www.Hondafinancialservices.com

Coming in with some newer models is the 2008 Honda Civic. Body styles are the usual 2 door coupe and 4 door sedans. Being included in the sedan line is a gas/electric Hybrid model. In both sedans and coupes are the DX, LX, and EX models. New models in 2008 is the EX-L, Si trim and the Civic MUGEN Si sedan. Available only to New York and California markets is the Civic GX.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration front crash test rating gave five stars to both driver and passenger fronts. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave 4 star ratings (4 star being the highest) across the board in all areas it judges minus a 3 star for driver torso.

The MUGEN Si has Twin-Ring Motegi track- tuned suspension with stiffer springs and firmer dampers. BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW High grip tires (215/40R18) surround the forged aluminum rims (18 x 7.5 inches). It comes with is a “Cat-Back” sport exhaust system. With the added aero-package you get front spoiler and sports grill, side spoilers, rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing.

Under the hood you’ll find the 122 cubic inch, 197 hp, 2.0 liter, 16 valve inline 4 engine. It has an aluminum block and head with port fuel injection. Torque is 139 pounds per foot at 6200 rpm, maxing out at 8000. It’ll go 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Transmission is a 6 speed manual. Wheelbase is 106.3 inches. Brakes are ABS and vented disc/disc on the front wheel drive. There is only planned for a release of only 1,000 per year with a MSRP for this model of Civic starting in at $30,000.

Standard features on the 4 door sedan or the 2 door coupe EX-L model include Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) with airbag cutoff sensor for the passenger controlled by weight in the seat, electronic brake force distribution and in-glass radio antenna. EX-L models come with heated front seats and leather upholstery. Seats 5 passengers and is available in 12 trims.

Engine specs come in at 110 cubic inch, 140 hp, 1.8 liter, 16 valve inline 4 cylinder. Torque comes in at 128 pounds per feet at 4,000 rpm. Only a 5 speed transmission here that’s manual or automatic front wheel drive with navigation system and standard overdrive. Wheelbase for the EX-L is 106.3 inches. Also coming standard is the ABS. MSRP for this model $19,910.

The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid is loaded with standard features including but not limited to XM satellite radio, OPDS, and tire pressure monitor just to name a few.

This gas/electric hybrid is at 110 hp combining both gas and electric requiring no plug-in charging. When you need a boost to your acceleration the electric motor will kick in automatically. It’s got a 110 hp, 1.3liter, 8 valve inline 4 cylinder with a VAR speed automatic transmission. Torque for this model is only 123 pounds per foot at 2500 rpm when running on gas or electric.

[Read more →]

Honda power generators aren’t just for backup power utilized in residential, industrial, or commercial buildings; they could also be utilized for recreational purposes such as camping when the place where you’ll be camping in would need power.

Honda camping generators would not just only aid you answer your problems when we are talking about electricity while camping, but it could also give you with come features that such as less carbon emissions and noise reduction to make your camping something you’ll cherish.

A Honda camping power generator is portable and lightweight; it’s compact enough to be carried in the trunk of a vehicle to go with it to another place where you’ll be camping. A regular Honda camping generator could give up to 15 hours of stable electric supply with simply the use of 1 gallon of fuel.

Efficiency, performance and reliability are what are obvious in a Honda generator and it has become a selection for most of RV units and campers because of its power and its portability.

The exteriors of the generator are also right for camping because it utilizes camouflage color that mixes well in the wild while also silently giving power. Increasing the level of the power of a Honda power generator is quite easy as well; you’ll only need a larger container for the gas or even another Honda generator to double the power being made.

Honda camping generators are also gas efficient and are well-equipped with safety qualities that guard the users from the risks of utilizing generators filled with gas. A built-in system in the power generator checks the oil level and could automatically turn off the generator whenever it becomes so hot.

Spark arrestors are placed in every Honda camping generator as well, so that the probability of having fire is lessened. All Honda power generators, including the camping generator, are needed to be initially tested before it is sold to the consumers so that safety is made sure.

