Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Honda expands airbag recall again, still searching for 640 airbags]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/honda-expands-airbag-recall-again-still-searching-for-640-airba/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/honda-expands-airbag-recall-again-still-searching-for-640-airba/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/honda-expands-airbag-recall-again-still-searching-for-640-airba/#commentsFiled under: ,



Honda is still looking for a few needles in its haystack of 2001-2003 models, as it expands a recall that dates back to 2008. The recall concerns defective driver's airbag inflators, and it's a serious issue, one that has already resulted in a dozen injuries and at least one death.

The recall covers the 2001 and 2002 Accord, 2001 to 2003 Civic, 2001 to 2003 Odyssey, 2002 and 2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL. This latest expansion of the recall is necessary because Honda still hasn't found all the defective parts, with 640 of the inflators still unaccounted for. Some were sold as service parts, meaning that their whereabouts cannot be easily traced.

"Because Honda is unable to determine the specific vehicles that may have received the affected service parts through existing information," said Honda's statement, "Honda will inspect an additional approximately 603,000 vehicles and replace those parts as necessary."

Honda will be contacting affected owners by mail later in the month, and the information will also be available on the Honda and Acura websites at www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com. The automaker's official press release is available after the jump.

Continue reading Honda expands airbag recall again, still searching for 640 airbags

Honda expands airbag recall again, still searching for 640 airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordacuraairbagairbag recallcivicclcr-vhondahonda airbag recallodysseypilottlFri, 02 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20119653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/02/honda-expands-airbag-recall-again-still-searching-for-640-airba/20119653/article-detail.xml 20119653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2003-acura-cl-01extsilver-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2003-acura-cl-01extsilver-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda to boost vehicle and engine production in Alabama]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/honda-to-boost-vehicle-and-engine-production-in-alabama/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/honda-to-boost-vehicle-and-engine-production-in-alabama/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/honda-to-boost-vehicle-and-engine-production-in-alabama/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport

Honda seems to believe that America's car-buying slump is coming to a close. According to Automotive News, the automaker has announced that it will spend $84 million to grow engine and light truck production at its Lincoln, Alabama assembly plant. The money will be used to help create an additional 100 jobs and should see the facility increase its total output from 300,000 units per year to 340,000 in anticipation of a sales recovery in the States. Automotive News suggests that may be a smart move. Consumer demand for new cars and trucks has grown by around 10 percent through October of this year.

Honda expects that demand to translate into greater Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline sales. Each of those models is produced at the Alabama facility, though the Acura RDX may join that mix as part of the new investment.

The Japanese automaker has also said that it will resume its normal production schedule at its North American facilities as its supply line continues to recover from the impact of flooding in Thailand.

Honda to boost vehicle and engine production in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura rdxalabamahonda alabamahonda alabama assembly plantodysseypilotrdxridgelineTue, 15 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/honda-to-boost-vehicle-and-engine-production-in-alabama/20107028/article-detail.xml 20107028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-ridgeline-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-ridgeline-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/cars-com-37-000-suv-shootout-yields-unexpected-results-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/cars-com-37-000-suv-shootout-yields-unexpected-results-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/cars-com-37-000-suv-shootout-yields-unexpected-results-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Cars.com SUV Shootout

Cars.com recently lined up seven new vehicles for a $37,000 SUV shootout. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 2012 Dodge Durango, 2012 Ford Explorer, 2012 Honda Pilot, 2012 Kia Sorento, 2011 Mazda CX-9 and 2011 Toyota Highlander all squared off against one another in a range of evaluations, including a one-day highway drive and family testing.

If you happen to be the deductive type, you may have noticed that the list above includes a fair number of genuine crossovers. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9 bear little resemblance to the body-on-frame bruisers of old, and even models like the 2012 Explorer and 2012 Durango have evolved out of their traditional shells.

