2008 Honda Odyssey Has a Musical Personality

Forget Oprah's list for now. You want to know one of my "favorite things" for this year? Try Pandora, an amazing free site that lets you create music stations that play only music you like and listen to stations created by other people as well.
How does this relate to the Ody? I was listening to Pandora when I saw an ad for a music station "created" by the 2008 Honda Odyssey. In fact, the Ody is listed as a "person" on Pandora and has created four stations, entitled BreakinFree ("tween" music), Ticket To Ride ('60s), Truckin' (classic hard rock), and I've Been Everywhere (hip kids' music). It's part of Honda's "Respect the Van" campaign, and I gotta give them props for creativity and for plugging into what I think is the best music site since iTunes. And the stations are pretty good, too! Something for everyone in the family. I guess that's the point: It's a minivan, right?
I expect other vehicles to become "people" on Pandora soon (and probably in the virtual reality sensation Second Life as well). So next time you talk about your car's "personality," better check its musical taste first.


Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/women/678

Aussie’s Best Cars Of The Year

Are you an Aussie? I suppose you know the best cars in your nation. But if you don't, it's time to hit your refresh button.

The stylish European Ford Mondeo leads 5 new entries in the ranks of Australia's best cars, as the country's auto clubs vote for their honor roll for this year, reports said. The Mondeo, which is one of the 50 consumer-focused fresh arrivals for this year, epitomizes the changing face of Aussie new-cars showrooms. The car is joined by VW Golf R32, BMW M3, Nissan X-Trail and BMW X5 diesel on the Best Cars honor roll.

"The Mondeo reflects all the shifts in the market in one car," said the chief judge of the Australia's Best Cars contest, Ernest Litera of the RACV. "This is a vehicle that has the space and comfort we've traditionally found in a large car, and it is available with a diesel engine. The market is shifting to quality mid-size cars."

"These awards are not about the automotive industry - they are about the consumer," the executive director of the Australian Automobile Association, Mike Harris, said yesterday. "AAA and Australia's automotive clubs represent more than 6.5 million members and these awards provide them - and all motorists - with an independent program."

There were 7 repeat champions but the longest-running by far is the Honda Odyssey. This time around, the vehicle is defending its crown this time against the new family-focused Toyota Kluger. "The Odyssey has won for the fourth time, and that's because it is a purpose-built people mover," Litera said. "A good car is not just a good car for 12 months. A winner will often run back-to-back, because it takes the competition a couple of years to get on top."

Honda, the affiliate of the luxury maker of Acura CL engine parts, could've been very jubilant to hear the news.

Australia's Best Cars

Small car: Volkswagen Polo TDI

Mid-size car under $28,000: Honda Civic VTi

Mid-size car over $28,000: Ford Mondeo TDCi

Large car: Toyota Aurion AT-X

People mover: Honda Odyssey Luxury

Sports car: Volkswagen Golf R32

Luxury sports car: BMW M3

Prestige car: Lexus IS250

Luxury car: Lexus GS450h

Recreational 4WD: Nissan X-Trail ST

Luxury 4WD: BMX X5 Diesel

All-terrain 4WD: Land Rover Discovery 3 SE TDV6

Apart from the 12 winners, the Best Cars results offer a wide-scope auto shopper's guide that allows buyers to choose the features they want. "While we have an overall winner in each category, you can also use the tables to find what you want. And it's not subjective," Litera noted.

[credit: Melbourne Herald Sun]


Source: http://myautoparts.blogspot.com/2007/12/aussies-best-cars-of-year.html

Honda Odyssey: Redesigned for 2008

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. now releases the details, features, and some technical specs of the redesigned Honda Odyssey minivan for the 2008 model year. The vehicle now comes with a new exterior styling and powertrain components that offer excellent fuel economy.

"The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort. For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features." said Dick Colliver, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The redesigned 2008 Honda Odyssey minivan comes in four available model trim levels: Odyssey LX, Odyssey EX, Odyssey EX-L, and Odyssey Touring. Honda offers two powertrain units for these models.

