News

*** COMING SOON ***
 
Watch for the relocation and name change of
** * * YELLOWHEAD HONDA * * **
on a full 9 acre site located at 184 St. & 102 Ave. (north of CFRN) in ** 2008 **

Honda forever
 
Stop looking for signs of foreign influence in the Honda Civic Hybrid. As far as styling, functionality and performance are concerned, this car is a Honda through and through. Compared to direct rivals, it has nothing to envy.
 
The Civic Hybrid positions itself as a highly fuel-efficient, decently comfortable passenger car.
 

The Civic Hybrid positions itself as a highly fuel-efficient, decently comfortable passenger car.
 
Nothing spectacular
Because it uses a hybrid powertrain, namely Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), this Japanese compact is primarily driven by a desire to safe fuel, so forget massive power and electrifying accelerations. On the other hand, it proves extremely resourceful and fearless in stop-and-go traffic. Provided that you're not in a real hurry, the dependable Civic Hybrid will safely get you to your destination.
 
While its 1.3L 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine generates 110 horsepower without overly moaning, don't expect it to deliver explosive bursts of speed, especially with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) this hybrid is mated to. Engine speed always remains in its sweet spot, thereby maximizing fuel economy, regardless of driving conditions.
 
Thusly equipped, the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid allows you to make substantial savings at the pump. While the automaker's ratings are way too optimistic, it's not so hard to maintain an average fuel economy of under 6 L/100 km if you're just a tad careful.
 
Basic assist
Unlike another Japanese hybrid, the Toyota Prius, the Civic Hybrid saves more fuel on the highway than in the city. Sure, it does rely on the "Stop 'n Go" system, which shuts off the gasoline engine when you come to a full stop, but the electric motor alone can't move the car: as soon as you release the brake pedal and depress the throttle, the 4-cylinder springs back to life.
 
However, on the highway or under acceleration, the IMA technology is fully operational, providing electric assistance to reduce fuel consumption.
 
On the road, the Honda Civic Hybrid proves steady and even-tempered. Of course, the driver does not feel too much involved behind the wheel as the power steering is a bit overly assisted and lacking response. Likewise, the brakes have a rather unusual operating method; you can feel the regenerative braking system recharge the battery from time to time. Nevertheless, this car offers a predictable driving experience... even though you have to pay some attention to get the most benefits.
 
No compromises
While driving the Honda Civic Hybrid requires some getting used to, you'll feel right at home inside. The interior is quite similar to the regular model's. The two-tier instrument panel is once again in the mix, much to the chagrin of critics and the delight of folks like me, who find the layout both attractive and functional. You can keep your eyes on the road and, with a short glance, have access to all the driving data.
 

Honda's two-tier instrument panel is once again in the mix.
 
The cloth-covered seats are comfortable, although the cushions lack a bit of thigh support. And when I finally found my ideal driving position, some of the controls, particularly the HVAC buttons, were slightly out of my normal reach, meaning I had to stretch a little.
 
Rear passengers enjoy a generous amount of room, as is the case with every Civic. On the other hand, the rear seats do not fold down because they house the IMA battery. On the plus side, this frees up a lot of space in the trunk for your luggage.
 
Exact twin?
Even on the outside, the Civic Hybrid is a carbon copy of the gasoline-powered model. The subtle trunklid spoiler and specially-designed, lightweight alloy wheels are the only significant differences. Of course, there's also the "Hybrid" badge.
 
I must confess that I have a soft spot for hybrids, probably because of my good conscience. The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid delivers the goods in terms of fuel economy (even though potential savings turn out to be less than advertised), handling, driving pleasure and value. In fact, it's the most affordable hybrid on the market. So I'll say it loud and clear: this car is quite addictive... if you want to live in a greener world, of course.

- INTERESTING LINKS -

Click Here to Build Your Own 2008 Honda Civic

A nice, safe bet?
 
Honda designers have finally shown us what they're capable of. With the new Civic, the transformation was original and well executed. And while the automaker's best-selling car in North America, the Accord, has been redesigned a little more conservatively, the final product is nonetheless sleek and sharp-looking. Larger than ever and displaying a wider stance, it can once again rival other midsize sedans in terms of styling and visual execution.
 

The new Honda Accord is sleek and sharp-looking.
 
Bigger, yet again
The exterior dimensions were stretched and the benefits are mostly felt inside: improved driving position as well as more room for front and rear passengers. The new Accord is right up there with the best in its class, offering a more intelligent layout and additional storage compared to its predecessor. Also, the seats provide better side support, although I found the leather somewhat slippery.
 
For the driver, the only real drawback is the overly complex yet homogeneous center stack. I had a hard time locating the right controls and buttons while driving. This is strange, considering how Honda is usually known for making things simple and clear. Here, you have to rely on colors and shapes to differentiate the controls and feel more relaxed behind the wheel.
 
On the plus side, my tester came with a navigation system which I found easy enough to use and read to remain focused on the road ahead.
 
