Showing posts with label Dare to Compare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dare to Compare. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Honda Advantage over Hyundai Assurance
The Hyundai Assurance program’s new trade-in value guarantee is getting a lot of attention in the press and from consumers. While it is a clever marketing ploy, a close look at the program reveals that it provides far more benefits for Hyundai than it does for consumers. Honda offers customers the real advantages of proven performance by a market leader.
The Hyundai Promise
The Hyundai Assurance program includes three elements.
The Hyundai Assurance program includes three elements.
• Trade-in value guarantee | • 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain protection | |
• Roadside assistance |
Of these elements, only the trade-in value guarantee is new.
The Fine Print
Trade-in values are established by Automotive Lease Guide and reflect anticipated market values after 24 to 48 months of ownership. The guaranteed trade-in value will, of course, be reduced for damage to the vehicle or excessive mileage.
In order to receive the guaranteed trade-in value, Hyundai customers must… | Hyundai customers give up… |
· Provide proof that all required maintenance was performed at authorized Hyundai dealerships | · The ability to have maintenance services performed at an independent shop if it is more convenient. |
· Trade their vehicle between 24 and 48 months after purchase | · The ability to trade their vehicles when it is the right time for them. · This also influences the term for which they might choose to finance a vehicle since they don’t want to owe more than the guaranteed value when they trade. |
· Purchase a new Hyundai vehicle (Leases don’t qualify) | · The ability to trade their Hyundai on a different make vehicle if they desire. · The ability to lease their new Hyundai if that makes better economic sense for them at the time. |
· Finance the new vehicle through Hyundai Motor Finance (HMF) | · The ability to use their own financing resources where they might get better rates or to pay cash. |
Who Really Wins with the Hyundai Trade-in Guarantee?
Hyundai gains the assurance of...
· A captive source of maintenance business for dealers
· A captive source of late-model, low-mileage used cars
· A captive source of repeat buyers
· A captive source of business for Hyundai Motor Finance
An analysis of Hyundai Trade-In Guarantee Website Values as of June 1, 2011, reveals that the guaranteed trade-in values are much less than estimated residual values for Honda vehicles. Honda has earned these values and a Honda customer has the freedom of choice in financing, trade-in time, and future model to choose from. Here are just a few examples, comparing the estimated ALG residual values for Honda models to the guaranteed trade-in values for comparable Hyundai models:
Honda Model | ALG 36-month Residual % | Hyundai Model | 31-36 Month Guaranteed Resale Value % |
2011 Accord Sedan EX AT | 55% | 2011 Sonata SE AT | 50% |
2012 Civic Sedan EX AT | 63% | 2012 Elantra GLS AT | 58% |
2011 CR-V 4WD EX AT | 59% | 2011 Tucson GLS AT AWD | 51% |
Where’s the customer benefit?
Honda Advantage
Honda is a market leader in retained value. In the past, respected market sources such as Automotive Lease Guide (ALG), Kelley Blue Book®, and Edmunds.com have recognized Honda and specific Honda models as having the highest residual/resale values and the lowest cost of ownership in their competitive sets. (Check out all the Accolades on the Honda Sales Portal, www.hondamobileassistant.com, and in past issues of Frontline.)
In 2011 Honda won the first ever Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Award for Non-Luxury Brands and four Honda models won model-level 2011 Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Awards.
By choosing Honda, customers gain a number of advantages, including...
In 2011 Honda won the first ever Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Award for Non-Luxury Brands and four Honda models won model-level 2011 Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Awards.
By choosing Honda, customers gain a number of advantages, including...
· Peace of mind that comes with driving a Honda, with Honda’s reputation for reliable and durable vehicles. (Ninety-three percent of all Honda vehicles registered in the last 10 years are still on the road.)
· Confidence that their Honda vehicle will cost less to own and retain more of its value at trade-in time than most other vehicles on the road without the need for a special “program.”
· Freedom of choice during their ownership cycle and when it comes time to trade. Choice about...
o Where they have their vehicle serviced
o When they trade
o What they buy
o Whether they finance, lease, or pay cash
o Whom they finance through
Warranty
Honda provides a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a customer can choose a Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) if their ownership cycle is longer. By requiring that customers trade their Hyundai vehicle after 24 to 48 months to take advantage of the trade-in value guarantee, Hyundai makes its 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty meaningless. While it might improve Hyundai vehicles’ resale values, which helps Hyundai cover the trade-in value guarantee, Honda vehicles’ resale values are still superior.
Where’s the customer benefit?
Honda provides a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a customer can choose a Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) if their ownership cycle is longer. By requiring that customers trade their Hyundai vehicle after 24 to 48 months to take advantage of the trade-in value guarantee, Hyundai makes its 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty meaningless. While it might improve Hyundai vehicles’ resale values, which helps Hyundai cover the trade-in value guarantee, Honda vehicles’ resale values are still superior.
Where’s the customer benefit?
Roadside Assistance
Many people already have roadside assistance through an organization like the American Automobile Association (AAA) or as part of their vehicle insurance. In addition, Honda’s available VSC includes roadside assistance. Finally, Honda vehicles have a proven reputation for exceptional reliability.
Many people already have roadside assistance through an organization like the American Automobile Association (AAA) or as part of their vehicle insurance. In addition, Honda’s available VSC includes roadside assistance. Finally, Honda vehicles have a proven reputation for exceptional reliability.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
2011 Honda Pilot 4WD EX-L vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4
Pilot 4WD EX-L advantages over Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 include greater passenger roominess and cargo capacity, unique safety features, better resale value, greater reliability, and a lower price (MSRP) when comparably equipped.