But when the dust settled, it was Honda's 2012 Pilot that took top honors thanks to its high level of amenities, spacious interior and clever storage solutions, despite the fact that reviewers found issue with road noise and exterior styling. Perhaps most surprising is the fact that the 2012 Explorer tied for sixth place with the 2012 Sorento. Ouch. Head over to Cars.com to see the full evaluation, and vote for your favorite in our poll.


View Poll

Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cars.comchevroletcx-9cx9dodgedurangoexplorerfordhighlanderhondakiamazdapilotsorentosuv shootouttoyotatraverseMon, 17 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083444/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/17/cars-com-37-000-suv-shootout-yields-unexpected-results-w-poll/20083444/article-detail.xml 20083444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/carscom-crossover-shootout-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/carscom-crossover-shootout-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/honda-recalls-347-000-pilot-models-over-seatbelt-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/honda-recalls-347-000-pilot-models-over-seatbelt-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/honda-recalls-347-000-pilot-models-over-seatbelt-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

Honda Motor Co. is recalling nearly 347,000 examples of its Pilot crossovers worldwide for a potential issue with the front seatbelts.

Honda says the recall, which affects 2009-2011 model year Pilot models built in Alabama, is "due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing." The affected seatbelts could disconnect from the anchor webbing in an accident, increasing the risk of an injury.

Honda will contact Pilot owners in early October and will inspect the stitching on front seatbelts of the recalled vehicles. Assemblies will be replaced free of charge if Honda deems them to be defective. Honda says almost 311,000 of the recalled Pilot models are registered in the U.S., 10,000 in Canada, 8,000 in Mexico and the rest in other countries. Fortunately, Honda says no injuries or deaths have been reported related to this issue. Check out Honda's official statement after the jump for more information.

Continue reading Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue

Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda pilot2010 honda pilot2011 honda pilothondahonda pilothonda recallnhtsapilotpilot recallrecallsafetyMon, 12 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039458/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/12/honda-recalls-347-000-pilot-models-over-seatbelt-issue/20039458/article-detail.xml 20039458 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2011-honda-pilot-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2011-honda-pilot-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda reveals modestly tweaked 2012 Pilot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/honda-reveals-modestly-tweaked-2012-pilot/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/honda-reveals-modestly-tweaked-2012-pilot/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/honda-reveals-modestly-tweaked-2012-pilot/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Honda Pilot

A nip, a tuck and, actually, quite a bit more is in store for the 2012 Honda Pilot. The most noticeable change that's evident with a quick glance above is the reworked front end staring you in the face. Honda has changed the grille while also making the lower fascia appear wider through the use of black plastic. Overall, the front end updates help to subtly modernize the Pilot for the new model year.

Inside, Honda has reworked its button layout into a more intuitive configuration, and applied new upgrades to the list of standard and optional features. The upgrades vary across the trim lines, which are ranked LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navigation and the top-of-the-line Touring model. We'll leave the full slew of upgrades for you in the press release posted after the jump. Instead, we'll use this space to highlight the biggest changes to the 2012 Pilot.

Honda has decided to push 18-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment throughout the Pilot family, with the exception of the LX trim, which sticks with 17-inch styled steelies. An upgraded audio system and nav unit is now offered, and it's spiffed up quite a bit on the EX-L (L stands for leather) unit thanks to a full-color eight-inch intelligent multi-information display (iMID).

Click past the jump read all about the 2012 Honda Pilot, and click through the gallery for a closer look at the updates.

Continue reading Honda reveals modestly tweaked 2012 Pilot

Honda reveals modestly tweaked 2012 Pilot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda pilothondahonda pilotpilotThu, 01 Sep 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20031963/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/01/honda-reveals-modestly-tweaked-2012-pilot/20031963/article-detail.xml 20031963 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-honda-pilot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-honda-pilot.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> 'chronicles decline in Honda's design competitiveness' [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/consumer-reports-chronicles-decline-in-hondas-design-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/consumer-reports-chronicles-decline-in-hondas-design-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/consumer-reports-chronicles-decline-in-hondas-design-co/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 honda civic

Consumer Reports created quite a stir on the Internets when it announced that it would no longer recommend the Honda Civic. The reason? The consumer advocacy institution cites issues such as the brakes, fit and finish and sporty handling all diminishing for the 2012 model year. In other words, the Civic isn't as good as the model it replaces.

