Autoblog

REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last year, Honda has recalled roughly 444,000 vehicles to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in certain 2001-2002 Honda Accord, 2001 Civic and 2002-2003 Acura TL models. According to the automaker, there has been one death and multiple injuries stemming from the defect, which can send small metal fragments through the airbag and onto the vehicle's occupants.

For whatever reason, the total recall was announced in two separate increments that were eight months apart - and NHTSA wants to know why. Earlier, Honda had said that the problem was traced back to Takata Corp., which supplied the faulty inflators, and that the supplier had made "incorrect assumptions" about the numbers of parts it had sent to Honda. Says Honda spokesman Chris Martin:

The initial range of recalled vehicles was based on a relatively small sample of problematic airbag deployments...It took some further customer reports of airbag deployments for us to be able to look back and say, these vehicles are not in the lot we identified but have the same problem.

Honda denies any wrongdoing and promises to fully cooperate with the NHTSA investigation.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour goes down the road nicely... but is that enough?

Chris Paukert — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, First Drive, Design/Style

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for high-res image gallery

We hadn't been parked but a minute or two when it happened. After about a half an hour wringing out our test subject on what few curvy stretches of road suburban Detroit had to offer, we opportunistically pulled into a roadside fruit stand to snap a few photos before our ride got any dirtier. It was at exactly this point that a Lincoln MKZ rolled up, a window whirred down, and two gray-tufted heads popped out. "What is it?" inquired the couple in boisterous unison. Silence. "It's the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour," we eventually blurt out, my co-driver sounding suspiciously apologetic. "It's... it's gorgeous!" The late-sixty-something man isn't being facetious - in fact, he's gushing - taking his hands off the Lincoln's wheel and gesturing as if to reinforce his sincerity.

If we're lyin,' we're dyin.'

"It's absolutely beautiful."

More silence.

"Really? Would you like to take a closer look?" No sooner had we extended the offer than said window was rolled up and the MKZ hurriedly shepherded into a parking spot. Moments later, our curious seniors were all over Honda's latest like first-in-liners at an early bird all-you-can-eat buffet. They took in its daring fastback profile, sized up its cargo hold, fiddled with its power seat controllers and gooshed its soft-touch plastics. Not only were they clearly impressed, they loved the way it looked.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour goes down the road nicely... but is that enough?

First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour goes down the road nicely... but is that enough? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Honda Accord Crosstour to start at $29,670

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Honda

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for high-res image gallery

UPDATE: Video of Accord Crosstour running footage added after the jump.

It's fair to say that the 2010 Accord Crosstour has caused Honda some heartburn in the U.S. already, but Japanese brand's new CUV has taken another step toward the showroom regardless. Honda has already given us some wheel time with the Crosstour, so keep your eyes peeled for our review at noon Eastern today. If that's not enough to keep you occupied, pricing for the 2010 Crosstour has just been released, and the new model starts just slightly under $30,000, running up to about $37,000. Honda has also released tons of new Accord Crosstour glamor shots (check 'em out in the gallery below).

EPA efficiency numbers are also included with the pricing, helping buyers understand what the care and feeding of an Accord Crosstour will do to their wallets. An EX-L loaded up with all-wheel drive ("4WD" in Hondaspeak), all the luxury goodies, and navigation earns an EPA estimated 20 mpg combined. Honda's 3.5-liter V6 with Variable Cylinder Management earns 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg city. Front-drive ("2WD) Crosstours muster 18/27, which are competitive figures for its class. Speaking of classes, don't forget to check out our First Drive at noon to see if the Crosstour is the Valedictorian or in need of remedial instruction.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour to start at $29,670

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour to start at $29,670 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Acura TSX Sport Wagon not motivated by Honda Crosstour feedback

Chris Paukert — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

2009 European Honda Accord Tourer - click above image for hi-res gallery

If you've been following the dust-up surrounding Honda's 2010 Accord Crosstour, you might therefore assume that Wednesday's announcement that the company plans to bring over its European-market Accord Tourer may have been motivated in part by early online reaction to the forthcoming five-door crossover. But as we suspected, t'aint necessarily so.

The Accord Tourer will hit U.S. shores later next year branded as the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, and as just about anyone in automotive product planning will tell you, new models aren't conceived that quickly - even if the vehicle in question is just a simple porting-over job from another market. There are emissions and crash-test certification hoops to jump through, suppliers that need to be contracted, dealers that need to be trained and marketing strategies that need to be built.

