Honda, the first Japanese automaker to open a plant in the U.S., continues to solidify its position as a key part of the American manufacturing landscape: The company recently announced that its facility in Greensburg, Ind., has built its 100,000th Honda Civic.

Of course, that’s not that much of a surprise when you consider how big a hit the Civic has been for Honda. The compact sold 259,722 units in 2009, making it the sixth-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for that year, and the Civic is off to a very positive start in 2010. Honda moved 14,693 Civics last month, up 12.1 percent compared to January of 2009, and there’s plenty of reason to expect the car’s full-year sales will get a healthy bump from Toyota Corolla defectors.

A key to the Civic’s success is its bold styling, which makes the car look as fresh today as it did when it launched in 2005, although a facelift in 2009 also helped a bit. The look is especially eye-catching on the Civic coupe, where it offers a modern-day take on the long-hood/short-rear proportions of classic sports cars. And when that sheet metal is wrapped around the Civic Si, owners get performance that matches the car’s appearance.

Just as importantly for today’s drivers, the Civic is also a big performer at the gas pumps, too. Both the coupe and the sedan are rated at 26 mpg city/34 highway/29 combined in the EPA testing when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, while the models go 25/36/29 with Honda’s five-speed automatic. Even the much sportier Si can earns good EPA ratings of 21/29/24. Ultimately, its the Civic balance of styling, comfort, and efficiency that continues to help the automaker win awards.

The Greensburg plant also is the only facility in America building a car that runs on compressed natural gas. That’s the Civic CNG, which gets the equivalent of 24 mpg city/36 highway/28 combined according to the EPA. Now that’s good “gas” mileage.

* * *

Read more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe now.

At the 2009 LA Auto Show, Honda showed off its P-NUT concept car. The ultra compact two-seater was designed for urban city-dwellers, and its design and petite dimensions was specifically intended to maximize fuel-efficiently and drivability in tight places. Honda’s latest concept car is due to break cover next week at the Geneva Motor Show, and also continues Honda’s interest in designing the ultimate vehicle for urban mobility.

The new Honda 3R-C Concept is even smaller than the aforementioned P-NUT and accommodates only one person. The motorcycle-like vehicle is all-electric, and is entirely designed and built by Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan. The chassis of the 3R-C features only three wheels and it has a very low center of gravity to improve stability. The cockpit keeps the driver low within the body of the vehicle, which ultimately helps to protect the driver as well.

Radical concept vehicles such as the new Honda 3R-C are more design studies, and rarely feature functional systems. Although the design of this vehicle is fairly radical, it is designed with the safety of the driver in mind, particularly in regard to potential side impact collisions. There is also a lockable trunk for storage.

Honda has not released any technical details of the new 3R-C as of yet. With various Honda design centers focusing on urban mobility, it seems like only a matter of time before these distinctive concepts become reality – at least that’s what we’re hoping.

* * *

Follow all the latest Honda news on this blog. Subscribe for updates.

Consumer Reports is one of the leading tools and most trusted resources when it comes to buying a new car. Their recommendations and ratings are often seen as helpful guides for car buyers looking to make the smartest new car purchase. After reviewing the latest new models, Consumer Reports just released the latest automaker report cards, and perhaps it’s no surprise that Honda is on top.

Honda has reigned supreme for the fourth consecutive year in its annual review of the best all-around vehicles for American drivers. Tied with Subaru, Consumer Reports gave Honda an overall ratting of 77 out of 100 points in their evaluation 2010 models in regard to braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy.

Coming in just under Honda and Subaru was embattled automaker Toyota. Korean auto brands Hyundai and Kia were the most improved, with Hyundai jumping from ninth place last year to just fourth this year.

For the complete details of the Consumer Reports’ evaluations, see the official press release below.