Now CR is taking its criticism of Honda one step further, pointing out that several recent model updates have fallen short of CR's expectations. The Civic received an overall score of 78 back in 2006, but the new model scores only 61. The Pilot received a smaller drop from 2005 to 2009, going from a score of 79 to a 74. The Odyssey, too, took a hit, as the 2011 model scored an 83, down from the previous model's 91. Those models all show a clear decline in scores, but all-new models have fared even worse. The Insight managed to receive a 54, while the CR-Z could only muster a score of 57.

The reasons for these declines tend to correlate from model to model. Brakes, interior materials, steering feel and fit and finish tend to be some of the biggest reasons. Even worse for enthusiasts is that CR's testing shows that driving excitement (as nebulous as that term may be...) has diminished.

The results of recent Consumer Reports testing shows what we've been hearing for a while now. Honda appears to be struggling with new models, with few signs of progress on the horizon. CR points out that even the mighty Accord, which routinely finishes second in sedan sales, is now playing second fiddle to the Ford Fusion when it comes to reliability, ride and handling and cabin noise.

We want to know what you think. Has Honda design taken a step back? Let us know in the poll below.

View Poll

Consumer Reports 'chronicles decline in Honda's design competitiveness' [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordcivicconsumer reportscr-zhondahonda designinsightodysseypilotride and handlingWed, 10 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20014499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/10/consumer-reports-chronicles-decline-in-hondas-design-co/20014499/article-detail.xml 20014499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/03-2012-honda-civic-ex-sedan-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/03-2012-honda-civic-ex-sedan-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/honda-pilot-to-get-new-gearbox-along-with-revised-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/honda-pilot-to-get-new-gearbox-along-with-revised-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/honda-pilot-to-get-new-gearbox-along-with-revised-face/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Honda Pilot

Honda is giving the company's Pilot a mild refresh for 2012. The SUV will ditch its bulky front fascia for a slightly more restrained nose with a three-bar grille replacing the thick-chrome grin of the 2011 model. In addition, Honda plans to squeeze a little more fuel efficiency out of the SUV with a new transmission, saying it will boast the highest EPA-estimated mileage of any three-row crossover. The old five-speed automatic gearbox has been replaced with six-speed unit for 2012.

Honda is throwing in a few interior updates as well. Buyers will be able to enjoy a slightly massaged cabin, complete with an updated navigation system and stereo to match. Finally, new paint colors and wheel options will round out the changes.

2012 Honda Ridgeline SportIn addition to the revised Pilot, Honda has also added a new Sport model to its familiar Ridgeline for 2012. Above the Ridgeline RT standard features, the Sport will get exclusive black 18-inch alloy wheels, black honeycomb grille, standard fog lights, black headlight and brake light housings, and black mirrors and door handles. The 2012 Ridgeline goes on sale November 2011; the Pilot a few months earlier.

See the brief blurbs from Honda for each model after the break. You can also click on either image for an enlarged view.

Continue reading 2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model

2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 honda pilot2012 honda ridgeline2012 honda ridgeline sporthondahonda pilotpilotridgelineMon, 25 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19999684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/25/honda-pilot-to-get-new-gearbox-along-with-revised-face/19999684/article-detail.xml 19999684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2012-honda-pilot-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2012-honda-pilot-630.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/2011-honda-pilot-4wd-touring-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/2011-honda-pilot-4wd-touring-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/2011-honda-pilot-4wd-touring-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Honda's Big Ute Gets A Little Stale

2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring
2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

The family Crossover Utility Vehicle segment is, to put it mildly, crowded. Every major automaker has at least one option from which to choose. Ford has four choices, while Toyota makes due with three options. Some models feature two rows of seating, while others boast room for up to eight. Then there are the more off-road capable options to contrast with the docile soft-roaders.

