Wishing you a safe and happy new year!

The 2013 Honda Civic - "Things Can Always Be Better"

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"Elaine was a great salesperson. She handled our every need. She was friendly, knowlegable and very helpfull. I couldn't have ask for better treatment. I would recommend Serra Honda and specifically Elaine. She is an asset to this company and if I need another vehicle I will try to find her.

Thank you"

Merry Christmas from Serra Honda!

The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe

2013 Honda Accord Marks Export Milestone

A silver 2013 Honda Accord EX-L sedan became the 1 millionth Honda U.S. export vehicle on Tuesday.

The Ohio-built 2013 Accord is bound for Seoul, South Korea, where Honda recently began sales of its U.S.-made vehicles.

Within two years, Honda says it will export more vehicles built in its North American auto plants than it imports from Japan.

Honda began selling small motorcycles in the United States in the late 1950s and in 1970 imported its first "mass-market" car, the 600, a tiny, underpowered hatchback that failed to impress American buyers. But the Civic subcompact, introduced in 1973 around the time of the OPEC oil embargo, had a huge impact on economy-conscious buyers. And when the Accord was introduced to the U.S. market in 1976, the well-equipped hatchback quickly became a popular choice for American families.

Honda became one of the first Japanese automakers to produce cars in the United States. Today, it exports automobiles to 49 countries with total exports expected to reach nearly 100,000 Honda and Acura vehicles from the U.S. in 2012, the company said in a statement.

-Courtesy of Edmunds Inside Line

Monday Maintenance Tip: Save your floor with some mats

Hey fans, here's a quick tip on how to protect the interior of your car this season from the Reader's Digest: 

"Use floor mats to protect carpeting. The best type for controlling salt, slush, and mud in winter are rubber wafflestyle mats. They stay in place, don’t allow the water to seep through, and are easy to wash clean. Carpet-style mats are helpful, too. Shake, vacuum, or wash as needed; replace them as they wear through." 

Honda - the power of dreams.

Honda debuts the 2013 Honda Civic at Los Angeles Auto Show!

Honda worked fast to make improvements to the Civic after the 2012 model was slammed by critics. The automaker introduced the completely redesigned Civic sedan for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Civic comes with all-new front and rear exterior styling along with upgrades to the interior. It is equipped with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque. The debut took place during the automaker's press conference on the second media day of the auto show on Nov. 29.

"Honda, the most trusted brand in America," said John Mendel, executive vice president of auto sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "There's probably no stronger statement about the Honda brand. Even as hyper-competitive market pressures some manufacturers to find interesting ways to stand out, Honda remains committed to the values that helped us earn that unprecedented reputation. The Honda brand is on a serious roll with our best sales performance since 2008. Year to date, American Honda Motor sales are up 22 percent with sales of both Accord and Civic up more than 35 percent."

The 2013 Civic comes with a new grille, a more sculpted hood and a new open-mouth front bumper design. Other new additions include new wheels, rear styling, a new bumper and a spoiler. The automaker says the cabin is much more quieter than with the previous model. The 2013 Civic will come with standard rearview cameras, with or without navigation. It has a combined fuel economy rating of 39 mpg.

Production of the Civic Hybrid will move to Honda's manufacturing plant in Indiana in January. All hybrid models will come with standard forward collision warnings and lane-departure warnings. The new Civics will be priced at $160 more than the previous models.

"A significant refresh of today's best-selling compact car," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Just one model year after its debut as an all-new model. The current Civic is a very good car and the response from our customers proves it. But this 2013 Civic is simply a great vehicle. We made a number of improvements with the critical focus on more emotional styling inside and out, creating a more sporty and dynamic driving experience."

Mendel announced the Honda Accord plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, which will go on sale in Jan. 2013 after its reveal at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It will have a fuel economy rating of 115 MPGe (equivalent). The Accord plug-in will start at $39,780, about $600 more than the 2013 Chevrolet Volt.

"For those of you quickly trying to do the math, I'll do it for you," the executive vice president of auto sales explained. "The Accord plug-in will have the highest EPA fuel economy of any plug-in hybrid vehicle period. It will also become the first production car in America to meet the more stringent SULEV20 emission standards qualifying it for HOV lane access right here in California where it goes on sale here and in New York on Jan. 15."

I think the 2013 Honda Civic will be a hot seller. It looks much more sportier than the previous model.

Courtesy of AmericaJr.com 

Monday maintenance tip for your winter wipers!