As spokesman Chuck Schifsky tells Autoblog, "Honda, as you know, is about as fast a reacting a product planning company as there is, but we don't react that quickly!... If our past is any indication, then us announcing the TSX wagon at this point shouldn't have been a surprise - we're notoriously known for bringing out a car and having it arrive in showrooms not long afterwards." Indeed, Schifsky is right - vehicles like the third-generation CR-V were seemingly in dealers within weeks of the public announcement and press launch. That said, Schifsky did admit that the timing of the announcement was moved up slightly for "strategic reasons," but he also said that those reasons had nothing to do with the Crosstour.

We asked Schifsky what the TSX Sport Wagon will look like when it arrives, and he told us that the car will not simply be the same as the European car. He admits he hasn't seen the finished product for himself yet, but he acknowledges that changes will be made to bring the design in-line with Acura's current styling language (read: it will receive a variation of the love/loath shield grille), and equipment levels will change to meet U.S. expectations. Given how much effort and money has been expended developing Acura's new corporate face, he believes it would be "foolish" to bring the Accord Tourer as-is, simply swapping the Honda badge for its Acura counterpart. Says Schifsky, "I would look to the U.S. TSX as an indicator as to what kind of equipment the car will have." Further, he advised us to examine the differences between the European-market Accord sedan and the Tourer bodystyle to look for indicators of what sort of changes the American market wagon will likely receive.

It's too early for Honda to reveal pricing for the 2011 model, but as the current TSX sedan starts at $29,310 and the 2010 Crosstour's price figures to be above a Accord V6 sedan (base price: $26,805), it's likely that there will be significant pricing overlap between the two models. Will there be any cannibalization? The Crosstour should lay claim to superior space and foul-weather capability thanks to its all-wheel drive model, but if the TSX sedan is anything to go on, the Acura will have superior driving dynamics, closer-to mainstream looks and a more desirable badge.

Either way, this one will be fun to watch play out...

Gallery: Honda Accord Tourer

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

U.S. Acura TSX Sport Wagon not motivated by Honda Crosstour feedback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Acura confirms Euro Honda Accord Tourer coming as TSX sport wagon!

Chris Paukert — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Acura, Honda

2009 Honda Accord Tourer - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we polled you yesterday afternoon about whether Honda was right in choosing to build the insurrectionary 2010 Accord Crosstour instead of picking the Accord Touring from its overseas showrooms, we didn't know that Acura was going to announce that it was doing just that today. Honest. In fact, as far as we're concerned, you guys made it happen. Well, 47.7% of you (at last count), anyway, as bringing over the Accord Tourer was your number one suggestion for a Honda/Acura load-lugger.

In any case, in a (very) brief press release available after the jump, Acura has announced the addition of a TSX sport wagon to its 2011 lineup, and it will likely look suspiciously like the Euro-market Accord Touring model that many people have been clamoring for. Acura confirms that the model will be based on the TSX sedan, which is itself basically a Euro Accord. It is unclear which powertrains we'll get, or if styling will be tweaked from its European counterpart, but it is expected to arrive next fall. Color us excited.

Now, about that JDM Odyssey...

Gallery: Honda Accord Tourer

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading BREAKING: Acura confirms Euro Honda Accord Tourer coming as TSX sport wagon!

BREAKING: Acura confirms Euro Honda Accord Tourer coming as TSX sport wagon! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Honda

2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

To put it mildly, sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid never quite set the world on fire. Regardless, Japan's second largest automaker is reportedly hard at work developing its proprietary Integrated Motor Assist hybrid platform so that it can once again be used to power larger vehicles like the Accord.

To make it all work out, Honda is adding an extra electric motor to the mix for a total of two, both of which will be more powerful than the single pancake motor used in the current Insight and Civic Hybrid. Also on the menu is a lithium ion battery pack to replace the current nickel metal hydride unit, with added capacity to allow for electric-only operation.

Word on the street (or at least the Nikkei daily newspaper in Japan) is that Honda might place this next-gen hybrid powertrain in a minivan sometime in 2011 or so. Before that, though, we can look forward to the launch of Honda's sporty CR-Z hybrid hatchback. It's important to have your priorities straight, right?

Gallery: 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Honda Crosstour interior images released, V6 power to be standard [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

2010 Honda Crosstour interior - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's been no shortage of digital egg-throwing and epithet uttering when it comes to Honda's 2010 Crosstour - this, despite the fact that essentially nobody has seen it in the metal. Thankfully, judging by these first interior shots furnished by Honda, the cabin's design will likely prove to be much less divisive.

