Classic Times | News & Updates
All-New Honda Accord Wins 2013 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year
TORONTO, ON (February 14, 2013) Honda Canada today kicked off the 40th annual Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) with the impressive win of one of the country's most coveted automotive industry awards - the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) 'Canadian Car of the Year' for the all-new 2013 Honda Accord. "Thank you to all the voting members of AJAC. It is an honour to have our all-new Accord recognized by so many of Canada's most-respected journalists," said Takashi Sekiguchi, President and CEO, Honda Canada Inc. "The 2013 Accord was designed to once again raise the bar in the family car category and deliver a fun, roomy and efficient choice for families. We think Accord does exactly that and are pleased that AJAC does as well." With all factors considered during four days of intense testing in October, many of Canada's top automotive journalists voted on the country's best new vehicles before arriving at today's decision. In the end, the all-new 2013 Honda Accord is the clear winner with its striking new design and new and improved technology. As the most fuel efficient, most spacious and most fun-to-drive Accord ever built, the 2013 model features the all-new Earth Dreams? powertrain technology. The 2013 Accord is also available with the first North American application of Honda's next-generation, 2.4-litre, direct- injected 4-cylinder engine pushing a shorter, sportier, yet more spacious and comfortable vehicle.
Click here to view Classic Honda's New 2013 Honda Accord Inventory
Honda & Acura Recognized w/ Eight Prominent Awards for Best Residual Value
TORONTO, ON (February 13, 2013) Honda Canada today kicked off the 40th annual Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in an impressive way by winning eight different awards for its Honda and Acura brands from ALG and Canadian Black Book - all of which are testament to the quality, reliability and value that both the Honda and Acura brands deliver to Canadian consumers. "Receiving these awards from ALG and Canadian Black Book for our most popular vehicles as well as our brands, truly reflects our commitment to providing consumers with a quality product with the best possible value available," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. "We are committed to building on this recognition and continuously strive to achieve the same success throughout our entire lineup." ALG Awards ALG's Residual Value Awards honour the vehicles that are forecast to retain the highest percentage of MSRP after a three-year period for luxury brands and a four-year period for mainstream brands. Award recipients are chosen after a careful evaluation of vehicle criteria, including segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. This year's awards are based on 2013 model year vehicles. Awards are given in 22 vehicle segment categories and two brand categories (Mainstream and Premium).
This Year's Winners Include:
Mainstream Brand - Honda
Premium Brand - Acura
Sub-Compact Car - Honda Fit - New 2013 Fit Inventory
Midsize Car - Honda Accord - New 2013 Accord Inventory
Minivan - Honda Odyssey - New 2013 Odyssey Inventory
Compact Utility Vehicle - Honda CR-V - New 2013 CR-V Inventory
Premium Compact Utility Vehicle - Acura RDX
Canadian Black Book Awards
Canadian Black Book's "Best Retained Value Awards" are handed out in 19 categories, given to those vehicles which retained the greatest percentage of their original MSRP over the past four years (since 2009). In their 8th year, CBB's awards guide consumers who are looking for vehicles that hold their value best, thereby reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership...a critical consideration when purchasing a vehicle. Sub-Compact Car - Honda Fit Minivan - Honda Odyssey (runner-up)
Honda Urban SUV Concept and 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Make Canadian Debut at the 2013 Canadian International Auto Show Head-turning innovation, performance and style showcased in exciting new concepts and 2013 lineup
TORONTO (February 14, 2013) - Honda Canada provided a glimpse into the future of driving at today's Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto with the unveiling of the Honda Urban SUV Concept and the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid ? two vehicles designed with innovative styling and engineered to offer specific solutions to the changing needs of drivers. "Whether it's for the track or a daily commute, Honda is a company always challenging ourselves to improve our products," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada. "The Urban SUV Concept and Accord Plug-In Hybrid are two more examples of Honda's drive to provide vehicles that make the lives of our customers better." The Honda Urban SUV Concept Perfect for Canadians with active lifestyles, Honda's Urban SUV Concept design provides the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small vehicle with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity. "We design vehicles to fit the lives of our customers and, for so many Canadians today, that means having something fun and agile for downtown driving combined with the space and comfort for any road trip to get away from it all," said Gardner. "With this Urban SUV Concept, we have the best of both worlds." At just 4300 mm long (about 230 mm shorter than the Honda CR-V), the Urban SUV Concept is the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and winding, open roads. It showcases clean and sophisticated styling, a strong stance and dynamic character lines and includes hidden rear door handles that give the SUV a coupe-like presence. When it joins the Honda lineup in 2014, the Urban SUV Concept will feature Honda's fuelefficient Earth Dreams? Technology powertrains and Honda's configurable Magic Seat® setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior. Priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup, the Urban SUV Concept will deliver a tremendous new value equation for Canadian consumers in the growing small-SUV segment.