Step by step and specific guides and maintenance are also given to help keep and maintain the Honda camping power generator in performing very well. A 3 year warranty is applied on all services and parts to make sure that the power generators are in great condition and no defects or whatsoever are present. Home generator ratings and organic gas generator reviews all give the positive comments to Honda power generators.

Related to : www.macys.com/paybill

[Read more →]

If mother Russia chooses this year to drop atom bomb on us, there is nothing to worry about. Provided, of course, you have one or two Honda portable generators up and running in the basement. If you are camping somewhere out there you are dead anyway…

Over years of continuous development Honda portable generators were optimized to almost perfection for power output, size, noise, fuel consumption and who knows what other things, while remaining affordable to the average home owner.

Honda portable generators are indeed affordable but way overpriced considering the fact that you can get a portable generator with roughly the same performance for sometimes as low as half the price. Just forget the brand name and stick to the Honda engine.

Gasoline generators are the cheapest among fossil-powered generators but require quite a lot of maintenance. At least half of the malfunctions happen due to engine failure. Especially the carburetor and fuel filter need a great deal of attention.

With Honda portable generators you would not have to worry about missing the Tonight Show in the nuclear twilight. Honda engines are designed to be durable and reliable while running on regular unleaded gasoline with a quiet, fuel-efficient and smoke-free manner.

The first thing you need to do before choosing between different Honda portable generators is to compare the total power consumption of individual appliances with the power supply output of the generator. The generator’s wattage output should meet or exceed the above defined “constant wattage.”

In order to start up all the devices that contain electric motors (which may require up to three times their normal wattage at start up) you need to calculate with an extra output as well. The “start-up wattage” is defined by the surge rating of the generator.

The next thing to ponder about is the voltage ratings of the generator and the appliances you want to operate. If you own larger electrical appliances that are rated at 240 volts be sure to choose a dual-voltage generator. Most Honda portable generators with a power output of 3000 W or above should meet this requirement by default. Not all Honda portable generators come with different outlet types (e.g. 120V duplex, 120V/240V twist, 240V twist).

There are different grades of portability. As for minimal requirement, make sure that your generator is housed in a tubular frame durable enough to protect from accidental damage that might happen during transportation.

Related to : www.chasebank.com www.bigcharts.com

[Read more →]

The big three car makers of Japan have all been extremely successful across the globe, but none have been immune to the economic downturn which began last autumn. Toyota, Honda and Nissan have all been hit hard with falling consumer spending, where a new car may seem something of a luxury in the current economic situation. Although all of these manufacturers have strong factory presences in Japan itself, they also have plants across the globe. For example, Britain’s top three car producers are indeed Nissan, Toyota and Honda (in that order).

Despite its relatively small size, Japan is still the world’s largest car producer at 11.6 million units, closely followed by the USA and significantly ahead of China (third), a country with 10 times the population. Japan’s car industry is crucial to the health of its economy, so how well Toyota, Honda and Nissan deal with the global downturn in consumer demand is of great importance.

Toyota is the world’s number one car maker with a turnover of $17.15 billion dollars in 2008, employing 316,000 people worldwide. Its interests include robotic, financial services and biotechnology, as well as automotive – its core area. Its success is largely due to its famous production system, with key ideas such as ‘genchi genbutsu’, which means when a problem arises is best to go and see it for yourself, so you can thoroughly understand it. It is closely followed by Honda in terms of the Japanese market. In response to the economic downturn, Toyota has cut thousands of temporary and indeed permanent workers as well as cutting car production and freezing pay.

The second largest Japanese carmaker, Honda, is also the 6th biggest carmaker globally. Like Toyota, Honda also has interests in many areas. These include cars, motorcycles, jets, water craft and even lawn and garden equipment. In the UK Honda has a plant near Swindon which has halted production for 4 months due to falling demand for cars in the UK, Europe and across the globe. With sales down around 30%, Honda initially planned to cut vehicle production by 56,000 units. As with all of these carmakers, Honda hopes to begin production again as soon as possible.