* * *

Press Release:

Consumer Reports’ Automaker Report Cards: Honda And Subaru Lead, Hyundai Makes Strides, Chrysler Lags

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Honda and Subaru have earned class leader status for building the best all-around vehicles for American drivers, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports’ 2010 Annual Auto Issue. This is the fourth consecutive year that Honda has topped CR’s list. At the opposite end of the annual ranking is Chrysler, which fared even worse than last year. However, Chrysler had one recommended vehicle this year, the Ram pickup, compared to no recommended vehicles last year.

Tied with an overall score of 77 out of 100 points, Honda and Subaru were followed by Toyota (74) (Recommendations for eight recalled Toyota models were temporarily suspended), Hyundai (73) and Nissan and Volkswagen tied at (72) in overall score.

Although the best vehicles overall are being built by Honda and Subaru, South Korean carmaker Hyundai, and its subsidiary, Kia, has shown the most dramatic improvement, jumping to fourth place from ninth last year.

The full report, “Rating the carmakers” is in the Annual Auto Issue, which goes on sale March 2. It is also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org

The overall score for each automaker is based on the average of its vehicles’ overall scores in Consumer Reports’ road tests and their average predicted-reliability ratings from Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Survey. Manufacturers received a report card only if five or more of their vehicles were tested.

Honda continues to make many of the best all-around vehicles. Overall, its Honda and Acura models, are the most reliable vehicles in CR’s predicted-reliability ratings. The most recent models from Honda, however, have not shown the same dedication to interior quality and fuel economy that earlier models did. Despite its outstanding reliability, CR doesn’t recommend the new Insight because of subpar emergency handling and a compromised rear seat.

The redesigned 2010 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon raised Subaru’s overall test score from 78 points to 81. That helped contribute to its tie with Honda in CR’s rankings. However, Consumer Reports no longer recommends the Subaru Impreza WRX because its subscribers reported a relatively high number of problems, including transmission troubles, in the latest survey. Last year, CR recommended every Subaru model.

Hyundai/Kia showed a dramatic improvement in CR’s report-card rankings, led by newer models such as the Hyundai Genesis and Elantra sedans, Santa Fe SUV, and Kia Optima sedan. Their reliability continues to improve with only the Kia Sedona minivan below average.

Not all Asian models are reliable or good performers. Although many models from Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi are very reliable, several scored too low in CR’s tests to be Recommended. Toyota recently issued safety recalls and temporarily stopped sales of eight models because of rare occurrences of a sticking accelerator pedal. Consumer Reports has suspended its recommendations of those models, which caused Toyota’s percentage of recommended vehicles to drop off by almost half.

The past year was especially rough for American automakers but there is some good news: reliability of some Ford models now rivals their competitors from Honda and Toyota. But in CR’s testing, Ford vehicles were not always among the best performers. Although the Flex and Fusion scored highly, most models from Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln rate only midpack. Still, the freshened Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are excellent overall packages that provide good performance and fuel economy. Consumer Reports recommends 75 percent of the Ford models that were tested, up from 70 percent last year.

New models from GM now rank among the best in CR’s testing, although overall reliability, even among some of the new models, still lags behind most of the competition. GM models that score well in CR’s tests include the Buick Enclave and LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette, Equinox, Malibu, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia.

Chrysler’s grades fell to the bottom of the class, and it is the only automaker to drop from last year in all measures. Most models from the manufacturer have noisy, inefficient, unrefined powertrains; subpar interiors; and poor visibility. The Ram 1500 pickup is the only Chrysler model on Consumer Reports’ Recommended list.

If all that consumers cared about were performance, comfort, and safety, Mercedes and Volkswagen (including Audi) models would go to the head of the class. They have the highest average test scores because they ride and handle especially well, have comfortable seats, and have relatively good fuel economy and acceleration. In recent years those vehicles have lagged in reliability. But that has begun to change, with several models from Mercedes and Volkswagen, as well as BMW, Saab, and Volvo, attaining average or better predicted reliability.

The best vehicles often set the standard for their competitors to follow or improve upon. In the end, it’s the consumer who ends up the ultimate winner.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

* * *

Read more Honda news right here. Subscribe now for updates.

