third row. Lows: Third row not split, side-door windows don’t go down, long reach to radio and HVAC buttons, no footrest. The Verdict: Out of step and charming for it.

Write up;

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14150/2007-nissan-quest-sl.html

5th Place Finish: 2007 Hyundai Entourage Limited

Car and Driver Summary

Highs: Lots of frills for your dough, center-stack controls up where you can see them, sweet-sounding engine. Lows: Wheel is Armor All slippery, torque steer in first gear, stiff-legged on rough roads, narrow entry to the third row. The Verdict: Another good deal from Hyundai.

Write up;

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14151/2007-hyundai-entourage-limited.html

Here is the link to the whole article;

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/14141/07-entourage-v-07-quest-v-08-grand-caravan-v-07-sienna-v-07-odyssey.html