Nissan too, Japan’s third largest auto maker has been hit hard by falling sales across the globe. The company’s UK plant in Sunderland has made 1200 of its staff redundant since the economic downturn began. Other reductions have been made in its plants across the world in locations including Spain, Egypt, India, Mexico and several others. Total job cuts are said to be around 20,000 in total.

It is clear then that Toyota, Honda and Nissan have all been significantly affected by the global downturn, despite having some of the most efficient manufacturing processes in the history of car making – and indeed some of the most desirable cars on the market today. Their extremely high level of efficiency and high brand profile means that Toyota, Honda and Nissan should all be well positioned for the upturn, when it eventually comes!

[Read more →]

Headquartered in Japan, the Honda Company has had a long and successful history of making quality cars. The Honda Technology Research Institute Company is the 6th largest automobile manufacturer in the world and the biggest engine-builder in the world. Each year, Honda builds more than 14 million internal combustion engines. The company builds automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, scooters, robots, jets and jet engines, ATV, water craft, electrical generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, mountain bikes, and aeronautical technologies.

In October 1946, Soichiro Honda established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan. The goal was to develop and build small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Two years later, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was created. Honda’s first US storefront opened in 1959 in Los Angeles.

Honda’s first production automobile was the T360 mini pick-up truck. The first production car from Honda was the S500 sports car.

Chronological highlights of the history of behind Honda cars as reported by world.honda.com include:

1963 Honda’s first sports car (S500) and light truck (T360) released. 1966 Sales and export of S800 begin. 1967 Front-wheel-drive minicar, N360, released. 1968 Export of N360 and N600 begin.

1971 Life minicar released.

1972 Civic released.

1976 Accord CVCC (1600cc) released.

1978 Prelude released.

1981 City released. 1985 Today minicar and Legend released. Quint Integra released.

1986 Honda expanded into the luxury automobile market with the creation of the Acura brand

1989 Accord Inspire released.

1990 NSX sports car released. 1992 Worldwide automobile production reaches 20 million units. 1994 Odyssey released.

1995 Worldwide Civic production reaches 10 million units. CR-V sports utility vehicle released. Worldwide automobile production reaches 30 million units.

1996 Step WGN (Wagon) released. 1999 Honda S2000 sports car released. Lagreat Canadian-made minivan released. Insight hybrid released.

2000 Life Almas, first minicar with features for the physically challenged, released. Stream minivan released.

2001 Fit released. Civic Hybrid released.

2003 Honda becomes the first Japanese automaker to produce 10 million cars in the U. S. New Odyssey released.

2005 Ridgeline next-generation truck released in U.S. American Honda Motor begins sales of Phill, the first home refueling appliance for natural gas vehicles. Leasing of FCX fuel cell vehicle for home use begins. Worldwide sales of Honda hybrid vehicles reached 100,000.

2006 Zest unveiled. Performance of next-generation fuel-cell car FCX Concept demonstrated.

2007 Crossroad released.

In August 2008, Honda surpassed Chrysler as the 4th largest automobile manufacturer in the United States. Currently, Honda is the second largest manufacturer in Japan behind Toyota and ahead of Nissan.

Honda increased global production in September 2008 to meet demand for small cars in the U.S. and emerging markets. Due to the current global crisis, the company is now rearranging U.S. production to keep operations functioning, while building fewer minivans and sport utility vehicles.

[Read more →]

The all-new Honda City is a beautifully designed car with technical precision and host of innovative technologies. The car has stood tough in competition with the leading sedans in the Indian car market including the Maruti Suzuki SX4.