Here's a winter maintenance tip from kiplinger.com:

"Fog, snow and rain will cut down your visibility in winter.
Check your wiper blades, which have a lifespan of about a year. If your car doesn't have the newer "beam blade" style wipers, consider a pair, especially for the winter months. The beam style blades don't have an external spring to freeze up.
When snow or other freezing precipitation threaten, make sure you turn off the wipers when you park so that the next time you turn on your car, the wiper motor's not fighting to get frozen wipers moving. This can burn out the motor.
Some folks pop their wipers up so they're not touching the windshield. This little trick will make it easier to scrape your windshield. Some folks believe this wears out the spring that keeps the blade on the glass. And some folks think it's an affectation. We'll leave it to you."

Honda opens advanced design studio in L.A.

Honda Motor Co. opened an advanced design studio in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday to develop Honda and Acura cars a well as mobility concepts.

Honda said the new studio, Honda's third in the Los Angeles area, will take over advanced design activities previously performed at a studio in Pasadena and take an expanded role in Honda R&D's global design activities.

"This new facility in the heart of Los Angeles' very progressive and high-energy fashion, arts and cultural scene is a great place for designers to be able to think about the challenge of future design," said David Marek, division director of auto design for Honda R&D Americas.

"In addition to styling, we'll be looking at changing consumer lifestyles and attitudes," he said.

In addition to the new downtown studio, Honda R&D Americas has two Torrance-based studios, the Honda Design Studio and Acura Design Studio, which are responsible for the styling of Honda and Acura models.

Some of the Honda concepts shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show were conceived by the advanced design group in Pasadena: the REMIX small sport concept, the three-seat FC Sport hydrogen sports car, and the Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport city coupe concept.

Courtesy of The Detroit News

The holidays are upon us! Do you know what makes a great gift?

A surprise oil change for the Honda lover in your life! Click here to schedule their service appointment.

All-new front and rear styling and a host of high-tech features mark the debut of the 2013 Civic.

The 2013 Crosstour. It's designed to meet your every need.

What a great way to start the week! Kudos team!

5-star review from DealerRater:

"I got the car I wanted at a great price! The staff was knowledgeable of the cars and were able to help me get the car that was best for my family!"

Serra Honda would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving weekend!

2013 Honda Crosstour Now Offers Class-Leading Fuel Efficiency, More V-6 Power, Refined Styling, Enhanced Visibility and New Lower Base Price

The 2013 Honda Crosstour goes on sale November 20, 2012, with pricing beginning at $27,230 – a starting MSRP $525 lower than in 2012. Receiving extensive updates, the 2013 Honda Crosstour introduces more purposeful exterior styling, significant upgrades to the interior design and materials, and a more powerful, fuel-efficient Earth Dreams™ V-6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. The rugged new styling, teamed with class-leading fuel-efficiency and a lower MSRP on the base four-cylinder model make the 2013 Honda Crosstour the smartest choice in a premium mid-size crossover.

Standard equipment on all Crosstour models includes a rearview camera with guidelines, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™, USB/iPod® connection, fog lights, one-touch turn signals and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror. The front-wheel-drive Crosstour offers two trim levels (EX, EX-L) available with four-cylinder or V-6 powertrains, with Real Time™ 4WD available on the EX-L V-6 model. Rich new exterior colors for 2013 include Kona Coffee Metallic and Mountain Air Metallic.

The 2013 Crosstour is one of the first Honda models available with the new keyless Smart Entry with Push Button start. The 2013 Crosstour also features Honda's LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror to provide an enhanced rearward view of the passenger-side roadway. Other standard visibility-enhancing features include the rearview camera and new re-shaped rear headrests.

The 2013 Honda Crosstour also receives enhancements on the safety front including available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). Other safety upgrades to the 2013 Crosstour are designed to help it earn top IIHS roof-crush safety scores, as well as a 5-Star NCAP rating.

Summary of Changes

• More rugged and premium exterior styling
• Upgraded interior design and materials
• More powerful available Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter V-6 engine
• Class-leading EPA-estimated fuel economy – up to an estimated 31 mpg² highway
• Standard visibility enhancements including rearview camera, re-shaped rear headrests and Expanded View Driver's Mirror
• Available 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters (V-6)
• Available Honda LaneWatch™ blind-spot display
• Available HondaLink™ featuring Aha™ compatibility
• Available Smart Entry with Push Button start
• Available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• New Kona Coffee Metallic and Mountain Air Metallic exterior colors

Powertrain
The two different four-cylinder Crosstour models, the 2-wheel-drive EX and EX-L, are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine. The four-cylinder models significantly broaden the Crosstour's appeal through a lower price point and EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The 4-cylinder engine produces 192 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. A technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