Honda has long been considered a leader in hybrid technology. But the Japanese automaker has avoided the temptation to outfit their larger vehicles with its hybrid power-train, unlike competing automakers such as Toyota. Pragmatic Honda engineers have felt that building a hybrid Ridgeline, Pilot, or even CR-V, would simply not yield the improved mileage to justify the additional cost.

Honda’s strategy of reserving its hybrid technology for use in smaller cars appears to be changing, as the all-new upcoming Odyssey minivan may include the availability of a hybrid system.

After considerable research in hybrid technology specifically for larger vehicles, sources inside Honda suggest that the Odyssey will be the first application. Other Honda cars are powered by a single electric motor, which limits the amount of weight it could adequately move. The hybrid system found on the Toyota Prius, for example, features two motors, which also enables the same system to be adapted for the heavier Highlander SUV. By adopting a similar approach, Honda may have a suitable system to power future Odyssey or Pilot models.

Whether we see a hybrid option when the new Odyssey when it reaches showrooms is currently not known. But according to Tomohiko Kawanabe, chief operating officer of automobile research and development at Honda, the system has definitely reached the development stage and should be coming down the pipeline soon.

* * *

Read more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe now to receive updates.

(‘’)
With the recent troubles Toyota and Honda have had with technology recalls, it only makes sense that they should get together to re-establish their reputation for quality.

This probably isn’t what they had in mind.

Today Honda took the covers off its latest concept vehicle, the Honda Odyssey Concept. On display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, this new concept is likely not a far departure from the upcoming next-generation Odyssey minivan.

The new concept vehicle suggests that the new next-gen Honda Odyssey will offer less conservative styling compared to the current generation. A lower roofline and a wider footprint both help the Odyssey Concept achieve a more aggressive look.

Although distancing the Odyssey from its competition in terms of styling was crucial, Honda also kept functionality, safety, and fuel economy among the top priorities when setting out to design this new concept. Ultimately, this balance paid off, and the Odyssey Concept not only adds more personality than the current generation, but also promises to maintain the existing model’s strengths.

Thanks to its new and more aerodynamic shape, not to mention the addition of advanced powertrain upgrades, the next generation Honda Odyssey is expected to deliver class leading fuel economy.  When the all-new production-ready 2011 Honda Odyssey debuts this fall, expect fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Explore more Honda Odyssey Concept photos and read additional details via the official press release below.

* * *

Press Release:

Odyssey Concept Reveals Stylish, Dynamic Image for All-New Honda Minivan

02/10/2010 – CHICAGO - The Honda Odyssey Concept, on display at the Chicago Auto Show, introduces a sleek and distinctive exterior styling direction for the next generation of the industry’s best-selling minivan, set to debut this fall, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a “lightning-bolt” beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile. Compared to the current Odyssey, the Concept’s slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch) and wider stance (+1.4 inch) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy. Forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo.

The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).

Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™ (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 20082 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.

Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions

Length (inches)	202.8
Width (inches)	78.5
Height (inches)	68.3
Wheelbase (inches)	118.1

* * *

Read more Honda news right here. Subscribe now.

There’s more bad news for Honda: The company is recalling 646,000 Honda Fits worldwide for a potentially dangerous problem with the vehicles’ power-window switches. It turns out that if these switches get wet—via an open window in the rain, for example—they can start burning and eventually catch on fire. The cars involved are from the 2007-2008 model years, and the recall affects about 120,000 vehicles in the U.S.

It’s another blow for Honda, which seems to have entirely lost its mojo in the marketplace. Sales of the once-ubiquitous Fit were off more than 38 percent in January of 2010, and that was before the recall was announced. In fact, the only Honda vehicles to see sales improvements last month were the Honda Accord and Honda Civic. Things weren’t much better for Acura, where only the Acura MDX was able to improve on its January 2009 performance.

