The Honda Civic Life

Why An Electric Honda Civic Hyrbrid Is Better Than Using Alternative Fuel

2008-07-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

Electric cars have been around for a long time. In the early 1900s, there were more electric cars than gasoline cars. This was because gasoline was very expensive. It was also difficult to start a gasoline engine; there was no key to turn and start the car like there is today. To get the car to start, you had to turn and turn a crank in front of the car before it would start.

Electric cars were popular, at one stage there alot of them being driven on the roads of the United States. This was because gasoline vehicles were very noisy and put out a lot of smoke. The cars either had no mufflers, or the mufflers were not very good.

Electric cars soon faded away. New ways to make gasoline were being discovered. The electric starter was invented, this started a car with a key instead of the crank. A gasoline car could travel further distances than the electric cars. Therefore, gasoline cars soon become the popular method of transportation. Now that there is push towards cleaner cars, electricity and electric cars are again being looked at as ways to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases from being released into the environment by gasoline.

Electric cars do not burn gasoline. They use electricity stored in batteries. In these electric cars, the battery is used to run the motor which then turns the wheels. It may take up to 12 or 24 batteries to power the car.

To charge these batteries, the car is usually plugged in at night. Some cars can plug into a regular electrical wall outlet. Other cars need a larger outlet, similar to one a stove may plug into. The electricity is then stored in the batteries in the car.

There are different types of batteries for different cars. Some batteries can be lead acid, like batteries found in a flashlight. Or they could be ni-cad (nickel-cadmium) like batteries found in a portable video game player -- only they will be much larger. Better batteries that can last longer and hold more energy are constantly being developed. Most electric cars should be able to travel 150 to 200 miles before needing to be recharged.

Car manufacturers and scientists are constantly coming up with new ideas and ways to run our vehicles in a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way. The production of the electric car is an exciting one that growing and is being embraced by more and more people every day.

Some Simple Ways To Save Fuel

2008-07-29T18:03:00.001-07:00

Who would have ever thought that gas prices would almost triple in the last 4 years? When my family and I last moved, gasoline was around $1.39 per gallon. Today, we’re excited to find it for less than $3.50. Even though it’s high, it still isn’t at a record high when adjusted for inflation. Still, I’m looking for every avenue possible to save a couple of bucks at the pump.

Here’s a few things you and I can do to ease the pain at the pump:

1. Plan your route to maximize your RIGHT turns. Companies such as UPS and FedEx have discovered that planning their delivery routes to maximize right turns has lowered their fuel expense. Since drivers are able to make a right turn even if the stop light is red, maximizing right turns results in less idle time. When a vehicle is idling, it’s getting zero miles per gallon. We aren’t used to planning our routes as consumers, but altering this behavior can save quite a bit of gas.

Also plan your trips better by combining errands. Making unnecessary trips only wastes gasoline. So don’t drive unless you have to.

2. Use smooth starts and stops. You’re not at the Talladega 500. Unless you have a true medical emergency, jackrabbit driving only saves a few minutes anyway, but it costs you significantly more in fuel. Some experts say you can save up to 33 percent in fuel by altering this one behavior.

3. Keep it under 60, even on the interstate. According to the EPA, you can assume that each 5 mph. you drive over 60 mph. is like paying an additional 20 to 25 cents per gallon of gas. Wow!

4. Check your tire pressure every couple of days. If you drive with underinflated tires, it’s like running laps around a track while wearing 10 pound shoes. Underinflated tires can guzzle 4% to 10% out of a car’s potential gas mileage. Check inside your glove box, inside the door frame, or the owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure and remember that it may be different for front and rear tires. Check the pressure when the tires are cold. When you have to replace your tires, buy the set with the least amount of rolling resistance to further increase your fuel savings.

5. Go ahead and stop on those yellow lights. Research shows that drivers tend to stomp on the accelerator to get through a yellow light more quickly and this uses far more gasoline than idling at the light.

6. Drop some weight. Every extra 100 pounds drops your MPG’s by a couple of percentage points. Those golf bags, tools, bowling balls, books, and other miscellaneous things you keep in the trunk are costing you big bucks.

7. Change those dirty filters. According to the FTC, changing your air filter alone could increase your miles per gallon by 10 percent.

8. Change your oil. Dirty oil increases the resistance on the inside of your engine and more resistance equals poorer gas mileage. Use the lightest grade of oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. A multi-viscosity oil such as 5W30 can save gas compared with regular 30-weight oil because it creates less friction. The engine doesn’t have to work as hard.

9. Cars run more efficiently when they are kept in tune. It often makes sense to get them tuned more often than the manufacturer recommends. But don’t worry, you might can do some of the work yourself. For example, spark plugs can be easily checked and cleaned or replaced, and the simple act of pouring a bottle of fuel-injector cleaner in the gas tank every six months or so can help the engine maintain peak efficiency.

10. Coast whenever possible. Don’t accelerate up to a stop. Use gravity and inertia to help increase your MPG’s.

Are You Looking For A Used Honda Civic? Here Are Some Tips In Searching For Any Used Car

2008-07-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

With new cars getting out of hand of the normal joe, consumers are now increasingly turning towards the used car market. However, used cars too are commanding a high price. You do have a vast range of used cars to decide from, as there are a very huge number of used car outlets all over.

However, buyers have to exercise caution while purchasing a used car, since the cars might not have been handled properly by the owner. You need to ensure that you are getting value for your money.

You may go through the tips mentioned here for the buyer of a used or new car.

Visit as many used car outlets as you can to look for the right deal.

Gather information on different cars and the concerned dealers. It is better to approach a reputed dealer from whom you can expect a fair deal.

The used car market is a buyer's market. So you can be prepared to be treated well. You may be offered special deals. You may be offered rebates, discounts and payments in installments, or even free service.

Scouring the used car market is an exercise in patience. You should not hurry your purchase lest you get a bad deal. There is a lot at stake for you, since used cars do not come cheap.

Plan your purchase in advance. The time factor is important in looking for the right car. Give yourself enough time before you close a deal.

If you are buying a brand new car, there is no need to worry about the wear and tear. The wear and tear factor is a major concern in the case of a used car. So, you need to take care on this account when you are scouting for a used car.

You can take advantage of the Lemon law, if you think that you have been sold a used car under a false pretense. The Lemon law (USA) protects you if your car does not work the way it should. The Lemon law may differ somewhat from state to state, but the underlying purpose is to protect consumer rights.

Another good suggestion is to buy a used car from a friend or acquaintance. You would be sure about the car and the way it has been maintained. Buying from dealers or an unknown person is always fraught with risk. Look around for people, who are selling not because their car is giving trouble, but for the reason that they are buying a new car.

Always inquire from friends who you know have purchased a used car. They may help you and guide you to the right outlet, if theirs had been a nice experience. They may also help you with the entire procedure. This will save you a lot of time and effort in locating the right place for used cars.

It is important to gather as much information as you can about different makes and models of cars. It is not necessary that you may find the car of your choice. You may have to settle for another make and model. The internet can help you in this regard. Go through the plethora of information available on different car companies and the models. You will find out the strong as well as weak points of each car. This can help you in making your mind up to the kind of car you should purchase. Some cars are known for problem suspensions or electrical systems. Buying such a car can have you spending extra on repairs.

It is a good idea to gather as much information as possible about your chosen car, there maybe common faults that you where not aware of previously, information is key. The more information you have the better well armed you are and the more successful you will be in buying your chosen car.

The Civic's History Part 4

2008-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

1996-2000

A revamped Civic lineup debuted for 1996. The new body featured larger light clusters fore and aft, a grille (chrome-accented on sedans) and a crisp character line that ran the length of the car. Hatchbacks now had the 103.2-inch wheelbase of the coupes and sedans, and overall length was up around 2 to 4 inches, depending on body style.

Sedans were again offered in DX, LX and EX trim levels. A new coupe, the HX, joined the DX and EX coupes. The HX coupe essentially replaced the VX hatchback, offering high mileage figures from a fairly powerful engine. The revised VTEC-E engine (now at 1.6 liters) in the HX put out 23 more horsepower (for a total of 115 ponies) than the previous version but now "only" scored mileage figures of 39 in the city and 45 on the highway. A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that promised seamless performance and manual-transmission fuel economy was introduced later in the year as an option for the HX. The hatchback lineup was trimmed down to two models, the CX and DX. A new 1.6-liter 106-horsepower engine that earned Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) certification powered the CX, DX and LX, and a slightly more powerful 127-horsepower VTEC-assisted version was found in the EX models.

Excluded from the redesign, the del Sol was now in its fourth year and got a host of tweaks to keep it current. The base model (S) got the new 1.6-liter 106-horse engine fitted to the new Civic, Si models got the beefier suspension of the VTEC, and all versions got a freshened front fascia.

In 1997, all Civics came with 14-inch wheels, DX models got full wheel covers, the LX sedan received air conditioning and, strangely, EX coupes with manual transmissions no longer had the option of antilock brakes. As this would be the last year for the del Sol, Honda made no changes.

Not much happened in 1998, save for new wheel covers, an exterior handle for hatchbacks and the addition of map lights.

A slightly revised front fascia and taillights, along with redesigned climate controls updated the Civic for 1999. A "Value Package" for the DX sedan debuted that included features that most buyers wanted, such as air conditioning, a CD player, power door locks, automatic transmission and keyless entry, at a substantial savings when compared to the separate option prices.

Midway through the year to the joy of pocket-rocket enthusiasts everywhere, the Civic Si returned, now in the coupe body style and sporting a potent 160 horsepower from its 1.6-liter VTEC engine. A firmer suspension, front strut tower brace, 15-inch alloy wheels wearing 195/55R15 rubber and four-wheel disc brakes completed the hardware upgrades for the Si. A front spoiler, side sills and subtle bodyside graphics set the Si apart from the other Civic coupes, and the standard equipment was generous and similar to that of the EX.

Other than the shuffling of paint choices, the Civic stood pat for the year 2000.

Current Generation

The biggest news is the availability of a Hybrid Civic sedan, which has a more powerful gas/electric powerplant system than in Honda's groundbreaking Insight. This environmentally friendly vehicle offers the room and comfort of a Civic sedan with mileage estimates of 46 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. Although Toyota brought out its four-door Prius hybrid a few years prior to this Civic's debut, Honda loyalists now have a practical hybrid they can call their own.

There are now three body styles to choose from: coupe, sedan and hatchback. Conservative styling for the sedan and a slightly more aggressive approach for the coupe help to differentiate these two body styles, while the hatchback presents a snub-nosed, city-car look. The hatch is only available as the sporty 160-horsepower Si, while the others are available in familiar DX, HX, LX and EX trim levels.

A more spacious cabin features Honda's trademark large, simple controls but greater use of hard plastic trim seems to indicate that the company may be resting on its laurels a bit.

The newest Civics ride on a stiffer platform that decreases chassis flex and thus provides better handling and increased crash protection. But to the chagrin of hard-core enthusiasts, Honda replaced the front double-wishbone suspension setup with a more space-efficient McPherson-strut setup, which isn't as easy to "slam" as the double-wishbone design. Steering now boasts a quicker ratio along with variable power assist, which makes parking easier while allowing more road feel and response during spirited driving.

Under the hood, the engine's size has been increased slightly (from 1.6 to 1.7 liters) to provide more torque, and transmissions were tweaked for improved shifter feel and greater efficiency.

The Civic's History Part 3

2008-05-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

1988-1991

A sleeker and more powerful Civic lineup debuted in 1988. All Civics (except the CRX) rode on a longer 98.4-inch wheelbase. The CRX's wheelbase was increased to 90.6 inches.

A lower hoodline, increased glass area and lower wind drag were functional advantages of the sleeker body styles. A family of new engines complemented the stylish Civics. Power for the DX hatchback/sedan, new LX sedan and the wagon came from a 1.5-liter 16-valve engine that produced 92 horsepower. The base hatchback had a less powerful 70-horsepower version of that engine. The fuel-economy champ CRX HF had an eight-valve 62-horse version of the 1.5 that could go up to 56 miles on a gallon of gas. The standard CRX had the 92-horse engine. A high-performance 1.6-liter 16-valve engine that kicked out 105 horsepower was installed in the CRX Si and Civic 4WD wagon. All Civic engines were now fuel injected. Previously, only the "Si" models had the injection.

A double-wishbone suspension system was used at all four wheels. Inspired by Formula One race cars, this design promoted agile handling and a comfortable ride by precisely controlling wheel travel and keeping the tire's contact patch square to the road surface.

One model departed (the Civic Si hatchback), as a new one, the Civic LX sedan, was introduced. The LX loaded up a Civic sedan with features such as power windows, locks and mirrors; a tachometer; and intermittent wipers. U.S. production for the Civic began this year in Ohio, making it easier for Honda to satisfy America's appetite for its gem of a small car.

The Civic Si hatchback returned for 1989, now with a power moonroof and once again with the same potent engine (increased to 108 horsepower for this year) installed in the CRX Si and the 4WD wagon.

Revised bumpers and taillights identified the 1990 Civic. Hatchbacks received larger reverse (white) lights, and sedans adopted a horizontal taillight theme. An EX sedan joined the Civic family and took its place at the top of the sedan lineup. The EX had the Si's engine, 14-inch wheels and all the features of the LX (which now included cruise control). Four-wheel disc brakes appeared on the CRX as did a slightly revised dash-board (with softer corners and larger instruments) for all Civic models.

The 1991 Civics were virtually unchanged, and this was the last year for the spunky CRX.

1992-1995

Along with acquiring a more aerodynamic wedge-shaped body, the Civic was expanded in dimensions and trim levels for 1992. Wheelbases now measured in at 101.3 inches for the two-door hatchback and 103.2 inches for the four-door sedan. The wagon was dropped.