The 2008 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX will be equipped with a 3.5-liter all-aluminum SOHC VTEC engine under their hood, capable of pumping out 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm and pulls out 240 lb-ft. amount of peak torque at 5000 rpm. Meanwhile, the Odyssey EX-L and Odyssey Touring models will feature the top of the line 3.5-liter all-aluminum SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to provide additional fuel economy. This power unit delivers 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and prduces 242 lb-ft. amount of torque at 4900 rpm. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 3.5-liter engine to have a fuel economy of 16/23 mpg city/highway, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine has a fuel economy of 17/25 mpg2 city / highway.

The 2008 Honda Odyssey's exterior styling focuses on a bolder and aggressive stance, according to the Japanese automaker. Changes on the exterior include a six-sided grille design and front bumper fascia with crisp lines, and Honda corner lens. Wheel and tire combinations for the 2008 Honda Odysseys include 16-inch wheels with all-season 235/65R16 tires for standard for LX, EX and EX-L, and 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires for the Odyssey Touring. In addition, customers can also get the Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tires measuring 460 mm and 235-710R 460 A, respectively.

On the inside, the 2008 Honda Odyssey comes with a host of functional and comfortable interior, with other information and entertainment in-car systems.

Interior highlights for the model trim levels of the 2008 Honda Odyssey include new colors and textures for the instrument panel, 2nd Row PlusOne Seat, standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility, standard auxiliary input jack, One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat, 3rd-Row Magic Seat, available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and an 8-inch screen, Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, and Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen, rearview camera. Other available interior features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available on Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat, and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, dual-zone air conditioning, tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

Safety is one of the most significant factors considered by Honda as stated in the company's "Safety for Everyone" program. For the 2008 Honda Odyssey, Honda equipped the vehicle with numerous active and passive safety components. These include new active front seat head restraints, new daytime running lights, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist, advanced dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS), and three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems. In addition, the 2008 Odyssey is made of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. With these safety systems, the 2008 Honda Odyssey earned the highest five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

American Honda did not release the availability and manufacturer's suggested retail price of the 2008 Honda Odyssey.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/honda-odyssey-redesigned-for-2008-220038.htmlAbout the Author:

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.


Source: http://pr-gb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22737&Itemid=9

2008 Honda Odyssey Gets Facelift Review

The significantly-updated-for-2008 Honda Odyssey minivan receives new exterior styling along with a more fuel-efficient version of the available Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM) i-VTEC V-6 engine. Exterior styling focuses on a bolder, six-sided grille design and a front bumper fascia with crisp lines that add to the vehicle's dynamic and premium appearance.

The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features."

Four new and notable available premium features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat (standard Odyssey EX-L and Touring), rearview camera display integrated into the rearview mirror (standard Odyssey EX-L) and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down (standard Odyssey Touring).

Interior styling receives updates in the form of new colors and textures for the instrument panel, along with premium fabric for Odyssey LX and EX seating surfaces. Further interior refinements include an additional storage bin in the 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (standard on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility (CD-based) and a standard auxiliary input jack.

The Odyssey achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impacts. In keeping with the Honda "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Odyssey models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control; standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS); three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides enhanced occupant protection in a frontal collision. New for 2008, active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights have been added.

Known for its industry trend-setting One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat, the Odyssey's innovative eight-passenger seating areas (seven-passenger on LX) quickly and easily adapt between passenger and cargo duties. The 3rd-Row Magic Seat can accommodate up to three passengers and still provide 38.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the seats, or fold completely flat into the floor for cargo duty to create 91.1 cubic feet of cargo volume while still maintaining room for five passengers (four passengers on LX). With the second row seats removed, total cargo volume expands to a voluminous 147.4 cubic feet. Total interior volume measures 209.8 cubic feet for passenger and cargo volume combined – representing a total volume greater than two Civic Sedan interior volumes combined, for comparison. The 2nd-Row PlusOneSeat integrates a new storage bin inside the seat structure and is standard equipment on the Odyssey EX and EX-L (as before). The 2nd-Row PlusOneSeat has been added as standard equipment to the Odyssey Touring, replacing the standard removable center console, while retaining similar functionality and adding a seating position to the previously seven-passenger Touring model.

Designed with families in mind, a total of three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems exist: two are located in the outboard second-row seating positions and one is located in the middle third-row seating position.

Standard comfort and convenience features include dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone automatic climate control on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, an 8-inch screen, and Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, and a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. A rearview camera aids rear visibility on the Odyssey EX-L equipped with the available navigation system. Odyssey EX-L models without the available navigation system provide a rearview camera display via a 2.5-inch monitor embedded in the rearview mirror.

