Honda Civic Archives - Page 15 of 15

Honda Civic Hybrid, 2008 (Video Review)

The IMA, as previously mentioned, allows a vehicle to operate solely on electric power in certain situations. The CVT feature replaces conventional gears with a belt-and-pulley system that continuously and automatically adjusts to provide a more efficient and nearly unlimited number of drive ratios. Since its redesign in 2006 (the 33rd year of the vehicle’s distribution in the Unites States) the Civic no longer looks staid. It’s now a sporty, full-sized sedan that comfortably seats five. Videogragher Bruce Aldrich and I review the car in a two-minute video. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in

Honda Begins Limited U.S. Distribution Of Hydrogen Car, Clarity

The FCX Clarity runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water and none of the gases believed to induce global warming. Honda began transporting the first supply of the vehicle June 16 from Takanezawa, Japan to Los Angeles. A few dozen of perhaps 200 of the vehicles expected to be available in coming months have created a buzz among Hollywood celebrities, according to the Associated Press. The news service reported actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Harris, filmmaker Christopher Guest and Ron Yerxa and businessmen Job Spallino and Jim Salomon are among the Clarity’s first customers. Honda believes its new car is two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a standard gasoline-powered car.

News Service, Sports Cars

2008 Porsche Tops J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality List

The Porsche 911 has the fewest quality issues, with 67 problems per 100 vehicles, the study noted. Lincoln took dubious honors, falling from No. 3 to No. 15, according to the results released June 4. Jeep is at the list, with Mini one position from the bottom. Saturn also faltered, falling to No. 33 from No. 20 in 2007. Ford and Mercury performed well both in the top 10. J.D. Power and Associates commended the auto industry for “a continued reduction in the level of defects and malfunctions” in vehicles. Overall quality improved by 6 percent in 2008 compared with 2007. The study found that new-vehicle sales in 2008 shifted away from large cars and trucks toward smaller models. The

Convertibles, Luxury cars, News Service, Sedans, Sports Cars

Ford Mustang Tops List Of Young Drivers' Most Wanted Cars

ForbesAuto.com, in its long article written by John Adams, is quick to explain vehicles purchased by car buyers under age 21 represent only 1.2 percent of all new car sales. Nevertheless, it’s interesting]]> to examine young car buyers’ habits, particularly considering 3.2 million kids in the United States have or will graduate from high school this year. Nine of out the top-10 (and ties) favorites among young car buyers are automobiles priced under $20,000. Ford has three cars on the list, Volkswagen, Toyota and Honda are represented twice. Jeep, Dodge and Chevrolet have one selection each. 10. Volkswagen Jetta; 9. Dodge Charger; 8 (tie) Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150; 7. (tie) Ford Focus, Chevrolet Impala; 6. Toyota Corolla; 5. 2009 Toyota

Electric and Hybrid, Sedans

Honda Civic (Hybrid), 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Like I experienced when I first test drove the Civic hybrid in 2004, the current version in exceedingly quiet. During stops, for example, it seems the vehicle’s engine has stopped. Instead, it’s the engine operating solely on electric power. The hybrid Civic is equipped with a 110-horsepower, 1.3-liter engine with two relatively new features largely known by acronyms, IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). A five-speed manual transmission was previously available, but now the hybrid is only offered with an automatic transmission. The IMA, as previously mentioned, allows a vehicle to operate solely on electric power in certain situations. The CVT feature replaces conventional gears with a belt-and-pully system that continuously and automatically adjusts to provide a

Electric and Hybrid

Hybrid Sales Continue To Climb In United States

The total sale of all hybrids in U.S last month was the second-highest ever, falling only behind the May 2007 total. The total pushed hybrid to a total sales share of 2.8 percent. Toyota reported 20,635 sales of the Prius in March 2008, an increase of eight percent over March 2007 and the model’s second-best month’s results to date. The Camry Hybrid sold 6,930 units, up 35 percent, and representing 17.1 per cent of all Camry sales. The Highlander Hybrid sold 2,239 units, down 10 per cent from March 2007, and representing 20.7 per cent of all Highlanders sold. The Lexus RX400h sold 1,570 units, up seven percent, and representing 20.3 percent of all RX models sold. The GS450h sold

News Service, Sports Cars

AOL has its troubles, but its auto channel is cool

America Online, now officially called AOL, began in 1985. And it has arguably had the most tumultuous tenure of any Internet portal or search engine. The site and e-mail system still has an estimated 10 million subscribers and it likely has an equal number of detractors as it does loyal followers. For me, AOL’s auto section may be its best attribute. It’s comprehensive, offers myriad and often-updated features and the editors’ subject choices are relevant. One regular feature is the site’s top-10 most searched 208 vehicles. I’m not certain how often the list is updated, but here’s the current list, an interesting cross-section of the car-buying public’s interests. 1. Chrysler 300C; 2. Honda Civic; 3. Infiniti G35; 4. Nissan Maxima;

Economy cars

Suzuki Aerio, 2006: The Weekly Driver Car Review

It’s also likely a safe assumption that many car buyers still can’t afford a $30,000 vehicle. Suppose, for example, a new car buyer has only $15,000 to spend. What’s available? And what’s a prudent purchase in the price range? One good choice is the 2006 Suzuki Aerio SX. The 4-door economy wagon has a lot to offer. With every available option, the vehicle’s price is only slightly more than half the national average of a new vehicle. My test drive for the week was the four-cylinder, 155-horsepower Aerio with a five-speed manual transmission. The vehicle’s standard features alone warrant a long look for economy shoppers: air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM/6-CD changer and split folding rear seats. For

Economy cars, Sports Cars

Suzuki Reno, 2006: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Average price or luxury price, it makes little different. A new vehicle approaching $30,000 still far exceeds many budgets. But what if the benefits of a new warranty are appealing and a consumer has less than half of the average new car price available? One decent option is the Suzuki Reno. It’s not as well known as most of its competitors, most notably the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus and Honda Civic. But during my weekly test drive, the South Korean manufacturer’s four-door compact not only provided solid transportation, but it did so with surprising responsiveness, good comfort and good overall functionality. The Reno is a basic vehicle, and I don’t want to give the wrong impression. There are reasons the

Electric and Hybrid, Sedans

Honda Civic, 2004 (Hybrid): The Weekly Driver Car Review

The first time I came to a stoplight, the car was so quiet I thought the engine had stalled. I tried to restart the car, but the 2004 Honda Civic hybrid’s engine was already on, and I advanced when the light changed in my favor. But the same thing happened at the next spotlight and again at the third red light I reached. It wasn’t like I was driving a “high-tech” vehicle and didn’t know how properly operate it. Rather, it was “only” Honda Civic Hybrid — the first hybrid I’ve had as a weekly test drive. But finally I got it. The “little” Honda Civic hybrid is more technically advanced than I imagined. In fact, the engine “idle stops.”

Sport Utility Vehicles

Pontiac Vibe, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

I accelerated, but the truck driver did the same and there wasn’t a choice to make. I slowed down, braked slightly and moved into position behind the truck as the end of the ramp and a restraining wall drew quite near. Within a few seconds, disaster awaited. But I remained calmed, and the Vibe handled the maneuver smoothly. The brief, unsettling moment provided one of several impressive experiences with the sporty wagon/mini SUV. My test vehicle was the standard Vibe with a 130-horse power 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The second-year offering from Pontiac is also available in GT and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models that include ABS brakes as standard equipment. While slightly shorter than a Honda