Honda CR-Z Turbo Could Arrive This Year

Due to overwhelming demand, not to mention lackluster sales for the original hybrid version, Honda will bring to market its CR-Z turbo model, possibly as early as this year.

Facing new competition from the Hyundai Veloster, and aiming to offer something in line with higher-performance versions of the MINI Cooper, the CR-Z turbo will reportedly be available in two performance levels. A 160-hp model will offer added grunt, whole a 200-hp version will top the line. Both cars will use a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.

At last year’s SEMA Show, Honda displayed a CR-Z Hybrid R Concept (above), using a 1.5-liter turbocharged and hybrid engine to deliver as much as 200-hp.

The current CR-Z makes 122-hp and 128 ft-lbs of torque.

If Honda is able to move ahead on the project as fast as it’s believed they want to, we could see a debut of the car before the end of the year at the Tokyo Auto Show.

[Source: AutoCar]

Honda Prelude Concept

Nothing official, in fact this could be classed as 'fan art', but does it ever look nice, great job! Anyway, here's to wishful thinking....
Source;
http://stricltyebusinessexpo.com/view.php?video=8f1l0m0Yc1U&feature=youtube_gdata_player&title=Honda+Prelude+Concept+car

Honda CR-Z TS-1X : DigInfo

2013 Honda Accord (codename 2GA) rendering and information

Back in July Honda President, Takanobu Ito, reveal plans to introduce midsize plug-in hybrid car to United States and Japan in 2012. Accoding to latest report from Japanese Mag-x,the car will be a plug-in hybrid version of next generation Honda Accord (codename 2GA).

The same source also reveal that the car is in research and development at Honda R & D center in Japan. The new car will divide to Japanese/European version and U.S./China/Asia version.body size of the new North american’s Accord is about 4895×1845x1470mm.

The engine will be the range of inline four cylinder 2.0L, 2.4L and V6. 3.5L.But the most interesting is the debut of Plug in Hybrid-petrol version.

In 2010 LA motorshow honda reveal a plug-in hybrid platform which autoten expect to use in the 2013 Honda Accord hybrid. A four cylinder 2.0L petrol have The two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximise driving efficiency: all-electric, petrol-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

When the Honda plug-in hybrid system operates in electric mode, it can achieve a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph.Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The car will arrive in November 2012.

Source;
http://autoten.com/2010/12/08/2013-honda-accord-codename-2garendering-and-information/

Toyota, Honda Join 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Just the Facts:
-The 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan's premier tuner show, opens Friday.
-There will be 640 cars on display, with Honda, Toyota and Nissan all taking major stands.
-New tuner CR-Z and "Toyota Miata" are among the highlights.

TOKYO — For Japan's legions of gearheads, all roads lead to the Makuhari Messe this coming weekend when the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon throws open its doors.

As Japan's premier tuner/custom show, the Tokyo auto salon has always been this wild ride of cars, noise and aftermarket excitement and the 2011 show, with more than 600 cars on show and 361 exhibitors, has the makings of another classic.

We gave you a brief preview last week of Nissan's plans. Now, Toyota and Honda have just released a few details on their TAS displays.

Toyota, which put a massive effort into last year's show, promises another GRMN-tuned iQ special and will unveil the TES Concept T-Sports, an intriguing lightweight, compact, rear-drive sports car project — perhaps a precursor to some kind of "Toyota Miata." The new Vitz (Yaris) compact also gets the tuner treatment. No official word, but many hope the "Toyobaru" (a/k/a Toyota's FT-86 sport coupe) gets another airing.

Honda, amazingly, revives the NSX, unveiling a Sports Modulo edition of its classic midengine V6 coupe with genuine aftermarket parts. Honda also has the TS-1X test study model, based on the CR-Z hybrid coupe, but no further data is available on that prior to the show.

With hundreds of other small companies showing all manner of quixotic machinery (1,000-horsepower GT-R", for example), the frenetic 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon is all set for take-off.