Determined by specific model, two engine variations exist. The 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC VTEC engine on the Odyssey LX and EX produces 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. The Odyssey LX and EX models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/23 mpg.

The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine produces 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 242 lb-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm.

For 2008, a new generation of VCM provides the additional capability to selectively deactivate either two or three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration (instead of three, exclusively). Similar to the new VCM system available on the 2008 Accord, the Odyssey's new VCM engine expands the cylinder deactivation operating range, which helps to increase fuel efficiency in a wider variety of driving conditions and speeds. An "ECO" indicator light illuminates on the instrument panel when the vehicle is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 17/25 mpg2.

Vehicles equipped with VCM use both an audio system-based Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system and a chassis-based Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system to cancel noise and vibration that can occur during cylinder deactivation.

An independent front and rear suspension and a rigid unit body structure help provide comfortable and refined ride performance. Additional chassis components include power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes and variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models have 16-inch wheels (alloy on EX and EX-L) with all-season 235/65R16 tires. Odyssey Touring models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires (standard); Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tires are available (460 mm wheels and 235-710R 460A tires).

Source: http://www.noeman.org/gsm/cars-autos/35372-2008-honda-odyssey-gets-facelift-review.html

2008 Honda Odyssey arrives with minor upgrades

One of my buds just bought his first minivan. He traded in his Nissan Maxima for a 2005 Honda Odyssey. That transition from sports sedan to minivan can be tough pill to swallow, but most enthusiasts we know consider the Odyssey a good compromise for being more attractive than most, as well as offering a powertrain and handling package that's sportier than the minivan mean. For 2008, Honda has dressed up the Odyssey with some styling tweaks, including a new six-sided grille and front bumper fascia. The interior has received new colors, textures and fabrics, as well. Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones is now available, as is a 4-way power passenger seat, rearview camera display in the rearview mirror and side mirrors that tilt down when in reverse. There are two engines available for 2008, both 3.5L V6s. The first is a SOHC VTEC motor that produces 244 HP and 242 ft-lbs. of torque. The second is a SOHC i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management, similar to the system used on the new 2008 Honda Accord's V6. VCM improves fuel economy of the 3.5L from 16/23 to 17/25, which isn't a huge jump, but may be appreciated by parent-run chauffeur services. I'll be emailing this post to my friend, just so he knows the Odyssey is still going strong despite some competitors (looking at you Ford and GM) have exited the segment.

Source: http://beyondcars.blogspot.com/2007/09/2008-honda-odyssey-arrives-with-minor.html

Japans Big Threes Models Named Best Deals?

Car buyers are always in the lookout for the car offering the best value for their money. Different firms have been guiding prospective car buyers on how to choose the vehicle the suits their needs best. From performance to fuel economy to safety, all bases should be covered in choosing a vehicle.

IntelliChoice, one of the leading sources of pertinent information to car buyers, recently announced their Best Deals?list. The list contains what the online outfit thinks is the best vehicle in different classes. For the month of April, IntelliChoice announced their Best Deals?and this has been done coinciding with the ongoing New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in the Big Apple.

This months list includes several models from Japans three biggest car manufacturers. These vehicles are seen as the measuring stick for future production vehicles unveiled and showcased at the New York Auto Show. James Bell, the publisher of IntelliChoice.com, has this to say with regards to the list and the vehicles showcased at the event: Even more than recent auto shows, the New York show offered a look at some very compelling future competition to many of the mainstays on our monthly Best Deals?list.?br />
The Honda Civic hybrid is rated as the best deal for the Compact Car over $16,000 class by IntelliChoice.com. For the Compact Car under $16,000 class, the best deal is touted to be the Honda Civic DX with an automatic transmission.

Aside from these two models, another Honda produced vehicle was named as a best deal in its class - the Honda Civic Si. The said model is named as the best deal in the Base Sport Car class. The Honda Odyssey is once again named as the best deal for the Minivan class. The Honda Odyssey has been dominating that class in recent history but will face strong competition in the form of the Ford Flex recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.