Trim levels for the hatchback included the CX, DX, VX and Si. The CX was fitted with a 1.5-liter 70-horsepower engine; the DX with a 1.5-liter 102-horsepower engine; the VX with a 92-horsepower 1.5-liter with variable valve timing tuned for economy (VTEC-E); and the Si with a 125-horsepower VTEC engine. The VX, which also came with lightweight alloy wheels, managed fuel economy figures of 48 in the city and 55 on the highway — nearly the same as the old CRX HF in spite of 30 more horsepower and five-passenger capability. Sedans came in the same trim levels as before: DX, LX and EX (which added a power moonroof to its list of standard luxuries). The DX and LX had the 1.5-liter 102-horsepower engine, and the EX sported the 125-horse 1.6 from the Si. A five-speed manual was standard across the board, and a four-speed automatic was optional on the DX hatchback and all sedan models.

The level of safety increased with the new Civic via a standard driver-side airbag for all models and standard antilock (ABS) brakes on the EX sedan.

A two-door notchback coupe, which shared its 103.2-inch wheelbase with the sedan, debuted for 1993 and was offered in DX and EX trim levels. The DX was outfitted the same as the DX hatchback, and the EX coupe had the same features as the EX sedan, including the 125-horse engine and power moonroof. An option package for the EX coupe added a passenger airbag and high-power stereo with cassette player. The EX sedan had a few more items added to its already generous standard features list, including air conditioning and the high-power sound system with cassette player.

Also this year, the del Sol debuted as a belated replacement for the CRX. Built on a wheelbase 8 inches shorter than a Civic hatchback's, the del Sol featured a removable targa-style top, a snug two-seat cockpit and one of two engines, either the 1.5-liter unit with 102 horsepower or the 1.6 sporting 125 ponies, depending on whether one chose the base S or more sporting Si version.

1994 brought safety advances and an LX version of the Civic sedan. A passenger-side airbag became standard on all Civics, and antilock brakes were now optional on the EX coupe, Si hatchback and LX sedan. The new LX sedan filled the gap between the basic DX sedan and loaded-to-the-gills EX. Power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; a tachometer; a stereo with cassette player; and 14-inch (versus the DX's 13-inch) tires were all standard on the LX.

On the del Sol front, a new model debuted called the VTEC. Named after its 1.6-liter DOHC engine that boasted a sizzling 160 horsepower, this del Sol came with bigger brakes, a firmer suspension and high-performance (195/60VR14) rubber. Apart from the addition of a passenger airbag, the rest of the del Sol line continued as before.

There were no changes for the 1995 Civics except on the del Sol models, which got a few improvements. Upgrades included standard antilock brakes for the VTEC, power locks for the Si and VTEC, and a remote trunk release for all trim lines.

The Civic's History Part 2

2008-05-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

1980-1983

A new, sleeker body and increases in wheelbase and base-model engine size marked the 1980 Civic. The wheelbase now measured 88.6 inches for the hatchback (the two-door "sedan" was dropped) and 91.3 inches for the wagon. All Civic engines now used the CVCC design; the base 1,335cc ("1300") engine made 55 horsepower, while the 1,488 ("1500") produced 67 horsepower. Three transmissions were offered: a four-speed manual (on base models), a five-speed manual and a two-speed automatic.

The Civic 1300 and 1500 came in base and DX versions, and the latter featured a five-speed manual, rear window defroster, intermittent wipers and a cigar lighter. The 1500 GL added radial tires, a rear window wiper/washer, tachometer, clock and bodyside moldings. The Civic wagon came in a single version that was tantamount to the DX trim level.

A four-door sedan debuted for 1981, as did a three-speed automatic transmission that replaced the primitive two-speed unit.

Rectangular headlamps and black bumpers appeared on the 1982 Civic. A new gas-sipping model, the five-speed "FE" (Fuel Economy) was introduced and was rated at 41 mpg in the city and 55 mpg on the highway.

The sporty new Civic "S" replaced the 1500 GL in 1983 and was fitted with a firmer suspension (with rear stabilizer bar) and 165/70R13 Michelin tires. A red accent encircled the S and set it apart from the other Civics.

1984-1987

The Civic grew up in 1984, not only in size, but also in terms of design sophistication. A new wheelbase of 96.5 inches represented an increase of 5 inches, making Civic four-doors and wagons identical to the Accord in this dimension. A new 1.5 liter-engine (formerly referred to as 1,500cc) with 12 valves (three valves per cylinder) and 76 horsepower was found underhood, except on the base hatchback, which had a new 1.3-liter 60-horse unit. Transmission choices were the same as previously: four- and five-speed manuals and a three-speed automatic. A revamped suspension, though no longer with an independent rear setup, offered a space-efficient design along with fine ride and handling characteristics.

The lineup consisted of three hatchbacks (base, DX and S), a sedan, a tall wagon and a new two-seater called the CRX. As before, the base car was fairly spartan. The DX came with the five-speed manual, bodyside moldings, a split/folding rear seat, rear window defroster/wiper/washer and tilting steering wheel. The S had sport seats, reclining rear seats and the same hardware upgrades, such as a rear stabilizer bar, as before. The sedan and wagon were again equipped similarly to the DX hatchback.

The new CRX was basically the Civic chassis under a sporty body. Two models were offered: the base CRX and the CRX 1.5. The chief difference between the two was that the base CRX had a 1.3-liter engine (which allowed the car to score amazing fuel economy ratings of 51 in the city and on the 67 highway) and the CRX 1.5 had the 1.5-liter engine. All CRXs had a two-tone paint scheme, comprised of White, Blue or Red with a Silver lower bodyside and bumper treatment.

A neatly chiseled exterior devoid of gimmickry, an intelligent interior design with supportive seats, large gauges and high-quality fit and finish made the 1984 Civic line attractive and an immediate success. Dealers would routinely have slim pickings on their lots, and, as a result, they didn't have to discount the cars too much, if at all.

Introduced in 1985, the hot-rod CRX Si came ready to run with a fuel-injected version of the 1.5-liter engine that pumped out 91 horsepower. Able to hit 60 mph in less than 9 seconds, the Si also boasted handling enhancements, such as 14-inch alloy wheels with 185/60R14 high-performance tires. A power sunroof was standard on the Si, as were a monotone paint scheme and sport seats.

A CRX HF (High Fuel economy) model replaced the CRX with the 1.3-liter engine. The HF had an eight-valve version of the 1.5-liter engine that produced just 58 horsepower but offered more torque and thus better acceleration around town. Mileage figures for the HF stood at 52 in the city and 57 on the highway.

The other Civics continued unchanged for this year, with the exception of the wagon, which, later in the model year, became available with four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. As the Civic's reputation for quality, clever engineering and steadfast reliability continued to grow, so did the little Honda's popularity, as sales figures that topped 200,000 annually attested.

Flush-mounted headlights made it easy to tell the 1986 Civics from the older models. Other changes included a four-speed automatic and an Si version of the Civic hatchback, the latter geared toward those who wanted the performance of the CRX Si but needed a four-seat vehicle. Other perks for the Civic Si hatchback included a removable glass sunroof, a full-width taillight panel and color-keyed front airdam and roof spoiler. The CRXs received the same updates as the other Civics, including the flush headlights.

For 1987, the four-wheel-drive (4WD) system for the Civic wagon was revised. "Real Time" 4WD automatically channeled power to the wheels that had optimum grip and did away with the driver having to decide (and then move a lever) if four-wheel drive was needed.

The Civic's History Part 1

2008-05-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

1973-1979

Prior to 1973, Honda was a company known more for its motorcycles than for its cars, which were tiny two-cylinder 600cc runabouts. This changed when the Civic debuted for 1973. The Civic offered amazing space efficiency in a fun little car that achieved more than 40 mpg on the highway. Room for four passengers was quite a feat for a car that possessed such diminutive dimensions as an 86.6-inch wheelbase and 139.8-inch overall length. A small transversely mounted engine and front-wheel-drive layout (an arrangement that was something of a novelty to the American car market) and 12-inch wheels maximized interior room. Indeed, early ads for the Civic boasted that it had more passenger room than many larger cars. Two similar body styles were available, a hatchback and a "sedan." These Civics were identical, even the rear of the cars looked the same, except that one had a hatchback and the other had a small vertical panel that opened to allow access to the "trunk." The early Civic had a few style quirks, such as turn signal lights that looked as if they were added on after the car was already built and a bulging center divider in the grille. Standard equipment included power front disc brakes, vinyl seating, reclining bucket seats and a woodgrain-accented dashboard. The hatchback added a fold-down rear seat, an AM radio and cloth upholstery. Options were minimal, consisting of air conditioning, an automatic transmission, radial tires and a rear wiper for the hatchback.

A 1,169cc (or about 70-cubic-inch) inline four-cylinder engine motivated the first-year Civic and put out 50 horsepower. This was an impressive output when considered in terms of power per unit of displacement: The Civic had 0.71 horsepower per cubic inch. And with a weight of only around 1,500 pounds, a whole lot of power wasn't needed to propel the Civic. Transmissions offered included a four-speed manual or a two-speed "Hondamatic" automatic gearbox. An all-independent suspension made the Civic an agile econobox that could run circles around American-built competitors like the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega.

The Civic's base price was around $2,200 and Honda's early slogan, "It will get you where you're going," emphasized the practical and economical mission of the Civic and made no pretenses otherwise.

For 1974, the Civic's engine size grew slightly, to 1,237 cc and power went up to 52 horsepower. In order to meet the new 5-mph bumper impact standard, the Civic's bumpers grew, as did its overall length, which was now 146.9 inches.

The CVCC (or Controlled Vortex Combustion Chamber) engine debuted in 1975. Offered alongside the standard Civic engine, the 53-horsepower CVCC engine displaced 1,488 cc and had a head design that promoted cleaner, more efficient combustion. The CVCC design eliminated a need for a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel to meet emissions standards. (Nearly every other U.S. market car for this year underwent the change to exhaust catalysts and the requirement to use only unleaded fuel.) Due to California's stricter emissions standards, only the Civic CVCC was available in that state. A five-speed manual gearbox became available this year, as did a Civic station wagon (only with the CVCC engine), which had a wheelbase of 89.9 inches and an overall length of 160 inches. Civic sales topped 100,000 units for this year.

1978 brought slight cosmetic changes, such as a black grille, rear-facing hood vents (that replaced the sideways versions) and new turn signals. The easiest way to tell a '78 from an earlier example is to look at the front signals: Prior to 1978, they looked like foglights mounted in the Civic's grille, whereas in 1978 they were smaller and mounted under the bumper. The CVCC engine was now rated at 60 horsepower.

Apart from a minor increase in horsepower that brought the base engine to 55 horsepower and the CVCC to 63 ponies, little changed for the 1979 Civic.

The Different Generations of The Civic

2008-05-19T16:52:00.003-07:00

The first generation Honda Civic with a wheelbase of 220 cm arrived in July, 1972 as a shortbacked 2-door, accompanied in November, 1972 by a 3-door Hatchback. A 4-door came in December, 1973 with a wheelbase of 228 cm; it lasted until September, 1977 that the 5-door Hatchback was introduced. By November, 1974 a 5-door Wagon was released on the same 228 cm wheelbase, however with a rigid rear axle and leaf springs instead of the independent coil suspension.

The second generation Civic in the same style as the first rode on a wheelbase of 225 and 232 cm respectively for the 3-door and 5-door Hatchbacks and was introduced in July, 1979. In October, 1979 came the 5-door Wagon, which was now available with the independent rear coil suspension, as well as the rigid axle with leafs. In September, 1980 a 4-door Notchback arrived. In the meantime, in August, 1980 the Honda Ballade was released with a different body, also a 4-door Sedan, and built as Triumph Acclaim in England. A derivative of the Civic was the Honda Quint (Export: Quintet) 5-door Hatchback with a wheelbase of 236 cm.

The third generation Civic, introduced in September, 1983 consisted of 4 body styles, with only the 3-door Hatchback and the 4-door Sedan having interchangeable panels. The 3-door Hatchback now rode on a 238 cm wheelbase; the 4-door Sedan, also called Honda Ballade, and built in England as Rover 213/216 (June, 1984) rode on a 245 cm wheelbase. The Wagon was now called Shuttle and used the same 245 cm wheelbase. The Civic CR-X, called Ballade Sports in Japan was a 3-door Coupe, riding on a 220 cm wheelbase and was already introduced in June, 1983. All cars had a new front and rear suspension, torsion bars instead of coils in front, and a torsion beam axle with coil springs at the rear. By November, 1984 a 4-wheel-drive version arrived for the Shuttle with a live rear axle, by September, 1986 the system became permanent. A derivative was the Quint Integra, which arrived as a 3-door Hatchback on a 245 cm wheelbase in February, 1985. In November, 1985 came the 5-door Hatchback on a 252 cm wheelbase, and in October, 1986, in Japan a 4-door Sedan on the same 252 cm wheelbase. The cars were called Honda Integra in the export, and Acura Integra in the USA and Canada.

The fourth generation arrived in September, 1987 with the same body layout as the previous generation, the wheelbase was now 250 cm integrally, except for the 3-door Coupe, now called Honda CR-X on a 230 cm wheelbase. The suspension was now double wishbones, coils, front and rear, also for the 4WD. A derivative was the Concerto 4-door Sedan and 5-door Hatchback, which arrived in June, 1988 and rode on a 255 cm wheelbase. The 5-door Hatchback was built in England as Rover 200 from October, 1989, the 4-door Sedan as Rover 400, from March, 1990. Rover developed a 200 3-door Hatchback (September, 1990), a 2-door Convertible (March, 1992), a 2-door Coupe (October, 1992) and a 5-door Wagon (March, 1994). The new Honda Integra arrived in April, 1989 as 3-door Coupe as well as a 4-door Pillared Hardtop on a 255 and 260 cm wheelbase respectively.