Safe on the road
With regards to driving dynamics, the Accord still has it. The new model is every bit as good as the best entry-level touring sedans out there. In addition, the Accord remains a benchmark in terms of handling. Driving this car is a lot more pleasant than what you experience with competitors. The steering is precise and the suspension is well calibrated, making the Accord a safe, enjoyable travel companion, particularly in tight turns. You never get caught off-guard and you always know exactly where you're headed. And despite a more rigid platform, the new 2008 Accord proves to be more comfortable than the old one on bumpy roads
 
Capable and efficient
The performance delivered by the big 2.4L 4-cylinder engine will meet your everyday needs. Power is adequate (190 hp) for reasonable accelerations (0-100 kph in 8 seconds) and safe passing maneuvers. It's also an efficient performer, averaging under 10 L/100 km. Unlike the V6, it comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, which proved to be a good match. Likewise, the optional 5-speed autobox works pretty well: you can leave the stick alone, except for when you want to benefit from greater engine braking.
 

The performance delivered by the big 2.4L 4-cylinder engine will meet your everyday needs.
 
A safe bet
I voluntarily put a question mark at the end of my title. In my mind, the 2008 Honda Accord is a safe bet with the 4-cylinder mill in either LX or EX trim, but I would not be willing to pay extra thousands for the more expensive EX-L model. (I'd rather select the EX V6.) With the current world crisis and unpredictable oil prices, Honda's 4-cylinder represents a pretty smart choice.

- INTERESTING LINKS -

Build Your Own 2008 Honda Accord Here

Aging look means it's time for a makeover!
 
There are so many SUVs on the market that manufacturers can't afford to stick with the same products for a long time. If a model is not redesigned after 2-3 years or if it does not get regular upgrades, it will quickly fade into oblivion.
 
People seem to forget that the Honda Pilot has been more than a competent truck in its class. However, no major redesign has been made since the model's original introduction in 2003.
 

The large greenhouse provides occupants with exceptional visibility.
 
Ordinary lines
The first-generation Pilot will certainly not be remembered for its bland styling. I'm not saying it's ugly or unattractive; it's just that the fairly boxy shape is totally devoid of exciting cues, let alone anything fancy.
 
Still, you can't accuse this SUV of showing excess fat. Meanwhile, the large greenhouse provides occupants with exceptional visibility. The Pilot is arguably a tough-looking machine that means business.
 
Colorless interior
Inside, the same logic pretty much applies: the layout is unimaginative, even boring. The plastic finish on the dashboard is decent but far from inspiring.
 
Build quality is top-notch in typical Honda fashion, but ergonomics leave a little to be desired. For instance, the cupholders are too close to the center armrest and, as a result, I kept hitting the bottles I had put there. In addition, some of the controls are hardly within reach of the driver, like the radio's. By the way, the sound quality is average at best.
 
On the other hand, there are lots of storage compartments; the one in the center console comes in quite handy since you can put valuable items like a purse or an MP3 player in there. But for a vehicle that costs more than $40,000, the list of features and accessories should be more comprehensive.
 
The DVD entertainment system, standard on SE and SE-L models, is pretty convenient if you have kids. It operates quite well and the DVD player is located up front for easy disc loading.
 
The Pilot has one clear advantage over most midsize SUVs: it can comfortably accommodate 8 normal-size passengers. I guess the bread-box design isn't entirely bad after all, as third-row occupants enjoy enough room to feel at ease. And when you fold all the rear seats, you get nearly 2,500 liters of cargo room, which is sizeable. As for the driver's seat, I had some problems finding a comfortable driving position; a wider cushion would have been helpful.
 
Adequate powertrain
The 3.5L V6 is used by many Honda/Acura products; with the Pilot, it proves very dependable. Putting 244 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque to the ground, it easily moves this heavy mass, although all-out performance is not what I would call electrifying.
 
In reality, the engine is a bit slow reacting when you want to accelerate or pass a slower car. It's not as responsive as Nissan's 3.5L unit. The 5-speed automatic transmission works smoothly, helping the Pilot achieve an average fuel economy of 13.5 L/100 km. It's a shame that Honda's Variable Cylinder Management technology is exclusive to the base LX 2WD model.
 

The 3.5L V6 powers many Honda/Acura products.
 
The Pilot's road manners are satisfying, especially the smooth ride. The suspension does a good job of filtering out road imperfections. However, the steering feels vague and the front end of the vehicle seems slow to pivot. Consequently, handling is not on par with some rivals. The interior sure is quiet, though.
 
Competition
The Pilot SE starts at $43,990. That kind of money opens a lot of doors in the 7- or 8-passenger midsize SUV/CUV segment. Many are more powerful, better equipped and, in my opinion, more attractive.
 
Examples that come to mind include the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Ford Taurus X, Hyundai Veracruz, Jeep Commander, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander. Next to these models, the Pilot is overmatched in many ways.
 
Conclusion
While a complete overhaul is scheduled for 2009, the current Pilot still has some outstanding qualities. It's roomy, pleasant to drive and appropriately powered.
 
But given the plethora of alternatives in the category, the Pilot wouldn't be my first choice. True, it delivers the goods, but where's the excitement? Drivers wishing to get noticed ought to look elsewhere.

- INTERESTING LINKS -

Click to Build and Price Your 2008 Honda Pilot