Though most automakers have gone crossover crazy, Honda has made due with a simple two-CUV lineup. The perennially top-selling CR-V takes care of those who desire a smaller footprint, smaller price tag and higher fuel economy, while the larger Pilot takes on the three-row crowd. The Pilot has been mostly successful during its nine-year production run, with high marks for safety (the 2011 model has an overall score of four stars from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) and reliability (Consumer Reports gave it the organization's coveted Recommended rating). Dancing on the fringes of the CUV segment and selling in low numbers, Honda also offers the nearly gone Element and Accord Crosstour, but it's still the boxier CR-V and Pilot doing the heavy lifting for the brand. Honda made enough changes to the Pilot to keep it competitive with stiff competition like the Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse? We spent a week with a well-appointed 4X4 Touring model to find out.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring...


Gallery: 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring: Review

2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

Review: 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 honda pilotfeaturedhondahonda cuvhonda suvpilotpilot touring 4wdreviewreviewsTue, 05 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19902441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/05/2011-honda-pilot-4wd-touring-review-road-test/19902441/article-detail.xml 19902441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2011-honda-pilot-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2011-honda-pilot-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Honda recalling 10,800 Accord and Pilot models over potential suspension failure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/23/report-honda-recalling-10-800-accord-and-pilot-models-over-pote/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/23/report-honda-recalling-10-800-accord-and-pilot-models-over-pote/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/23/report-honda-recalling-10-800-accord-and-pilot-models-over-pote/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Honda Accord Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has announced another round of recalls for the 2011 Accord. Both the coupe and sedan, along with the 2011 Pilot, have been discovered to be susceptible to a failure in the front suspension. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the bolts that attach the front dampers to the suspension may not have been properly tightened.

In addition, the spindle nuts on the Pilot and Accord V6 may be loose as well, and both issues could cause a loss of steering. NHTSA says that 10,823 units are impacted by the recall. That number joins the 9,300 Accord and CR-V models that are currently being investigated for possible oil leaks due to an improperly cast portion of the engine.

According to USA Today, the newest problem is due to a malfunction in the software that controls the machines that tighten bolts at the factory. Dealers will inspect and replace the damper bolts and spindle nuts if necessary free of charge, and owners can expect to be notified as soon as December 23, 2010. Hit the jump to have a look at the recall notice for yourself.


Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Coupe


Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Sedan


[Sources: USA Today, NHTSA]

Continue reading Report: Honda recalling 10,800 Accord and Pilot models over potential suspension failure

Report: Honda recalling 10,800 Accord and Pilot models over potential suspension failure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 honda pilot2011 honda accord2011 honda pilotaccordhondahonda accordhonda accord recallhonda pilothonda pilot recallhonda recallpilotThu, 23 Dec 2010 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19775080/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/23/report-honda-recalling-10-800-accord-and-pilot-models-over-pote/19775080/article-detail.xml 19775080 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/2011accordex-lv6coupe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/2011accordex-lv6coupe.jpg <![CDATA[Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius <i>MotorWeek</i> Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/chicago-2010-bad-timing-dept-prius-i-motorweek-i-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/chicago-2010-bad-timing-dept-prius-i-motorweek-i-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/chicago-2010-bad-timing-dept-prius-i-motorweek-i-drivers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2010 Toyota Prius - MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winner for Best of the Year

By February of each year, we are always right in the middle of awards season, and no, we're not talking about the Golden Globes, Grammys or Oscars. We are, of course, referring to Car and Truck of the Year awards, Ten Best lists and the like. A brace of trophies had already been handed out at the Detroit Auto Show and here at the Chicago Auto Show, a few more champions were crowned. As you might imagine, Toyota is usually an oft-mentioned brand during this time of year, but we figured this year might be a little different.

Coming on the heels of several high profile recall announcements by Toyota, one might expect the once-bulletproof Japanese carmaker to at least get more careful consideration when handing out the hardware. Well, even if they have gone through closer scrutiny, that hasn't stopped multiple outlets from still rewarding them for their products. Television show MotorWeek just announced their Drivers' Choice Award winners, and the Toyota Prius is their choice for best Eco-Friendly vehicle. It also claimed the title of Best of the Year overall, making it their top pick of the 2010 models.