The winning characteristics of the new Honda City include the advanced i-VTEC engine, the brilliant styling, and a pack of high-end safety features. The intelligent VTEC engine was designed by a team of skilled and talented engineers to meet the growing demand of high fuel-efficiency. In response to the demand, these engineers fine-tuned each and every component of the car engine so that it can generate maximum power and unmatched mileage. With the excellent host of technologies, the VTEC engine boasts about its excellence in all arenas of car industry.

The key reason why the new Honda City has revolution the car market is the powerful and highly efficient i-VTEC engine. Every engine component is tuned to achieve class-leading fuel-efficiency.

Here are some of the technologies that made Honda’s i-VTEC engine more fuel-efficient:

Patterned Piston Coating

The best way to improve fuel-efficiency is to reduce friction. This can easily be done by modifying the engine components. Honda engineers did so by changing the surface configuration of the piston coating. A patterned piston coating helped reduce friction which further helps improve fuel-efficiency.

Auto-Tensioner with Drive-Belt

Auto tensioners automatically control the closing and opening of the intake and exhaust valves of the engine. When fitted with the drive belt, it helps in monitoring the tension of the timing belts with respect to the changing speed. Honda engineers fitted the auto-tensioner with the auxiliary drive belt connecting the crankshaft and the camshaft. The tensioner in connection with the drive-belt absorbs all variations in the tension and eventually helps improve fuel-efficiency.

Plastic Covering

Fuel-efficiency can also be improved by reducing the overall weight of the car. If the car weight is more, the engine will need more power to pull the car and if the weight is reduced, comparatively less power is required to pull the car. Honda’s engineers also applied the same principle and reduced the weight of the engine. They used plastic covers instead of aluminium covers to cover the car engine. Plastic engine covering helped reduce the weight of the engine by about one kilogram, thereby reducing overall weight of the car and increasing fuel-efficiency.

Related to : www.llbeanvisa.com www.commerceonline.com www.alliedinsurance.com

[Read more →]

There’s no doubt about it, Honda makes a long-lasting vehicle. In fact, when polled, most consumers rank Honda within the top two manufacturers in the world, in terms of dependability, reliability and durability – chances are good that these three items were all factors in your decision to purchase one in the first place.

That said, you will have to ensure that you utilize proper maintenance procedures if you want your Honda to stand the test of time. All vehicles require maintenance in order to continue working properly. A lack of such maintenance can certainly leave you stranded on the side of the road. What types of maintenance should you use?

Oil Changes – Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without clean oil, the metal parts within your vehicle’s engine would begin grinding together, creating even greater heat and reducing their effectiveness. In short, without clean oil, your vehicle’s engine would soon cease to operate.

Over time and use, oil loses its viscosity, or ability to lubricate. This is due to a natural breakdown of compounds within the oil. The only way to prevent this is to ensure that you have regular oil changes. Most newer Honda vehicles, built after 2004, can safely go 5,000 miles between oil changes. Older vehicles should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles. Use the weight of oil recommended in your owner’s manual, or follow your dealership’s instructions.

Tire Rotation and Balance – This is yet another form of basic maintenance, common to every type of vehicle. It’s highly recommended that you have your tires rotated at every other oil change, if you follow the 3,000-mile rule. If you follow the 5,000-mile rule, you will need to rotate your tires at each oil change.

Why rotate your tires? A tire rotation takes the two tires from the drive position (front) and replaces then with the two from the non-drive position (rear). This is essential, because tires in the drive position wear more quickly. Only through proper rotation can you hope to ensure that your tires wear evenly and last as long as they are supposed to. A tire balance can help your vehicle ride more smoothly by eliminating vibrations within the tires and wheels.

Air Filter – Like most modern vehicles, all Hondas have an air filter, or air cleaner. This item filters the air that is sucked into your engine, preventing dirt, dust and other debris from chocking the life out of your engine. However, over time, your air filter will become blocked and clogged with this debris. It’s recommended that you change it every 15,000 miles (sooner in areas with extreme weather conditions).