Packing an instrument panel that looks like a straight port over from the Accord (albeit one with a different steering wheel), the Crosstour appears to inherit the sedan's lilting dashboard graphic, simple analog gauges, and available navigation system. From where we sit, for such an unconventional vehicle, the interior seems oddly anticlimactic, but at least it figures to be easy-to-use.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the interior that we can see here is the Crosstour's cargo hold, which has a substantial-looking removable sub-floor storage box. We note that there seems to be a significant amount of wheel well intrusion into the cargo area, although we'll have to wait until EPA volume figures are released to see how this has impacted the Crosstour's utility.

In other news, the Crosstour will come standard with Honda's 3.5-liter V6 - no four-cylinder version will be available when the car rolls into dealerships. For reference, the six-cylinder in the Accord sedan nets 268 horsepower (@ 6200 RPM) and 248 pound-feet of torque (@ 5000 RPM) and routes its power through a five-speed automatic transmission. Honda has declined to give official word on power figures for the Crosstour thus far, however. As expected, all-wheel drive will be optional.

Be sure to check out the high-res gallery below and the video and press release after the jump, then leave your fellow readers a comment.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour interior

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading 2010 Honda Crosstour interior images released, V6 power to be standard [w/VIDEO]

2010 Honda Crosstour interior images released, V6 power to be standard [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Accord Crosstour to be built at East Liberty, Ohio plant

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Honda

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for image gallery

This week, Honda marked the thirtieth anniversary of the start of motorcycle production in the United States with a tree planting ceremony and a new production announcement. Legions of Facebook "fans" of the new Honda Accord Crosstour will surely be thrilled to learn that the company's new lifted hatchback thingy will be built at the East Liberty, OH assembly plant. East Liberty already builds Accord sedans and coupes, making it a natural to build the new bodystyle. As with other American-built Hondas, most of the major components are also locally sourced. Honda's nearby Anna, OH engine plant will ship over the V6 engines while the Russells Point facility will build the transmissions.

The Marysville plant that got motorcycle production started three decades ago is now being transformed into a consolidation center to feed parts and systems to the other nearby assembly plants. Honda has decided that it makes more sense for them to focus on building cars in America than bikes. Whether it makes sense to build this particular car anywhere, however, will be determined not on Facebook, but on dealer forecourts.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

[Source: Facebook]

Continue reading Honda Accord Crosstour to be built at East Liberty, Ohio plant

Honda Accord Crosstour to be built at East Liberty, Ohio plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: This is your 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Honda

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has released two highly brushed up photos of the Accord Crosstour, and we can finally see its snout in full view. As the test car spy shots have migrated from altered Accord wagon to final Crosstour, the car has gotten ever funkier. This picture, though, is the funkiest of all.

We have a feeling it is down to the excess effects, but the Crosstour looks a tad bit ungainly. It's almost as if the front and rear of the car are in a different scale - the grille and front wheel look exceedingly large compared to the tail. Since we've already seen the car in the flesh, except for its nose, we're pretty sure it'll be another mellow piece of Honda kit when it's revealed in 35 days. Until then, feel free to check out the official shots we have in the high-res gallery below. Hat tip to Sean!

Gallery: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

[Source: Honda]

Officially Official: This is your 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - click above for high-res gallery

Honda began a recall campaign last November to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in 2001 Honda Civics and Accords. The excessive pressurization could cause the metal inflator casing to explode on the driver's side, potentially resulting in fragments that would pierce the airbag material and injure drivers.

That recall has now been expanded with the addition of 440,000 cars that include the 2002-2003 Acura TL. Honda says affected owners will receive a recall notice in the mail, or you can check your car's recall status on Honda and Acura's sites. Barring that, you can get all of the information in the press release after the jump or check out our galleries of the 2001 Accord and Civic models below.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

Gallery: 2001 Honda Civic

Continue reading Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall

Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line pits Ford Taurus against Honda Accord. Who wins?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford, Honda

When Honda decided to grow its bread-and-butter Accord sedan in every dimension, it entered into the large car segment. The press has been pretty well split on whether or not that was a good idea, but the car buying public continues to vote favorably with its pocket books.

Ford has had a large car entry since the 2005 model year when it unleashed the Five Hundred to the surprise and delight of just of... well... someone, presumably. After lackluster sales, Ford changed the name of its full-sized sedan to Taurus for 2008, but the end result remained the apathy of car buyers. Ford appears to have finally stepped up its game with the 2010 Taurus, however, as the Blue Oval has decided to take its super sized sedan upmarket, with an elegant interior and an exterior that people will actually notice.

