Print

Honda Reviews

Honda Accord
Tuesday July 20, 2010
Waterloo Region Record- Special Edition
"Summer Vehicle Clearout"


2010 Honda Accord

Overall: Subtle modifications only for 2010 as the Accord sedan and coupe return essentially unchanged; new Crosstour wagon expands the Accord's market reach.
Drivertrain: Two engine choices- an inline four-cylinder and a V6- and three transmission options keep things simple in Honda's large mid sizer.

The sedan's looks were sharpened for the 2008 model year with creases and accent lines that carve out a visually striking package. That goes double for the coupe, which is now the sleekest piece of eye candy in Honda's considerable arsenal. Both body styles return unchanged for 2010. the four-door was size adjusted in most key areas to the extent that the Accord is classified as a "large" sedan, based on interior volume. Compared to the previous model, there's more distance between the front seats and three extra inches of leg room for rear-seat passengers. At the same time, the platform was treated to new suspension components designed to improve the ride while a revised engine-mounting system reduces vibration. The floor was lowered, which lowered the centre of gravity for greater stability and less body lean while turning. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard across the line. The base LX sedan gets a 177 horsepower 2.4 litre four-cylinder while the LX-S coupe and all EX and EX-L models feature a 190 horsepower version of the 2.4. To stay competitive with the vehicles such as the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, an optional 271- horsepower and torque. A five-speed manual transmission or extra-cost five-speed automatic are available on all four-cylinder models, while the five-speed automatic is standard with the V6. . A six -speed manual gearbox is part of a special V6-coupe-only performance package that also enhances low- and mid-range engine torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is a part of a special V6-coupe-only performance package that also enhances low-and mid-range engine torque. Honda's advanced Variable Cylinder Management (V6, automatic-transmission models) allows the engine to function using three, four or all six cylinders depending on load and throttle position. with the entention of maximizing fuel economy while cruising, coasting and decelerating. All LX-level Accords arrive with the expected air/tilt/cruise/power-operated content, with the Ex adding a power moonroof and power driver's seat, up-level sound system and heated outside mirrors. The new-for-2010 Crosstour wagon, built on the sedan platform, affords light truck buyers the extra ride height and - with available all-wheel-drive- the all-weather capability of a sport ute, while maintaining the sedan's lithe and lively driving characteristics.


Honda Pilot
Tuesday July 20, 2010
Waterloo Region Record- Special Edition
"Summer Vehicle Clearout"




Overall: Sharing much of its platform with the upscale Acura MDX, the 2010 Pilot looks more rought and tumble, yet has never been so refined.
Drivetrain: The one-and-only 3.5 litre V6; cylinder deactivation shuts down two or three cylinders under light load conditions.

A strong dose of traditional sport ute styling seems to have found favor with buyers in this segment. Available in no fewer than five trim levels, the Pilot starts off with the most economical front-wheel-drive LX-2WD (all other models get standard, full-time all-wheel-drive). the stubby nose, upright roof pillars and wheel openings pushed outward in true off-roader tradition give the Pilot an aggressive, hunkered-down demeanor. Short front and rear body overhang allows Pilot pilots to traverse deeper ruts and gullies when heading into the back woods. But what about on the highway where the Pilot will spend most of its time? The race-track-tested platform was considerably stiffened for the 2009 redesign, and is similar to that used on the Acura MDX (Acura is Honda's upscale division). Modes calibration changes to the suspension afford a more supple ride. The interior is more upscale and provides reasonable leg and knee room for second-an third-row riders, although those at the rear end lose some precious head, shoulder and hip space. Still, eight-occupant seating is impressive in the this class of vehicle and out accommodates the Toyota Highalnder, Hyundai Santa Fe and Maxda CX-9, plus other competitors, by one spot. When not needed, the rear seats can be folded flat without removing the head rests, while the liftgate features a convenient glass-hatch opening. The standard 3.5 litre V6 makes 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet torque, but the engine also receives the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that imperceptibly switches between three, four or six cylinder, depending on whether the motor is accelerating or cruising at a steady rate. The Pilot is available in both front-and four-wheel-drive, with the latter functioning when wheel slip is detected and when acceleration from a stop. the system can also be "locked" in place at speeds below 30 km-h which is handy when stuck or operating in poor-traction conditions. Hill Start Assist automatically prevents the Pilot from rolling backward on an incline of 10 degrees or greater when the driver's right foot shifts from the brake pedal to the accelerator. among the Pilot's wealth of standard equipment are front and rear air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering column, trailer hitch and a seven-speaker audio system.