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2008-05-09

The Honda Civic Hybrid From The Drivers Perspective : Honda ca review

The Honda Civic Hybrid From The Drivers Perspective
by Tony R.
We all know, in basic terms what a hybrid is all about and what some of the advantages are, but do we really know how they work and why they work? Let's take a closer look at that question starting with Honda's Civic hybrid as an example. To make it simple we have a vehicle with a gasoline powered engine much like any other. Added to that, is an auxiliary electric motor that functions to keep the gasoline motor working at a minimum. The electric motor needs some type of power supply to make it function, enter the hybrid system battery which is in addition to the normal 12 volt vehicle battery. Now, we have all the basic components covered so lets get a little deeper into how all these parts work in harmony to power your hybrid vehicle.
We have to think about how and when the IMA system in a Civic hybrid is functioning. There are 2 modes that are used when you're in the car. Either the System is in charge mode working to recharge the hybrid system battery or it is in assist mode where the electric motor is being used to power the vehicle.
How does it work? "Assist"
Now, jump in your hybrid and let's take a look at how things get going. Turning the key to start your Civic hybrid is about the only step that would be comparable to a conventional car. Instead of a starter, your Civic uses the electric motor that is positioned between the gasoline engine and the transmission to get things turning. Now your up and running and heading for the grocery store, your watching that fancy little gauge that shows whether the car is charging or assisting and how much. Your climbing that hill and notice it indicates full assist, good thing since that little gas motor doesn't really like accelerating too quickly on its own.
How does it work? "Charge"
Well, lets pretend that hill was really long and now you've spent a good amount of the energy stored in the hybrid system battery. On the way down your gauge shows full charge mode because the car is using something called regenerative braking to charge the battery back up again for the next hill. Basically, instead of throwing away all the energy that's lost while decelerating or braking, we use regenerative braking to recapture and store some of that energy for when we need that assist function again.
How does it work? "Autostop"
When we come up to a stoplight right before the grocery store, it turns red and we stop. When we stop a Civic hybrid it goes into autostop mode, where the gasoline engine shuts down completely. The unique thing about hybrids is some of your traditional features are electric now instead of mechanical. So, when your sitting at the red light, your air conditioning, audio system, and other comforts continue to work as they would if you were idling there burning gas in a conventional vehicle. Now, when the light turns green and we are off to the races again, you step on the gas peddle and seamlessly the gasoline engine is back up and running. Remember, there is not a normal starter, so it functions just like when you go to start your hybrid.
So what do i get out of it? "Advantages"
With all this back and forth between charging and assisting we find our savings on fuel. We get the advantage of using wasted energy to charge our battery instead of having to plug into an outlet every night. We get the convenience of filling up at normal gas stations, but less often. The biggest advantage when talking about hybrids is, you can walk out to your driveway, get in your car, and head on down the road just as conveniently as you could in a gas only car. Nothing is drastically different from a drivers standpoint, you will not need to get used to a new routine of plugging your car in or trying to find some obscure alt-fuel station.