Our friends over at Inside Line have brought the Accord and Taurus together in an epic battle of the big rigs. The Accord has a quality pedigree and the love of the car-buying public, while Ford counters with an upstart Taurus that has become the flagship of a vastly improved lineup. The battle was close, but only one large sedan could end up on top of this comparison. Hit the link below to head over to Inside Line to read the comparison for yourself.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Honda Accord

Photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey/ Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Inside Line | Image: Scott Jacobs]

Inside Line pits Ford Taurus against Honda Accord. Who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal

Chris Shunk — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Honda

2001 Honda Civic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda is recalling some of its 2001 model year Accord and Civic models due to excessively pressurized airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that certain airbags in the affected vehicles can deploy so violently that the inflator will rupture. When the bag is deployed, NHTSA says that metal shards from the excessive explosion could act like shrapnel, shoot through the bag and possibly injure vehicle occupants. We're no crash experts, but that sounds like it would hurt a lot.

Owners of affected 2001 Accords and Civics will be able to bring in their vehicle to their local Honda store where the inflator will be replaced free of charge. Honda hasn't yet released a notification schedule or disclosed how many of each model will be recalled, but owners can find out more info by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Check out the galleries below and hit the jump to read the official NHTSA press release.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Civic

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading 2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal

2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sales Watch: Honda Accord sales creeping up on Toyota Camry?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Sedan, Honda, Toyota

While the Honda Accord dominated the 1990s, it has been virtually all Toyota Camry in the new century. Yet a look back at the first six months of 2009 shows that the newer, larger Accord is continuing to gain ground on its chief rival. Camry sales have so far remained top in its segment, with 150,242 sales in the first half of the year. The Accord isn't far behind, though, as it has amassed 131,143 sales through June; only 19,199 behind Camry.

Wards Auto reports that the Accord's gains have been consistent over the past three years, as the sales gap went from 94,004 in 2006 to 80,877 in 2007 and 63,828 in 2008. With sales deeply depressed so far in 2009, though, the numbers can be a bit deceiving. Still, the Camry has seen a 37.4% drop in sales, as compared to 36.3% for the Accord.

Toyota told Wards that one reason for the Accord's improved sales verses the Camry are increasing incentives on the full-size Honda. According to Edmunds, the Accord's April incentives increased four-fold verses the automaker's April, 2008 numbers. Even more interesting is the fact that cash on the hood has increased since April, hitting $2,183 in June. The Camry, on the other hand, had $1,538 on the hood last month; down over $400 compared to May.

[Source: Wards Automotive]

Sales Watch: Honda Accord sales creeping up on Toyota Camry? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Accord Crosstour officially confirmed for Fall 2009 as 2010 model

Chris Paukert — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda

Honda Accord Crosstour spy shots - Click above for image gallery

In what is doubtlessly the briefest press release we'll read today, Honda has finally officially confirmed what we've known for some time now - the Japanese automaker will gain a new genre-crossing model called Accord Crosstour, with sales earmarked to begin this fall as a 2010 model.

Presumably, by calling it an "Accord Crosstour," Honda will also be able to neatly fold in the rakish new crossover/wagon/hatchback model's sales figures into that of the Accord upon which it is based - all the better to take on Toyota's Camry at the top of the sales charts. Check out Honda's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Honda | Images: M. Balisky]

Continue reading Honda Accord Crosstour officially confirmed for Fall 2009 as 2010 model

Honda Accord Crosstour officially confirmed for Fall 2009 as 2010 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Crosstour to arrive in late October?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Honda, Rumormill

There has been all manner of speculation leading to this point, but the Temple of VTEC says it has heard from a source who claims the Honda Crosstour will be arrive in the U.S. in late October.

Mules of the Toyota Venza competitor from Honda have been seen testing in the U.S. on an jerry-rigged European Accord Tourer setup, an in fact, it's not likely to vary a great deal from it visually.

Since a different rear differential has been spotted on some prototypes, all-wheel drive is reportedly on the menu. Temple of VTEC's source says it will be based on the Accord platform, tow 3,500 pounds, be 2.5 inches taller than the Accord and stretch a ginormous 7 inches further than the Venza, which would seem to make third row seating a fait accompli, but as far as we know, the Accord Tourer is strictly a two-row deal.

Based on the fact that dealers have reportedly received their accessory pre-order packs, Honda protocol indicates appearances on dealer lots six months later. And if they keep the finished product sharp and edgy like the Euro Tourer, there's a good chance we'll like it when it comes. Hat tip to Edison!