Inside Line says: Anyone who thinks Japan has lost its mojo should check out the Tokyo auto salon. Japan's passion for speed, cars and excitement is definitely still alive and well. — Peter Nunn, Correspondent

Source;
http://www.insideline.com/toyota/toyota-honda-join-2011-tokyo-auto-salon.html

Watch the All-New Honda Civic Concept Debut Live from the 2011 North American International Auto Show

Here we go!
01/04/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

For those who cannot attend the North American International Auto Show in person, Honda will unveil the all-new Civic Concept live via webcast at http://hondanews.com/live/2011naias on January 10th 1:45 PM, EST. The keynote presenter at the press conference will be John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., executive vice president.

For additional information on Honda's announcements at the 2011 North American International Auto Show please visit http://hondanews.com/live/2011naias.

Connect with Honda: Honda media newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com

Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/watch-the-all-new-honda-civic-concept-debut-live-from-the-2011-north-american-international-auto-show

CarScoop: New Honda Fit Shuttle: Leaked Brochure Reveals Station Wagon-Like Model

Japan only for now, although this would make sense in almost any market.

"A bonanza of allegedly official brochure photos showing a new, station-wagon-like variant of the Japanese domestic market [JDM] Fit have leaked onto the internet. Named the Fit Shuttle, the car appears to be based on the recently refreshed Fit (Honda uses the Jazz nameplate in Europe, Australia and other international markets) featuring a longer body with taller roofline and a redesigned rear end.

As you can see in the brochure shots, the Fit Shuttle will be offered in two flavors, a Hybrid version powered by the same IMA system with a 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine featured on the five-door hatchback model, and a more powerful variant with a regular 1.5-liter gasoline unit.

According to the Japanese media, the Fit Shuttle will be introduced in its home market within the next few weeks with sales to start around March. We'll follow the story and keep you posted on any updates.

Kudos to J.F. for the tip!
Sources: Ryuji & Mincara"

Source;

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-honda-fit-shuttle-leaked-brochure.html

Honda Debuts Sleek and Sophisticated Concepts for All-New 2012 Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Models

01/10/2011 - DETROIT

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan are making world debuts at the North American International Auto Show today, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this spring, the company announced.

"The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet."

The 2012 Civic embraces the company's vision as a "Civic for all people," a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of an increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed vision of a "Civic for all people." The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.

Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry.

As a new interpretation of the current Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy appearance. The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the sedan's and coupe's clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.

The Civic Concept sedan takes on a sophisticated presence with a front grille defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a chrome Honda emblem. The look of the Civic Si Concept coupe conveys an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk. The Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy wheels.

Powertrain Technology
The Civic's family of engines with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.

Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist™ technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.

Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in America. The increased availability of the Civic GX helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.

Safety
The 2012 Civic continues to emphasize safety and is anticipated to score well in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program1 (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations. The 2001 Honda Civic Coupe was one of the first two passenger cars ever to earn the federal government's top 5-star crash safety rating3 for the driver and front- and rear-seat passengers in both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) as standard equipment.

Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic continues to provide Honda's exclusive and innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for frontal collision energy management.

Accolades and Manufacturing
As a top-selling model for Honda, the current, eighth-generation Civic has sold more than 1.5 million units since the 2006 model went on sale in late 2005. The 2006 Civic earned both the prestigious Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and the North American Car of the Year awards.

The current-generation Civic continues to be a significant entry-point to the Honda brand for younger buyers, introducing on average more than 90,000 new-car customers under the age of 35 to the brand every year. More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the U.S. as of calendar-year 2010 were made4 in North America at manufacturing facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in Canada.

Source;
http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-debuts-sleek-and-sophisticated-concepts-for-all-new-2012-civic-si-coupe-and-civic-sedan-models

2011 North American Auto Show: 2012 Honda Civic Sedan Concept

Very nice, can't wait to see what they're going to do to the interior....