Transmission Service – The transmission of your Honda is essential; without it, your vehicle won’t move. Just like your engine, the transmission has fluid that helps lubricate the moving parts and helps to cool the transmission during operation. Most Honda dealerships recommend having your fluid drained and refilled every 30,000 miles on average, though your dealership might have different mileage recommendations.

[Read more →]

The Honda Company has a history of producing quality cars, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, robots, jets and jet engines, ATVs, water craft, and many other important technologies. One interesting historical feature of the Honda Company is the origination of the Honda engine. Honda is the largest engine manufacturer in the world, with more than 14 million internal combustion engines built each year.

After World War II, Soichiro Honda formed the Honda Research Institute Company Ltd in Japan. In 1947, Honda built the A-type engine, a 1-horsepower 50cc two-stroke that fastened to bicycles. Honda staff called it the “chimney” because of its tall cylinder. In September 1948, the Honda Motor Co. was formally established.

The first production automobile from Honda was the T360 mini pick-up truck which was powered by a small 356 cc straight-4 gasoline engine. The first production car from Honda was the S500 sports car. In 1961, the bigger Volvo model engines called the 122-S series B-18 engine were built. In 1965 Honda built a race car equipped with a 12-cylinder engine.

In 1973, The Ford Motor Company formed an agreement with The Honda Motor Company to obtain technical data on a new engine that would decrease air pollution. They created the first engine to meet the guidelines of the 1970 US Clean Air Act.

In 1991, Honda reported selling 7000 CRX-HF cars where the Honda engine used computers and sensors to control valve action and the air-fuel. The purpose was to increase the amount of air in the mixture to 20 parts per 1 part gasoline.

In May 1999, Honda announced that it would supply its new Formula 1 engines to British American Racing. The most important highlight of the announcement was that Honda’s engine engineers had developed an oil trap that fitted into the engine. Also in 1999, Hybrid Electric Honda launched the first commercial hybrid electric car that was sold in the US as the Honda Insight. The first-generation Insight was produced from 2000 to 2006. This was the most fuel-efficient mass-produced car at the time. In 2000, Honda began mass producing clean high-performance engines.

The Honda Civic GX is the only natural gas vehicle (NGV) available in certain US locations. In 2001, the Civic GX was rated the cleanest-burning internal combustion engine in the world by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?.

In 2006, Honda announced it would build a $154-million engine plant near Alliston, Ontario, Canada. It would be the first engine plant in Canada. In late 2006, Honda’s Brazilian subsidiary launched flexible-fuel versions for the Honda Civic and Honda Fit. These models run on a mixture of hydrous ethanol (E100) and E20-E25 gasoline.

Honda introduced the second-generation Insight in Japan in February 2009. It will be the cheapest hybrid available in the US.

Since 2002, Honda has been selling the Honda Civic Hybrid (2003 model) in the US. It was followed by the Honda Accord Hybrid, which was offered in 2005 to 2007 models. Honda is also planning to introduce a hybrid version of its Honda Fit, as well as another unique small hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z sports car that was introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Read more →]

Hondas are said to be one of the most reliable cars available in the marketplace today. Alongside Toyota, people buy Hondas because they want a car that will always trundle home somehow, no matter what has happened to it! If you own a Honda, there are several Honda- specific issues that your mechanic should be aware of. Today, we’re looking at how to choose your car service provider or mechanic if you own a Honda, and some of the issues that these little cars have.

Honda car service – what to look for

If you are searching for a new mechanic to take care of your Honda (whether it is new or used), there are a few things you should take in to consideration.

Does the mechanic do log book scheduled servicing for your model of Honda? This is a great indicator that the company is familiar with your model of car and the manufacturer’s requirements for keeping it in good shape. Even if you own an older version of the model and don’t need log book servicing, this is a good sign that you’ve chosen the right mechanic.

If you own a hybrid Civic, is the mechanic familiar with working on hybrid engines?