The new available Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine utilizes Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to maximize efficiency, allowing the engine to run on 3 or 6 cylinders, depending on engine load and speed. For 2013, power output climbs to 278 horsepower at 6200 rpm, a 7-hp gain over the 2012 Crosstour V-6. Peak torque output is now 252 lb-ft. at 4900 rpm with a much wider torque spread. The net result is a more responsive engine across the rev range that drivers use every day, combined with better peak power for quick acceleration, passing, and climbing grades. The Crosstour V-6's new 6-speed automatic transmission also includes new steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Fuel efficiency for the V-6 is also significantly improved, with it now achieving an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating¹ of 20/29/23 mpg on Crosstour 2WD models and 18/28/22 mpg¹ for the Crosstour EX-L with Real Time™ 4WD. Compared to the 2WD 2012 Crosstour V-6, this represents a 2 mpg improvement in city/highway/combined fuel economy.

Body
Since its debut as a 2010 model, the Honda Crosstour has created its own unique crossover SUV identity with a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient style. This continues for 2013 with a newly refreshed exterior that provides a more rugged, active, and premium look, while still concealing an accommodating rear cargo area with a large tailgate. An under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds even more functionality, while reversible floor panels accommodate messy cargo.

Standard exterior features on Crosstour EX include chrome door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels and P225/65R-17 all-season tires. Additional exterior features on the Crosstour EX include auto-on/off projector-beam headlights, a one-touch power moonroof with tilt, body-colored folding power side mirrors with defrost, auto-up/down driver's and front passenger's windows, and rear privacy glass. The top-of-the-line Crosstour EX-L V-6 model adds 18-inch alloy wheels with P225/60R-18 all-season tires.

Chassis
The Crosstour has inspired handling, thanks to its double-wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and front strut tower bar. All Crosstour models include power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes. For true utility-vehicle capability, the Crosstour provides 6.2 inches of maximum ground clearance in addition to the available Real Time™ 4WD system.

Interior
Premium interior styling, appointments and details extend throughout the Crosstour's versatile passenger compartment, which is further improved for 2013 with upgraded interior design and materials. Inside the Crosstour EX are automatic air conditioning with an air-filtration system (dual-zone automatic climate control on EX-L V-6), a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, Bluetooth™ HandsFreeLink®, a USB audio interface, steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, an auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and more.

Crosstour EX-L models add leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, memory driver's seat and memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, Kevlar® cone audio speakers, front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, HondaLink™ with Aha™ compatibility, Pandora® Internet radio compatibility, XM® Radio, compass and outside temperature indicator (also included on EX V-6), and more. The EX-L V-6 model also adds a HomeLink™ transmitter.

The Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System² is available on Crosstour EX-L models, and all EX-L and above Crosstour models feature an upgraded multi-view rearview camera with guidance lines integrated into the display. Real Time™ 4WD is available on the Crosstour EX-L V-6.

Safety
Crosstour safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment on the Crosstour includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, and active front seat head restraints.

Standard on Crosstour EX-L models is Honda's new Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. FCW can alert the driver when a potential collision with another vehicle ahead is detected, where LDW can alert the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use.

A series of visibility enhancements on the 2013 Crosstour can improve safety by increasing the driver's awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles that are around the Crosstour. Standard on all Crosstour models, save the four-cylinder EX, is Honda's exclusive new LaneWatch blind spot camera. Other improvements on all Crosstour models include reshaped rear headrests that enhance rearward visibility, a standard rearview camera, and a new Expanded View Driver's Mirror.

Manufacturing
The Crosstour is produced³ at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in East Liberty, Ohio. At its introduction, the Crosstour was named one of the "Top 10 Family Cars" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Consumer Guide then added "Recommended Buy" honors to the Crosstour.

Warranty
The 2013 Honda Crosstour is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

¹ Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

² Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

³ Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.Third-party trademark: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

Courtesy of Honda

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Kudos team!

Customer review:

"The customer service was AMAZING as always!!!! It's good to walk into a place where everyone is smiling and actually enjoying their job! Kudos!"

Nancy thanks Honda for helping her son Steven get a great deal on his Pilot during Happy Honda Days.

Get a great deal on the 2012 Honda Civic.

Smile it's Friday!

Smile it's Friday!

Alabama International Auto Show kicks off today in Birmingham

The Alabama International Auto Show runs today through Sunday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

The event will feature 2013 model year cars, trucks, SUVs and hybrid vehicles. More than 400 will be on display.

New features this year include a "Made in Alabama" area, with vehicles produced at state auto plants operated by Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai. Engines made at Huntsville's Toyota plant also will be a part of the display.