The fifth generation Civic was released in September, 1991, the 3-door now on a 257 cm wheelbase, the 4-door (called Civic Ferio in Japan) on a 262 cm wheelbase, the CR-X (called del Sol in the USA), now a 2-door Targa-Top on a 237 cm wheelbase. The previous generation Shuttle remained available. A 2-door Coupe (257 cm wheelbase), developed in the USA, arrived for the 1993 model year. By November, 1992 the Honda Domani 4-door Sedan arrived with different body, also sold as Isuzu Gemini from August, 1993. This car was built in England as Rover 400 with different roof end from May, 1995, where a 5-door Hatchback was developed, which was also sold as Honda Civic in Europe. These cars were rebadged Rover 45 by January, 2000 when they received a nostalgic front. By Spring 1998 arrived a 5-door Wagon, as Honda Civic Aerodeck in Europe. The new Integra 3-door Coupe and 4-door Pillared Hardtop arrived in May, 1993 and rode on a 257 cm and 262 cm wheelbase respectively.

The sixth generation Civic appeared in September, 1995 as a 3-door Hatchback, a 4-door Sedan, and a 2-door Coupe, now all riding on the 262 cm wheelbase. The 4-door was still called Civic Ferio in Japan, by February, 1996 it came as Honda Integra SJ, by January, 1997 as Honda Domani, and by February, 1997 as Isuzu Gemini. A 5-door Wagon came in February 1996, called Honda Orthia, or in a more commercial version, as Honda Partner. In Canada the 4-door Sedan is also sold as Acura EL. In Thailand the car is known as Isuzu Vertex.

The seventh generation Civic came in September, 2000 now as a 5-door Hatchback and a 4-door Sedan (Civic Ferio) with different bodies and the 262 cm wheelbase for the Sedan and a 268 cm wheelbase for the Hatchback. In October, 2000 arrived the 7-seater Honda Stream with an even longer wheelbase of 272 cm. In late 2000 arrived the USA-built 2-door coupe on the 262 cm wheelbase. In 2001 a 3-door Hatchback was added on a wheelbase of 257.5 cm

Some Tips To Help You Save Gas

2008-04-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

With the prices of fuel steadily soaring over the roof, it’s just practical to do anything in order to save gas while you’re using your Honda Civic regularly. Here are some useful tips in saving more money, more fuel and more mileage for your Civic.

If you’re waiting for someone inside your car and it may seems that they’re going to take a long time, turn off your engine rather letting it idle as you wait. An idle engine still releases emissions from its exhaust and this act greatly lessens your fuel in your Civic’s tank. It would save you a great amount of money and our environment from self-destructing if you could prevent your engine from idling.
You’re driving in traffic and you have this annoying habit of pressing down on the brake pedal so hard. Avoid this practice because in doing so, a large amount of fuel is wasted in this operation. It would be ideal to anticipate when to stop so you could brake slowly and save more fuel.
If you’re satisfied with the temperature outside of your Civic, you could just switch off its air-conditioning system. There’s no practicality in using the A/C system if you’re driving in cool weather for it will only speed up your car’s fuel consumption.
Have your precious Civic checked for irregularities at your nearest garage. You never know if your car is suffering from grime build-up in its pipes and hoses, inferior parts or worn-out engine components. So, in order to avoid this situation and save more gas money, check your Civic regularly with your neighborhood-friendly garage and its car mechanics.
If you can avoid using your Civic for short distances, then by all means, do so. Whether it’s a trip to you neighbor four blocks away or a short travel to the grocery store located just near your place, you could save a lot of fuel and money if you’ll walk. In addition to that, you could use the exercise too.
Never place too much useless things that will greatly contribute to the weight inside your car. A heavier load means your Civic will use more power. More power means your Civic will guzzle up more fuel. More fuel means more space in your wallet due to the slow loss of money.
In line with number six, don’t install too many aftermarket parts and accessories to your Civic if you’re just looking for something to show off. The installation of a wide body kit, a turbocharger or a complex in-car entertainment system could greatly increase your fuel consumption and lessen your gas money. So if you’re just out to have bragging rights rather than race other modified cars on the road, avoid the option of installing these performance parts.

Honda Civic Type R Conquers UK

2008-04-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

What is the biggest-selling three door hatch in the UK today? It has a more than capable engine to outrun its competitors and carries the famous Honda badge. The answer is the Honda Civic Type R.

Ever since Honda unveiled the Civic Type R last March 2007 up until the end of February, the Japanese car maker has sold a total of 5, 192 units to satisfied customers in the UK. This number proves that the Honda Civic Type R is the hottest performance hatchback in the UK right now.

Meanwhile, its closest competitor, Ford, placed only second to Honda with sales of the Focus ST reaching 4, 778. Next to Ford in 3^rd place is the Golf GTI with sales totaling to 1, 984 in the UK.

If you think that’s all the Honda Civic Type R has achieved, here are some more reasons why this Japanese car ought to be in the spotlight right now.

Honda listened to its customer’s pleas to have a more refined cabin with high specifications. The Japanese car maker unveiled the GT grade - and a huge 90 per cent of customers opt for this more comfortable, better-equipped Civic
If you’re going to look and analyze closely into its sales records, Honda (UK) has sold just one unit of the stripped-down, lightweight Type Rs (with no parcel shelf, stereo equipment or audio speakers)
The current residual value for the Civic Type R GT is an amazing 52 per cent
(3 years / 60,000 miles) - this compares favorably with both the Focus ST (40 per cent) and Golf GTI (43 per cent)
58 per cent of 3-door Civic sales are to conquest customers
During 2007, the Civic Type R won Top Gear magazine’s Hot Hatch of the Year and scooped the same award in Auto Express’s New Car Honors

Malfunctioning Handbrakes Found In Civics Sold in Britain

2008-03-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

The many users of the Honda Civic in Britain are being warned of the car’s problem with malfunctioning handbrakes. Honda has taken the initiative to notify users of the Honda Civic in Britain, numbering to almost 63,000, to alert them of the car’s problem.

After a number of complaints from disgruntled car owners regarding the handbrake not sticking if applied, the giant Japanese car maker has issued a public apology to these car owners for the Civic’s flaw. Honda also offered these customers a new and functioning handbrake to ease their concerns over the car.

"We do apologize for any inconvenience to customers,” an unnamed Honda spokesman said:

"We will be sending out letters to our customers in March and April recommending that they visit their local Honda dealer to get an improved handbrake fitted,” He also added.

Honda Civics designed between 2006 and 2007 are apparently equipped with these malfunctioning handbrakes.

Honda recommends that owners do not push the release button when using the handbrake, which may result in it not catching.

Honda and Panic At The Disco To Give Away A One Of A Kind Civic Hybrid

2008-03-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Honda is really serious when it comes to pleasing its fans. In this case, the Japanese carmaker is giving away a Honda Civic Hybrid as a prize to one lucky fan. What sets this prize apart from any ordinary prize is that it’s designed and autographed by the band headlining the Honda Civic Tour ’08 itself, Panic At The Disco. Fans of the band or the car itself can get lucky just by registering online, which started last February 28, or signing up at an electronic kiosk at each destination of the nationwide tour. The people of San Francisco will have the first chance too see Panic At The Disco in action and enter the contest with the start of the tour on April 10, 2008.

"Not every band gets the opportunity to customize their own car, which is just one of the reasons the Honda Civic Tour is so cool. We spent a lot of time on the design to make sure it was something our fans would be truly excited about. And this particular car is a hybrid, so you really can't go wrong there." Ryan Ross, Panic At The Disco’s guitarist, said.

In order for fans to get the first glimpse of what Panic At The Disco has in store for their nationwide tour with Honda, they are going to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live on March 25. This performance will also coincide with the release of their new album and give the fans a preview of what Panic At The Disco has been up to lately.

In anticipation of the Honda Tour ’08, cities such as San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Orlando have already sold out and additional dates of the concert have been added. Panic At The Disco, along with its tour mates Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Phantom Planet can be seen on May 4 in East Rutherford, New Jersey as part of Bamboozle music festival. Fans can also get a first look at the Honda Civic Hybrid designed and autographed by the boys of Panic At The Disco.

The car itself is a combination of the band’s eccentricities and aesthetic abilities combined to produce a one of a kind personalized hybrid. The personalized Honda Civic Hybrid comes with a design theme inspired by “Surreal Earth” which was realized by Santini USA and DVS designs. They are also joined by ALSA Corp Hawaiian Hues and Mystic paint. Candy Concentrates also helped in the design of the car by providing its striking colors.

The lucky winner of customized Honda Civic Hybrid will be lucky enough to find a custom-upholstered "time-machine" interior, with burgundy leather door panels and armrests, diamond-patterned leather seats and luxe buttoned headrests in their new car. The interior covering of the roof has been changed to a mocha suede theme and it is fitted with a customized clock seen in Panic At The Disco’s single from their new album, “Nine in the Afternoon”.

In addition to all of these customized goodies, the door panels, dash and floormats include gold flourishes in their design. The windshield of the customized Honda Civic Hybrid now comes with special accent lights to improve the over-all design of the car. To top it all off, a crystal knob at the top of the gear shift is also included.

To top Panic At The Disco and Honda’s masterpiece creation, the hybrid is equipped with a factory stereo head unit coupled to a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ combined with Alpine Electronics speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers; XM® Satellite Radio; 18-inch Konig Again racing-inspired rims with Dunlop Direzza DZ101 sport tires; Eibach Springs lowering suspension; a Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Aero Kit and Polished Exhaust Tip; and a Meguiar's professional car-care kit.

Fans of the band and their customized Honda Civic Hybrid only have until July 31 to enter the contest and take home this one of a kind car. So clear your calendar when Panic At The Disco come to your state and catch them along with the chance to drive this eye-candy baby home.

Honda’s own Civic GX hailed as the “greenest” car by the ACEEE

2008-02-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

Honda’s own pride and joy, the Civic, is on a great roll lately. After impressing the worldwide market with its great styling and astounding performance, the Honda Civic has just added another leaf to its hat.

The hybrid version called the Honda Civic GX, which runs on natural gas, clinched the top spot on ACEEE”s list for the greenest vehicles this 2008. The American Council for Energy Efficient Economy awarded this distinction to the Honda Civic, beating other more popular hybrids in the market today. Along with the Civic GX, Honda also has four vehicles that made the list. These Honda vehicles include the Civic that runs on gasoline, Civic Hybrid and the Fit. This is the fifth year running the Honda Civic GX has won the award for greenest vehicle bestowed by the ACEE. At the same time, this is also the eight consecutive year in a row that a vehicle made by Honda reached the top spot and the seventh year that Honda vehicles have entered the top 12.

"The ACEEE awards speak to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on oil," said John Mendel, Honda’s executive vice president for its American branch.

"Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products and our commitment to alternative fuels will further expand with the zero emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle coming to market this summer." Mendel added.

The ACEEE uses a method to measure the fuel-economy of the vehicle and its effect and impact to the environment. Using this method, they analyze and conclude which cars may be included in the list. The end result is the top 12 vehicles that topped their standards for being the friendliest to our environment. Along with the 12 “greenest” vehicles for the year, ACEEE also bestows the top 12 “meanest” cars that are detrimental to the environment.

First introduced in 1998, the Honda Civic GX boasts of a clean internal combustion procedure in its engine which is certified by the EPA. The exhaust from the Civic GX is 90% cleaner than most gasoline-powered vehicles in the market today.

Honda Selling The Civic Like Hot Pancakes In Europe

2008-02-13T23:43:00.000-08:00

Honda has just delivered the knock-out punch to its competitors across the European Continent with an increase in their sales for 2007. Leading the surge in their sales is two of their best-selling models, the Civic and the CR-V.

For 2007, Honda posted a huge increase in the sales of the Civic, selling 160, 082 units, while their other best-seller, the CR-V, also fared well with 90, 562 units being sold all over Europe. This marks a 41.7% rise in the sales of the Civic and a 72.7% for the CR-V all over Europe.

Sales of the Civic Hybrid has been positive with sales reaching up 10, 515 units or a 206.6% rise for 2007. This marks an all-time sales record for Honda.

Honda is now on their 4^th consecutive year of topping the annual sales in Europe and is also on their 6^th year of holding the annual sales increase in the same region.

Sweden leads the pack of European countries in which Honda has achieved a surge in their sales with 60%. Norway comes in second with an increase of 55%. France, Greece and Poland follow them with an increase above 30%. Rounding off the countries who have posted an increase in their year-on-year sales in excess of 20% are Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark.

"We are very pleased to see that such a large number of European customers have chosen Honda products," said Shigeru Takagi, President of Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

Honda Is now looking to further the lead by a mile as it plans to release the new Accord this summer. They are also planning to release another best-seller, the 2^nd generation Jazz, during the latter half of the year.