A Nissan model is also named as one of the best deals for the month of April. The Nissan Frontier King Cab XE 2WD with a manual transmission is named as the best deal for the Compact Pickup Truck 2WD class. The King Cab is the first crew cab body style compact pickup truck in North America and since its inception in the U.S. auto market has been popular among car buyers. With its trademark dependability, the Nissan Frontier is not a surprise choice as the best deal for its class. Its high performance construction and components such as the Nissan spark plug wires are one of the reasons why the Frontier sits at the top of its class.

Toyota, the surging Japanese car manufacturer, also landed several of its models at the Best Deals?list. The popular Toyota Prius is named as the best deal for the Midsize Car under $21,000 while the Prius Touring is named as the best deal for the Midsize Car over $21,000 class.

For the Large Car class, IntelliChoice picked the Toyota Avalon Touring as the best deal for consumers. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid with a third row seating and 2WD configuration is named as the best deal for the Midsize Crossover class. The Toyota Matrix Standard with manual transmission is also named as the best deal for the Small Wagon class.

For the Compact Pickup Truck 4WD class, IntelliChoice picked the Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD as the best deal. The Toyota Tundra Regular Cab V6 2WD Short Bed is named as the best deal for the Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton class.

Source: http://learnqfpkkyn.blogspot.com/2007/08/japans-big-threes-models-named-best.html

2008 Honda Accord Full Details and Photos

Honda has released details and full product images of the new 2008 Honda Accord sedan and coupe, but let's look at the Accord sedan first as it is more relevant to our local market. The Honda Accord sedan in the US comes with 3 engine options - two 2.4 liter inline-4 i-VTEC units as well as a 3.5 liter V6 engine for the top of the line model.
The 2.4 liter engine is available in two stages of tune - a 177hp @ 6,500rpm, 218Nm @ 4,300rpm basic unit that has 7 more horsepower than the 2.4 liter in the current Accord as well as a tuned up 190hp at 7,000rpm variant with 220Nm of torque at 4,400rpm thanks to a reprogrammed ECU and a high-flow muffler with a variable valve silencer.
The V6 unit grows from 3.0 liter in the current Accord up to 3.5 liters and makes 268 horsepower at 6,200rpm and 336Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. This SOHC V6 engine is equipped with Variable Cylinder Management which allows the engine to operate on three, four or all six cylinders to help boost fuel economy or power as needed. The coupe has this same engine without the VCM - the reduced valvetrain weight improves low to mid-range power.
Once again the 2008 Honda Accord rides on a double wishbone front suspension at the front, enhancing the driving experience. In the US market, this new Honda Accord marks a few firsts for a USDM Accord - disc brakes on all wheels for all models, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) on all models, power lumbar support, auto-dimming inside mirror, compass, multi-line display CD/MP3 player, auxiliary-input jack and subwoofer. I sincerely hope the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard on all models make it to Malaysia - when you pay over RM130,000 for a car I think safety features such as traction control are very important.

The interior space of the new 2008 Honda Accord has been improved so much that it is now classified as an EPA Large Sedan in the US market. Honda says the interior offers "equal" front and rear seating comfort for four adults - the rear passenger comfort level is no longer a hit and miss thing if the front passengers move the seats too far rearward. If you measure the growth in size from the exterior, the new 2008 Accord is 76mm longer than the previous model, 28mm wider and 22mm taller. Torsional rigidity has been improved by 20% thanks to the usage of 48% high-tensile steel, the highest by volume of any Honda Accord to date.
Aerodynamics have also been improved thanks to a new frame rail system which positions the frame rails inside the Accord's body structure instead of underneath it, creating a nearly flat bottom to ruduce under-floor turbulence. The car is also more balance now in terms of weight distribution as the fuel tank has been moved lower and further forward.
It is not known at the moment when the new 2008 Honda Accord will be introduced in Malaysia, or whether these engine enhancements will be brought here or not as we usually carry the same engine specs as Thailand Accords, and one of the ways the new engine makes more power is because it has a higher compression ratio. Thailand fuel might not be able to handle that. A new Accord also usually means a new Honda Odyssey is coming soon, which is a lovely MPV.

Source: http://honda-accord-car.blogspot.com/2007/08/comment-on-2008-honda-accord-full.html

2007 Honda Stream

For those who remember, the 1995 - 1998 Honda Odyssey, you'll remember it was a smaller van (actually built on the then Accord platform), was a 4 cylinder van, and had 4 doors that opened like a sedan, not the sliding doors. Due to demand in the US for a bigger van, in 1999, the Odyssey grew into it's current incarnation with a V6 and sliding doors. The smaller van survived in Japan (I think was even still called an Odyssey) and continued to do well. In the US and Canada, the demand for a smaller van was still there, and it looks like we are going to be bringing the small van back!