Honda CR-Z

That automaker also has been having a surprising amount of difficulty with its hybrid offerings. The Honda Insight has been a major disappointment, and its new sports-car hybrid concept, the CR-Z, got a lackluster reception when it debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Honda Skydeck

One possible bright spot on the horizon could be the introduction of the next-generation Honda Odyssey, slated for this year’s Chicago Auto Show—especially if the new model takes its cue from the Honda SkyDeck concept shown late last year in Tokyo. The SkyDeck is more of a large multipurpose vehicle than a minivan, featuring an aggressive, very un-minivan-like silhouette while still retaining the functionality soccer moms—and dads—expect.

There’s still room for growth in the minivan segment, and a newly styled Odyssey could help Honda get its share, while also pulling the company out of its recent doldrums.

***

Stick around for more Honda news.

Scheduled to debut at the Chicago Auto Show next week, Honda has been able to keep the 3rd generation Honda Odyssey free from prying eyes and photographers thus far.

They invited people to “imagine the possibilities” on their website, and this is what came out so far:

Love the tires. Still, the Honda Odyssey has been able to maintain top sales in the segment for 2 years despite not having a redesign since 2005. The concept model to be unveiled is expected to go into production in 2011.

* * *

Read more Honda News right here.

One of the newest vehicles to hit the market for automobiles in 2010 is the Honda Accord Crosstour.  The Crosstour is an Accord that is slotted just a bit smaller than the Honda Pilot. The vehicle was introduced to the public in November of 2009, selling 485 units.  Its popularity took off in December.  The total number of units sold,  jumped to 2,079, bringing the 2009 total to 2,564.  The price for a Honda Crosstour is just below the Accord Sedan at $29,670.  The vehicle comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Including, a choice of either front wheel or all wheel drive.  The Crosstour is only sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Most people in the industry  do not refer the Crosstour as an SUV or a coupe, but as a hatchback.   The vehicle is designed for couples with kids, couples looking to start a family, or couples whose children have flown the coup and want to travel the country.  The Crosstour sits 2 inches higher off the ground than the Accord sedan.  Specifically, designed for bad-road and foul weather ground clearance.  Other upgrades from the Accord sedan to the Accord Crosstour include:  the two inch width on the exterior of the vehicle, a beefier grill, and blue pointer lighting.  Ranging, anywhere from 299 to 487 pounds heavier than the Accord sedan.  Plus, it’s the only Accord to offer all wheel drive.

The Honda Accord Crosstour is manufactured in East Liberty and Ohio.  Although, it’s a bit pricey.  Depending on the model and features purchased by the customer,  figures range from $29,000 to $37,000.  This vehicle also has the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds of another vehicle, a trailer, or a boat.

***

Catch more news about the  Honda Accord Crosstour.

Honda has worked hard to become one of the most popular vehicle manufacturers in the country. Since 1996, the American outlet of Honda has produced at least 75 percent of its sales in the United States. This means that 75 percent of Honda’s sales each year came from vehicles that were manufactured in the country and not overseas. Honda has now set an all-time record for vehicles sold in the United States that were also manufactured in the country. The new record number stands at 83.8 percent and was set in 2009.

There are seven automobile plants currently in operation in North America by Honda, with four of them located in the United States, two of them in Canada, and one of them in Mexico. All seven of the plants produce 15 different models including the following:

• Accord Sedan, Accord Coupe, Accord Crosstour
• Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic GX
• Pilot
• Ridgeline
• CR-V
• Element
• Odyssey
• Acura TL, ZDX, RDX and MDX

The Honda plants located in North America manufactured over 1 million vehicles in 2009. Those vehicles were used for United States sales, foreign sales, and some currently still sit in dealerships waiting for purchase.

Tetsuo Iwamura, the president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc said: “As part of our long-standing commitment to build Honda and Acura products close to our customers, we have steadily deepened our automobile manufacturing roots in the U.S. and the North America region. Using our flexible manufacturing capacity, we plan to continue to maintain our local production levels at approximately 80 percent of our annual sales.”

***

Keep an eye out for more news on Honda.