The Grayline » Honda

Fuel Efficient Used Cars

Christopher — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:35:37 +0000

Now, more than ever, people are trying to save money by purchasing fuel efficient cars. Often the focus is on new cars, which offer high miles per gallon, but also come with a big price tag. The cost of technology to create lower emissions and high efficiency can create a daunting monthly payment, which voids the savings, unless driven for years to come. I suggest purchasing a good fuel efficient used car and below are my two suggestions.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus has proven itself to be a reliable small car. It's offered in several different styles, from 4 door to hatch back, but all provide gas savings. Usually equipped with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, these small cars are capable on the freeway, small enough for the city, yet provide enough cargo space for most daily needs.

A 2001 used Ford Focus can be found for as little as $6,000. What's even more important is that there were a lot of these cars manufactured, so there are plenty of options in the used car market, to find the Focus that's right for you. A used Ford Focus would be the perfect car for a 'work' car making a long commute or for quick trips in the city running errands.

Although not overly luxurious, a good used Ford Focus can be one of the best used cars on the market.

Honda Civic

My next suggestion would be to purchase a good used Honda Civic. I'd recommend the Civic for most of the same reasons as buying a used Focus. Fuel efficiency, reliability, and sheer numbers in the used car market. Although it can be a positive or negative, a Honda Civic will hold a higher resale value than the Ford Focus. This doesn't mean there aren't good deals to be found.

As of this posting I've found a listing for a 2000 used Honda Civic for just $6,000, albeit with a little over 120,000 miles. High miles shouldn't be a major deterrent when purchasing a used car, especially when looking at a reliable car like the Honda Civic. If well maintained it's not unheard of to push these cars past the 150k or 200k mile mark.

With the Honda Civic's proven reliability record and high resale value, I'd recommend a used Honda Civic to any used car buyer trying to save on transportation costs.

Original automotive content: Automotive News

Fuel Efficient Used Cars

Honda Scooters

Christopher — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:49:51 +0000

Scooters have been increasing in popularity for the past few years, in part due to the increase in gas prices, but also to the fact that new cars are outrageously priced. An inexpensive alternative is purchasing a 2-wheel transportation device. Honda has anticipated an increase in scooter sales this year, so they announced an early release of their 2011 PCX and Ruckus Scooters.

2011 Honda PCX

It's an every day driver, priced to compete, and built to last the abuse of a daily commute. The Honda PCX has also been described as a fun and stylish ride, that damn near resembles a crotch rocket. As far as scooters are concerned it's labeled a mid-size, with plenty of pep to compete with road real estate.

The 2011 Honda PCX features a 125cc engine, capable of delivering amazing fuel economy, without the sacrifice of power. The 2011 offers a programmed fuel injection, which offers tight throttle response at all speeds.

Only two colors are offered in the 2011 PCX, Pearl White and Candy Red. Both look good on the angular lines and pitch black accents.

2011 Honda Ruckus

Is it really too cool to know it's a scooter? Honda claims that the 2011 Ruckus is so cool it doesn't need any flashy body panels, it's stipped down business, rugged, and features some meaty tires.

The 2011 Ruckus features a 49cc engine, which may not sound like a lot, until you realize it has a curb weight of just 194 pounds. My guess is the drivers will weigh more than this little utility beast.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2011 Honda Ruckus.

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Original automotive content: Automotive News

Honda Scooters

Honda CR-Z Rumor

Christopher — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:19:04 +0000

The Honda rumor mill is at it again and this time it involves a hybrid, Type R attention, and enough hope to make it to reality. A lot of industry experts were caught swooning over the debut of the Honda CR-Z at the Detroit Auto Show, but now the possibility of a Type R pampered CR-Z has those same people picking their jaws up off the floor. A Honda hybrid sport coupe with a Type R badge, meaning ready for the twisty turns with power to spare.

The ones responsible for this Type R CR-Z rumor state that the standard CR-Z will be released with a 105 horsepower traditional motor and a 20 horsepower electric motor. Once wrapped in Type R badging the new CR-Z will be equipped with a 150 horsepower traditional motor and an even more potent 50 horsepower electric.

Of course we all know the details will be in the handling and other amenities. We can only stand around and hold our breath until Honda makes an official announcement. Until then, check out the Honda CR-Z pics below.

Original automotive content: Automotive News

Honda CR-Z Rumor

Most Reliable Car Is A Honda

Christopher — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:12:09 +0000

The 09 Honda Insight has made Consumer Reports most reliable new car of the year. Oddly enough the hybrid wasn't alone on the list, where 5 of the top 8 most reliable cars for 2009 were a hybrid.

It's good news for Honda and definitely something to brag about, except for Consumer Reports makes the statement that just because it's most reliable doesn't mean it's recommended. Specifically the Insight's underpowered demeanor was sighted as an example. Seems like a nod to Honda on what to work on to create the perfect hybrid, which can be recommended for purchase.

Lastly, I just feel like the string of hybrids being listed on the most reliable list is a bit suspicious. Granted, this is most reliable 'new' car, but where will these vehicles be 5 years from now. As a consumer that's what I'm most concerned with, longevity and total cost of ownership.

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Original automotive content: Automotive News

Most Reliable Car Is A Honda

Honda CRZ Concept Car Pics

Christopher — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:32:11 +0000

Honda was showing off their latest in go-kart technology at the Toyota Motor Show with the all new CRZ concept. Of course it's a hybrid and it's biggest selling points are efficiency, but Honda is touting it as a hybrid sport vehicle. Performance and enough efficiency to keep the hippies at bay?

As you can see from the CR-Z pictures below, it's a concept car still and I'm sure the glass ceiling w0n't make it to production. Honda claims that the new CR-Z will be available in the US market by late 2010. Will this be available to compete with Chevy's Volt?