Source: http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2007/09/2007-honda-stream.html

Honda Announces 2008 Honda Pilot Pricing

American Honda Motor Corp. has announced the pricing for the 2008 Honda Pilot which goes on sale today. The automaker also introduced two new variations to the lineup: the all-new Pilot Value Package and Special Edition trims.

As with previous Honda Value Package and Special Edition trim levels, these added features, says the companys press release, represent a significant value without a significant price increase. The Value Package and Special Edition start at $27,595 and $31,595, respectively. Destination and handling charges for all 2008 Honda models are $595.

"The Pilot was a conceptual pioneer within its segment when it was introduced," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "And it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of customers."

For the first time in its six years on the market, the Pilot is available in two new trim levels, the Value Package and the Special Edition. The Value Package builds on and replaces 2007's value-leading LX trim, adding rear privacy glass, machined alloy wheels, XM?Satellite Radio, upgraded audio to include a 6-disc CD changer and additional speakers, roof rails, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and body-colored door mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler.

The Special Edition on the other hand, supplements the available EX trim, adding in-demand features like a DVD rear entertainment system, XM?Satellite Radio, power moonroof, 115-volt power outlet and ambient console lighting.

The Honda Pilot is Honda's second SUV fully built and designed by Honda, released in the summer of 2002 for the 2003 model year. The Honda Pilot is built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada and Lincoln, Alabama, and shares underpinnings and the powertrain with the Acura MDX -- which has a lineage that can be traced to the Honda Odyssey minivan. The Pilots unibody construction, however, is fortified with integrated perimeter frame rails, which helps it withstand light off-road use.

The Pilot was designed to fill a large American demand for SUVs. Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda ?maker of quality Honda auxiliary fan switch only had the smaller CR-V based on the Civic, and the Passport. However, the CR-V lacked in features many American consumers looked for in an SUV, which are overall size, passenger space, and towing capacity.

The Pilot is at most designed to withstand light-duty off-roading, and has been a best-seller for Honda. Honda sold over 100,000 Pilots in 2004, an increase of almost 20% over 2003. The Pilot is sold in North America, while Japan and Australia get its relative, the Honda MDX instead. In the Middle East, the Pilot is sold as the Honda MR-V.
Sheetmusic1


Source: http://femalebwpbdjk.blogspot.com/2007/09/honda-announces-2008-honda-pilot.html

What’s the difference between a $31 and $60 oil change?

I took our Honda Odyssey to Grease Monkey to have have the oil changed. As I sat in the waiting area, several customers came looking to do the same. Listening to the exchanges was interesting. Whenever someone would ask for a basic oil change ($31), the person behind the counter would ask if they would like to upgrade to one of the following:

High Mileage Oil ($47) 
Synthetic Blend ($52)
Full Synthetic ($60)

Several people came in with cars well over 100,000 miles. These people would be good candidates for the high mileage oil. Yet I didn’t see a single person upgrade to any of the fancier, more expensive oils and I think I know why: The Grease Monkey employee could not explain the benefits in layman’s terms.
I would guess that most customers who use a quick lube and oil shop are also owners who don’t know all the nitty gritty technical details of their cars. They want to get in and out with minimal fuss. I’ll bet few know what kind of oil the manufacturer of their car recommends let alone the difference between 5W-20 and 10W-30.
The Grease Monkey employee might have given a great technical explanation on why a synthetic oil would be a better choice, but the soccer mom, the teenager and the elderly man I saw today were lost seconds into the explanation. The Grease Monkey employee was using words like grade, viscosity and SAE which confused the customer. And when a customer is confused they will revert to what the know. In this case it meant asking for the standard, least expensive oil they’ve used before.
Although the Grease Monkey employees were helpful and well trained from a technical level, they were not able to explain their services to customers who would benefit most of their services and upgrades.
Can your employees explain the services and products your company offers? Better yet, can they explain them in the terms your customers will understand?
Technorati Tags: Employee training


Source: http://blog.nordquist.org/?p=1518

Honda Is Top Mainstream Brand For 2006 AutoPacific Brand

During the recently concluded 2006 AutoPacific Brand Satisfaction Awards, the Honda brand received the top spot for the Top Mainstream Brand category. AutoPacific, Inc. is a noted automotive consulting firm. To actually provide the market and the audience with information regarding automobiles and within that category, AutoPacific created a study regarding the 2006 model year owner satisfaction research for brands and product segments and the results were just most recently concluded. The Vehicle Satisfaction Award of AutoPacific is also known as the VSA and it is an industry benchmark for objective measuring of how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck.