Want the sched of the Honda Civic Tour? We’ve got it

2008-01-26T01:53:00.000-08:00

April 10 Warfield San Francisco, CA February 2

April 12 Soma San Diego, CA February 2

April 13 Mesa Amphitheatre Phoenix, AZ February 2

April 15 Brady Theatre Oklahoma City, OK February 2

April 17 Thomas Assembly Center at Louisiana Tech Ruston, LA February 16

April 18 Palladium Ballroom Dallas, TX February 2

April 19 Stubb's BBQ Austin, TX February 16

April 20 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Houston, TX February 2

April 22 Ruth Eckerd Hall Tampa, FL February 2

April 23 The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theatre Miami, FL February 2

April 24 House of Blues - Orlando Orlando, FL February 2

April 26 The Tabernacle Atlanta, GA February 2

April 29 House of Blues - Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, SC February 16

April 30 Constitution Hall Washington, DC February 2

May 2 Alfond Arena at the University of Maine Orono, ME February 16

May 3 RPI Field House Troy, NY February 16

May 6 Gordon Fieldhouse - Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY February 16

May 7 Roseland Ballroom New York, NY February 2

May 9 Festival Pier Philadelphia, PA February 2

May 10 Chevrolet Theatre Wallingford, CT February 2

May 11 Bank of America Pavilion Boston, MA February 2

May 13 Metropolis Montreal, QC February 16

May 14 The Sound Academy Toronto, ON February 2

May 16 Tower City Amphitheatre Cleveland, OH February 16

May 17 PromoWest-Outdoor (LCPavilion) Columbus, OH February 16

May 18 Egyptian Room at Murat Centre Indianapolis, IN February 16

May 20 The Fillmore Theatre Detroit, MI February 2

May 23 Congress Theatre Chicago, IL February 2

May 25 Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI February 16

May 27 Myth Minneapolis, MN February 2

May 30 The Pageant St. Louis, MO February 2

May 31 Westfair Amphitheatre Omaha, NE February 16

June 1 Uptown Theatre Kansas City, MO February 16

June 3 The Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO February 2

June 4 Salt Air Theatre Salt Lake City, UT February 16

June 6 PNE Forum Vancouver, BC February 16

June 7 Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA February 16

June 8 Portland Exposition Center Portland, OR February 16

June 13 The Pearl Las Vegas, NV February 16

June 14 The Theater at the Honda Center Anaheim, CA TBD

Source: top40 charts.com

Three more Hybrids coming up for 2011

2008-01-12T01:08:00.000-08:00

It’s game time for Honda as they challenge their rival Toyota in the arena of Hybrid vehicles.

While Toyota’s Prius may be dominating the Hybrid market in the US, Honda is not one to be let down. Its “ambitious” plans for their fleet of Hybrid vehicles include two new hybrid-only vehicles and an upgrade of one of their hybrids in the next three years. By 2009, Honda already has set its goals of adding a new dedicated hybrid which is more affordable than the Civic hybrid. Already, they are expecting to sell 200,000 units of the new hybrid-only vehicle in its first year in the market, with 100,000 being sold in the States.

It was Honda President Takeo Fukui who said that the next-generation Civic hybrid and the recently debuted CR-Z were to be expected by 2011. The company however, did not confirm if whether or not the CR-Z will be sold in the US. Honda did not reveal any pricing details yet, but according to Fukui the new models are targeted to be more affordable than their current lineup of hybrids.

“Around 2011, all those three models are ready to go, so we’ll be achieving 400,000 to 500,000 global production of hybrids,” Fukui said in a conference, speaking through an interpreter. “These models we worked on the cost to reduce their costs because MSRP is very important to customers, so we think these vehicles will be very appealing.”

Dating back to history, it was Honda who first introduced the States to hybrid vehicles through the Insight back in 1999. But when Toyota introduced the Prius after a year, it quickly gained sales and overshadowed the Insight. Honda’s fleet was eventually phased out, as they were planning a new approach in their next generation of hybrids. President and Chief Executive of American Honda Motor Co. mused that the Insight was not practical, which made it an easy competitor of the Prius.

Honda Civic with manual transmission to be reengineered

2007-12-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

The manually controlled Honda Civic and the Honda Fit will be undergoing some reengineering to be qualified for the Government of Canada’s 2008 ecoAUTO Rebate program. In order to qualify for this program, the car must meet Transport Canada’s fuel economy rating of 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers or less. The Canadian government’s ecoAUTO rebates for both the Civic and the Fit is $1,000, while the Civic Hybrid is up for 2008 with a $2,000 rebate. Honda will only be implementing the changes to both sedan and coupe models, except for their top-of-the-line Civic Si coupe and sedan.

“We worked very hard within an incredibly short period of time with Honda's research and development teams and our assembly facilities to make the necessary changes to allow manual transmission-equipped Fit and Civic models to qualify for the rebate program,” said Honda Canada Inc.’s executive vice president Jim Miller in a statement. “The changes that Honda Canada made to these Fit and Civic models are quite significant. However, we were able to make these engineering changes without any compromises to our full complement of standard safety features. This approach goes beyond industry and government requirements to ensure that Canadians are not forced to choose between environmental concerns or personal safety when buying a vehicle, regardless of its price or size. This is our 'Honda Benefit' for Canadians.”

This is good news for all the Canadians who are eyeing the Civic as their next mode of quality transportation. Not only is the Civic Honda’s fleet of high-performing cars, but also a fuel efficient vehicle. Practical? Nah, the word’s “ideal”. It’s just great to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Scholfield donates Honda Civic GX to Greensburg Kansas

2007-12-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

Honda Scholfield of Witchita, being known as the only dealer of compressed natural gas in the state of Kansas, turned over the keys of a Honda Civic GX to Greensburg Green Town director Daniel Wallach last Tuesday. Honda Scholfield owner Roger Scholfield honored the ceremony. With this event came the dealer’s attempt to bring the issue of dealing natural gas vehicles on a larger scale in the country. Scholfield said that the technology in developing vehicles such as the Honda Civic GX is greatly needed in the country, as only 160,000 natural gas-run are being shipped to the States, over the six million that are being shipped worldwide.

As there are no plans yet on how the town will use the car that Honda donated, Wallach believes that the car’s presence alone can help boost the town’s efforts in showing their goal to achieve a greener city. As a matter of fact, Wallach sees this opportunity as the town’s first step to be seen as a “model of energy efficiency in transportation, as well as construction and urban design”. Green Town, the non-profit organization that Wallach has founded is planning to build a vehicle rental center in the city, which features “a wide array of state-of-the-art alternative fuel vehicles”, just like the electric-powered cars and the Honda Civic GX.

City Administrator Steve Hewitt only has praises for the whole event: “by stressing this kind of technology we’re showing our kids we can do things right and what is right is what is sustainable.”

Wallach has been known for pursuing his efforts after the May 4 tornado hit the town. He then has been consistently pushing his advocacy of energy efficiency and sustainability at all public forums. Greensburg Green Town was a result of his passionate attempts on bringing back the town what it had lost during the calamity.

Source: Kiowa County Signal

Want a Type-R R3? Order now!

2007-12-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

Great news for Honda Civic rally Type-R R3 fans! You now have the chance to experience rally track driving with the superior performance of the Civic! The rally-prepared Type-R R3 by JAS Motorsport is now ready to order. As a matter of fact, it received the full approval of the FIA. Honda was proud to have this baby of theirs to pass as a 2.0-liter two-wheel drive car. They have successfully complied with the latest rally regulations of the FIA, so this legally hot and smokin’ rally car can now be yours!

As a veteran tuner of Honda Civic sportscars, JAS Motorsport enhanced the engine and transmission box of this rally Civic, and even got a hand from Mugen. Actually, this rally-prepared Civic also shares the same framework as the European Civic FN, except the rally type sports a TIG welded roll cage that is crafted from Chrome-Molybdenum steel. Imagine ordering this baby to flaunt it to your friends (given of course, that you have the money to purchase it). They will surely drool over its 2.0-liter Mugen powerplant, producing 260 horses and can reach up to 8,300 rpm. Also, its rally racing components will get you going to the nearest Type-R R3 maker---4kg lightweight flywheel, Pro Competition-ready camshafts, exhaust pipe, air filter, and so much more. You definitely will not miss out if you have its steering wheel in your grip. But of course, if you want to buy this baby, make sure that you’re gonna be taking it out on some dirt road. Otherwise, this baby will fall asleep with the boredom of traversing the plain old highways.

Source: Product Review.com

Hesitating to buy a Hybrid? Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t

2007-12-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

People are always hesitant to try something new. This is greatly evident for the automotive industry. Its latest development, the Hybrid technology, has got everyone quite tiptoeing on whether or not they should ride along with the green bandwagon. Here are some of the most common reasons why people are hesitant on buying a Hybrid---and some of the reasons why they shouldn’t.

(Source: cnn.com)

First: the Hybrid technology is quite complicated which makes it expensive to fix

--assessing the situation, this shouldn’t really be a legitimate reason for hesitation. As the automotive industry progresses, its complexity goes along with it. Even non-hybrid cars have gone totally complicated nowadays, which could lead to misguided conclusions in case of car problems. And let’s not forget: cars are only getting more expensive, not cheaper. Of course, our times have changed (along with the rise of expenses). We must not complain about shelling out money for our cars, because unless you are knowledgeable about modern automotive mechanics, then it’s really unlikely that you will spend money to have your problems solved. But just in case, keeping close contact with the dealer will not hurt, and prove to be handy in times of dire need.

Second: Hybrids have a limited battery pack life---according to the Kelley blue Book’s survey.

--All batteries have a limited pack life---even that of your internal combustion engine vehicle. But not to worry, according to cnn.com, hybrids run on a regular gasoline-powered engine assisted by an electric motor. In fact, the electric motor's battery is charged through the gas engine while the car is braking and idling. Hence, the car batteries that Hybrids use are specifically designed to “move energy in and out quickly and efficiently,” according to Ford manager Tom Watson in the same interview.

Third: Hybrids can “stall” or “sputter”

--Some concerns were raised when some Hybrids would allegedly shut off their engines along the highways. But, this is only a “software glitch”. Car owners who experience this must immediately contact their dealers and have the new software installed to avoid having these problems.

When all else fails, you ought to try out what the Honda Civic hybrid has in store for you. You will be surprised that you hesitated to buy a hybrid, knowing that the Civic Hybrid has it all in one smooth package.

Source: cnn.com

Honda Civic VTi gets honored by Aussies for the second time

2007-12-05T01:31:00.000-08:00

According to Australia’s Best Cars judging panel, the Honda Civic VTi was “perennially excellent.” As if this description was not enough to explain how the Civic triumphed as a sedan, they awarded this car with the Best Mid-Size car under $28,000.

“It's on road ability suits the type of daily commuting a vehicle could normally expect to encounter. The ride is comfortable, yet well controlled over almost any road surface, while the handling is more surefooted on the highway,” the club said in a statement. “It's just as much at home in city traffic or squeezing into a tight parking spot. The Civic looks and feels like a more expensive car.”

Grateful enough, Honda Australia’s Managing Director and CEO Yasuhide Mizuno was really glad to win the award. “My thanks go to the Australia's Best Cars judges,” he said in a statement. “Winning an award of this kind is true reflection of the Civic's style, quality and affordability. The Civic has been a Honda favourite for many years and it contains our unique and advanced technology in an affordable package.”

Congratulations Honda Australia!

Source: Paddocktalk.com

Team Honda J.A.S.---Impressive Gravel Round at the World Championship

2007-12-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

After posting about the preparations that team Honda has undergone for the 2007 World Championship, we now have the news on how they fared. They were pretty much good---and I am not just saying that. As a matter of fact, they managed to take home a glistening class A7 win. This is despite veteran driver Dani Sola’s unsuccessful trips on the first and second day. What more if they took the road on a clear ride? (Smiles smugly.) (In photo: Dani Sola)

The Type-R R3 is the latest addition to Honda’s growing fleet of Civic cars. But the Type-R R3 is more geared towards conquering the gravel paths of the earth. (Or Great Britain for that matter.) According to Honda J.A.S. team, “…throughout the event, the Civic Type R R3 demonstrated perfect mechanical reliability and a prodigious pace, within two seconds per kilometre of the four-wheel drive Super 2000 cars,” the statement read. “On stage 16, Sola even set an excellent 25th quickest time overall, just behind the top runners in the Production Car World Championship.”

Also a flash of good news: the Type-R R3 is eligible for the Junior Championship to be held next year, the same race where Type-R R3 pilot Dani Sola championed. Sola only had good things to say about his experience, even if they encountered some problems along the way due to Britain’s rough roads and weather condition.

“I've been very impressed with the car throughout the rally, which has given us no mechanical problems whatsoever despite some very tough conditions. On Friday we were just a little too fast into the corner, so the car jumped out of the ruts left by the World Rally Cars and we went off, luckily with no damage,” he said in a statement. “Over the rest of the rally we were able to push quite hard and I'm very pleased with our times. I've also been very proud to contribute to the development of this great car with JAS Motorsport over the course of the year: now we have a really competitive package.”

Rally Civic Hybrid Wows Glyn Memorial Stage Rally Spectators

2007-11-29T03:19:00.000-08:00

After learning about the Rally Type-R R3’s debut, the Civic Hybrid Rally is not one to be left behind. In fact, it made an impressive debut recently at the Glyn Memorial Stage Rally, which was held at the Anglesey Circuit complex, North of Wales. The Oaktec Team is responsible for the petrol electric powered Civic Hybrid Rally. Suffice to say, they are like proud parents when their baby pulled a really impressive performance for the two-day rally, which has 14 “special stages”. Unfortunately, the weather was bad during that time, but the Civic Hybrid Rally pulled through.

According to a release by Oaktec team, the Civic Hybrid Rally placed 48^th over 88 in the overall category, and it even got the 6^th spot over 13 cars in the modified 1400cc class. This all the more highlighted the environment-friendly Honda IMA technology. The car is said to be on display at the “Future of Motorsport” stand in London on December 8 to 9.

This is really good news for those who doubt the power of the Civic Hybrid. This will make you say, hey, a car with low emissions and striking power, I’d want that!

