Click on the Honda Logo for the 2011 Honda Fleet Information.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Honda Is Tops in Customer Retention
On December 10, 2010, J.D. Power & Associates released its annual Customer Retention Study. Honda tied for first place with Ford, retaining 62% of their buyers in 2010, thereby displacing Mercedes-Benz from the top spot. Accord, CR-V, and Pilot drove Honda’s retention numbers. Following Honda and Ford were Hyundai, Lexus, and Toyota with 60% of their customer base returning. Kia showed the largest gain in the survey with a 58% retention rate, up from 37% in 2009.
Honda Ranks First in Brand Quality Survey
A leading consumer publication has announced the results of its consumer survey about brand quality. Honda ranked first in the survey with 25% of respondents naming it the manufacturer with the best quality. Ford placed second at 23% and former leader, Toyota, placed third at 19%. Honda placed second, in consumers’ perceptions of the value provided by automotive brands, with 24% of respondents choosing it. Ford was first at 25% and Toyota was third at 23%. The publication’s full report can be found on its website.
Did You Know?
In January, Honda announced that the 2011 Honda Fit (Sub Compact Category) and Odyssey (MPV/Minivan Category) won 2011 Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) Residual Value Awards. However, there is more to the story. 2011 is the third consecutive year that Fit has won the award. Even more amazing, 2011 is the 11th time in the 12 years that the awards have been given that Odyssey has won the award!
Concept Versions of 2012 Civic Revealed
Concept Versions of 2012 Civic Revealed
The 2012 Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan made their dramatic world debuts at the North American International Auto Show on January 10, providing the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 models set to go on sale this spring. John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales for American Honda Motors noted, “The Civic is known for providing a balance of ‘just-right’ packaging, fun-to-drive character, and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford. The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet.”
The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions, and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry. Here are a few highlights:
The 2012 Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan made their dramatic world debuts at the North American International Auto Show on January 10, providing the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 models set to go on sale this spring. John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales for American Honda Motors noted, “The Civic is known for providing a balance of ‘just-right’ packaging, fun-to-drive character, and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford. The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet.”
The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions, and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry. Here are a few highlights:
- Most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist™ technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids.
- Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model, the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in America.
- All 2012 Civics are equipped with standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®).
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.
2011 Honda Civic Sedan EX vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS
2011 Honda Civic Sedan EX vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS
The all-new 2011 Elantra GLS with the Preferred Equipment Package is priced (MSRP) $2,710 less than the 2011 Honda Civic Sedan EX. Rather than being an advantage, Elantra’s lower price reflects numerous features that are simply “Not Available” on this “bargain” compact.
Here’s what’s missing on Elantra.
Safety
Nothing comparable to the following standard Civic safety features is available on either the 2011 Elantra GLS or the significantly more expensive Limited trim level:
All Civic sedan trim levels include the following suspension features to help provide improved handling:
A one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature is standard on Civic Sedan EX but Not Available in the 2011 Elantra GLS.
Safety
Nothing comparable to the following standard Civic safety features is available on either the 2011 Elantra GLS or the significantly more expensive Limited trim level:
- 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 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.
- Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Active Head Restraints: In a sufficient rear-end impact, the active head restraints move up and forward in a fraction of a second, helping reduce the likelihood of neck injury.
All Civic sedan trim levels include the following suspension features to help provide improved handling:
- Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars: Elantra GLS and Limited provide only a front stabilizer bar.
- Multi-Link Rear Suspension: Elantra GLS and Limited have a less sophisticated torsion beam rear suspension.
A one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature is standard on Civic Sedan EX but Not Available in the 2011 Elantra GLS.
What about Reliability?
“Hyundai may offer the most comprehensive warranties, but as a brand, it doesn’t have the reliability reputation that Honda does. If you want the most trustworthy daily commuter, get a Civic.”
“Hyundai may offer the most comprehensive warranties, but as a brand, it doesn’t have the reliability reputation that Honda does. If you want the most trustworthy daily commuter, get a Civic.”
- USNews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Hyundai_Elantra/2011/
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