Honda took first place for the top rated Mainstream Brand segment. Not only that, but the company as a whole had some other things yet to be happy and proud of. The Honda Ridgeline became the top rated Sport Utility Truck. And the Honda Odyssey became the top rated Minivan.

The Honda Ridgeline has been in production just this year and it is a midsize pickup truck. Its competition include the Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and Subaru Baja. As per the Honda Odyssey, this minivan has been produced going back to 1995. It competes in the market with the Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar, Nissan Quest, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona and Mazda5.

The AutoPacific VSA tries to establish numerical satisfaction ratings for every car and light truck in the United States. How do they do such a task? They take owner satisfaction and calculate it across 45 specific areas that are related to a vehicles operation, comfort, safety, and overall purchase or lease experience.

Auto Parts Fast gives you the finest Honda replacement and performance parts that are unmatched anywhere else. By simply accessing the site, you can actually find quality parts like Honda carpets, shocks, turn signals, hubcaps, lights, mirrors, and Honda radiators at great discount deals.
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Source: http://yahoo-incxlhaulss.blogspot.com/2007/08/honda-is-top-mainstream-brand-for-2006.html

Honda Models Obtains Top Awards at the 2007 JD Power APPEAL Study

Honda the maker of high-end Honda Civic parts has been able to grab four model segment awards at the recent J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study in short APPEAL, more than any of the other vehicle nameplate included in the survey.

The study is in its 12th year and measures owners delight in terms of design, content, layout, and performance of their new vehicles. APPEAL is designed to complement the other J.D. Power survey, the Initial Quality Study of IQS which deals on the problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APPEAL measures the level of comfort of owning and driving a new vehicle.

Hondas four segment-leading models are Honda CR-V, Fit, Honda Ridgeline and Honda Odyssey. BMW and Mercedes-Benz obtained three segment awards, while Ford, Nissan, and Volkswagen each garnering two awards. BMW models that were awarded include BMW 3 Series, BMW 6 Series, and BMW X5. On the other hand Mercedes-Benz earns awards for its E-Class, S-Class, and GL-Class.

There were also Ford models that were awarded such as the Mustang and Edge. Europes largest automaker, Volkswagen receives awards for its Jetta and GTI while Nissan earns awards for the Nissan Altima Sedan and Nissan Armada.

The Nissan Armada came out as the highest in its segment for the fourth consecutive year. There are also several models that include the Ford Mustang, Honda Ridgeline, and Honda Odyssey that ranked highest in their respective segments for the third consecutive year. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class also ranks highest in their segments in both APPEAL study and IQS.

The 2007 APPEAL Study was based on responses from 91,000 purchasers and lessees covering the months of February through May 2007. Included in the survey are new 2007 model-year cars and trucks that were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

Regionalhelpwanted


Source: http://real-estatebeemzy.blogspot.com/2007/08/honda-models-obtains-top-awards-at-2007.html

KickingTires Reveals Family Cars of the Year

Family cars face painstaking demands. These days, they are used not just for family driving adventures but for business purpose as well. With the versatility expected of them, automakers find it hard to emerge as the best in the family car segment - but this is not the case with Honda. Earlier, 3 of Honda's vehicles were awarded the "Best Car for Small Families," "Best Car for Big Families," and the "Best New Car for First-Time Drivers" by KickingTires.

The 2007 Honda Accord emerged as the "Best New Car for Small Family. Honda Accord parts are especially designed to face rigorous family car's demands. For the 2007 model year, Accord was given new trim called SE-V6. Also, for the sedan version, cool blue metallic color was made available. The runners-up for the Best New Car for Small Families were BMW 328, Ford Five Hundred, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Infiniti G35, Mazda5, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, and Toyota Camry.