Other category winners are listed below and there's a long press release after the jump that includes a statement by MotorWeek host and producer John Davis. While it was probably difficult to change their minds so late in the game, the statement by Davis explaining their rationale in choosing the Prius seems to have been written some time before Toyota started making so many headlines: "If you can only buy one car for your family, the 2010 Prius is the one," said Davis. "The Prius is a no-compromise vehicle that offers impressive efficiency, cutting edge technology, smart packaging and truly iconic styling."

While all of that might still apply, it's bad timing if nothing else to be handing out a top award to the Prius. In that spirit, Davis added an additional statement to clarify and defend the show's selection. In it he explained that while MotorWeek had two different Prius hybrids in their care for several months, nothing ever went wrong with them and that the show is confident that the problems will be satisfactorily addressed by Toyota.

MotorWeek was certainly not alone on that front however, as Toyota has recently been lauded by several other organizations as well. In Japan, for instance, Toyota was honored with a government energy efficiency award. Interestingly, the company chose to decline that award, though, saying that "the honor is not appropriate for a car hit by massive recalls," according to MSNBC.

Without further ado, here are the MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winners:
  • Best Small Car: Mazda3
  • Best Family Sedan: Ford Taurus
  • Best Luxury Sedan: Buick LaCrosse
  • Best Small Utility: Chevrolet Equinox
  • Best Large Utility: Honda Pilot
  • Best Pickup Truck: Ram 1500/2500/3500
  • Best Eco-Friendly: Toyota Prius
  • Best Sport Sedan: BMW 3-Series
  • Best Sport Coupe: Chevrolet Camaro
  • Best Performance Car: Audi S4
  • Best Convertible: Nissan 370Z Roadster
  • Best Dream Machine: Audi R8 5.2 FSI/Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius


[Sources: Motorweek via EarthTimes, MSNBC]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award

Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Toyota2010 toyota prius2010Toyota2010ToyotaPrius3 series3-Series370 Z370Z3Seriesaudi r8 5.2 fsiAudi S4AudiR85.2FsiAudiS4bmw 3-seriesBmw3-seriesbuick lacrosseBuickLacrosseCamaroChevrolet CamaroChevrolet EquinoxChevroletCamaroChevroletEquinoxchicagochicago 2010Chicago Auto ShowChicago2010ChicagoAutoShowdodge ramDodgeRamEquinoxFord TaurusFordTaurushonda pilotHondaPilotLaCrossemazda3mercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgMotorWeekmotorweek drivers choice awardsMotorweekDriversChoiceAwardsNissan 370Z RoadsterNissan370zRoadsterpilotpriusprius recallPriusRecallR8RamRam 1500Ram 150025003500Ram1500Ram150025003500S4SLSSLS AMGSlsAmgtaurustoyotatoyota priustoyota recalltoyota recallsToyotaPriusToyotaRecallToyotaRecallsThu, 11 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19353728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/11/chicago-2010-bad-timing-dept-prius-i-motorweek-i-drivers/19353728/article-detail.xml 19353728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/prius2010rev000opt-1265891312_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/prius2010rev000opt-1265891312.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Honda Pilot Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-honda-pilot-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-honda-pilot-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-honda-pilot-touring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Honda Pilot Touring

My family has fallen in love with Bruno. Yes, we named it. Clearly, the Honda Pilot has left an impression. Size is the first thing you notice, solidity the second - there's not a whiff of the gelatin-jiggles that afflict most of this CUV's body-on-frame competitors. The Pilot is also loaded up with thoughtful, family-friendly touches everywhere you look. It's big, accommodating, and solid. What else? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: In The Autoblog Garage - 2009 Honda Pilot Touring