Honda contract hire - Previewing the Honda range : Honda car review

Honda contract hire - Previewing the Honda range
by Darrell Freeman
Honda contract hire & Honda car leasing can offer the outstanding reliability and quality that you expect from one of Japans leading auto manufacturers. Here are some tips and guides for their various models currently available.
The Accord saloon is available with a choice of two petrol engines, the2.0Litre, 5 speed or the 2.4Litre 5 speed. There is also the highly efficient and powerful turbodiesel 2.2Litre engine.
The Accord saloon is available with a choice of two petrol engines, the2.0Litre, 5 speed or the 2.4Litre 5 speed. There is also the highly efficient and powerful turbodiesel 2.2Litre engine.
The Accord's reliability is second to none according to the customer satisfaction survey published by the independent JD Power organisation. There is also a generous equipment level including cruise and climate controls and alloy wheel trims. This is a very roomy small car with a good amount of boot space.
Honda's little baby is the Jazz, a sure footed town car with spirited performance from its 1.2Litre or 1.4Litre petrol engines. Which don't lack power but are capable of excellent mpg, and are considered to be very reliable. Standard features include two front airbags and anti-lock brake systems; the SE Sport version is also equipped with side impact air bags.
The CR-V with a 2.2-litre diesel engine giving up138bhp is a popular model in the range with an, as standard, manual, 6 speed gearbox. This 4X4 has great off-road capabilities combined with smooth regular road use. Its bulk and height give it a very safe and secure feeling. The gear lever is conveniently situated on the dash; upper end spec models also have a very useful rear view camera, for added safety.
Some models also include ES Trim packs and alloy wheels with back and front parking sensors. Luggage space is the largest in its class, with plenty of headroom for back and front seat passengers. Honda contract hire can put you behind the wheel of this great vehicle at a price you can afford.
Honda's Legend Saloon comes equipped with just one choice of engine, that is not a drawback when it's the impressive V6 3.5Litre putting out 291bhp, married to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Add in the standard permanent 4-wheel-drive set up and this car was made to be driven hard.
The Legend is designed to compete on a level field with the mighty 5 series BMW's. Standard executive refinements include, all leather upholstery, a powered sunblind for rear passenger comfort, dual climate controls. There is even a new intelligent system for the cruise control that keeps the car within lanes.
The S2000 is an exiting sports model that delivers 237bhp for hair raising open top driving excitement. Its 2-seater cockpit setup gives the feel of a real sports car, with an absolute no frills feel, apart from its luxurious leather interior, and top of the range CD player, essential for cruising down winding country lanes.
Whichever vehicle you choose, Honda car leasing is a highly cost effective way to finance the best that this forward thinking manufacturer has to offer. From the nippy Jazz to the awesome power of the Legend, Honda contract hire is the place to go.

Getting a Good Price on Your Honda : Honda car review

Getting a Good Price on Your Honda
by Paul Rushton
There are many ways that you can get a good price on your new Honda car. You just have to know what questions to ask and what to do to get the price just right.
What to Ask
When you get ready to go find your perfect Honda car or truck, you should look for the final price on the vehicle. Many dealers will not include the price of the vehicle that you are interested in on the windshield of the vehicle like they will with the payments. Honda dealers are not the only ones that may try to sidestep you when you are trying to find out what the full price is on the vehicle before you start into the purchasing process. You also should ask about the interest rate that may be applied to the loan. If it’s too high then even the best priced Honda car will still be high for an average customer. If the dealer is reluctant to tell you what the price will be for the vehicle, then it’s best to keep looking for a different place to get your Honda car. First instincts will tell you a lot about the payments and if the dealer seems to be a little off.
What Will Affect Your Price?
There are a few things that will make your payments more or will help you to get the best rates and prices. Your credit is a big factor when it comes to getting a good deal. This is because you will pay a higher interest rate if your credit is not as good as it could be. If you have no down payment, then it will also be higher for you to pay each month and be a higher price in the long run. You need to figure what your full price will be after the vehicle is paid for at the full term so that you know what you will end up paying in the long run for the vehicle. Honda cars are known for being very affordable for the average person. You still need to be aware of the full price including the interest payment that you may have to pay in the end.
Many people will jump right in to buying their new Honda car because they feel that the price is right and that they may have found a great deal. You should understand what you need to know before starting your search because you want to get the best deal for you and you want to get a great car for yourself as well. You may need to look at a few different dealers to find the right deal and the right price for you to be able to afford. Remember that when you finance a car, you will most likely get a better price then if you finance a truck. Take the time to look for the best deal and you will be more likely to get it.