Original automotive content: Automotive News

Honda CRZ Concept Car Pics

Honda V4 VFR1200 Motorcycle Leaked Photos

Christopher — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:53:45 +0000

If the idea of strapping a 4 cylinder motor between your legs sounds exciting, then keep your eyes on this all new Honda VFR1200 motorcycle. Reportedly in production and expected to be released in 2010, the Honda VFR1200 plans on revolutionizing the sport bike industry. According to Motorcycle News in the UK the photos below are reportedly of the finished production model.

Although the specifications are still under wraps, reportedly the 4 cylinder motorcycle engine will produce around 200 horsepower. To remain friends with green drivers 2 of the 4 cylinders will reportedly operate under normal load. The only time all 4 cylinders will kick in is when you are ready to launch. Sounds thrilling.

Original automotive content: Automotive News

Honda V4 VFR1200 Motorcycle Leaked Photos

2011 Honda Civic?

Christopher — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:20:07 +0000

Spy Photo

A picture has surfaced on the internet of a Japanese magazine with a concept picture of the 2011 Honda Civic. Although at this point it may just be a rumor, you can be the judge. For starters, I'm not sure sporty is the first word I think of when I see this tall squished Civic. The tuner boys and girls may feel differently.

2011 Honda Civic Spy Pic

2011 Honda Civic

At any rate, looks like Honda has plans to completely redesign the Civic. Whether or not the all new model will be a 2010 or 2011 Civic has yet to be officially announced. Please feel free to discuss your predictions in the automotive forum.

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Original automotive content: Automotive News

2011 Honda Civic?

Honda Fit As A Corner Carver?

Christopher — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:12:51 +0000

Boston.com is quickly becoming a popular source of great photo sets and slowly creeping up in world popularity in regards to news reporting. However, the latest article, about the 2009 Honda Fit has me perplexed. The reviewer focuses on the Fit's ability to handle a curvy highway, more suited to a super cars review platform.

Giving into the fact that the Fit has looks only a mother could love, since I wouldn't think 'Bug Like' is a positive remark, this brief review seems to give more life to the 09 Fit than deserved. It's articles exactly like this that make me question, who paid for this review, and what relationship does the author have to it's local Honda dealership?

I can't put any faith in such a review, no matter the trim the 09 Fit may be wearing. Furthermore, if the author was this impressed, how many vehicles has he actually driven on a perfectly curvy road with suspension worthy of such a review? Nevertheless, the review has been done, and has done little to convince me that the 09 Fit is anything more than a throwaway car.

Yeah, yeah, I can already hear the negative comments and horrid emails from people who love their reasonably priced Fit. Personally I think any throwaway car over the $10k mark is too much and the Fit tested was closer to the $20k price point. No, I have not and will not drive a Fit, I'm scared of tiny spaces with wheels and the idea of a gas tank in the front seems like a bad idea. Maybe really did want to start 09 boom, but I don't think this is what they had in mind.

Original automotive content: Automotive News

Honda Fit As A Corner Carver?

Would You Buy American To Save Jobs?

Brian — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:54:20 +0000

It is no secret for car buyers that right now, some of the best vehicles are not made by American companies. In fact, Honda and Toyota, and perhaps even Hyundai makes some of the best vehicles that the average consumer can buy. They last much longer than their American counterparts, they hold their value well, and are very enjoyable to drive. It is no small wonder that Toyota is now the biggest car company in the world.

It's also no secret that car companies in America are really struggling. And this could mean the loss of many millions of jobs if something isn't done about it. So I pose this question to you, would you buy American automobiles to save American jobs?

Personally, I don't think I would. That sounds harsh, but let me explain. Many foreign vehicles are actually made America. Did you know that? Down in the south, far from Detroit companies such as Toyota, build trucks and cars using American workers and American plants. So, is buying a foreign car actually destroying American jobs? Yes and no.

American jobs will be lost more because of poor management more so than from poor worker quality. Of course, part of the blame does fall on the American auto workers union's for being greedy all of these years, constantly wanting to get paid more even if they are producing less. The whole industry is very shortsighted and is now reaping the rewards of their shortsightedness.

If you really want to help the American car companies, buy the best car that fits your needs the best and don't worry about what company is. If you buy a high-quality vehicle that shows the other companies that they are going to have to produce high-quality vehicle to get your business. That is a lesson that every company needs to learn to succeed. If you really want to help the car companies and save American jobs in the long run, you should buy the best vehicle in your budget.

Original automotive content: Automotive News

Would You Buy American To Save Jobs?

09 Honda Fit

Christopher — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:46:38 +0000

For me, the Fit does not mean Go, but for a tiny hatch car I guess the 09 Honda Fit ranks higher than others. The Honda Fit becomes even more appealing when you look at the lateset numbers showing that Honda and Toyota are now the rulers of the US market, taking over 30% of the business with GM only at 20%.

As for the second generation 09 Honda Fit, it's got a few upgrades that would intice those sick of high gas prices. For example, the new 4 cylinder 1.5 litre engine now is capable of 117 horsepower, which hauls the shrunk mini-van to 60 in 9 seconds. Not something I'd want to pull out onto the interestate with, but hey anything to save gas money right now...right? The 09 Fit gets a reportedly 33 miles per gallon highway driving.

But let's not forget that the pice of larger SUVs and Trucks are dropping in price right now as well. The Sport model 09 Honda Fit comes in at $17,580 and that amount will buy you a lot more car and/or truck if you are willing to sacrifice a little gas mileage. So that's the main reason the Fit does not mean Go for me, but it looks like the perfect car for a girl getting ready to go to college.

09 Honda Fit

Original automotive content: Automotive News

09 Honda Fit