RE: Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver
Magazine's 10 Best Cars Awards
Accord honoured for 27th time; Fit wins for seventh straight year
MARKHAM, ON (Dec. 5, 2012) Car and Driver magazine has named the all-new 2013 Honda Accord and the Honda Fit as winners of its prestigious and highly competitive annual '10Best Cars' award. Now in its ninth generation, the Accord has achieved '10Best Cars' status 27 times in the 31 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honoured with '10Best Cars' status in each of the seven years that it has been on sale in North America. "While Car and Driver is an American publication, and this prestigious award has been presented to our American counterparts, Canadian consumers still benefit from the opinions of such an influential publication," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Honda Canada Inc. "The Honda Accord and Fit embody Honda's core values of dependability, quality and reliability, all in fun to drive and fuel efficient packages." The Fit has been sold in North America since the 2007 model year and is manufactured in Sayama, Japan1. The Accord has been sold in North America since the 1976 model year.
Honda Car and Driver '10Best Cars' Award History
Honda Model "10Best Cars" Award Model Year
Accord: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988,1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983
Civic: 1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988
CRX: 1988, 1985
Fit: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Prelude: 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984
S2000: 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000
Announcing Honda's New 2013 Honda Civic
There are many reasons it's been Canada's best-selling car for 14 years running, and those reasons just keep multiplying. The 2013 Civic is the next evolution, with refined styling, that encompasses a host of safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements. This latest model arrives at Honda dealerships across Canada in the next few days, starting at $15,440 (MSRP).
The 2013 Civic Sedan's front end will feature a more upscale and premium styling, beginning with a new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent and a sportier, black honeycomb mesh grille, anchored by new integrated fog lights on upper trims. The grille is flanked by new, clear-lens corner lights to provide a more premium look. The 2013 Civic's more sculpted front end flows into a new, more deeply faceted hood, complemented by a collection of sharp new wheel designs. In the back, a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid are capped by a clean, horizontal chrome trim piece. The all-new design of the taillights now carries into the trunk face, providing a more finished and upscale look. The rear bumper features integrated reflector treatments and a new lower diffuser panel finished with a honeycomb mesh vent.
Click here to view Classic Honda's New 2013 Honda Civic Inventory
More New Features Just Announced
In addition to this more upscale and premium exterior styling, the 2013 Civic will also impress on the inside. Drivers of the 2013 Civic will enjoy all-new features like Text Message Function and a Multi-angle rearview camera. While you drive, the Civic's text message functionality lets you have text or email messages read out loud. You can even reply from a pre-set list of responses to keep the conversation going. With the Multi-angle rearview camera, the driver gets three different views behind the car: wide, normal and top-down. Put new features like this together with all the traditional safety, spaciousness and fuel efficiency this model is known for, and you'll see how the car you love is only getting better.
All-New 2013 Honda Accord w/ Premium & Sophisticated Exterior Styling
TORONTO (August 8, 2012) Honda today revealed the first images of the much anticipated all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe, set to go on sale this fall. The most sculpted Accord ever delivers an even more spacious and luxurious passenger cabin wrapped in an upscale, sophisticated exterior designed to stand the test of time. The 2013 Accord's styling is expressive, sophisticated and premium. Starting in the front, a bold new grille imparts a distinctive and dynamic tension that complements the powerful look of the hood's multiple styling lines. A strong side character line flows through the door handles and flares upward toward the rear of the vehicle to further convey a sense of motion. A deep contour in the rocker panel firmly grounds its visual presence to the road and smartly turns upward to convey a sporty attitude. In the back, the inward slope where the fenders taper into the trunk and C-pillars is designed to convey a powerful, athletic stance from the rear. True to the spirit of Honda and every Accord before it, the ninth-generation embraces a customer focus from the inside out. Smart interior packaging allows for increased passenger and cargo space in both the sedan and the coupe, while the overall exterior lengths are noticeably shortened, contributing to a sportier driving character and easier parking. An expansive greenhouse and generous rear seating area provide excellent levels of visibility and comfort for the driver and all passengers. "We are confident in the timeless design of the all-new Accord and feel it is the most sculpted and most dynamic Accord yet," said Dave Jamieson, assistant vice president, Honda Canada. "The exterior design of the new Accord evolved naturally from a focus on interior space and the needs of all passengers inside." On the road, an overall aerodynamic shape combined with low-drag exterior surfaces including nearly flush windshield glass, flush-mounted windshield wipers and careful under-body tailoring promise enhanced fuel efficiency. Premium details like available LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights hint at the sophisticated technology and luxury available inside.