Dissecting The 2008 Honda Accord Marketing Brochure : Honda car review

Dissecting The 2008 Honda Accord Marketing Brochure
by Dan Mercurio
Honda, like most other manufacturers, has placed a premium on their point of sale (POS) products. The most widely circulated of these point of sale products is their individual model brochures.
In this article, we are going to take a thorough look into the 2008 Honda Accord marketing product brochure. This is a 23 page brochure that Honda has invested a tremendous amount of money hoping to persuade the general public that this is more than a car, but an extension of who you are.
"In Developing the new Accord, we considered the road...and everything beyond it." This is the lead in for the brochure. Honda is trying to create the feeling that the 2008 Accord is designed to be than just another car, it's a driving experience.
On Page 4, they cleverly turn the Accord into a personalized driving machine. "To surpass everything we've done before, we've looked for inspiration beyond where it lives to where you live. Precisely tuning the new Accord to the demands of the road, and to desires of its driver." The marketing department wants you to imagine that the new Accord is going to taught the nuances of your driving environment and learn the way you drive on the roads you drive.
Turn a couple more pages and find that even with a Honda, "Sex Sell". "This is about lines and curves and shape. In other words, it's about desire." They mention that the new Accord is designed to invite a stare and that it can stir passion. Everyone wants to seen in the right place with the right people and of course in the right car. Honda has done a great job on this page to address the "Right Car" part of this equation.
As you continue through the brochure, "It's like no other Accord we've ever built. It's like every Accord we've ever built." If it aint broke don't fix it, well Honda knew the Accord was not broken, but they wanted you to know that they completely scrutinized all facets of the Accord and refined all areas to make the latest Accord the greatest Accord.
Honda has always been about its engine. The reliability of a Honda will never be undersold. Now, to go along with the engines unsurpassed reliability, is a new found power plant and environmentally emission friendly design. "It starts with a commitment. It starts with a promise. It starts with an engine."
Of course, Honda had to touch on what is becoming "The Marketing Catch Phrase" "DNA". This is simply what engineers' thought process was when creating the new Accord. They wanted to be environmentally friendly, "Green". They wanted the Accord to be safe and at the same time be fun. They are convinced and wanted to convince you that they have accomplished all the above.
The overall design and layout of the 2008 Honda Accord brochure gets a big thumbs up. They have managed to touch on the emotional side of the potential buyer and let them imagine what it would "Feel like" to own the 2008 Honda Accord. Being one with your machine, getting noticed, sexy, fun, safe and "Green" is what they want to feel. If the Accord comes close to the sales pitch of the brochure, Honda has another homerun on their hands.

2008-04-21

Comfortable Travels through Honda Shocks

Comfortable Travels through Honda Shocks
by Anthony Fontanelle
Whenever your Honda vehicle goes over a hump, you probably feel nothing more than a slight vibration. Don’t be fooled; this doesn’t mean that nothing else happens to your vehicle when it rides out a bump or pothole. When your Honda encounters a bump on the road, springs compress under your Honda’s weight to let the wheels move closer to your vehicle’s frame. After clearing the bump, your car tends to bounce up and down due to the weight shift and the rebound of the springs. In your Honda, however, this bouncing effect is minimized by your Honda Shocks.
A Honda shock is a dampening structure that absorbs the released kinetic energy of the spring. After absorption, Honda Shocks transform this energy into heat energy, and gradually dissipates it through a hydraulic system. More than this, a Honda shock is essential during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering, because of its resistance to compression and rebound. For example, when you accelerate, weight is transferred to your Honda’s rear. The rear wheels are pushed harder to the ground while the vehicle’s front end is nearly lifted off the road. In this case, Honda shocks prevent your car from doing a back-flip by resisting pressure in the vehicle’s rear while resisting the frame’s tendency to extend away from the front wheels. Honda Shocks also prevent your Honda vehicle from bouncing too much after clearing bumps and potholes. Without a Honda Shock, your vehicle’s occupants are more likely to be uncomfortable on bumpy roads. You, as the driver, are also bound to have a hard time handling your Honda.
For regular motorists and off-road enthusiasts, a Honda Shock ensures a smooth and comfortable ride over bumpy and rough terrain. For maximum driving comfort and ease, replace any worn-out or damaged shocks with new Honda shocks. If you are an avid racer, you can even use adjustable aftermarket Honda shocks to fine-tune your suspension for optimal handling of corner entries and exits. Whatever your driving pleasure is, you can enjoy it fully with Honda Shocks.