Track-only Civic Type-R Debuts at the GB

2007-11-28T03:17:00.000-08:00

The hyped up Honda Civic Type-R Rally will be making its debut at the Wales Rally Great Britain this week. The Wales Rally is the final round for the much-coveted 2007 World Rally Championship.

Dani Sola, former Junior World Champion, will be the pilot of the Civic Type-R R3’s cockpit in Great Britain. Sola is no stranger to the Rally Type-R, as he already tried the roads of the asphalt World Championship debut on the Catalunya Rally in Spain last October. In fact, Sola even bagged the R3 class over the other well-established competitors. Very recently, the Type-R finished an impressive fifth place overall in the Rallye du Valais in Switzerland, but the gravel road of the GB will be a new trying ground for the Type-R. Developed by JAS Motorsports, the R3 Type-R was able to comply with the new FIA rally regulations. Hence, the car uses a two-liter Honda Mugen engine, and is driven by two-wheels only.

“Great Britain is one of my favorite gravel events because the stages really reward commitment. However, we are not underestimating the challenge ahead of us. As a team, we haven’t competed on gravel since July---and this new R3 car has never competed on gravel at all. Our mission will be to get the car to the finish and try to prove that we can be as competitive on gravel as we are on asphalt.” ---> well, it looks like Sola is all positive about the race, so let’s just watch out as it starts this Friday, ending on Sunday.

Civic Hybrid, or Civic Type-R?

2007-11-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

This question is like an argument that will totally rip you apart. On the one hand, you can opt to go for cleaner emissions, which means that you will be able to help the environment and help other people. On the other hand though…Well, I am not saying that power leads to harmful emissions. But the thing is, this power requires sacrifice too…Its superior internal combustion engine burns fuel that may emit some nitrogen oxides. So, which will it be?

Allow me to help you make a decision by leaving out each car’s key features.

Every motorist is practically riding along the Green Bandwagon. (Which is not a bad thing, mind you.) Honda was able to release a pretty good contender to the Prius. The Honda Civic Hybrid’s 1300cc 8-valve i-VTEC petrol motor is linked to an electric motor, thus giving birth to a partnership that is known as the Integrated Motor Assist or IMA. This might not seem to be too thrilling to some, but its power is enough for you to keep pace with the speeding cars on the freeway.

Ah, the Civic Type-R. If you have read my previous blogpost, you will know the wonders that the limited edition Civic Type-RR did---selling a total of 300 units in just 10 minutes! Its mother model, the Type-R, is a tad short of one R but it is just as mighty on the road. Its 2000cc petrol engine can reach 8000 rpm, and is 30 kilos lighter. Just imagine all the dust that the other cars will be eating when you rev this baby up.

Which one do I choose? I’m not gonna be a hypocrite now and choose the Hybrid just because it helps the environment. I choose the Civic Type-R, not just for its power, but more importantly, because it shows how the Civic has evolved. What about you?

Honda Team welcomes Chilton for BTCC

2007-11-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

After the victory of the Team Halfords Honda Civic at this year’s BTCC, Team Dynamics Honda is ready to go for another winning round at next year’s tourney. This time though, one new driver will be stepping on the Honda gas pad to best other drivers---Tom Chilton. He may be young, but this 22-year-old Britain-based boy is The Man when it comes to racing. He will be replacing two-time series champion Matt Neal in the driver’s seat, since it was more like they traded places. Neal will now be seated at Chilton’s Vauxhall car for the 2008 BTCC. Together with veteran champion Gordon “Flash” Shedden, Chilton will try out how it feels to fly with decked out Honda Civics.

Although Chilton is already a six-time race-winner, he will still be starting on the back foot since he only gained the ninth place last year, and he also has a new car to learn. The Flash Shedden will be spearheading the race. This little technicality did not bother Chilton though, as his hopes are high for the race. “This will be my seventh year in the BTCC, I've won races before and shown I can run at the front and now want to win the title. This is my chance to do that,” Chilton said in an interview by Eurosport.

Honda Ireland Reaches 4,000 Milestone

2007-11-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

Honda Ireland has shown an impressive growth since the year 2003, and this greatly reflects in their sales too, according to the company. Reportedly, their sales have gone beyond the 4,000 mark by the end of the month of October, making the company reach a milestone in the industry. This equates to a 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2006. The year 2007 is yet the best that Honda Ireland has seen since its establishment in 1985, based on the company’s over-all performance and sales results.

The Japan-established company expects its worldwide sales to reach at least a ten percent increase for the whole duration of 2007. After the company’s Ireland arm showed great enthusiasm to reach this goal, the company expects a 19 percent increase in their European sales.

“The development of Honda's critically acclaimed diesel engine and more recently the innovative introduction of 'Hybrid' technology in the Civic 4 door range are key to the brand's success in Europe and consequently in the Irish market over the coming years,” Frank Kennedy, Sales and Marketing Director of Universal Honda said in an interview by Galway Independent. “The key to achieving this sharp increase in sales is in the development of some new products equipped with innovative environmentally friendly technology. The introduction of more 'hybrid' powered cars in 2009 along with the introduction of products equipped with Honda's new Idec Clean Diesel engine will not only influence our sales growth but also help to reduce the Honda carbon footprint in our market and realize the corporate aspiration of achieving average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 140gm/km by 2009.”

Limited Edition 2008 Mugen Honda Civic Si paralyzed in dealer's open lot

2007-11-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

I posted earlier that Honda Civic topped the list as the most stolen car---which is not good news at all. Today’s news is a little bit different. The car has been robbed of its parts, rendering it to be unavailable for interested buyers. What’s worse though, limited edition Mugen Honda Civics are not always easy to get. So when this Honda dealer saw what happened to one of their exclusives, they learned a very valuable lesson: do not leave a precious Civic out in an open lot.

There are only 1,000 units of the 2008 Mugen Civic Si that reached stateside. With the report from Autoblog though, it looks like we are short of one. A very eager thief just couldn’t wait to get his hands on this baby, which was why he “smashed a window, took the wheels, seats, badges, and shift knob among other miscellaneous items” according to Autoblog. He will probably sell it to his gang of dreamers who don’t have the chance to experience the power of this Honda. It was such a disturbing sight, seeing this blue Civic Mugen standing on its front rotors and two jackstands. What will make of this poor baby now? Those nasty “businessmen” really need to learn their lesson immediately. In the meantime, for all of you who are lucky enough to drive this Mugen Si, you now know that the hounds are out to get you. Be careful, and avoid parking in dimly-lit open lots. As for the thieves, we all hope that you’ll get run over by a bulldozer. (Source: Autoblog)

The Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle is Here

2007-11-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

Honda unveiled the production model of its FCX Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle concept at the Los Angeles International auto show. Along with the surprise came the announcement that the company will be releasing limited units to the market by summer of 2008. Although critics were not too fond of how the Clarity turned out to look like, I think that Honda made a pretty good design. It is kind of reminiscent to the new Accord models, except that its emissions are cleaner. Let me rephrase that---it has zero emissions.

This “next-generation, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle” is reportedly based on an entirely new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform. It uses the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack so that it could generate the power that the car needs. This is a good glimpse at how Honda will be producing their next fleet of vehicles---more powerful, and yet less harmful. Personally, I think that this is the trend that every other carmaker must follow. Trough developing the use of lithium ion battery packs and a hydrogen storage tank, Honda is now able to put power into the Clarity’s electric motor. Now that, is automotive innovation.

We hope that the Clarity fares well in the market. If they do, it only means that the people are now ready to drive with zero emissions.

Nice Honda Civic Wheels

2007-11-11T01:18:00.000-08:00

Honda Civic is a pretty nice car to pimp out. It is easy to customize because its body is versatile with its unique contours---be it a hatchback or a sedan---just add some glittering wheels and they will be ready. Underneath the hood, the Civic bears its weapon: the VTEC engine. But enough about a Honda Civic’s performance, we already know that it is supreme in its class. It is now time to feature some really good Civic wheels. They may be not directly from Honda, but these knock-out wheels really know how to jazz up a Civic. Check out some pics.

The wheels of the Honda Civic are really important. These are the car parts that actually bear the body of the car. Whether they may be made of chrome or just spray-painted (oh dear gods don’t do that), they immediately bring glitz to the car. Btu they are important, for they serve as the framework (ironic word to use for something round) of the tires. They make it possible for a car to traverse along rocky and bumpy roads. So even if you spice up your wheels to the max, it will still be useless without the right care and maintenance. And that, is the closest way to get some really nice Honda Civic Wheels.

Honda Goes Greener for 2008

2007-11-09T00:03:00.000-08:00

Cars are major contributors to pollution. In a world where the luxury of transportation has become a necessity, building more cars seem to be a good idea. But, since they have been known for harming the environment, people can’t chose between conveniences over nature. So, carmakers began creating feasible solutions to help eradicate this problem. This is why the creation of Hybrid vehicles seemed to be the most important breakthrough in the automotive industry... Because it really is.

Honda has long been in the frontier of this advocacy. It is no surprise therefore that their “green” hybrid cars fared well in the market, just like the Honda Civic Hybrid and GX. But for 2008, American Honda Motor Co. has a new strategy: double the green.

According to reliable plant.com’s report, the Japan-established carmaker has undertook a “series of new green building initiatives as part of a leading effort to further reduce the environmental impact of Honda’s operations and products.” Under this initiative, their arm of luxury vehicles, Acura, is also included in the game plan. They focus basically on developing four areas: Home Heating Cogeneration Product, Natural Gas Home Refueling Appliance, Honda Solar Cells, and their Automobiles.

Source: Reliable Plant

The 100,000th car of Honda Pegoh, a Civic

2007-11-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Honda has conquered the world. You can just imagine this when you realize that Honda Malaysia has rolled out their 100,000^th car off the production line. And guess what, that car just happened to be an eighth generation Honda Civic!

The company has been known for producing models like the CR-V, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and the Honda City. They also craft high-quality constant velocity joint (CVJ) for the export market. Their CVJ shipment has reached its one millionth mark, along with the release of the one hundredth car. This Pegoh plant in Alor Gajah is said to produce 25,000 units per year.

Congratulations Honda Malaysia, and say hello to the streets you lucky Honda Civic.

Source: The Edge Daily

Gas Price Rollback Perfect for the Honda Civic GX

2007-11-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

The demand for Natural gas-driven vehicles is on a high. As people suffer from wars that sprout from oil monopoly, the insistent gas price hikes are added salts to the injury. But, the auto industry is not one to just sit back and let things happen. Hence, the creation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-fueled vehicles happened.

In Utah, a price rollback was implemented at the start of the month, giving the usual 73.6 cents a slide, so now it is 63.9 cents. This significant number of decrease is translated clearly by the Deseret News’ story: “That means the Honda Civic GX---the only new vehicle on the market in Utah that is designed to run on natural gas and rated at 39 miles per gallon---would have a per-mile fuel cost of 1.6 cents, compared to 7.7 cents if the same vehicle used gasoline costing $3 per gallon.”

This rollback will be felt more by car owners who run on CNG vehicles. While CNG is often run on business vehicles and not private ones, the effect is better. Number one, consuming CNG leads to getting the best in fuel economy. This has already been proven, especially when compared to those gas-hungry muscle cars. Also, the emissions are cleaner with CNG. No need to worry about polluting the air.

With this rollback, we now conclude that good things really happen to good people.

Source: Deseret News

Pimped Out Honda Civics

2007-10-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

Honda Civic is probably one of the most flexible cars of all time. This means that they can be easily modified in case it begins to feel boring. Just go out in the streets and you’ll get what I mean. They usually prefer re-doing a 1990’s generation of a Honda Civic, as is with the cars used in The Fast and the Furious. It’s pretty simple actually. All you have to do is upgrade the engine with a mean machine. Customize the body paint with a real nice chrome glaze, or a frantic-patterned paint. Then, remove the old doors and hook it up with some suicide or gull-wing doors. The next thing you know, this Civic will be preferred over the latest 2008 model.

Take this pimped-out Civic in the famous auto show Pimp My Ride. Radical changes were made to make the owner happier, and to better enjoy the classic Civic.

But with this one, called the ElecTrick, all you will need is a PSP and you can drive away. What a way to pimp out your Civic right? Aside of course from all the physical changes, what’s really impressive about this car is that it can be controlled by a PSP. Just like a remote-controlled car. Pretty cool huh? Nice work Metra Electronics.

Source: Pocketlint.co.uk

Street Racing Legacy

2007-10-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Honda is one name that always breezes through the streets. We know this, because their street racing legacy is evident everywhere. Even with its original production motorcycles, their reputation is directly associated with superior racing quality. If you will see in Honda’s history, shortly six years after Honda Motor Co. was founded, the Honda Racing Corporation or HRC was established. It was the year 1954, and the Japanese auto industry is catching up with the European technology. Honda, being a neophyte in this arena, impressed everyone with their high-performing engines and motorcycles. You can just picture this achievement through their 5 cylinder 125cc bike that can turn 22,000 rpm!

Ten years after HRC was established, Honda joined the Formula One racing challenge. They drew a bigger racing crowd this time, but their partnership with Mugen lingered tightly. Up to this day, their racing prowess is evident in the latest models of the Civic, Honda’s most acclaimed car for street racing. Remember the film Fast and the Furious right? They all drove Honda Civics with decked out engines. This reflects Honda’s adaptability to gearing up on the fast lane.

So don’t be surprised if Honda will take on the world of fast cars pretty soon. After all, they can.

Sweet Honda Lovin’

2007-10-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Taking good care of your Honda is easy---keeping it at its best is another story. After all, your Honda is not high-maintenance. Its parts are all made and built to last every durability test, and function with great performance. I’m not just crapping in my chair here, I really do know for a fact that Hondas can outlive other cars. Even those that is Europe-based. Just take a look at the life of a Honda Civic. The many generations that it has seen are enough to qualify it as a car that really shows good Japanese carmaking.

