2011 Honda CR-V vs. 2011 Toyota RAV4

Safety. Performance. Cost of Ownership. All are reasons to buy the 2011 Honda CR-V 4WD EX with automatic transmission (AT) instead of the 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4x4 with inline 4-cylinder (I4) and AT.

Safety
Advantage: 2011 CR-V 4WD earned a 4 Star Overall Vehicle Score under the new, more stringent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing and rating system. It received 4 Star Overall Frontal Crash Safety, Overall Side Crash Safety, and Rollover Ratings. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 4X4 received a 3 Star Overall Vehicle Score and a 3 Star Overall Frontal Crash Safety Rating.³
In addition, CR-V offers two unique Honda safety features. (Comparable features are not available on the 2011 Toyota RAV4.)

• Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS): OPDS uses sensors in the front passenger seatback to determine the height and position of the front passenger. 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: ACE body structure is a Honda exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. 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 CR-V’s NHTSA crash test rating scores on the Monroney label. Explain the operation of OPDS and ACE.

Performance
Advantage: CR-V’s 5-speed automatic transmission uses the engine’s broad torque curve for brisk acceleration, optimal fuel economy, and smooth-shifting characteristics. The 4-cylinder RAV4 offers only a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Demonstration Tip: On the demonstration drive, point out how CR-V’s smooth-shifting transmission enhances acceleration.

Cost of Ownership
Advantage: ALG estimates that the 2011 CR-V 4WD EX AT will maintain a 62% residual after 36 months and 48% after 60 months. ALG estimates Toyota RAV4 Sport I4 4x4 AT residuals at 52% and 41% respectively.

Edmunds.com has estimated the True Cost to Own® (TCO®) for the 2011 Honda CR-V 4WD EX AT at $.50/mile for five years and 15,000 miles per year. It estimates that the 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport I4 4X4 AT will cost $.52/mile. That’s $300 more for one year and $1,500 more over five years at $15,000 miles per year. (TCO figures vary by region. Figures used in this comparison are for Zip Code 98026.)


Comparably Equipped Price
Pricing (MSRP) for 2011 CR-V 4WD EX AT and 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport I4 4X4 AT is shown.

Item	2011 Honda CR-V 4WD EX w/AT	2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport I4 4X4 w/AT
Power Moonroof Daytime Running Lights AM/FM/6-Disc In-Dash Audio System w/6 Speakers MP3/WMA Playback Capability	Standard	Sport Extra Value Package $6201
Base Price MSRP	$25,245	$25,125
Destination Charge	$780	$810
Comparably Equipped Price	$26,025	$26,5552

¹Includes XM® Satellite Radio receiver and limited subscription.
²Pricing and package availability may vary by region.
³Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program. Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under this program cannot be compared to Model Year 2010 and earlier vehicles. Ratings should only be compared to similar ratings on Model Year 2011 and later vehicles (if rated under the new program). For additional information on the 5-Star Safety Ratings program, please visit www.safercar.gov.

2011 Honda Civic Coupe EX vs. 2011 Scion tC

More fun to drive. Unique safety technology. Lower cost to own. In this compact coupe triathlon, Civic Coupe EX with a manual transmission is the clear winner over Scion tC.

More Fun to Drive The demonstration drive is the ideal time to show off Civic Coupe EX’s fun-to-drive character, resulting from its sportier suspension and the following features:

• Tighter Turning Diameter: Demonstrate how Civic Coupe EX’s 35.4-foot turning diameter makes it very nimble in close quarters and tight parking situations. Point out that the 2011 Scion tC requires an additional two feet (37.4 feet) to turn around.
• Lower Curb Weight: Explain that at 2,703 pounds, the Civic Coupe EX is much lighter on its “feet” than the significantly heavier Scion tC (3,060 pounds).

Edmunds Says...

2011 Honda Civic Coupe (Review): For a reliable and enjoyable-to-drive small car, you’re not going to do much better than the 2011 Honda Civic.

2011 Scion tC (First Drive): That fun-to-drive thing is absent, as the tC doesn’t really communicate with you.

Unique Safety Technology
Nothing comparable to the following standard Civic safety features is available on the 2011 Scion tC:

• Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS): OPDS 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 frontal 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.