Great Offers on Honda Models at Don Jacobs Honda

Great Offers on Honda Models at Don Jacobs Honda
by Robert
If you are looking for a Honda car, then head to Don Jacobs Honda, the leading dealership for Honda vehicles in Lexington, KY. We are located at 2689 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, Kentucky (KY) 40503. Log on to http://www.donjacobshonda.com/ and find a huge selection of easy and convenient features at our website. Some of these features are Quick Quote on New Vehicles; Certified Pre-Owned; Online Specials; Schedule a Test Drive, Service Appointment, e-Store, Parts/Service Coupons, Vehicle Reviews and Body Shop among others! Whether you are looking for a new or pre-owned Honda vehicle, we have it all. We stock an entire array of the latest Honda vehicles, including Fit, Civic, Accord, Element, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline and S2000. Having been a popular dealership for Honda vehicles for nearly three decades, we are a familiar name with residents in and around Lexington, Richmond, Frankfort, Danville, Louisville, Pikeville, Morehead, Versailles, Florence, Ashland, Paris, Winchester, Shelbyville, Somerset, Corbin, Berea, Cincinnati, Huntington, WV, Evansville and Elizabethtown. Do visit us and let us show you why we are one of the top dealers for Honda vehicles in the region. The dealership provides world-class value and service you deserve.

Honda contract hire - Previewing the Honda range

Honda contract hire - Previewing the Honda range
by Darrell Freeman
Honda contract hire & Honda car leasing can offer the outstanding reliability and quality that you expect from one of Japans leading auto manufacturers. Here are some tips and guides for their various models currently available.
The Accord saloon is available with a choice of two petrol engines, the2.0Litre, 5 speed or the 2.4Litre 5 speed. There is also the highly efficient and powerful turbodiesel 2.2Litre engine.
The Accord saloon is available with a choice of two petrol engines, the2.0Litre, 5 speed or the 2.4Litre 5 speed. There is also the highly efficient and powerful turbodiesel 2.2Litre engine.
The Accord's reliability is second to none according to the customer satisfaction survey published by the independent JD Power organisation. There is also a generous equipment level including cruise and climate controls and alloy wheel trims. This is a very roomy small car with a good amount of boot space.
Honda's little baby is the Jazz, a sure footed town car with spirited performance from its 1.2Litre or 1.4Litre petrol engines. Which don't lack power but are capable of excellent mpg, and are considered to be very reliable. Standard features include two front airbags and anti-lock brake systems; the SE Sport version is also equipped with side impact air bags.
The CR-V with a 2.2-litre diesel engine giving up138bhp is a popular model in the range with an, as standard, manual, 6 speed gearbox. This 4X4 has great off-road capabilities combined with smooth regular road use. Its bulk and height give it a very safe and secure feeling. The gear lever is conveniently situated on the dash; upper end spec models also have a very useful rear view camera, for added safety.
Some models also include ES Trim packs and alloy wheels with back and front parking sensors. Luggage space is the largest in its class, with plenty of headroom for back and front seat passengers. Honda contract hire can put you behind the wheel of this great vehicle at a price you can afford.
Honda's Legend Saloon comes equipped with just one choice of engine, that is not a drawback when it's the impressive V6 3.5Litre putting out 291bhp, married to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Add in the standard permanent 4-wheel-drive set up and this car was made to be driven hard.
The Legend is designed to compete on a level field with the mighty 5 series BMW's. Standard executive refinements include, all leather upholstery, a powered sunblind for rear passenger comfort, dual climate controls. There is even a new intelligent system for the cruise control that keeps the car within lanes.
The S2000 is an exiting sports model that delivers 237bhp for hair raising open top driving excitement. Its 2-seater cockpit setup gives the feel of a real sports car, with an absolute no frills feel, apart from its luxurious leather interior, and top of the range CD player, essential for cruising down winding country lanes.
Whichever vehicle you choose, Honda car leasing is a highly cost effective way to finance the best that this forward thinking manufacturer has to offer. From the nippy Jazz to the awesome power of the Legend, Honda contract hire is the place to go.