Click here to view Classic Honda's 2013 New Honda Accord Inventory
The All New 2013 Honda CR-V
Honda has added "made in Canada" as another reason for buyers to choose the redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V, its popular compact SUV. As of January, the CR-V is assembled alongside the Civic, which has been manufactured in the Alliston, Ont., plant since it opened in 1986. As if it needed the extra incentive. Even when it was made overseas, the CR-V was one of the top-selling vehicles in its category. Credit a loyal customer base, a vehicle that usually ended up in the top spots for reliability and a conservative style. The 2012 CR-V doesn't stray far from its conservative roots in the exterior. While the design is fresh enough to visually distinguish it from past models, the overall message is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The grille is less cluttered and bolder. Perhaps the biggest difference is in the shape of the rear quarter panels. Instead of a soft, rounded end, the new CR-V has a sharper, more angular line. The interior has also benefited from a redesign. While everything is in pretty much the same place, the interior has been freshened up to add extra form to function. The most visible change is a smaller screen stacked on top of the audio/navigation screen. The i-MID (intelligent Multi-information Display in Honda-speak) incorporates a back-up camera, text messaging, clock, screen for music from an external device and more. If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, it will give turn-by-turn directions. The best part is a back-up camera that can display one of three views: normal, wide or top-down. The last position will be welcDisplay in Honda-speak) incorporates a back-up camera, text messaging, clock, screen for music from an external device and more. If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, it will give turn-by-turn directions. The best part is a back-up camera that can display one of three views: normal, wide or top-down. The last position will be welcomed by anybody matching up a trailer to the hitch without the benefit of an extra set of eyes. Just as convenient (for those with young ones) is a convex mirror that doubles as a sunglass holder that drops down from the roof console. There is a spacious centre storage area - complete with power, USB and aux-in plugs. All the electronics a person could need on a trip can be hidden out of sight below an accordion-type cover. Honda is well aware of North American comfort requirements, with two cupholders just behind (and below) the shifter and bottle holders in the front doors. The speedometer has become the centre of the green universe for CR-V drivers. Not only does it display average or instantaneous gas mileage, it is bracketed by illuminated arcs that turn green (from white) to inform the driver he or she is driving in a enviromentally friendly manner. Press the green "Econ" button and the CR-V will recalibrate the engine and transmission to enhance economy over power. The result is a 6.4-litre-per-100-kilometre rating on the highway for a front-wheel-drive model and 6.6 for the all-wheel-drive variant. The CR-V is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, producing a respectable 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque. The CR-V can be equipped as either a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration in the LX and EX models. AWD is standard in the upper two models. All CR-Vs are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and hill-start assist. Those who have been impressed by a vehicle's passenger volume and let down by limited storage will appreciate the CR-V's 1,054 litres of cargo volume. With the split 60/40 back seats down, it jumps to an impressive 2,007 litres. Honda has copied a page from folding minivan seats. Pull on a single handle in the cargo area and the back seat bottoms fold up against the back of the front seats, the rear headrests flop forward and the seat backs fold down into the cavity, for an almost-flat floor. Honda claims the cargo floor is the lowest in its class, which means easier loading and unloading. There is a compact spare under the floor, with room for a full-size wheel if necessary. The CR-V is available in four models. We drove the EX-L, one model under the top-of-the-line Touring. At $33,090, the equipment level was fairly substantial with satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, power leather seats and sunroof. With the improvements and vehicles sourced from Canada, Honda hopes it will find homes for 30,000 CR-Vs this year. It is a lofty goal, but an attainable one given the mainstream appeal the CR-V enjoys.
Click here to view Classic Honda's 2013 New Honda CR-V Inventory
New 2013 Honda Odyssey
Now in its fourth generation, Honda's Odyssey is going still strong. The popular-selling Japanese auto manufacturer's minivan, which is designed and built in North America, offers more utility and features than ever before.