Costs Less to Own
Due in large part to its far superior fuel economy ratings and higher ALG residual values (see chart), the 2011 Civic Coupe EX with manual transmission costs significantly less to own than the 2011 Scion tC with an average cost of $.42/mile at 15,000 miles per year for five years according to the Edmunds.com True Cost to Own® (TCO®). Scion tC costs more than $.47/mile over the same period and mileage. That’s a savings of more than $750 per year or a total of more than $3,750 the Civic Coupe EX will save customers over five years!

Comparably Equipped Price

Item	2011 Honda Civic Coupe EX w/MT	2011 Scion tC w/MT
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy1 (City/Highway/Combined)	26/34/29	23/31/26
ALG Residual Values (36/60 Months)	59%/46%	55%/40%
Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)	Standard	Nothing Comparable Available
ACE Body Structure	Standard	Nothing Comparable Available
Base Price MSRP	$19,605	$18,275
Destination Charge	$750	$720
Comparably Equipped Price	$20,355	$18,995

¹Based on 2011 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.

Update # 6: Earthquake Impact on Honda Operations

03/22/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

March 22, 2011 – 2:00 p.m. PDT

Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.

Japan
Damage was widespread in the Tochigi area, where Honda has a number of operations. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has confirmed the fatality of a Honda R&D associate at the Tochigi R&D Center, when a wall collapsed in a cafeteria. The associate was male, 43 years old.

In addition, 17 Honda associates were injured in the Tochigi area from collapsing ceilings and other damage during the earthquake (initial reports put the number of injured at 30).

Japan Operations

• The suspension of automobile production, which began March 14, was extended today through Sunday March 27 at the following locations: Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama); Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie).
• The same March 27 timing applies at the Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto), where motorcycles are produced.
• Concerning operations in Japan from March 28 on, Honda will make decisions based on the status of the recovery of Japanese society as a whole, as well as our supply of parts. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and request their understanding during these challenging times.
• Honda is cooperating with electricity conservation efforts and rolling blackout measures, prioritizing the relief and recovery of affected areas. Our decision to resume production could be affected by the needs of Japanese society as a whole.
• Honda has made contact with all Tier 1 suppliers in Japan and is collecting information from them regarding the status of their operations.

Aid
With the hope to contribute to the earliest possible relief and recovery of affected areas, Honda will provide the following aid:

• From Honda in Japan, 300 million yen (approximately $3.7 million) toward the relief and recovery effort
• A total of 1,000 generators (gasoline-powered and home-use gas canister-powered), along with 5,000 gas canisters. Honda also will dispatch its staff to explain the use of this equipment.
• The Honda family of companies in North America will establish special matching gift programs for their associates for donations to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Donations from associates will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no personal or corporate donation limit. Honda employs more than 29, 000 associates in North America.
• Many Honda dealers have reached out to express their heartfelt concern and support regarding relief and recovery efforts in Japan. American Honda Motor Co., Inc has established a special website to accept donations to the Red Cross from its automotive, motorcycle and power equipment dealers who wish to contribute in this way.

North American Operations
Honda has confirmed the well-being of all Honda associates on assignment in Japan from North America.
On March 17, certain U.S. news reports inaccurately suggested that Japan-based production of vehicles intended for sale in the United States would be suspended until May. This is not what we communicated. Honda has announced a suspension of Japanese production only through March 27.

There is no immediate impact on Honda's operations in North America. More than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, and the vast majority of automotive parts for Honda automobiles manufactured in North America are sourced in the region.

Honda's U.S. and Canadian and Mexico Honda plants are continuing normal output of finished vehicles. In addition, we are continuing to monitor the long-term impact of the events in Japan on Honda auto production in North America because some auto parts are supplied from Japan.

The following vehicles we build in North America are supported primarily by our base of 600-plus North American first-tier suppliers:

Marysville, Ohio Honda Accord, Honda Accord Coupe, Acura TL, Acura RDX
East Liberty, Ohio Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda Accord Crosstour
Greensburg, Ind. Honda Civic Sedan, Honda Civic GX natural gas
Lincoln, Alabama Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline
Alliston, Ontario Honda Civic (Sedan, Coupe, Si) Acura MDX, Acura ZDX, Acura CSX (The CSX is sold only in Canada)
El Salto, Mexico Honda CR-V

We currently have adequate inventory of products supplied from Japan.

Honda Fit, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL are produced in Japan for the North American market. Honda produces a small percentage of CR-Vs in Japan for the U.S. as well.