As with vetting all mechanics, look at whether they provide a written quote before starting work, whether they offer a warranty on both parts and labour, and how far (in time, kilometers, or distance) that warranty extends

Popular models of Honda

Every model of Honda that a mechanic works on helps them get a better understanding of the make in general. If your mechanic has worked on the following popular models of Honda, you can be confident about their ability to do a good job on your car repairs:

Accord

CR-V

Breee

Civic

CRX

HR-V

Integra

Jaz

Legend

MDX

Odyssey

Prelude

The Honda Care Program – Right for You?

Honda offers an in-house servicing and repair program for their cars – the Honda Care Program. You buy a plan (of which there are varying levels), in order to get things like:

Roadside assistance

Concierge emergency service

Rental car reimbursement

Trip interruption allowance

Comprehensive component coverage

The Honda Care program is sort of like auto club membership. You pay for coverage for a specified period (usually a combination of years and kilometers driven, whichever comes first), and the benefits are available to you. However, if you don’t need any servicing in that time, the money is wasted.

Look past the dealers

If you’ve just bought a new Honda, you don’t have to go back to the dealer to have it serviced or repaired. Going to a third party will have no effect on your new car warranty – this has been guaranteed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. However, you should always ensure that you new Honda service is done according to manufacturer’s specifications – the term ‘log book servicing’ indicates that your mechanic does this.

[Read more →]

While parent company Honda continues to bestow all of its hybrid technology on its Honda division vehicles, Acura is doing without any alternate engine sources to power their cars and SUVs. Instead, the division is relying on newer gasoline engines to promote fuel efficiency as well as to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Is Acura doing enough or is Honda’s luxury division missing the boat? Big changes are headed Acura’s way, changes that could enormously overhaul the brand and bring to the market vehicles powered by a variety of alternate fuel sources. Let’s examine exactly what might be Acura’s alternate powerplant offerings at the beginning of the next decade.

Diesel, Biodiesel – Honda got into the diesel market late, but the company’s first offerings are considered to be exceptionally good. Four cylinder powered diesel engines are being developed that will initially appear in select Honda model cars within the next two years. These new engines meet current EPA guidelines and raise the typical fuel mileage of each car by about 30%. Importantly, each engine will be able to run on biodiesel a renewable resource made of ingredients such as soybeans. Acura may get its own diesel aspirated engine soon after the launch of the first diesel powered Honda hits the market.

Ethanol – Unlike American based automakers, Honda has no plans to offer vehicles that can run on E85 technology. E85, consisting of 85% ethanol [usually corn] and 15% straight gasoline has been getting a lot of press attention lately. However, the extreme lack of service stations offering the fuel has kept demand low. Honda has decided to concentrate on next generation hybrid technology instead of branching out to E85.

Hydrogen – Claiming that the first hydrogen powered car will be ready for production within the next 3 or 4 years, some are doubting that Honda will be prepared to make such a move until well after then. Look for Acura to only get a hydrogen powered car several years after the first Honda hydrogen vehicle has been successfully tested in Japan.

Pluggable Hybrid – To extend hybrid fuel economy even further, pluggable hybrid powered vehicles are currently being developed. Acura’s first hybrid may include this technology once Honda readies it for the market. Toyota is readying a similar model and Ford is doing likewise. 100 mpg may be a realistic figure once these vehicles are rolled out.

Natural Gas – A natural gas powered Acura isn’t likely to be produced, simply because Honda is investing in hybrid, diesel, and hydrogen technology above all else. Still, natural gas could be used in future fuel cell vehicles to make hydrogen. Thus, in an indirect way natural gas could power an Acura vehicle of the not-too-distant future.

So, although it would appear that Acura isn’t getting the same alternate fuel technology as the Honda division is at the moment, it would appear that all of that will change in the very near future. This is good news for people who enjoy the Acura brand, but want to see it expand to include options that are environmentally friendly and promote fuel efficiency.

[Read more →]