Meanwhile, four-door buyers can expect an exterior design very similar to the 2011 Civic. Though the sedan's front-fascia wears a little bit more menace than the current design, the carried-over grille and headlights are more than a little familiar. Out back, new tail lamps and a re-sculpted trunk deck dominate the view.

Honda says that for the first time, buyers in all 50 states will be able to get their hands on the natural-gas Civic. Previously, the green machine was only available in select markets. Additionally, the Civic Hybrid will now boast lithium-ion batteries as opposed nickel-metal hydride. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Source (w/more pix);

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/detroit-2011-honda-civic-coupe-and-sedan-concepts-are-visions-o/

2011 North American Auto Show: 2012 Honda Civic Coupe Si Concept

Honda dusted off concept versions of the ninth generation Civic Coupe and Sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show today, and the automaker says that along with mildly updated exteriors, both vehicles will wear improved interiors compared to the current-generation Civic. Judging from the history of Honda concepts, there's a good chance that the production versions of both the four and two-door Civics will be very similar to the vehicles you see above. That means that the Civic Coupe will wear styling influenced heavily by the current Accord Coupe.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/detroit-2011-honda-civic-coupe-and-sedan-concepts-are-visions-o/

Straightline Video: 2012 Honda Civic Concept Unveiled

2012 Civic: Honda Slims Down New Civic

Now that the new Civic has been unveiled, feedback has been positive....
By CHESTER DAWSON

Honda Motor Co. unveiled a svelter version of its mainstay compact Civic car at the Detroit auto show on Monday in an effort to prevent the auto maker's momentum from stalling out in the U.S. market. The ninth generation Civic will roll into showrooms this spring after disappointing sales last year of three recent Honda models, the CR-Z hybrid coupe, Accord Crosstour hatchback and Insight hybrid.

The latest Civic is designed to help Honda beat back challenges from an increasing array of competitors with new or refreshed models, including the General Motors's Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte. That stepped up rivalry in a segment long dominated by Honda and category leader Toyoya Motor Corp., with its Corolla model, comes as newer Honda models have failed to find much traction in the U.S. market.

Company officials say they are confident the new Civic will appeal to a wide cross-section of U.S. car buyers. "The new Civic will fulfill the needs of nearly every compact buyer," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.

Yet sales last year of the CR-Z, which was launched in August, and the Accord Crossover, which was added to the Honda line-up in November 2009, both have been below the company's own forecasts. The Accord Crossover undersold same class rival the Toyota Venza by nearly 2-to-1 last year and the Honda Insight trailed even farther behind Toyota's Prius. Meanwhile, the new CR-Z has not succeeded in establishing a niche so far.

"A lot of people have suggested that Honda is coasting," said Aaron Bragman, a senior analyst with IHS Automotive. "Recently, they haven't been the successful innovator they were once known for being ."

Honda said the fuel economy of the latest Civic would be 40 miles per gallon, a level now standard for compact cars, but declined to provide details on the engine size, weight, interior features or suggested price.

However, company officials promised the new Civic would be smaller, lighter, cheaper and more fuel efficient than the current generation of their bread-and-butter model. In an effort to achieve those ambitious benchmarks, Honda at one point suspended development of the car which resulted in a delay of nearly a year from when the Civic had been expected to make its debut.

"The [economic] environment changed so we needed to make changes that better reflected a new reality," said Toshiyuki Okumoto, Honda's chief designer for the new Civic. "The overall scale was reduced, but we didn't change our newer styling concepts."

As Honda's second-best-selling car in the U.S. after the Accord and the fourth-best-selling car overall in 2010, the Civic franchise is one of the most important for Honda, which depends on the North American market for more of its overall sales and profits than any other Japanese auto maker.