Nevertheless, taking care of your Honda must still be observed. This can be accomplished by doing few, easy steps. Topping all of them, is the periodic (but regular) tune-up of the Honda. When it comes to the Honda’s “doctor’s check-up”, make sure that all the works are done. For instance, changing of the oils, the air filter, checking the brake pads for signs of wear, and the radiator are the constant things that must be done in tune-ups. Specific car systems that need to be checked include the ignition, cooling, exhaust, and the brakes. Making sure that all components of these systems are working will leave your Honda performing its best until (or even after) the next tune-up.

What’s new? Nothing I said above is new, because every car owner already knows this. But what every Honda lover must mind, is that Hondas must be kept on the road too. Do not let it bore in the garage and flaunt it off with sweet Honda pride.

Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Available at $29,500

2007-10-26T01:40:00.000-07:00

American Honda Motor Co. announced that it will be selling the limited production MUGEN Si Sedan. The suggested retail price is $29,500, but the destination and handling charges is not yet included.

This special track-tuned Civic is all powered by its powertrain, cracking 197 horsepower. Complete with rear spoilers and sports grille, this Sedan is one of the most sought after power rides. So if you want to get your hands on one, you better be ready to shell out over 30 grand. This price, after all, is very reasonable for a genius package.

Source: Autospectator

Honda Civic Type R Variant Goes Stateside

2007-10-25T01:35:00.000-07:00

There is a big possibility that the much coveted Honda Civic Type R will be offered in a diesel variant---to the

. While Honda Civic diesel engines are a new thing, you may be surprised to know that Civics usually come with a 2.2L diesel engine. This is common to other auto markets. This 2.2L diesel engine is said to make 140 ponies run under the hood. However, Civic contemporaries are a far cry to this. The VW Golf, Toyota Aurius, and Renault Megane are pretty strong with their diesel engines making 170 horsepower.

Hence, rumor has it that Honda will be implementing the CTDi Accord engine into the Civic Type R. This powertrain will guarantee 180 horsepower and 315 lbs-ft of torque. This will definitely tickle every Civic fan’s fancy. Boosting the Type R this fresh new way in North America will probably mean more sales. But more so, Honda will attain an image of being revolutionary. Not just with its engines, but also with its plans for future Honda Civics.

Source: Mobile Mag

A Flying Honda Civic Engine

2007-10-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

In Nigeria, Physics major Mubarak Muhammed Abdullahi successfully created his own flying helicopter out of metal scrap. He managed to compile come chopped up parts from a slaughtered Boeing 747, and came up with this yellow body. He got the seats from an old Toyota, and he made this helicopter fly through the use of a 133bhp Honda Civic engine.

Abdullahi works part-time servicing broken computers and mobile phones. He used the money he earned from this job to buy all the spare parts that he will need to build a helicopter. By the way, he reportedly built a helicopter because he found it easier to build than a car. (Okay, some of us are not even near considering building any of those two.) But this chopper is a success. Well, sort of like a successful prototype since Abdullahi is said to build an improved version. The basic controls of this helicopter include a joystick for steering, an accelerator lever for ascent and descent, and a small camera that is connected to a screen on a dashboard.

This creation noticeably lacks in air and altitude pressure measurement tools. Hence, Abdullahi promised to build a new model which will be a far cry from this one, a “radical improvement on the first one in terms of sophistication and aesthetics.”

Way to go dude. Some Civic fans are just about the excitement of enjoying these powerful engines, but you found a way to make it fly. Cool! *wink

Source: Motortorque

The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan

2007-10-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

The well-appreciated MUGEN Sedan is back and better for 2008. This flagship of Civic cars will apply the same old magic to lure many people and get its pulse in the market going, but what about the new things it has in store for us? Civic enthusiasts are probably on the edge of their seats right now as it has been reported that this baby will be hitting sales by mid-October. So aside from that powered 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine that can ride 197 ponies at 7,800 rpm, what else is new with the 2008 MUGEN Si Sedan?

This exclusive, 2008 model will boast an impressive suspension system with “lightweight forged aluminum wheels”. The body kit has been enhanced aerodynamically so that drivers can enjoy the MUGEN experience without feeling the heaviness of a Sedan. With its sport-tuned exhaust system, this baby is really meant to be taken out to the streets. Buying it will mean that you cannot just keep it all shiny and pristine in your garage---it wants action. The 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan wants a go-getter owner who seeks the classy companion of a Sedan. And that is what this Civic can give you---so if you don’t fit this line, then maybe you’ll just be better off with granny’s old wagon.

The 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si

2007-10-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Aside from recreating the Civics with the MUGEN batch, Honda has come up with something more. They will be launching the 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si by mid-October in the market. What is more, is that this new Civic flagship will come in two fleets---the Si Sedan, and the Si Coupe. Brilliant, eh? So if you have tried to catch some speed with the first release of the MUGEN Si, then maybe you can better tell the difference between this one, and that. According to Honda, this will be an exclusive model, adding notable modifications to the suspensions, body kit and the exhaust system.

I have personally not gone near one yet, but I intend to. This is probably one way to get over my frustrations with the Civic Type RR---which I had not even sighted up close! Anyway, let’s give this new fleet of Si’s to come, and if by any chance you happen to come across one, tell me which is better: the Coupe or the Sedan? For after all, they basically carry the same power. It all just boils down to the handling I guess, and its purpose in the streets. So don’t be too edgy yet guys, we’ll know once Honda lets these babies out for public inspection.

The Honda Civic Hybrid Ad Goes for the Win

2007-10-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

The “funny” Honda Civic Hybrid TV advertisement has caused noise among its audience. It even opened a topic of debate about what idea Honda was trying to say: that the person who drives hybrids is always better than those who don’t, or that the people who drive hybrids are cleaning up the mess of those who don’t. Either way, I’d say that this advertisement is pretty effective. Not only was it able to at least give positive perceptions on driving green, but it also managed to capture some humor too. Therefore, I’m sure it scored some laughs or giggles among the viewers. This is a refreshing car advertisement. Contrary to conventional ones wherein it is about how fast or how powerful the car is---this one is very human. So if you haven’t spotted it yet, better search the web and get that nostalgic feeling for the “Odd Couple”.

Japan's Hottest, the Track-Only Civic Type-R

2007-09-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

(Image courtesy of Jalopnik.com)

This news will definitely rock Civic fans' socks off---Japan has revealed that they will be releasing a Track-Only Civic Type-R! I know, I know, don't get all jumpy. This picture is definitely far from the real thing, but hey, it helps a lot in creating the vision for your dreams tonight...

Kidding aside though, this limited edition Civic Type-R will be used in a new single-make racing series, and that this no-nonsense Type-R sedan will come available without the helical LSD, seats, seatbelts, steering wheel, interior trim, AV goodies and air conditioning---this according to a report by Jalopnik.com. Since these hot rods do not come with these important gadgets, it can be purchased for a price that is 40 percent less than the original price. This means that when you want to buy this Civic special edition that is complete with all its gadgets, then you would have to pay an extra amount, of course. The leaked price from Jalopnik.com is 1,690,500 Yen, or about $14,769.15. so hold tight, if you want to get your hands on this baby, you will have to wait for Honda Japan's further news about shipping it to the coast. Otherwise, go on and talk to your Japanese friends and have them buy you one before it runs out.

Unbelievable Honda Civic Mugen RR Sales!

2007-09-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Due to the people's need to satisfy their clamor for the all-decked out 2008 Honda Civic Mugen RR, all 300 units were reportedly sold in just a matter of 10 minutes!

It takes about 10 minutes to wait for the next train to arrive. It takes about 10 minutes to make a perfect soft-boiled egg. 10 minutes will do in order for a girl to complete her make-up, and 10 minutes, to save one life. But 10 minutes to sell out 300 car units??? Unbelievable! While I'm not totally certain if this kind of sales record has happened to any other car before or not, this still made my eyeballs pop out. (Yeah, and i had to pick them off the floor to put them back on =P) Heard of the term, “selling like pancakes”? Well, a car unit is a far cry from pancakes, but nevertheless, the 2008 Honda Civic Mugen RR is selling like pancakes!

This record happened in Japan, and the Mugen RR costs about 4.7 million Yen. The hype of this car has brought about a lot of speculations as to whether or not they will be sold worldwide too. As of now, it is faring greatly in Japan, let's just find out how it will do in the other countries. But it will not be so hard to expect the same thing since the Mugen RR is the most powerful sports coupe that Honda produced. Review my recent posts about the Honda Civic Mugen RR about it and you'll see just why. This is yet another testament to how great it is to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Civic Hybrid is Germany's Greenest

2007-09-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

For the second time in a row, the Honda Civic Hybrid has once again gained triumph in claiming Germany's title as the most ecological car by the renowned Verkehrsclub Deutschland in its Environmental Car Ratings for 2007-2008. (Note: the VCD is a major transport and environment organization in Germany) VCD wanted to choose the quietest vehicles with the lowest fuel consumption and lowest level of emissions. As expected, the Honda Civic Hybrid was well-able to meet all these requirements, delivering environmental compatibility and a comfortable driving. The Civic Hybrid was also noted for its quietness on the road, which all the more justified the organization's recognition.

In the previous recognition, the Honda Civic Hybrid was able to best 350 contenders for this title, and it has also been named as the best car in the compact class. According to Honda, the Civic Hybrid is their latest embodiment for long-term commitment to the development of environmentally friendly technologies that are also fun to drive.

So once again, the Civic did it, and was able to come out gracefully on top.

The Honda VTEC System-III

2007-07-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

But for most automobile drivers, the VTEC system is actually the best device in the automobile market that helps the valve timing and camshafts do their job at the most efficient ways and speeds possible.

Aside from the actual performance of the Honda's VTEC System, people who own the unique system that their Honda cars have, actually pride themselves on the sound of their beautiful engine system. Yes, which is why a Honda Civic sounds so smooth. When switching to the different camshafts the Honda VTEC system actually makes the engine sound like its singing.

No matter which unique feature about the Honda VTEC System that you love, though, chances are that you'll be purchasing one the next time you go hunting for a Honda produced automobile.

All in all, the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control technology that Honda offers to its automobile owners is an increase in technology for the auto industry and it is a favorite among car professionals today, no doubt about it.

(Reference: Car Junky.com)

The Honda VTEC System-II

2007-07-27T02:43:00.000-07:00

There are more ways to appreciate the VTEC System, all you have to do is to just understand what the variable valve timing is used for in a regular automobile. The end goal of the Honda VTEC System is used for allowing an appropriate mixture of air and fuel mixture intake to enter into the cylinder. In this way, the engine and the car will experience increased fuel efficiency and speed performance.

This is the main reason for the opening and closing of the valve at different engine speeds. But because the Honda VTEC System contains a Variable Valve Timing system that allows the valve to be opened and closed at the correct positioning and timing---one will actually be driving on a Honda engine that has an increased performance. Hence, the unquestionable performance of the Honda Civic.

Other companies, not wanting to be left out, have wanted to make similar devices to the Honda VTEC system. They are contemplating and trying to produce an infinite variable timing valve system. This type of device would prove to be even more difficult than the Honda VTEC System.

Team Halfords Honda Civic is on fire!

2007-07-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

“The little Honda Civic is going really well now and let's hope it continues for the rest of the season,” is what Gordon Shedden has to say about his prize baby in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season at Donington Park. I have posted an update regarding this race before but with a different leg, and the same news persisted---Team Halford's Honda Civic is on fire.

They managed to secure a second win, with Shedden making the most of pole position to take victory in challenging conditions in the opening race over the weekends. Although he lost out to the fast starting BMW of Mat Jackson at the start, Shedden was quickly able to reclaim the lead before the end of lap one and controlled the race from the front---surviving two Safety Car periods to clinch his second win of the season.

"The conditions today have been terrible,” he said in an interview. “In fact, the third race was the worst conditions I've ever raced in, bar none. To convert pole into a win in the first race was great and to get second in race two with full ballast was almost as good! The main goal in race three was to finish, as finishing all three races is something I haven't done this year which has hurt me in the points. I was a bit cautious as the start to make sure I didn't get taken off but came back through for a good points haul, I'll go home quite happy with what I've got this weekend.”

Stand by for more interesting updates about our team---the Honda Civic Team! Way to go guys! *wink

Honda Civic NVG Stars in SoPas Clean-Air Car Show

2007-07-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

South Pasadena will be holding a Clean-Air Car Show, and it will proudly showcase a mighty advocate of Air Care---the Honda Civic Natural Gas vehicle. The event will be held on Sunday, July 22, at the City which has been popular for being a role model city with all of its advocacies for a cleaner environment. While many of the vehicles present will be powered by next generation technology not sold to the public, commercially available vehicles will also be exhibited. The exhibit will also feature the fuel-cell powered Honda FCHX2.

But the day will not only be about these innovative cars, as they will also have a film-showing of the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car” and Al Gore's “An Inconvenient Truth” at the Rialto Theater, as well as seminars on global warming, the harmful effect of vehicle emissions, tax incentives for alternative fuel and mass-transit options. Such great efforts have been made by a community of caring people, and Honda. Will it hurt to join this motion, and live the wonderful Honda Civic Life.

Fall Out Boy Defends Honda Amidst Issues of Being a Sell-out

2007-07-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

The band Fall Out Boy has shrugged off issues and criticisms which says that the band is becoming a sell-out. This is due to their current US tour, the Honda Civic Tour which is of course, sponsored by Honda. Bassist and spokesman Pete Wentz insists that the only to pass on affordable tickets to fans is to get corporate sponsorship.

