honda

Why Did Honda Put a Vacuum in the Odyssey Instead of a Diesel Engine?

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Suffice to say, I don’t usually sit back, watch the press releases roll over the wire and shovel out posts. But when I saw that Honda was showing an integrated vacuum cleaner in the new 2014 Odyssey at a New York Auto Show media preview, I got a bit steamed. Not to suggest that they should have added a steamer as well (who wants to arrive at their destination covered in crumbs and wrinkles), but it all seems a bit supliferous, considering the shape we’re in (lay off the out of shape jokes, kids). It’s just hard to understand why Honda continues to withhold their excellent clean diesel engines from America, knowing that they could provide a thirty percent improvement in fuel economy.

Would an integrated vacuum cleaner convince Mom that she had to have the Odyssey over the Town and Country?

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How Many Times Has Bruce Springsteen Mentioned Car Brands in His Songs?

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While it’s slow going, the revival of the American economy can be clearly linked to the renewed strength of our domestic automobile industry. At a rally yesterday at Cuyahoga County Community College in Ohio supporting President Obama, Bruce Springsteen gave thanks that General Motors is still making cars, remarking ”What else would I write about?”

That quote got me thinking about the wealth of automotive imagery in Bruce’s songs over the years, dating all the way back to his very first album, Greetings From Asbury Park. There’s The Angel’s mention of VW – “The interstate’s choked with nomadic hordes in Volkswagen vans with full running boards dragging great anchors,” and the pure American brother in Lost in the Flood, “dull-eyed and empty-faced, race(ing) Sundays in Jersey in a Chevy stock super eight.”

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In the Market for a CNG-Powered Honda Civic? Try the GSA.

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If you’re in the market for a previously-owned low-mileage compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) Honda Civic, you’ll do well to check with your Uncle … Uncle Sam, that is. The United States Government has been purchasing CNG-powered Honda Civic GX and NGV models for over a decade. While these vehicles come up for public auction, you need to know where to look or you’ll miss out. Case in point … there’s an auction coming up on October 11th at the Norwalk Auto Auction in Norwalk, California where a total of sixteen CNG Civics are currently slated to cross the block.

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2012 Honda CR-V EX-L Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD Review Summary:
The Honda CR-V is the new ubiqui-wagon. Chunkiness is out and smooth lines are in. An 18 percent improvement in coefficient of drag enables higher fuel-efficiency and a quieter ride, when compared to the previous model, with attention to detail underneath the CR-V delivering better aerodynamics. More miles per gallon (MPG), a sleeker face, Honda’s legendary reliability, and a well-designed interior ensure that the CR-V will continue to be one of the safest bets among small SUVs and Crossovers.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is powered by a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower (HP) and 163 foot pounds of torque. The inline four is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control. The CR-V is available in either front-wheel- (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD).

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Honda Accord Gas Mileage Improvement Tactics

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While reliability might be the Honda Accord’s strongest suit, an above-average level of fuel-efficiency (relative to size) makes the Accord a solid choice for families and commuters, alike. The Accord has enjoyed consistent popularity through the years – with more than ten million sold – and has grown from compact to full size over that time.

There are simple methods that can be used to increase the Accord’s gas mileage. These methods are both operational and mechanical in nature.

Adopting a fuel-conscious driving style is the surest way to slash the amount you spend at the service station each week. If your Accord is equipped with an Instant MPG (mile per gallon) gauge, using it will help you to become a light-footed driver. Learning when and where to back off on the accelerator pedal is an essential step. A Real-Time Fuel Economy display provides visual feedback to let you know when to let up. If your Accord is not equipped with an Instant MPG gauge from the factory, you can add an aftermarket unit, such as the ScanGaugeE or AutoMeter EcoMeter for under $100 dollars. Both the ScanGaugeE and EcoMeter plug into the OBDII (On Board Diagnostics Port) that’s located underneath the dashboard. There are a number of smartphone apps that can help, as well, but you’ll need an OBD WiFi or Bluetooth adapter (or hardwired cable).

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