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Honda Pilot Touring

Review: 2009 Honda Pilot Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Honda Pilot2009 Honda Pilot Touring2009HondaPilot2009HondaPilotTouringfeaturedHondaHonda PilotHondaPilotin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragePilotreviewreviewsThu, 29 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1441578/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-honda-pilot-touring/1441578/article-detail.xml 1441578 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/09pilot_abgr_an_hi_15_dr_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/09pilot_abgr_an_hi_15_dr_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Honda Ridgeline gets Pilot schnoz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/spy-shots-2010-honda-ridgeline-gets-pilot-schnoz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/spy-shots-2010-honda-ridgeline-gets-pilot-schnoz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/spy-shots-2010-honda-ridgeline-gets-pilot-schnoz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Surprise! Honda's controversially styled Ridgeline truck is about to get the Pilot's controversial snout. First released for the '06 model year, the unibody truck has not seen any real changes to this point and it's high time for a mid-cycle model refresh. Considering that the Pilot and Ridgeline share plenty in common, it's no shocker that Honda would share styling cues between the two vehicles. Also included in the refresh are some oddly-placed dual front foglights, new tail lights and redesigned bumpers front and rear. Not much seems updated in its profile, but some new 18-inch rims have a nice, chunky look to them.

So far, nobody at Honda is talking regarding powertrain updates for the Ridgeline. As we've reported in the past, though, a new diesel V6 engine of undertermined displacement seems very possible for both the Ridgeline and Pilot. With gas prices continuing to rise, Honda's Ridgeline may continue to be a popular option for those who use their trucks only for occasional hauling or towing and don't mind being seen in one ugly mutha trucka.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2010 Honda Ridgeline gets Pilot schnoz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ridgeline2010Ridgelinehonda pilothonda ridgelineHondaPilotHondaRidgelinepilotridgelineridgeline spy shotRidgelineSpyShotMon, 23 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1233879/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/23/spy-shots-2010-honda-ridgeline-gets-pilot-schnoz/1233879/article-detail.xml 1233879 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/09_ridgeline_spy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/09_ridgeline_spy.jpg <![CDATA[Honda shuffles production so it can make more Civics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As domestic automobile manufacturers cut production and lay off workers because they were caught off-guard when consumer buying habits switched to more fuel-efficient vehicles, Honda will effortlessly shuffle its production to meet U.S. demand for small cars. Without cutting any jobs in North America, Honda will move assembly of the Honda Pilot SUV and Honda Ridgeline pickup from Alliston, Ontario, to Lincoln, Alabama. This move will allow the Japanese automaker to increase production of the fuel-efficient Honda Civic in its Canadian plant. Later this year, Honda is expected to add another 2,000 jobs as it begins to build Civics in Indiana, as well. That plant will be Honda's seventh in North America. Honda has sold 34,163 units of the Civic in North America through April of this year, which is 8.2% more Civics sold on average per day than in 2007. For comparison's sake, Toyota has sold 32,435 Corollas, Ford has sold 23,850 Foci and Chevy has sold 18,636 Cobalts so far this year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Honda shuffles production so it can make more Civics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlabamaAllistonCanadaCivicHondaIndianaLincolnOntarioPilotProductionRidgelineThu, 29 May 2008 15:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1209222/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/1209222/article-detail.xml 1209222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/honda_logo2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/honda_logo2.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/first-drive-2009-honda-pilot/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/first-drive-2009-honda-pilot/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/first-drive-2009-honda-pilot/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Honda Pilot - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the new 2009 Honda Pilot turned up as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, most observers were decidedly underwhelmed. Unlike many other recent crossovers, notably the GM Lambdas, Honda chose to go with a decidedly more utilitarian look for the second-generation Pilot. As Honda officials explained when we gathered for a preview drive of the 2009 Pilot, they wanted to retain the "Utility" in CUV and a big part of that involved maximizing the useful interior volume within the Pilot's relatively modest exterior dimensions. That means a boxy shape that provides room for up to eight (at least as defined by the seat-belts) inside.