“We're really excited to be part of this Honda Civic Tour. It's all about helping the environment---nobody's flying, and there's recycling at all the venues. They even let us design our own Honda Hybrid,” he said in an interview with Blender magazine. He also went on to point out that a tour this size could be better off funded by a corporation. “People call it selling out, but that's how we can keep our ticket prices low. The Rolling Stones can charge $200 because their fans are 45 years old. It's a little harder when your fans are scraping together allowance money,” he concluded.

So for all you insecure fools out there, stop making them Fall Out Boys look bad, because at this age in the rock scene, 'tis good to know somebody still cares. But what's more, is that they believe that living the Honda Civic Life ain't bad either.

Face Off: Type R UK VS Type RR Japan!

2007-07-14T00:34:00.001-07:00

Alright ladies and gentlemen, this is it. Which Honda Civic Type R should we spend our money with? (Let us assume that we are in the middle ground here, let us set aside the fact of which vehicle will be able to reach the shores of the Statue of Liberty.) We have all been presented with two lovely choices: The Hot Hatchback Type R of UK, and the Mugen Type RR of Japan.

Oh who am I kidding. It is obvious that the latter will be more preferred over the former because it is the upgraded version. But it would not hurt to compare them a little, just so you guys can have it all here in one page. So here it is, Type R UK, and the Type RR Japan.

TYPE-R UK

While many have been whining about the return of the well-loved Honda Civic Type R, Honda UK was busy beautifying its precious gem already. Hence, they came up with the obvious way to give the Civic range a sporty, trendy appeal. The 200bhp chain-cam six-speed baby is a full 20bhp more than the SEAT Leon 20VT without the benefit of a turbo, and 28bhp more than the ClioSport 172, and a massive 50bhp more than the current VW Golf GTi 1.8T. Whew!

MUGEN TYPE RR

Okay, now the anticipation for this one was even worse. If Type-R fans waited for the comeback of Type-R while biting their nails, the people actually bit off their fingers for a glimpse of this feisty hot rod. (It is just too bad, really, that it is only available in Japan, whereas Type-R UK has already reached Australia.) The Mugen badge all the more explained how upgraded this is---to hot too handle. The heart of the Type RR is Honda's terrific DOHC 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and produces 240 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque.

VERDICT:

Hell, who am I to judge between two goddesses of beauty and skill? I am just a humble messenger, so feel free to make the decision for yourself.

Honda Civic Inspires Students

2007-07-13T00:11:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic school! The McLain High School Aerospace Applied Science program has had their students brainstorming and then eventually working on an electronic car that could save us all from the burden of gas price hike! Amazing. We should have done this ages ago instead of prioritizing American Idol probables. (sorry, incoherent mumbling)

“Our students are right in the middle of this technology, that's where I wanted to put them,” said aerospace teacher Jim Smith in an interview with KOTV. “I wanted to find something that had relevance to them and something that would enrich their lives.”

And guess what? They were looking for ideas that will “take the students into the future, and the Honda Civic could be it.” My, my. Impressive, really. For choosing the Honda Civic, and of course, for caring about these students that much.

Also, according to the report, a team of students led by Dondale Frazier has managed to convert an old Honda to a solar powered electric car last year.

A really pleasant news. I wish everybody could just see how great it is to live the Honda Civic Life. Because if they did, you should too.

Honda Civic Takes on the Russia Rally at the IRC!

2007-07-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Team Honda Civic Type R JAS Motorsport will be readying itself for the Russia Rally: Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The Rally Russia will get underway with a ceremonial start in the historic city of St Petersburg on Thursday 12 July at 19h30, before the real action starts at 09h23 on Friday with the first of 11 special stages, totaling 151 competitive kilometers. The final podium is on Saturday at 14h30.

William De Braekeleer, Honda's head of motorsport said, "Rally Russia will certainly be a big challenge for us, as it is sure to be for everybody. We are on the right track in terms of development: now we have to keep concentrated and maximize every opportunity to improve the car, which has shown promising pace so far."

So brace yourselves Honda fans, and make sure to root for the right team. (yeah! Way to go Civic Type R!)

Generations of the Civic

2007-07-07T02:12:00.000-07:00

Let me be honest, I've been a car fan, a Honda Civic car fan for that matter, for only 5 years now. So naturally I haven't really been acquainted to the earlier Civic models. So if you're like me, fret not...

Presenting the 8 generations of the Honda Civic

Generation 1

1973-1979

Generation 2

1980-1983

Generation 3

1984-1987

Generation 4

1988-1991

Generation 5

1992-1995

Generation 6

1996-2000

Generation 7

2001-2005

Generation 8

2006-present

Okay there you go, the eight generations of the Honda Civic. I'm sure you've probably seen the earlier models but you just don't recall what year it was. Anyways, a lot innovations have transpired throughout the years and I guess its safe to say that there's more to look forward to in the coming years.

Win a Honda Civic Type-R!

2007-07-07T01:32:00.000-07:00

The Red “R” Badge is symbol of Honda's racing spirit. Across winding race tracks and highways, Honda's multi awarded high performance racing model detonates a mighty rush that encompasses any running vehicles. Today, Honda gives everyone a chance to get a red “R” badge of their, for free!

The Civic Type-R has a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine with a six-speed gearbox and does 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, making it an exhilarating drive. It’s also comfortable and easy to use every day with 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and special Type-R badging. Definitely a must have for people who live the fast life.

Honda currently has an on-going promo at their website. The visitor who can answer a simple questionnaire and call the service number will win a fantastic Honda Civic Type-R. So what are you waiting for? Navigate the Internet and soon be navigating a brand new Honda!

Honda Wows the People in Reliability Study

2007-07-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

A grand round of applause for Honda's achievement in the reliability study conducted by “Which? Car” for new car models. As expected, our loved Honda Civic could be found at the top of the list on the bracket of medium cars, the Accord, F-RV and C-RV were happy takers as well. But it was the Jazz Supermini that topped over-all. Hmm... something about the growing trend in driving small cars i suppose?

But it is just as well. After all, Honda is the maker of the Civic, and other well-appreciated cars. Pity to the other cars who have not been able to be as “reliable” as we expected them to be, namely, the VW Passat, Peugeot 307, and the Renault Machine. However, Which? Car has noted the Land Rover Discovery 3 as the least reliable car, saying that it was “not as big and as tough as it thinks it is,” with an outrageous 79 percent. Anyway, this is just another testimony as to how reliable a Honda car is, so you guys better make the right decisions. *wink

Honda Civic Drivers: Take Extra Precautions

2007-06-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a mind-boggling fact that a series of car theft has recorded a disturbing number of Honda Civic cars being stolen. Well I...I'm not sure if that is because of lack of security, or if it is because it's a Honda Civic. I mean, come on. It is a car that is bound to last. Yes, i am turning this catastrophic news into a light and witty feature on how lovely the Honda Civic is. But I also want to warn owners out there to take the necessary precautions to take care of your precious cars, no matter how old they are.

Here's the report: A 1996 Honda Accord was reported stolen June 23 from the 100 block of Sherris Way in Smithsburg and was recovered Wednesday in Smithsburg, stripped of its rims, tires and other parts, deputies said. A 1994 Honda Civic was reported stolen Wednesday from the 18000 block of Bloomfield Court in Hagerstown and also was recovered Wednesday in Smithsburg, about half a mile from the other recovered vehicle. It also was stripped of its rims and tires. Three other vehicles - a 1994 Honda Civic DelSol, a 1992 Honda Civic and a 1995 Acura---were reported stolen Wednesday from three different areas in Hagerstown.

Look Out! The Honda Civic Mugen Type RR is Ready to Hit Japan!

2007-06-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

For all Type R fans out there, your favorite ride just got hotter. It has been confirmed that Honda will be releasing a new Type R in Japan by the 13^th of September! But what's even better is that this new ride will also be wearing the Mugen patch! Hence, let us all rise for the new Honda Civic Type RR Mugen.

This was said to be an exclusive model due to a limited 300-unit production only. So for those who would want to grab the ultimate car that is twice the Type R with Mugen, you guys better fly off to Japan now. (I know I want one.) The modifications made shows an increased width (+20mm: 1790mm), a lowered (-15mm) but also lighter body(-30kg: 1240kg) and a more powerful motor (from 225PS to 240PS @ 8.000rpm and 22.2kg-m of torque instead of 21.9). So, is this ride gonna be hitting auto stores worldwide? We don't know yet, but for the mean time, you can drool over these pics first courtesy of the AutoBlog.

Team Halfords Honda Civic Wins at the BTCC!

2007-06-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Let us give a round of applause for Gordon “Flash”/”Super Shedden” Shedden as he led the Team Halfords Honda Civic to victory in the recently concluded 2007 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. His teammate Matt Neal has also garnered an impressive two fourth place finishes, which means that both Shedden and Neal have won this season with Team Halfords' first Super 2000 entry.
Check out these cool pics I snagged from btccpages.com, to see how Colin Turkington's BMW had the lead, only to come out short in the end for Shedden's first win with the Honda Civic. However, a fall-out clouded the team's victory during the second (Flash was taken out on the opening, but Neal finished his second fourth place victory for the day) and third (Neal was taken out this time, but Shedden retained the fourth place finish for the team) race. But in the end, it was still Team Halfords Honda Civic who took home the trophy.

Meet the Honda Civic's Sister, the Acura CSX

2007-06-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

Due to the rise of the Honda Civic, its sister company, Acura, has created a new addition to the line of its luxury cars. Despite of its kinship and similarities to the Honda Civic, it still boasts of its own uniqueness. Perhaps the biggest would be its engine, the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mill found in Acura's sporty RSX coupe. The lightweight, aluminum engine delivers 155 hp---15 more ponies than the 1.8-liter unit found in the Civic. This baby was begot in Honda's assembly plot in Alliston, Canada. Check this sister out and spot its likeness to the loved Honda Civic. surely, it will receive good love from the people too.

Oh by the way, Acura is the sister company of Honda. So this kinship between the Honda Civic and the Acura CSX---totally legal. The only difference is Acura is aimed to the higher masses, whereas Honda is for everybody. For after all, how can you keep a Honda Civic from anybody who wants to own one?

Small Cars are not only in, they're safe too!

2007-06-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

Despite the growing trend of driving SUVs and huge trucks, people have started to raise the sales of small cars. According to Honda, the month of May has the most sales of the Civic ever. “Small is big right now,” notes Dick Colliver, executive vice president of Honda’s American operations. Aside from gas issues, many motorists have found that driving small cars could lead as well to the new revolution of driving green.

But more so, the advent of the small cars success has also proven that safety does not only come in big cars. Road accidents have decreased and a lot of safety features of the car have evolved. Significantly, most compact cars like the Civic approach the 3,000-pound mark that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has identified as the weight that provides good crash protection on highways populated with many big trucks and SUVs! Can you just imagine how great (and safe) it must be to live the Honda Civic Life? *wink

Honda Civic Type R is all set for the IRC 2007 in Ypres Rally Belgium!

2007-06-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Honda Civic Type R is all set for the new round in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), the Ypres Rally Belgium, which will be held on Friday, June 22nd. The Civic Type R may have fared well in the previous rounds of the race, but they are up for a tougher challenge this time. The round three of the IRC is the asphalt challenge.

“Drivers Dani Sola and Luca Betti made a promising debut with the car on the all-gravel Rally of Turkey last month, but the specialist asphalt roads of Belgium will mark another chapter in the new car’s development---particularly as the Honda drivers will be up against a wide variety of well-known local experts,” according to automobilesport.com. The Civic Type R's high-revving V-Tec engine is expected to carry them to the round with only the best results. "We hope to showcase our Civic Type R in the best possible way in Belgium. So far, the potential has been extremely encouraging, and our aim now is to continue this upwards learning curve in order to provide our customers with the best possible package to live out their passion, with a high level of satisfaction,” William de Braekeleer, honda Europe's Motorsport Manager concluded.

Civic Hybrid Goes to China!

2007-06-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

Honda Motor Co. announced at the Shanghai Daily that they will be testing the Civic Hybrid in their market for three months. “It would be a trial operation to test the market response before localized production begins,” said one of their representatives. They also said that the Civic Hybrid will have a price advantage over its competitor, the Toyota Prius.

The arrival of Hybrids in Asia should be as rampant as their growing technological advancement. This shows how Honda Civic is trying to reach out across the globe to spread their concern for the environment. And just the same, it wouldn't be so hard to imagine just how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life.

The 2007 Honda Civic GX NGV---Driving for a Greener Place

2007-06-14T23:28:00.001-07:00

The 2007 Honda Civic GX NGV may be an adapted version of Honda's 2006, but the NGV label makes a whole new difference. The Natural Gas Vehicle technology completely turns the world green. They run far cleaner than gasoline or diesel vehicles, their fuel costs about 33% less and most of the stuff is natural gas produced in the US, helping reduce dependency on foreign oil. With the rise of these cars, especially the fuel-efficient and high-performing Honda Civic GX NGV, there would be no excuse to drive green.

Or so we think.

But alas, there aren't enough publicly available CNG filling stations outside California, because this sunny state has about 100 such locations, including 60 within 100 miles of downtown Los Angeles. Many of them, however, require a special key card for admittance, so CNG vehicle drivers can't just drop in. what a shame right? Honda has done their part in creating a greener world, so others must follow suit. And just imagine how great it must be, to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Civic ties up with Ikea!

2007-06-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

Fresh news from Honda UK! Ikea, everybody's most loved home store, has 15 stores in the UK as well. And they have chosen to switch to the Honda Civic Hybrid to be the flagship of their company cars. They have aimed to cut carbon emissions by 9% as well by 2010, so they opted for the only reasonable choice---the Honda Civic Hybrid!