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Honda Crosstour to arrive in late October? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Honda

Click above for a high-res gallery the Honda Accord Tourer Type-S

The vehicle above represents some of our favorite features in a main-stream car, but we're fully aware that we're in the minority when it comes to drivers in the U.S. market. This is the new European market Honda Accord Tourer Type-S, the same vehicle sold in sedan form in the States as the Acura TSX. The wagon retains the overall size and dynamic characteristics of the four-door while adding a huge dollop of utility when needed, and it's particularly handsome in person. Rumor has it we'll see this body style appear as a new Honda CUV in the U.S. this fall with the high riding Outback treatment.

The wagon is not new to Europe, but the Type-S (also available as a sedan) is. The Type-S Accord gets a 178 hp version of Honda's new iDTEC 2.2L diesel four cylinder with a stiff 280 lb-ft of torque, along with larger 18" wheels and bumper and sill extensions for a more aggressive look.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S

Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota of Jamaica Camry looks suspiciously like Honda Accord

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Honda, Toyota

If you visit the Toyota Jamaica website and have a look at the box under Toyota cars, you'll see these models listed: Avensis, Camry, Corolla, Yaris. Look at the pictures next to the cars listed, and you'll see an Avensis, an Accord, a Corolla, and a Yaris. That's right -- there's a Honda Accord thumbnail pictured next to the link for the Toyota Camry. According to tipster Michael, it's been that way for more than a year. We can certainly understand the odd spelling error or even the wrong picture... for a little bit. But substituting your bread-and-butter for your direct competitor's bread-and-butter for more than a year? Well, life is indeed relaxed in Jamaica town. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

[Source: Toyota Jamaica via Wheels Jamaica]

Toyota of Jamaica Camry looks suspiciously like Honda Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Honda Accord crossover/wagon caught

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Crossover, Honda

Spy pics of a new Honda CUV have surfaced, wearing the U.S-market Accord nose, the Euro Accord Tourer's hatch and a AllRoad-esque ride height. The wagon is rumored to be a development mule, but despite the taped-on fender flares and added length, the body doesn't look half-bad.

This new model could fit in between the CR-V and Pilot in the Honda lineup, and although there's no word on powerplants, the test mule had a rear differential, so AWD is almost a certainty. It is believed that this new AllRoad-challenger will go into production late next year at the Marysville or East Liberty plant and we're expecting to see the vehicle in concept form at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, even though Honda won't have a press conference to show it off. We'll keep you posted, but for now, follow the link to see the pics.

[Source: Auto123]

Spy Shots: Honda Accord crossover/wagon caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Galpin Accord Concept is loud outside and in

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Honda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Galpin Accord Concept

The Galpin Accord Concept is actually pretty tasteful for a Galpin Auto Sports vehicle, and even if the bright blue paint job doesn't get you more attention on the street than you can handle, the two tunnel-sized exhausts out back will do the trick. The carbon fiber roof and plinth for a rear wing will also get you all kinds of cred in certain parts of town. And while information is scarce, the Stoptech brakes up front will help you come back from the edge when the car's actual limits are exceeded. We don't what's hiding under that carbon fiber hood, but we'll take it on faith that the intercooler up front isn't just for show and that something turbo'd lies within. And then, because apparently racers can't hear the stereo when they're hard on the gas, the back seat has been replaced with a speaker array. You just can't be the fastest man on the planet without tunes, now can you? Ah, SEMA... Check it out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Galpin Honda Accord Racer

SEMA 2008: Galpin Accord Concept is loud outside and in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda building up to big sequel for famous "Cog" commercial

John Neff — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Honda

Click above to view teaser videos after the jump

Honda's famous "Cog" commercial proved that the process of making something cool is often more interesting than the cool thing itself. The Japanese automaker is going to try and wow our socks off again with a new commercial coming in June for the launch of the redesigned European Honda Accord (the same vehicle launched in the original "Cog" commercial), and in advance of its debut will be airing four short teaser ads.

The teaser ads will document the process of Honda's endeavor, called "Difficult is Worth Doing" (it has its own blog), and chronicle five days of shooting at The Perris Skydive Centre in California. That's right, we know the final commercial will involve 45 of the world's best sky divers doing some of the most complicated aerial formations ever attempted, but that's about it.

The teaser ads are being aired unbranded, so viewers won't actually know that Honda's behind them or that they're meant to promote the new Honda Accord in Europe until the final commercial is unveiled. The first teaser reveals that it's all got something to do with building a teapot, so our guess is that these 45 skydivers will be creating a three-dimensional tea pot thousands of feet in the air while plummeting towards Earth at 120 mph. We'll have to wait until June to see if we're right, but until then you can check out all three teasers, including three that haven't aired on television yet, and the original "Cog" commercial after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda building up to big sequel for famous "Cog" commercial

Honda building up to big sequel for famous "Cog" commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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