While the Pilot won't be challenging the Buick Enclave or Mazda CX-9 for style points, it isn't too painful on the eyes. It's more a case of being almost invisible. The greenhouse is actually strongly reminiscent of the first generation Jeep Liberty, only longer. In spite of the rather barn like shape, it's actually more aerodynamic than the original Pilot, resulting in substantially less wind noise. In fact, the Pilot has a whole range of improvements that reduce noise, which we'll explore a bit later. There are also some things that might be considered a step backwards. Read on after the jump to learn about our first drive in the new Pilot.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot


Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Pilot.

The 2009 Honda Pilot has been spied in production guise, and unlike the bulldog that inspired the front grille, it's less than lovable. With styling pulled directly from the Honda Pilot Prototype shown in Detroit, the new unibody 'ute from Honda should arrive later this year with ACE safety features, a V6 lump with cylinder deactivation and seating for eight passengers of varying size. The interior is an evolution of the outgoing model, with a massive center stack that's far more butch that the one it replaces, along with a new multifunction steering wheel similar to that found on the redesigned Accord. Overall, we're not entirely smitten with the slap sides and grotesque nose, but you can check the gallery below to make up your own mind.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Pilot

Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Pilot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda built its state of the art Lincoln, Alabama plant to produce the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV, and now it's going to add the Ridgeline unit-body pickup, as well. Cost-wise, it makes a lot of sense to move Ridgeline production from Canada to Alabama, considering all three vehicles share a platform and powertrain. What's tough to understand is how Honda intends to squeeze out an additional 40,000 units from the ultra-efficient plant. The Lincoln plant is already operating 13,000 units beyond peak capacity, with its very strong minivan and SUV selling well around the country.

Lucky for Honda we're not in charge of vehicle production, and we're sure the company's many brilliant engineers know what they're doing. Now, if the Japanese automaker can get some equally talented designers to gussy up the visual train wreck that is the Ridgeline, then they'd definitely need a second manufacturing sight site.

[Source: AL]

Honda shifts Ridgeline production from Canada to Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hondahonda ridgelineHondaRidgelinemanufacturingOdysseyPickupPilotRidgelineMon, 03 Mar 2008 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1128670/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/03/honda-shifts-ridgeline-production-from-canada-t-alabama/1128670/article-detail.xml 1128670 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/2008_ridgeline_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/2008_ridgeline_450.jpg <![CDATA[Crash Landing: 2009 Honda Pilot design deemed boring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/crash-landing-2009-honda-pilot-design-deemed-boring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/crash-landing-2009-honda-pilot-design-deemed-boring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/crash-landing-2009-honda-pilot-design-deemed-boring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above to view more high-res pics of the Honda Pilot Prototype

We were there when Honda trotted out its Pilot Prototype in Detroit, and our snoozy first impression is apparently what the public at large is feeling, too. Sales of the current Pilot have dropped off by nearly 25 percent, so Honda's feeling the pressure with this redesign. It doesn't bode well, then, that the Pilot's new duds leave the buying public unmoved. CNW Research polled several hundred drivers from LA, Chicago and Detroit, and many respondents found the 2009 Pilot a yawn to behold. Nothing about the newly-squared off exterior struck a chord, which is unusual for a new design. Usually, something distinctive garners attention, but the exterior design only earned a 7.5 point score on CNW's 12-point scale, off at least a point and a half from what most new vehicles do. We found the Pilot's freshening a little boring, but mainly the headlights leave us very unnerved, like trying to stare down a bird of prey.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Honda Pilot Prototype

Crash Landing: 2009 Honda Pilot design deemed boring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009auto showAutoShowconceptdesigndetroithondahonda pilotHondaPilotnaiaspilotshowTue, 29 Jan 2008 08:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1099925/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/29/crash-landing-2009-honda-pilot-design-deemed-boring/1099925/article-detail.xml 1099925 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/2009_pilot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/2009_pilot.jpg <![CDATA[Jet-powered record-breaker seeks petite woman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/jet-powered-record-breaker-seeks-petite-woman/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/jet-powered-record-breaker-seeks-petite-woman/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/jet-powered-record-breaker-seeks-petite-woman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Single-engine jet-powered dragster seeking female companion for thrilling adventure across salt flats. Petite build. Background in motorsports or aviation. With sponsors. Interested parties please contact Eric Ahlstrom (eahlstrom@pyramid.net), program manager, Steve Fossett World Land Speed Racing Team.