"Ikea's commitment to replace its entire fleet with Civic Hybrids is a real-life endorsement of the car and the excellent benefits it offers. In terms of cost, fuel efficiency and low emission driving the Civic Hybrid really stacks up," John Kingston, Environment Manager of Honda UK said in an interview. It isn't surprising that Ikea finally came to their senses and use the Civic Hybrid. For after all, it's just so great to live the Honda Civic Life!

The new Honda Civic Type R has reached Australia!

2007-06-08T23:35:00.001-07:00

Australia, the long wait is over. After announcing in this blog that Honda Civic will soon be releasing the new Civic Type R in the market, I'm sure that everybody became restless and quite anxious to get their hands on this sporty baby. But, lucky for the people down under, because the first shipment of the Civic Type R has arrived from Britain.

But hold your horses Aussies, because the Civic Type R would not be on sale until July. For the mean time, you can drool at its gorgeous three-door hatchback design, and imagine yourself reaching 100 kph within 6.6 seconds. This masterpiece has met the perfect mix of beauty and sport precision, thus, its engineers are proud to boast its sporting cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers, auto on/off headlights, a CD-player with MP3 and WMA capabilities, and a leather-bound tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel. Aussies, can you just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life?

Breaking News! Honda Civic is number one for the teens!

2007-06-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that I announce in this blog the good news---Honda Civic is the number one car for teenagers!

Quality Planning Corporation (QPC), a company that “that helps auto insurers verify the integrity of their policyholder records” conducted a study about which car does parents buy for their children nowadays. It turned out that the Honda Civic tops the top 10 list of vehicles actually driven by teenagers. "We found that the time-honored battle between teenage desires and parental practicality is alive and well. The Honda Civic appears to strike an acceptable balance for both parties," said Ted Harris, manager of research development of QPC.

Even teenagers and parents are getting smarter with their car choice! Can you just imagine how great it is to live the Honda Civic life? Unimaginable.

Honda Civic 1.8V conquers India!

2007-06-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

Honda Siel Cars India will be releasing the new Honda Civic 1.8V for the sake of Civic patrons in the most populous liberal democracy country, India. The new Civic features leather seats, front fog lamps and turn indicators integrated into outside rear-view mirrors. The new variant will also be offered with two new colors---Mystic Violet and Carbon Bronze Pearl.

The launch of the new Civic was said to celebrate its “unprecedented success in India”. In the picture you will see the president and CEO of Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) posing with the new Civic. HSCI has reportedly sold nearly 20,000 units of the Civic in less than a year of its launch, which is an exceptional achievement for the lower D segment in India. The tremendous success of Civic is spreading across the globe. And with all the niceties under the Civic's rise, just imagine what it would be like to live the Honda Civic Life.

(images courtesy of The Hindu)

Honda Civic Hybrid to be replaced by 2009?

2007-06-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

Honda Cars America has announced that they will be replacing the Civic Hybrid for the year 2009 with a cheaper car, which comes in the form of the Honda Fit.

I KNOW, RIGHT? Like, what were they thinking? However, Honda seemed to be reasonable in doing this, most specifically to cater to a wider market. "We believe hybridization is optimally applied to smaller vehicles," explained Ben Knight, Vice President of Honda America. "We are developing an all-new, purpose-built hybrid vehicle, scheduled for introduction later this decade that will meet the needs of a family at a price beneath the Civic Hybrid," he added.

But do not fret, this does not mean that our beloved Civic has been disappointing in performing its role as the Hybrid. This only means that they are giving more people the opportunity to own a Hybrid which costs less. (For how can we expect a perfect car as Civic to “cost less”?) I am not sure yet if they will still be producing Civic Hybrids or not, so for all of you lucky owners of the Civic Hybrid, hold on to your babies. They are rarity already. (I'll just keep you guys posted on this news okay?)

Presenting, the Honda Civic Choir

2007-06-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the TV ad for the Honda Civic? Of course you have, and you are probably thinking, “which one?” Well, the one with the Honda Civic Choir, of course. The one made by Honda UK. This particular TV ad fascinates me because it was able to capture the “human touch” of the Honda Civic.

Imagine a choir singing the tunes of a Honda Civic. Yes, tunes. Not sounds. Cars make sounds, but Honda Civic only makes tunes. Anyway, the choir hums at first to illustrate the smoothness of the Civic's machine. They all make the tunes that the Honda Civic makes as it drives along---wipers sloshing the windshield, power windows rolled up, the friendly screeches of the brakes, the friendly road that bows down to the passing Civic. This particular song has summed up the beautiful sounds that words could not describe when driving a Civic. Of course the beautiful shots of every frame were an added bonus. (*wink) Just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life. (for video clips of the ad, check http://84.40.3.164/)

The Beauty of the Civic Mugen Si Sedan

2007-05-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Civic Mugen Si Sedan was a beautiful fuse between the genius of Honda and Mugen. Actually, Mugen has been a long partner of Honda, giving the best body kits for any hyped-up Civic. Also, it is the first four-door sedan to ever wear Honda's badge of “Si”, and it will be the first in the country to wear the name of Mugen. Thus, this fusion created the beauty that was the Civic Mugen Si Sedan.

It was created from a “Formula Sport” concept, adding aggressiveness to the Civic. Its Twin Ring Motegi track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic body styling and performance exhaust system caused a lot of Civic-lovers to drool over this baby. It is a must-have indeed, and Honda has yet proven its ingenious capabilities to revolutionize the Civic for everyone. Just imagine how great it would be to live the Honda Civic Life.

Why should we drive the Hybrid?

2007-05-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

The genius behind the Honda Civic Hybrid is the people's struggle to beat the continuous gas price increase. After all, those oil magnates did not think that they could outsmart car owners forever, did they?

The idea behind the power that drives the Hybrid is the revolutionary Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. This means that it gives you better gas mileage, while at the same time helping the environment enjoy its freedom from harsh pollutants. As a matter of fact, it was named the World Car of the Year Award for greenest car in 2006, and it was among the highest fuel economy ratings. It also received recognition as the Best New Car for Commuters in the 2007 Cars.com awards. Honda understands not only its patrons, but its environment as well. Thus, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a manifestation of how the Civic undergoes its evolution to satisfy everybody's welfare. Just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Civic dominates Canadian market

2007-05-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Honda Civic and the Ford F-Series bested Canada's car and light truck sales for the month of April, as well as year-to-date sales according to Dennis De Rosiers. He said that small vehicle segments continue to fare well in the market because of the continual increase of gas price.

Here's the complete top 10 cars sold in April 2007: the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Cobalt, Toyota Camry, Pontiac Pursuit/G5, and Toyota Matrix. The verdict has been made, and Honda Civic will surely stay at the tops of Canada's market. Canada has made a great choice in trusting the Honda Civic, but have you? Just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Civic on the fast lane

2007-05-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

The ultimate racing film to hit the streets of Hollywood is undoubtedly The Fast and the Furious. This flashy film has it all---the guys, the girls, and the cars. But what is more interesting is how they were able to optimize the 1995 Honda Civic Coupe. One unforgettable scene was when the lead cast enacted their Modus Operandi to steal from a container truck. The 1995 Honda Civic Coupe was utilized as the cars who could hide under the truck and move with the same speed and agility to be the getaway car.

Of course these stunts are possible with the help of the production people (because in reality, the Honda Civic is not that small to fit underneath a truck), but the effect was still perfect. The 1995 Honda Civic proved its flexibility and versatility in the movie. It was all pimped out with green underglow, and it was also used for some racing scenes.

This only proves how timeless the functionality and style of a Honda Civic is. With all the possible things that you could do with it, just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Civic Type S unveiled

2007-05-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Sedan counterpart of the Civic 3-Door Type R Hatchback was unveiled in the UK, and will be launched in the market pretty soon. The Honda Civic Type S 3-door hatchback is aimed at younger customers wanting style and performance in a 3-door package.

Under the bonnet of the 3-door Civic sits either a rev-happy 1.8-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, or Honda's highly-rated 2.2-liter diesel unit. Both engines produce a significant 140 hp and can be combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.8-liter i-VTEC is also available with Honda's automated-manual i-SHIFT transmission. Two model grades will be offered. As well as 17-inch wheels and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard, Type S gets air conditioning, cool box, remote audio controls and curtain airbags. The Type S GT model adds a panoramic glass roof, dual zone air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, retractable mirrors, and automatic wipers and headlamps.

This latest addition to the Civic family will be another success to hit the road. The Honda Civic is continually evolving to better suit the changing of the times. So just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda Tops the J.D. Power Survey Results

2007-05-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Honda placed second overall in the J.D. Power Survey for the second year. It strongly scored in all four categories---vehicle reliability, vehicle appeal, service satisfaction and ownership costs. These latest results are equivalent to Honda's stable place at the top five for the past five surveys. The Jazz finished first in its own category, making it an undefeated streak since it was first introduced in the 2004 results. The Jazz also finished third in the overall model ranking table, making it Honda’s highest achieving model to appear.

Plus, the Honda CR-V remains the best-selling sports utility vehicle this year, a title justified by the J.D. Power survey, in which CR-V was voted second in its segment. Total sales of 8,133 petrol and diesel models during the first four months of the year, make the CR-V more popular than its closest rivals. Since its launch in January this year, the Civic Type-R has raced up the sales table, clocking up more than 1,800 registrations. Meanwhile, the Civic 3-door and 5-door models continue their attack on the sales charts. With over 13,000 units sold this year across the four variants, the combination of futuristic styling and practicality clearly still resonates with buyers.(Civic 3-door: 1,894 petrol, 673 diesel. Civic 5-door: 6,781 petrol and 3,948 diesel.)

Aside from all these, the Civic bagged the following prizes too: New Civic was voted Best Compact Family Car; Civic Hybrid was awarded 1st prize overall Environmental Transport Association 2007 Awards for the second year running. So just imagine how great it must be to live the Honda Civic Life.

Honda will unveil the 2007 Civic Hatchback this summer

2007-05-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Honda will be unveiling its newest addition to the prestigious line of the Honda Civic, with the new 2007 Civic three-door hatchback this summer, according to a report by Automedia.

The 2007 Honda Civic Type-R 3-Door Concept is described as a concept, but strongly hints at what the production car will look like when it reaches the market in 2007. The car is powered by a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter, DOHC i-VTEC unit, the same high-revving engine as used in the outgoing model. The base production model is expected to debut at the British Motor Show in July with sales starting this summer, although it is not yet sure if the car will be offered in the US market.

This latest offering from Honda is surely as irresistible as the beach gets on hot summer days. Imagine what Honda Civic does to make your life easier, adapting to the different needs and wants of your lifestyle. So be a part as another milestone in car history unfolds---courtesy of the Honda Civic. Otherwise, just imagine what would life be without the Honda Civic.

Honda Civic named Best New Car for First-Time Drivers

2007-05-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Cars.com established the Lifestyle Awards to recognize which vehicles were best suited for the lifestyle needs of today's car buyers. Despite a long and exhaustive deliberation, the Honda Civic was named Best New Car for First-Time Drivers.

According to Cars.com, "Whether it's for someone just learning to drive or experienced drivers ready to purchase their first new car, the Honda Civic makes sense either way. Top crash-test scores should ease the minds of parents with a new driver in the house, and the Civic is available as either a coupe or sedan to suit different tastes. Roomy and comfortable inside, the conventional versions are thrifty performers, but there's also a hybrid for those looking for even better gas mileage."

There you go, Cars.com laid the verdict. The car fits your lifestyle is the Honda Civic---whatever type of lifestyle you may lead. So just imagine how great it must be to live The Honda Civic life. (Photos courtesy of the Honda Civic site)

Honda Civic ties up with Fall Out Boy

2007-05-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

What's the season's hottest car that's tying up with the hottest rock band of this generation? The Honda Civic, of course. And for the Honda Civic Tour this year, they collaborated with the generation's most influential youth rock band, the Fall Out Boy. So what's up with this tour? It's something you shouldn't miss, that's what.

The tour will kick off at Denver Colorado on May 11 en route to Kansas. The tour will go to more than ten states/provinces until its last show on July 2 at Anaheim California. Special guests include +44 featuring Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus formerly of Blink 182, The Academy Is, Paul Wall, and Cobra Starship. Fall Out Boy is psyched to promote environmental consciousness with the Civic Hybrid, and they are giving away their very own customized Civic Hybrid, so sign up now for your chance to win it.

So get your tickets now because the 2007 Honda Civic Tour is the hottest show on the road. Just imagine how great it must be to live The Honda Civic Life.

(Photos courtesy of the Civic Tour site)

Honda Civic-Then and Now

2007-05-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

The thirty four impressive years that the Honda Civic stayed with us is yet to be determined-because they are sure to stay for more.

Since its debut in 1973, the Civic has become a household name for people across the globe. The much-loved Hatchback and Sedan were appreciated for its efficiency-a fun little car with great space than any other large cars. Its all-independent suspension easily made the Civic an “agile econobox” that could run at par with its competitors like the Ford Pinto and the Chevrolet Vega.

Fast-forward to 2007, the Honda Civic Sedan mirrors the evolution that it underwent to achieve perfection. It even gave birth to another breed-the Hybrid Civic.

The Honda Civic is not just another car-it is a life. The way it keeps you mobile (and attractive to the eyes of many) and concerned about the environment makes it hard to imagine a life without one. It is like a companion, a leader, and a very reliable friend that helps us get through the hard and rainy days... So if you don't have one, just imagine what you have been missing.

(Photos courtesy of American Honda Company)