Honda's operations in North America and globally will do everything they can to support the recovery of Honda's operations in Japan.

2011 Honda Odyssey Achieves Historic Safety Milestone

Odyssey becomes the only minivan to earn top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA under more-stringent testing guidelines

03/21/2011

The 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan achieved a historic safety milestone, becoming the first and only minivan to earn the highest possible safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under their respective more-stringent testing guidelines. No other minivan this year has received both a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK award from IIHS and a "Overall Vehicle Score¹" of five stars from NHTSA.

The Odyssey was recently named a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK from IIHS, the institute's highest honor. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in IIHS tests, as well as having a standard electronic stability control system. The Odyssey earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test.

In addition to earning the TOP SAFETY PICK designation, the Odyssey was one of the first vehicles to achieve NHTSA's best-possible "Overall Vehicle Score" of five stars. The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. The Odyssey achieved its top "Overall Vehicle Score" with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests² in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. The Odyssey also received four stars for the rollover rating³.

All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE 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. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.

Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new 3-mode second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated⁴ city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle – designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at http://www.honda.com/.

1 Government 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). 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.
2 Includes a new, additional test mode for side-pole impact.
3 Vehicle tested includes electronic stability control as standard equipment, branded as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) on Honda and Acura vehicles.
4 Based on 2011 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.

American Honda February Sales Up 21.6 Percent

03/01/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

 

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted February sales of 98,059, an increase of 21.6 percent compared to February 2010, the company announced today. February marks the fifth straight month of double-digit sales increases for American Honda. Year-to-date sales of 174,328 represent an increase of 17.7 percent.

Honda Division posted February sales of 87,263, an increase of 21.7 percent compared to February 2010, with sales of light truck models increasing 31.8 percent to 39,923. Honda CR-V sales of 19,096 led light truck models, increasing by 61.4 percent and breaking the previous February 2008 sales record of 15,694. Additional light truck models with increased sales included the all-new Odyssey, up 17.3 percent to 8,744; the Pilot, up 23.3 percent to 8,224; and the Element, up 35.0 percent to 1,241. Car models with year-over-year sales increases included the Civic, up 16.1 percent to 19,121; and the Fit, up 43.6 percent to 4,200. Accord was the best-selling Honda vehicle for the month with sales of 22,916, up 2.0 percent.

"Honda models available with four-wheel drive like the CR-V and Pilot saw sales increase significantly in February as people looked for ways to outsmart the bad weather," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The versatile, efficient and capable CR-V continues to solidify its position as the best-selling* SUV in America by setting a new monthly record."

Acura Division sales increased 20.8 percent to 10,796. The Acura MDX led the division with sales of 3,845, an increase of 17.7 percent. Sales of the TSX increased 31.6 percent to 2,794, beating the previous February record of 2,769 set in 2007. RDX sales of 1,344 represent a 58.1 percent increase for the model.
*The CR-V continues to be the best-selling SUV in the United States for the fifth straight year with calendar-year 2010 results of 203,714.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

2011 GMC Fuel Economy Guide

2011 Buick Fuel Economy Guide

 

Update # 5: Earthquake Impact on Honda Operations

Media Response

March 18, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. PDT
Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.
Japan
Damage was widespread in the Tochigi area, where Honda has a number of operations. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has confirmed the fatality of a Honda R&D associate at the Tochigi R&D Center, when a wall collapsed in a cafeteria. The associate was male, 43 years old.
In addition, 17 Honda associates were injured in the Tochigi area from collapsing ceilings and other damage during the earthquake (initial reports put the number of injured at 30).
Japan Operations

• The suspension of automobile production, which began March 14, was extended today for an additional three days-- through March 23 -- at the following locations: Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama); Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie).
• The same March 23 timing applies at the Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto), where motorcycles are produced.
• There is a possibility that we could begin operations partially on some lines at the non-finished unit level before March 23 at three locations: Hamamatsu Factory (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka); Ogawa Plant (Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun Saitama); and Tochigi Factory (Moka, Tochigi). We are still in the process of determining details about when production can be resumed at these sites.
• Honda is cooperating with electricity conservation efforts and rolling blackout measures, prioritizing the relief and recovery of affected areas. Our decision to resume production could be affected by the needs of Japanese society as a whole.
• Honda has made contact with all Tier 1 suppliers in Japan and is collecting information from them regarding the status of their operations.