It's not exactly the kind of personal add you'd normally find in your local newspaper, but those are the criteria required by a team mounting the latest attempt at the land speed record. The 48-foot-long land-bound jet is powered by a 40,000-hp S&S LM-1500 turbine mounted in a sleek, aerodynamic body that is claimed to have less than a quarter the drag coefficient of the Trust SSC, the - ahem - "vehicle", if you could call it that, which currently holds the record.

Unfortunately, the design of the jetmobile necessitated a tiny cockpit, so they need a tiny driver to operate the thing. The pilot will be involved in each step along the road to the record attempt, including feedback on developmental runs and system tests slated for the next couple of months before they finally make a run at the record. Anyone have Danica Patrick's number? Oh wait, we do!

[Source: Inside Line]

Jet-powered record-breaker seeks petite woman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverfemalefossetthiringland speed recordLandSpeedRecordlookingneededpilotseekingstevewantedwomanThu, 17 Jan 2008 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1089451/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/17/jet-powered-record-breaker-seeks-petite-woman/1089451/article-detail.xml 1089451 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/steve_fossett_lsr_racer_500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/steve_fossett_lsr_racer_500.jpg <![CDATA[Honda treading in foreign territory: Incentive spending up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/honda-treading-in-foreign-territory-incentive-spending-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/honda-treading-in-foreign-territory-incentive-spending-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/honda-treading-in-foreign-territory-incentive-spending-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



When you think about an automaker offering up incentives, Honda normally wouldn't spring to mind. With the ongoing success of the Civic and Honda's inability to keep enough Fits on the lot to keep up with demand, it's obvious that the automaker has been doing well with its core models, but it's some of its outlying offerings that aren't selling like hotcakes.

The SUV and minivan segment has been stagnant as of late, and coupled with an increase in production at Honda's plants, the imbalance is affecting the number of Pilots and Odysseys that are hanging around dealer lots. To combat the lethargic sales, Honda is increasing dealer incentives and lease subsidies on the aforementioned people movers, the Ridgeline and the long-in-the-tooth Accord.

Regardless of the move, Honda isn't throwing money on the hood like other automakers, which makes both corporate bigwigs and Honda owners happy, as residual values won't be hampered by a flood of inexpensive models hitting the market.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda treading in foreign territory: Incentive spending up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordhondaodysseypilotridgelineTue, 17 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/941307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/07/17/honda-treading-in-foreign-territory-incentive-spending-up/941307/article-detail.xml 941307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/2007_odyssey_ex_04_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/2007_odyssey_ex_04.jpg <![CDATA[Honda to bring diesel V6 to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/honda-to-bring-diesel-v6-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/honda-to-bring-diesel-v6-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/honda-to-bring-diesel-v6-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When diesels first hit the American market after the gas shocks of the 70's, they were unreliable, smelly, loud, and rough. They did get better gas mileage than comparably-sized gasoline engines, but in the eyes of the American public, the negatives of diesel tech far outweighed its positives. Diesel engines have gotten far better in the past 25 years, with Europeans buying more oil-burners than petrol engines. $3.00 per gallon gas (or worse) is helping to usher in a second renaissance for the diesel, and Honda is going all-in with a 3.5L dieselV6 for the US market.

Honda's forthcoming engine, which should be arriving around 2010, should achieve 30% better fuel economy (or more) than a comparably-sized gas engine, which should alleviate some of our pain at the pump. Honda plans on installing this V6 diesel delight on larger vehicles like the Odyssey minivan, the Ridgeline, and the Pilot. We think the new V6 will go along nicely with the planned four-banger in the Accord, and it will certainly help the folks from Tokyo compete with the many diesels the competition has planned for the near future.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Honda to bring diesel V6 to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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