Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards

Accord honored 26 times in 30 years; Fit wins for sixth straight year

12/06/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Car and Driver magazine has named the 2012 Honda Accord 4-cylinder and the 2012 Honda Fit as two winners of its prestigious and highly competitive, annual "10Best Cars" award. Now in its eighth generation, the Accord has achieved "10Best Cars" status 26 times in the 30 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honored with "10Best Cars" status in each of the six years that it has been on sale in the United States.

"The Car and Driver '10Best Cars' awards document a proud history of great cars in America over the last 30 years," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda is honored to again have two of our vehicles included among the best of the best."

The Fit has been sold in the U.S. since the 2007 model year and is manufactured in Sayama, Japan. The Accord has been sold in the U.S. since the 1976 model year and has been manufactured in Marysville, Ohio since 1982.

Honda Car and Driver "10Best Cars" Award History

Honda Model	"10Best Cars" Award Model Year
Accord	2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994,1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983
Civic	1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988
CRX	1988, 1985
Fit	2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Prelude	1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984
S2000	2004, 2002, 2001, 2000

2012 Honda Accord Offers Style, Performance and Value

Four-cylinder Accord Sedan models achieve 34 mpg in EPA highway fuel economy rating

08/17/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2012 Honda Accord combines a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value within a diverse range of spacious sedan and sporty coupe models.

The 2012 lineup, features and specifications remain similar to the 2011 model year when the Accord received upgrades for fuel economy and styling, plus the addition of a Special Edition (SE) trim level. For 2012, a USB audio interface becomes standard on every Accord with the addition of the feature to the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedan models.

The Accord Sedan's exterior conveys an upscale and powerful presence with a prominent two-bar grille consisting of chrome-style crossbars, windswept headlights, inset character lines along the body sides and distinctively-shaped C-pillars. Building on the sedan's design character, the Accord Coupe's muscular stance is enhanced by a sporty front fascia design, a sleeker overall roof profile, a shorter wheelbase and an exclusive trunk and tailgate design.

The comfortable and spacious interior is complemented by high-quality materials with an emphasis on switchgear refinement. A hallmark of Honda design, the Accord exhibits simple and intuitive ergonomics with the audio, climate and vehicle controls organized by expected frequency of use. Often-used climate-control buttons are positioned on the left side of the center stack within easy reach of the driver for quick access. Less-frequently used buttons are positioned on the right side.
The front seats are designed to provide supportive cushions for long-range cruising comfort and progressive lateral support while cornering. The fold-down, rear seatback offers cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items.

The 2012 Honda Accord Sedan earns the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score¹ of 5 stars. Helping the sedan achieve its top overall score were 5-star ratings in each of the three combined categories of overall frontal crash safety, overall side crash safety and rollover resistance. These achievements represent a significant safety milestone for the automotive industry, as the 2011 Accord Sedan was the first vehicle to receive 5-Star ratings in each combined category.

Listed by increasing levels of feature content, sedan models include the 4-cylinder Accord LX, LX-P (Premium), SE, EX and EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6. Coupe models include the 4-cylinder Accord LX-S, EX, EX-L, and the 6-cylinder Accord EX V-6 and EX-L V-6. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on all Accord EX-L models.

Four engine variations are available, starting with a 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i‑VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. Next is the 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that's standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models. The top-of-the-line 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower and is available in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and the Accord EX-L Coupe. To increase fuel efficiency, Accord V-6 models with automatic transmissions take advantage of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology, an innovative valvetrain system that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising. The performance-oriented Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission takes advantage of a special 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine that replaces VCM with a performance-tuned valvetrain, intake and exhaust systems to further broaden the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range.

Transmission choices vary by engine and trim level and include a 5-speed manual transmission (available on select 4-cylinder models) and a 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on select 4-cylinder models and all V-6 models). Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with an automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe.

Aerodynamic body features, low-friction engine technology and optimal transmission gear ratios all contribute to excellent fuel efficiency. The most fuel-efficient Accord model is the 4-cylinder sedan equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission, which returns an EPA-estimated² 23/34/27 mpg city/highway/combined. The EPA-estimated¹ fuel-economy rating for the Accord V-6 Sedan model is 20/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined, also with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Extensive safety features include front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver's and front passenger's active head restraints.

The fully independent, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems inspire confident handling performance while also providing a comfortable ride. The 2012 Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (alloy wheels on LX-P and SE), and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on EX and above sedan models. The Accord Coupe (4-cylinder) has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, with 18-inch alloy wheels standard on the Accord V-6 Coupe. All Accords feature Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and 4-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

Three audio systems are available – all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability, an auxiliary input jack and the USB audio interface. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating FM radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord EX Sedan and LX-S Coupe add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models, which includes a 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio® is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System² (available on Accord EX-L) has an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. The navigation system features the Zagat Survey® guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions, in addition to a rear-view camera on the EX-L Sedan. Accord EX and EX-L Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly with compatible mobile phones.

Currently more than 95 percent of new Accords sold in the United States are produced⁴ at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.'s Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio. In its 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), J.D. Power and Associates named the Accord as having the highest initial quality in its segment. Additionally, Car and Driver magazine has chosen the Honda Accord as one of its "10Best" vehicles 25 times in the 29 years that its editors have conducted the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history.

¹Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs). Rating applies only to the Accord Sedan. Vehicles tested under this program cannot be compared to model-year 2010 and earlier vehicles. Ratings can only be compared with similar ratings on model year 2011 and later vehicles if rated under the new program.
²Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
³Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.
⁴Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license. Zagat Survey® is a registered trademark of Zagat Survey, LLC.