Honda faces a difficult challenge in its need to bridge the expectations of older, existing Civic owners who it wants to keep loyal to the brand with the competitive need to offer a fresh enough product to attract younger, newer buyers. Even as Hyundai and several American brands picked up market share in the U.S. last year, Honda saw its share drop to 10.6%, down from 11% in 2009.

In addition to the standard model, Honda also will debut a new hybrid variant that will use for the first time a lithium-ion battery pack. What's more, the company plans to begin selling a natural gas-powered Civic across the country, expanding from current sales in just four states.

Source;
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703779704576074522250122938.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Car and Driver: Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Concepts - Auto Shows

And now for car and driver's take....

This pair of Detroit concepts point directly to the next-gen 2012 Civic, which will come in regular, Si, hybrid, and natural-gas versions.
BY TONY SWAN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK M. HOEY AND THE MANUFACTURER January 2011

The Honda Civic, a perennial compact bestseller, is being readied for a major makeover, and this is essentially what the coupe and sedan will look like when they go on sale this spring as 2012 models. We say essentially, because the cars unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—coupe and sedan body styles—were presented as concepts.

This is typical Honda preview tease, but aside from the 19-inch wheels and some minor exterior trim, the concepts are very faithful representatives of the production cars’ styling. Clearly, Honda was going for an evolutionary take on the current Civic’s shape. Also typical of Honda preview, very little substance accompanied the showbiz reveal ceremony. No specifications, no price info.

Insider Tips and Guesstimating
However, we do have some insider hints regarding these preview princesses, as well as some educated guesses. Honda verified that these cars will actually be slightly smaller than the old models, and lighter, too; our guesswork has us figuring on updates in chassis rigidity, improved aerodynamics, improved crashworthiness, more refinement, and continued high marks for fun-to-drive.

What we do know about powertrains and model availability: The sedan and coupe will both be available in workaday variants, and the Si coupe concept shown here clearly heralds the return of that hopped-up model. Honda also said that the 2012 Civic sedan will come in three additional flavors: Si, hybrid, and natural-gas.

The hybrid will upgrade to lithium-ion batteries (from NiMH) and the latest version of Big H’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, and the availability of the natural-gas Civic GX will be broadened to cover the entire country. (The current GX is available only in Oklahoma, Utah, New York, and California.) No detail was given on the base or Si models’ i-VTEC gas engines or transmissions, although Honda did say they’d be more fuel-efficient. We figure on evolutionary changes yielding small power increases, plus five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a new six-speed automatic in place of the old five-speeder.

It will be a while before Honda reveals any pricing info, but we estimate a base sticker of about $17,000 for the entry sedan and coupe, soaring to over $25K for top-spec trims. Hot-rod Si models will probably start at a little over $23,000.

This will be the ninth generation of Honda’s Civic line, which dates to 1973. Although it constantly battles Toyota’s Corolla in the compact sales charts, the Civic’s blend of thrifty operation, durability, innovation, value, and lively dynamics have made it a long-time Car and Driver favorite and a five-time 10Best winner. We’re looking forward to seeing if this latest one picks up the mantle.

Source;

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/honda_civic_si_coupe_and_civic_sedan_concepts-auto_shows

TOV: Honda Dealer Memo Says 4-Cylinder CrossTour and 2012 CR-V on their Way Along with New Civic

In an email sent out to dealers today, Honda has revealed that a 4-cylinder Accord CrossTour model is on its way. The memo says it will be released "mid-summer" but we have been told that it might be much later in the year. Also mentioned in the memo is a "late April" release date for the 2012 Civic (which we have known for some time), a mention of the upcoming 2012 CR-V FMC, and also a mention of the Pilot's MMC.

There was no other information contained within the email sent out by Honda BUT we have learned separately that the CrossTour 4-cylinder model would most likely only be offered in the lower trim levels and FWD initially. We have also heard that the all-new CR-V will come with an all-new 4-cylinder engine, and it would likely be larger than 2.4L - perhaps displacing as much as 2.6 or even 2.7L.