Greater Passenger Roominess and Cargo Capacity
Advantage: Pilot provides seating for eight compared to five for Grand Cherokee. In addition, Pilot provides more cargo space with the third- and second-row seats folded. Standard payload and tow capacity are comparable. Despite its greater roominess inside, Pilot is only 1.1 inch longer in overall length.
Better Resale Value
Advantage: Pilot 4WD EX-L maintains a 49% Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) residual value after 36 months and 37% after 60 months. Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4’s ALG residual values are 43% and 30% respectively.
Lower Comparably Equipped Price
Pilot 4WD EX-L is priced (MSRP) more than $3,300 less than Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 when it is comparably equipped.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011 Honda Pilot
Greater Passenger Roominess and Cargo Capacity
Advantage: Pilot provides seating for eight compared to five for Grand Cherokee. In addition, Pilot provides more cargo space with the third- and second-row seats folded. Standard payload and tow capacity are comparable. Despite its greater roominess inside, Pilot is only 1.1 inch longer in overall length.
Specification | 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD EX-L | 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 |
Seating (Standard) | 8 | 5 |
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) | 152.7 (EX-L) | 105.4 |
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) Behind 3rd/2nd/1st row seats | 18.0/47.7/87.0 | NA /35.1/68.7 |
Tow Capacity (Standard, lbs.) | 4,500 | 5,000 |
Tip: Sit in the third-row seat to experience the ease of access and roominess for adults.
Unique Safety Features
Advantage: Pilot offers the following unique safety features. Comparable features are not available on the 2011 Grand Cherokee.
Advantage: Pilot offers the following unique safety features. Comparable features are not available on the 2011 Grand Cherokee.
· 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: ACE body structure is a Honda exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions.
Better Resale Value
Advantage: Pilot 4WD EX-L maintains a 49% Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) residual value after 36 months and 37% after 60 months. Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4’s ALG residual values are 43% and 30% respectively.
Greater Reliability
Advantage: According to USNews.com, the 2011 Honda Pilot has a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10, which is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). Jeep Grand Cherokee has a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10.
Advantage: According to USNews.com, the 2011 Honda Pilot has a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10, which is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). Jeep Grand Cherokee has a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10.
Lower Comparably Equipped Price
Pilot 4WD EX-L is priced (MSRP) more than $3,300 less than Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 when it is comparably equipped.
Specification Chart
Specification | 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD EX-L | 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 |
ALG Residual Values (36/60 months) | 49%/37% | 43%/30% |
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates (City/Highway/Combined – mpg)1 | 16/22/18 | 16/22/18 |
Base Price MSRP | $35,870 | $39,215 |
Destination Charge | $810 | $825 |
Comparably Equipped Price | $36,680 | $40,040 |
1 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.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monday, August 8, 2011
Civic Superiority: 2012 Honda Civic Sedan EX vs. 2011 VW Jetta SE
With superior handling, fuel economy, resale value, reliability, and front seat roominess, Civic is the clear choice.
Superior Handling
Superior Fuel Economy
Superior Resale Value
Superior Reliability
Superior Front Seat Roominess
- Civic has motion-adaptive electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS) to vary steering assist according to vehicle speed and to improve fuel economy. Jetta has hydraulic power-assisted steering that places a constant draw on engine power. Variable-assisted steering is not available on Jetta.
- Civic has ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes in the rear. Jetta SE has less efficient drum brakes in the rear.
- Civic has an independent multi-link rear suspension. Jetta has a less sophisticated semi-independent twist beam rear suspension.
- Civic has a turning diameter of 35.4 feet. Jetta has a turning diameter of 36.4 feet.
Superior Fuel Economy
- Civic Sedan EX with automatic transmission has a 4-mpg better city EPA rating and an 8-mpg better highway rating when compared to Jetta SE with automatic transmission. (See chart.)
Superior Resale Value
- Civic Sedan EX with automatic transmission maintains a 63% ALG residual value after 36 months and 48% after 60 months. Jetta SE’s ALG residual values are 55% and 39% respectively.
Superior Reliability
- According to Edmunds.com, the 2012 Civic Sedan EX with automatic transmission has a J.D. Power Overall Initial Quality rating of 4.5 out of 5. Jetta SE has an Overall Initial Quality rating of 2.0 out of 5.
Superior Front Seat Roominess
- When Jetta SE is equipped with the optional power moonroof, Civic Sedan EX has superior front seat headroom (37.7 inches vs. 37.0 inches), legroom (42.2 inches vs. 41.2 inches), and shoulder room (56.6 inches vs. 55.2 inches).
Jetta Advantages/Civic Answers
- Jetta has more rear seat room. Most customers will find Civic’s rear seat room more than adequate. You should really sit in the rear seat to experience Civic’s rear seat legroom.
- Jetta SE’s 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine produces more horsepower and torque. Civic Sedan EX is several hundred pounds lighter than Jetta SE and offers an optimum combination of performance and fuel economy.
- Volkswagen offers free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. Civic’s fuel economy and resale advantages more than compensate for its maintenance costs.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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.)
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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:
Unique Safety Technology
Nothing comparable to the following standard Civic safety features is available on the 2011 Scion tC:
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
- 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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2011 Honda Accord Sedan SE vs. 2011 Kia Optima EX
Beyond Mere Numbers:
2011 Honda Accord Sedan SE vs. 2011 Kia Optima EX
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.”
SafetyThe 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.”
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.
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 PriceWhile 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.
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.
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