On the one hand, 2007 Honda Odyssey was given the "Best Car for Big Families" commendation. Honda Odyssey is a minivan introduced by the automaker in 1995. The runners up for said title were Acura MDX, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, and Volvo XC90.

For the "Best New Car for First-Time Drivers" category, 2007 Honda Civic emerged as the winner. Honda Civic parts are especially engineered to be accommodating to first-time drivers. The car's auto parts can be easily operated so it fits . The runners up for the category were Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe, Scion tC, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry and Toyota Matrix.

Finally, for the "Best New Car for Empty Nesters" category, 2007 Jaguar XK emerged as the winner. The runners up were BMW 650, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Infiniti G35, Infiniti M45, Lexus LS 460, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Volvo C70.

Before we named the four finalists for Family Car of the Year in our first annual Lifestyle Awards, we considered all the 2006- and 2007-model-year vehicles weve tested and narrowed them down to a select group. Well tackle the other Lifestyle categories as we get closer to the final awards Jan. 3, but for now see what other cars we recommend for families and how staffers Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays, Patrick Olsen, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder debated the winners" KickingTires revealed.

In most categories, analysts say that Honda and Toyota car parts are showcasing excellence. As observed by analysts, prices for highly equipped models have greatly increased with time and innovations.

Fictionwise


Source: http://adult-swimteflkiki.blogspot.com/2007/08/kickingtires-reveals-family-cars-of.html

Honda Is Top Mainstream Brand For 2006 AutoPacific Brand

During the recently concluded 2006 AutoPacific Brand Satisfaction Awards, the Honda brand received the top spot for the Top Mainstream Brand category. AutoPacific, Inc. is a noted automotive consulting firm. To actually provide the market and the audience with information regarding automobiles and within that category, AutoPacific created a study regarding the 2006 model year owner satisfaction research for brands and product segments and the results were just most recently concluded. The Vehicle Satisfaction Award of AutoPacific is also known as the VSA and it is an industry benchmark for objective measuring of how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck.

Honda took first place for the top rated Mainstream Brand segment. Not only that, but the company as a whole had some other things yet to be happy and proud of. The Honda Ridgeline became the top rated Sport Utility Truck. And the Honda Odyssey became the top rated Minivan.

The Honda Ridgeline has been in production just this year and it is a midsize pickup truck. Its competition include the Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and Subaru Baja. As per the Honda Odyssey, this minivan has been produced going back to 1995. It competes in the market with the Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar, Nissan Quest, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona and Mazda5.

The AutoPacific VSA tries to establish numerical satisfaction ratings for every car and light truck in the United States. How do they do such a task? They take owner satisfaction and calculate it across 45 specific areas that are related to a vehicles operation, comfort, safety, and overall purchase or lease experience.

Auto Parts Fast gives you the finest Honda replacement and performance parts that are unmatched anywhere else. By simply accessing the site, you can actually find quality parts like Honda carpets, shocks, turn signals, hubcaps, lights, mirrors, and Honda radiators at great discount deals.

Source: http://fishingsjrmayx.blogspot.com/2007/08/honda-is-top-mainstream-brand-for-2006.html

Sources Say: Honda Stream coming to US in 2009

Winding Road is reporting that the next-generation Honda Stream mini-MPV may be sold in the U.S. Having just been redesigned last year, the next Stream won't arrive until 2009, and even then we doubt it will receive anything more than a refreshening. Nevertheless, Honda appears intent to make some money off of this MPV that's based on the same platform as the Civic and CR-V. It's reportedly been a big hit in Japan since it debuted in 2000, though the recent redesign has met with mixed reviews. Though the JDM version can seat up to seven or eight people, Winding Road reports the U.S. version will probably get only two rows of seats. In Japan, the Stream is available with either a R18A 1.8L i-VTEC engine and five-speed auto or an R20A 2.0L i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT transmission. Whether those engines will be offered in the U.S. in unknown, though we would expect at least the larger of the two motors to make the journey to our shores.

Considering Honda's success with the Odyssey in the minivan segment, the Stream may do very well in the U.S. It appears smaller than a minivan, but larger than, say, a Mazda5. The current trend of segment-bending tall wagons and CUVs could carry the Stream right along.

[Source: Winding Road]


Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/sources-say-honda-stream-coming-to-u-s-in-2009/