Source (via Carscoop);
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=949553

Honda says it will keep Ridgeline pickup

This coincides with what I've been told;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2010/11/rumours.html
If you had any thoughts that Honda might be having misgivings about the truck business, banish them. The youth-oriented Element crossover may be dying, but the Ridgeline pickup will go on.

That's the word from Executive Vice President John Mendel of Honda's U.S. unit, who was quick to squash rumors that Ridgeline, the brand's quirky little truck, could be next on the chopping block. Honda sold 16,142 Ridgelines last year, almost the same as in 2009, but paltry in comparison to truck models from other makers. Toyota, for instance, sold 106,198 of its small Tacoma pickups. General Motors sold 24,642 of its Chevrolet Colorado small pickup truck.

Mendel says Ridgeline has developed a strong following and it increases Honda's "share of garage." It's small truck, yet has a four-door cab, a short bed and a hidden compartment in back.

"We think we have a ways to go on the Ridgeline," he said. It increases Honda's "share of garage." But he wouldn't say when, or commit, to a next generation build for Ridgeline. Honda announced late last year that it will kill the Element, a practical, boxy crossover originally aimed at surfers, bikers and other youthful fun seekers.

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/01/honda-ridgeline-element-retained/1

January 10th, 2011; 2011 Detroit Auto Show: world premier of the 2012 Honda Civic coupe and sedan prototypes

As of today, only 4 more sleeps!
Honda will unveil the coupe and sedan prototypes of the all-new 2012 Civic during the Detroit Auto Show press preview on January 10 and 11, 2011.

Judging by the image of the coupe published earlier, the ninth generation of the most popular car in Canada will have similar dimensions but benefit from a facelift.

Considering all the positive feedback generated by the CR-Z, it’s a safe bet that the Civic’s new styling will be heavily inspired by the two-seater. It’s also highly likely that it will borrow features from its European counterpart while maintaining select styling components, such as the grille.

However, the engine selection is still shrouded in mystery, and no one seems to agree on it. Will the Civic keep the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre i-VTEC mills? Will it offer a hybrid variant similar the one currently available on the CR-Z?

Thankfully, we’ll get the full scoop on the newest Civic next week. Auto123 will be presenting it, with great pleasure, in our section dedicated to the Detroit Auto Show.

Source;
http://www.auto123.com/en/news/car-news/2011-detroit-auto-show-world-premier-of-the-2012-honda-civic-coupe-and-sedan?model=Civic&carid=1122300200&artid=126452

Congratulations to Honda, and its associates

There were many lessons to be learned during the Great Recession that seems to be loosening its grip on the nation and our part of the world.

One lesson learned was that quality still pays off. Quality products sold at reasonable prices continue to be bought, even in tough times.

That, we believe, is one of the reasons the Honda plant in Lincoln ended 2010 with a stable work force that not only had jobs, but needed to work overtime to increase output of the vehicles built at the plant.

That’s a compliment to the company, of course, and to the men and women who work there, producing more than 270,000 vehicles in 2010. They build the popular Odyssey mini-van in Lincoln, the Pilot SUV, Ridgeline pickups and some Accord V-6 sedans.

Honda employs a flexible manufacturing system that allows management to adjust the mix of vehicles coming out the back door to meet the demand on their dealers’ lots. That means they are producing the cars, trucks, vans and SUVs the buying public wants.

So, congratulations to Honda. And to the 4,000 associates who work there, producing quality products that remain popular, even in difficult economic times.

We are fortunate to have Honda in our community. And Honda is fortunate to have developed a workforce of Alabamians whose work ethic and attention to detail pays off in more sales.

Source;
http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_story/10858268/article-Congratulations-to-Honda--and-its-associates?instance=home_opinion

Honda CRZ Japans Car of the Year Award Winner, Memorial Edition

The Honda CR-Z got a lukewarm welcome in the international automotive media, or should I write confused welcome : cool and lame in equal proportions, nice to look at, entertaining on the inside, almost fun to drive… but not quite : it is not easy to give it thumbs up, or thumbs down.