Aid
With the hope to contribute to the earliest possible relief and recovery of affected areas, Honda will provide the following aid:

• From Honda in Japan, 300 million yen (approximately $3.7 million) toward the relief and recovery effort
• A total of 1,000 generators (gasoline-powered and home-use gas canister-powered), along with 5,000 gas canisters. Honda also will dispatch its staff to explain the use of this equipment.
• The Honda family of companies in North America will establish special matching gift programs for their associates for donations to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Donations from associates will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no personal or corporate donation limit. Honda employs more than 29, 000 associates in North America.
• Many Honda dealers have reached out to express their heartfelt concern and support regarding relief and recovery efforts in Japan. American Honda Motor Co., Inc has established a special website to accept donations to the Red Cross from its automotive, motorcycle and power equipment dealers who wish to contribute in this way.

North American Operations
Honda has confirmed the well-being of all Honda associates on assignment in Japan from North America.
On March 17, certain U.S. news reports inaccurately suggested that Japan-based production of vehicles intended for sale in the United States would be suspended until May. This is not what we communicated. Honda has announced a suspension of production only through March 23.
There is no immediate impact on Honda's operations in North America. More than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, and the vast majority of automotive parts for Honda automobiles manufactured in North America are sourced in the region.
Honda's U.S. and Canadian and Mexico Honda plants are continuing normal output of finished vehicles. In addition, we are continuing to monitor the long-term impact of the events in Japan on Honda auto production in North America because some auto parts are supplied from Japan.
The following vehicles we build in North America are supported primarily by our base of 600-plus North American first-tier suppliers:

Marysville, Ohio Honda Accord, Honda Accord Coupe, Acura TL, Acura RDX
East Liberty, Ohio Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda Accord Crosstour
Greensburg, Ind. Honda Civic Sedan, Honda Civic GX natural gas
Lincoln, Alabama Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline
Alliston, Ontario Honda Civic (Sedan, Coupe, Si) Acura MDX, Acura ZDX, Acura CSX (The CSX is sold only in Canada)
El Salto, Mexico Honda CR-V

We currently have adequate inventory of products supplied from Japan.
Honda Fit, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL are produced in Japan for the North American market. Honda produces a small percentage of CR-Vs in Japan for the U.S. as well.
Honda's operations in North America and globally will do everything they can to support the recovery of Honda's operations in Japan.

Earthquake Impact on Honda Operations

JapanDamage was widespread in the Tochigi area, where Honda has a number of operations. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has confirmed the fatality of a Honda R&D associate at the Tochigi R&D Center, when a wall collapsed in a cafeteria. The associate was male, 43 years old.

More than 30 Honda associates were injured in the Tochigi area from collapsing ceilings and other damage during the earthquake.

Honda would like to express its sincere condolences to the family of the associate who died as a result of this earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan and all those injured or displaced by this tragedy.

• Some Honda plants have closed in Japan, and will remain closed through Monday.
• Tochigi Engine, transmission and chassis parts.
• Saitama Two plants: Sayama plant in the Saitama factory produces CR-V, Accord, U.S. Fit, Acura RL and TSX. In addition, Ogawa Plant in the Saitama factory produces automobile engines.
• Hamamatsu Two plants -- automobile transmissions, outboard marine engines.
• Suzuka operated Friday, will not be in production Monday. This factory produces Japan Fit, Civic, Civic Hybrid, Insight and Honda CR-Z (all hybrid models).
• Kumamoto Factory in southern Japan remains in operation (motorcycles).

Honda in Japan is assessing the resumption of operations and the long-term impact to its operations from the Japan earthquake.

North America
There is no immediate impact on Honda's operations in North America. More than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America. The vast majority of automotive parts for Honda automobiles manufactured in North America are sourced in the region.

Honda is assessing the long-term impact, if any, on Honda auto production in North America, since some auto parts are supplied from Japan.

There will be no major impact on the availability of Honda products in North America. Honda Fit, Insight and CR-Z, and Acura TSX and RL are produced in Japan. A small percentage of CR-Vs are produced in Japan.

Honda has confirmed the wellbeing of nearly all Honda associates on assignment in Japan from North America, and continues to seek such confirmation.

Honda's operations in North America and globally will do everything they can to support the recovery of Honda's operations in Japan.