Design:
Like the Toyota Sienna, the Odyssey also received a major overhaul for the 2011 model year. Making its exterior easily distinguishable from the last generation is the rear-tapered monovolume shape, aka the "lightning-bolt" belt line. After all, the Odyssey's exterior inspiration did come from an Italian turboprop aircraft. Not only does it look aerodynamic, it's pretty quick on its wheels, too. When it comes to the cabin, Honda significantly reduced the number of buttons on its centre stack making it intuitive and easy-to-operate. It is broken up into four zones. From the top of the stack is the display screen, then the climate controls, then the entertainment system and finally the multi-control area. I can't sing enough praises about the new layout. For some, it still might seem like a lot going on, but it is greatly improved from before and I'm quite happy with it. Getting in and out of the second and third row seats is fairly easy. Although the second-row seats don't fold flat, they can be taken out very easily. That's not necessarily ideal but at least it's an option. The third-row Magic Seat does fold flat effortlessly. All one has to do is pull the strap on the back of the seat and, voila, it folds down just like that. It can even be folded down with one hand.
Performance:
With the new and improved 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine under the hood, horsepower and torque have increased slightly from last year. Helping the Odyssey Touring accelerate up to speed is a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard transmission on all other Odyssey models is a five-speed automatic. Even with the increased horsepower and torque the Touring trim still yields excellent fuel economy results. This eight-passenger minivan uses an estimated 10.9L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway, and that isn't too shabby. That said, even with the impressive fuel results, the Odyssey still moves swiftly.
Driving/Utility:
In my previous experiences with the Odyssey, I had noted that the steering was a little too stiff for my taste. That's not the case anymore. Honda has created a steering system that feels flexible enough to manoeuvre around a parking lot at slow speeds with ease, but also stiff enough to maintain control at highway speeds with confidence. This was a very welcome improvement as it made my drive time so much more enjoyable. Furthermore, the front MacPherson strut and rear twist beam suspension added to the overall enjoyable experience. It also helps that the Odyssey is lower and wider than before, giving it a better grip on the road and more interior room. Where I think Honda has also hit the nail on the head is in the features department. Whether you opt for the base LX trim or the top-of-the-line Touring, there are plenty of standard and safety features to keep you and your passengers protected and entertained. I had the pleasure of driving the Touring model, which is not short of creature comforts. My favourite feature being the 16.2-inch, state-of-the-art, factory-integrated rear entertainment system with an ultra-wide display. Kids, or adults, can watch two different movies, or have one movie and a video game being played simultaneously. However, an additional external DVD player/gaming system is needed in order to view a second film or play video games. This system includes an HDMI port for attaching high-definition players and certain gaming consoles. Other functional features include a flip-up trash ring for easy disposal of used items and a total of fifteen cup holders. That's almost two beverages per occupant since the Touring model seats eight. On the safety front, each trim of Odyssey comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, advanced compatibility engineering body structure, tire pressure monitoring and more. Overall, the 2012 Honda Odyssey Touring is quite the minivan. Honda delivers a strong product and a great, practical and fuel-saving alternative to the SUV.
Click here to view Classic Honda's 2013 New Honda Odyssey Inventory
2012 Honda Pilot Touring
Where the Pilot shines is in its roomy and comfortable interior. Although step-in is high (an ideal height for child seat installation for me, at five-eleven, not so great for my wife at five feet), owing to its 4WD gear, the seats are accommodating, and despite being significantly shorter than many competitors (at 4,861 mm), it offers similar legroom (1,051mm up front, 978 in the second row and 815 in the third row). The boxy profile means also means functional cargo space, with 589 L with all seats up, 1,351 behind the second row, and 2,464 L with all seats folded. The seats are easy to fold and the second row slides forward to allow access to the third row. However, it's an adventure to get up, in and back to the third row, so consider a minivan like the Odyssey if you carry adults with mobility issues. The Pilot fares well in safety tests, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick and 4 Stars Overall in the NHTSA's tough new testing procedure, impressive for a vehicle whose structure dates back to 2009. Standard stability control, ABS with brakeforce distribution, dynamic head restraints for driver and front seat passenger, and front, side, and curtain airbags are some of the safety features that help it keep occupants safe in the event of a collision. In terms of expected reliability, Consumer Reports predicts better than average reliability for the Pilot, while JD Power's last quality survey ranked it about average, behind competitors like the Mazda CX-9, Dodge Durango, and Toyota Highlander. The Honda Pilot is a tool, both in good and not so good ways. It will get you and your large family to the cottage in comfort, even while towing up to 2,040 kg. Its utilitarian styling is plain to the point that some might find it dull and, although functional, its interior doesn't stand out in any way except for its disappointingly hard plastics. Pricing is within range of its major competitors, fuel consumption is reasonable, and its features are, for the most part, competitive, but it has little to elevate it above the crowd except for Honda's enduring reputation for quality and efficiency, which isn't as glowing as it used to be.
Click here to view Classic Honda's 2013 New Honda Pilot Inventory