The Japanese press, on the other hand, likes it much. So much that it gave it the coveted Japanese Car Of The Year 2010. That made Honda feel proud, and they decided to make a CR-Z “α Japanese Car Of The Year Memorial Award Edition” which is also a good way to put the CR-Z back in the news as the sales are slowing somewhat.

Besides winning the 7Tune award of the longest model name of the year, this CR-Z features a special “Pearl Deep Sapphire” color and special 16 inches alloys.

In the cockpit the changes are limited to a set of aluminum pedals… and the obligatory commemorative plate, as well as a uprated satnav with hands free calling, and that’s pretty much it.

1000 cars will be produced and sold between January and March of next year, available as a 6 speed manual or CVT transmission, at the hefty price of 2,794,000 yen. It might look a little steep for a slab of blue paint and a self-congratulating plate, but you also get the super-connected top of the range navigation system that a lot of customers put in anyway, so I guess Honda know what they are doing.

What was your Japanese car of the year ?

7tune – The Ultimate JDM Experience
Words – Pierre-Laurent RibaultSource and Photos – Honda

Source;

http://www.7tune.com/news-honda-cr-z-jcoty-memorial-edition/

2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite vs. 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE Comparison Test

Excellent comparison done by Inside Line, I included the final part of the artical....


Crowning the Ultimate Minivan
Though they have different personalities, the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite and 2011 Toyota Sienna XLE both offer smart, relevant designs in packages that go a long way toward accommodating every possible desire of the modern family. There isn't another vehicle class that's so singularly focused on the very details that make it perfect for the target customer.

Sure, some say the 2011 Honda Odyssey looks like a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer. Others criticize its beltline hitch and not-so-subtle door-slider track, but whether you're talking about seating configuration or slalom performance, the Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is the ultimate minivan of 2011.

Sienna detractors might say it looks like a hospital gurney with a satin sheet thrown over it, and that it handles like a gurney to boot. However, if you're looking for an extremely low-impact, smooth and quiet minivan (or one with a four-cylinder engine or all-wheel drive), there's good reason to consider a 2011 Toyota Sienna.

The Odyssey Touring Elite is the better overall value, though, as its boatload of features easily offsets its price disadvantage versus the Toyota Sienna XLE. Moreover, the Honda's road manners will win the heart of any car-guy-turned-family-man. Forget crossovers. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is the closest thing there is to an eight-passenger sport sedan.

Source;
http://www.insideline.com/honda/odyssey/2011/2011-honda-odyssey-touring-elite-vs-2011-toyota-sienna-xle-comparison-test.html

Honda Customers Affected By E-Mail Hack

Honda doesn't request personal information online, so, DO NOT supply any if you recieve a email from Honda recently.
Just the Facts:

American Honda says thieves have hacked 2.2 million customers' personal data.

Names, e-mail addresses and VINs are among the data, but no financial information.

A second list of 2.7 million Acura owners was also stolen but included e-mail addresses only.

TORRANCE, California — It sounds bad, but perhaps it's not as bad as it could have been: American Honda has notified 2.2 million customers that a list including e-mail addresses, VINs and login information has been stolen by unknown hackers. Company officials say the list didn't include Social Security numbers, birthdates, bank information or other data that would leave people vulnerable to identity theft.

The Columbus, Ohio, Dispatch reported that the list belonged to an outside vendor who was using it to send "welcome" e-mail messages to customers with OwnerLink or MyAcura accounts. Reportedly, 2.7 million Acura owners were on a separate list that was also stolen, but that one had only e-mail addresses on it.

American Honda contacted its customers to apologize and remind them about the possibility that bogus e-mail could come to them asking for private information. Owners can get more information on this FAQ page.

Source;
http://www.insideline.com/honda/hackers-hit-honda-steal-millions-of-customers-data.html