Honda Retains Best Value!

Honda took home the top prize in Edmunds.com’s inaugural Best Retained Value Awards, which recognize the brands and new car models that have the highest projected residual value after five years, expressed as a percentage of their True Market Value.

Honda won the 2011 brand award for non-luxury brands. Edmunds.com found that Honda’s average projected retained value is 50.4 percent. The award was based on the average five-year retained value of the carmaker’s 2011 models that launched prior to the end of 2010.

Edmunds.com also named winners in 23 model-level categories. Honda was well represented at the model level also taking home four more awards.

All model year 2011 vehicles that were launched by the end of 2010 and that had unit sales in February 2011 that were at least 20 percent of the average unit sales for the models in its segment were eligible for this year’s model-level Best Retained Value Awards. Edmunds determined each model's competitive segment based on its body type and the sales-weighted average MSRP of all available styles (excluding destination charges) of that model's body type. All makes that had over 100,000 unit sales in 2010 were eligible for this year’s brand-level Best Retained Value Awards.

2011 Honda Accord Sedan SE vs. 2011 Kia Optima EX

Beyond Mere Numbers:
2011 Honda Accord Sedan SE vs. 2011 Kia Optima EX

The vehicles have similar fuel economy numbers and many similar features. While there are equipment differences, how the features and specifications function as a whole is the real story.

Accord Is 10Best Car for 25th Time
The 2011 Accord has been named a Car and Driver 10Best Car, making 2011 the 25th time Accord has received the award in the 29 years it has been given. No other single model can match Accord’s record. The editors at Car and Driver said, “The Accord remains inscrutably excellent. It manages to combine all the practical virtues you need in a family sedan – plenty of interior space, lots of available infotainment and trim choices, a quiet and relaxed ride, subdued engines, and effortless transmissions – with a fluid chassis that urges a driver to wring it out on back roads and off-ramps.”

Safety
Advantage: The 2011 Accord Sedan earned a 5 Star Overall Vehicle Score under the new, more stringent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety rating system². The 2011 Kia Optima has not yet been tested.

The 2011 Kia Optima EX does not offer anything comparable to:

• Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS): The system will deactivate the front passenger’s front-side airbag if a child or a small-statured adult is leaning into the side airbag deployment path.
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure: The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

Presentation Tip: Review Accord’s NHTSA crash test rating scores on the Monroney label. Explain the operation of OPDS and ACE.

Interior Comfort
Advantage: In its review of the 2011 Accord, U.S. News and World Report (USN&WR) noted, “...Accord boasts so much room that the EPA actually classifies it as a large car. Reviewers praise the Accord’s supportive seats and high quality materials.” About the 2011 Kia Optima, USN&WR says, “While reviewers commend the space in the Optima’s cabin, a few wish the front seats were more supportive. Others point out the lack of headroom in the backseat.”

Demonstration Tip: Point out Accord’s large comfortable seats as well as the headroom for rear passengers.

Cost of Ownership
While Edmunds.com has not yet calculated True Cost to Own® for the 2011 Kia Optima, Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) has estimated that the 2011 Accord Sedan SE will maintain a much higher residual value – 57% after 36 months and 39% after 60 months compared to 52% and 36% respectively for 2011 Kia Optima EX – which is a major component of Cost of Ownership.

Comparably Equipped Price
The 2011 Kia Optima is either priced below Accord SE without heated seats or requires that customers take additional features they do not want at a price above Accord SE.

2011 Honda Accord Sedan Earns Best-Possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in More-Stringent Federal Government New-Car Assessment Program

11/12/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score¹ of five stars, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Helping the Accord achieve the top score were five-star ratings for overall frontal crash safety, overall side crash safety and rollover resistance. The Accord is one of only six vehicles to achieve a five-star Overall Vehicle Score to date, and is the first to achieve five stars in each of the three ratings categories: 5-star frontal crash rating, 5-star side crash rating (combined results of side barrier and side pole) and 5-star rollover rating.

The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's more stringent New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. As a convenience to new car shoppers, the Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests² and the rollover-resistance³ into a single, summary score between one and five stars.

Revised for 2011, the frontal crash safety test incorporates a crash dummy representative of a small-size female in the front passenger's seat and, as before, an average-size male crash dummy in the driver's seat.

The side-crash safety evaluations continue to include the side-barrier test used previously where a moving barrier strikes a stationary vehicle at an angle. However, a new side-pole test has been added where a moving vehicle strikes a stationary pole barrier. Ratings are provided for both of the individual seating positions in the side-barrier crash safety test, as well as a combined rating for both positions, while the side-pole rating is based on a test of the frontal seating position only. The front seating position side barrier crash safety test result also is combined with the side-pole crash safety test result for a front seat side impact rating, with the results of all of the tests combined into an overall side-crash safety rating.

The side-barrier crash test now implements a combination of male and female crash test dummies, with the male positioned in a front seating position (as before) and the small female (new) in a rear seating position.

The newly introduced side-pole crash test exclusively uses the small female crash dummy in a front seating position.

Honda Accord Gets The Best Possible Safety Rating!

Honda Motor Co.'s Accord received the best possible safety rating among 2011 model-year passenger cars tested for crashes under new U.S. evaluation standards, edging ahead of Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. sedans. The mid-size Accord, Honda's top-selling U.S. model, got an overall five-star rating, according to results posted on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website. Of 40 models tested so far, six rated five stars overall. The Accord is the first to get five stars in each of three crash categories tested by NHTSA.

Source: Autonews.com

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