Nearly every manufacturer is represented with 2013 models, including some prototypes and hard-to-find models, said Jennifer Whisenant, executive director the Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association.

For example, the redesigned Toyota Avalon will be on display. Just a handful of the cars have been delivered to dealers in the Southeast so far, Whisenant said.

The show also is bringing back a ride-and-drive event, this year featuring the 2013 Honda Accord.

There also will be a Family Fun Zone and McWane Science Center activities.

The show opens today at noon and runs until 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 to 11. Admission is free for children 5 and under.

Courtesy of blog.al.com

Congratulations to our iPad winner Deborah!

2013 Honda N-One arrives in Japanese dealerships

The 2013 Honda N-One has arrived at Japanese dealerships with sales starting at 1,150,000 yen for the base model and is equivalent to the U.S., about $14,362. The cute car is powered by a 1.3-liter DOHC turbo 3-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity reaches 660cc, complete with a high-performance turbocharger.

Japanese automakers say, the 1.3-liter engine will be paired with optimally-tuned CVT and available two drive options include all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configuration. As a result, the 2013 Honda N-One is claimed to offer a more smooth driving experience with excellent fuel consumption, which is rated at 27.0km/liter.

In addition, the new 2013 Honda N-One is also equipped with several safety features which include Emergency Stop Signal system (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), side curtain airbag system and Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body.

According to Honda, the new model has several key features such as a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to four adults. Complete with three additional key features that offer a more comfortable driving experience includes an exclusive suspension, lightweight and highly rigid body.

The 2013 Honda N-One is a new type of vehicle built by Honda engineers with a passion principle specifically intended for a new era in Japan, according to Japanese automakers. The new model is offered in Japan with 11 exterior color options, complete with 2-tone color style

Courtesy of thecardriving.com

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5-star review from DealerRater:

"I have used 2 other Honda dealerships in the area in the past, and have to say I was very pleased with my overall experience here with the forthrightness of the salesman, James Otieno, and the well organized approach by the dealership overall. The sales consultant James was knowledgable and professional without being pushy or overbearing and made the overall transaction a pleasure. I particularly liked the straight approach I received at this dealership with no hassling or pushiness and thought the price I paid was pretty fair with excellent service.
I did not think I received this kind of treatment at the other local Honda dealers, and would definitely recommend and use this dealership again in the future for my car purchases."

Fans! We are having a Civic Clearance Event! Stop by today, your new car is waiting for you.

http://bit.ly/WfI7yb

Serra Honda wishes you a safe and happy Halloween!

401-HP 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Among Three Accords at Honda’s SEMA Display

The limited-edition 2013 Honda Accord Coupe with the HFP package (Honda Factory Performance) has been revealed at the 2012 SEMA show alongside a 2013 Accord Coupe tuned by Bisimoto Engineering and the DSO Eyewear/MAD Industries 2013 Accord sedan. View our comprehensive gallery of all three 2013 Honda Accords debuting at the 2012 SEMA show in the gallery at the bottom of this post.

The HFP package for the 2013 Accord Coupe features a bodykit with front, side, and rear pieces and deck lid spoiler, a sport suspension that lowers the midsize coupe 0.6 inches, 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as badges on the trunk lid and front fenders. Inside, HFP floor mats and red interior lighting complete the package. Only 500 examples of the $4650 HFP package (price excludes installation) will be available for the 2013 Accord Coupe next spring.

Bisimoto Engineering 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Grand Touring

Bisimoto Engineering has boosted the output of the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe’s V-6 engine from 278 hp to 401 hp with a Nitrous Express (NX) nitrous oxide kit and Bisimoto cat-back exhaust system with Burns Stainless mufflers. The coupe’s suspension has been updated with new coil springs and sway bars while a roll cage has been added to stiffen the chassis. Buddy Club supplies new brake calipers and rotors as well as 19×9.5-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40/19-inch rubber.

The exterior of the Accord Grand Touring concept was designed by Denmatic and features a Gatorwrap exterior body wrap that covers the HFP bodykit. Inside, occupants sit in Bisimotwerks GT3 racing seats.

Here is the full list of modifications to the Bisimoto Engineering 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Grand Touring:

Powertrain Modifications:

• Nitrous Express (NX) wet shot chemical supercharger system
• NGK Iridium spark plugs
• PurOl “Elite Series” Synthetic Motor Oils
• Bisimoto Cat-back exhaust system
• Burns Stainless mufflers
• Bisimoto 360 degree Oil Cap

Chassis/Suspension Modifications:

• JNF Chromoly roll cage
• Progress coil suspension and sway bar
• Buddy Club: P1 Racing II Plus 19×9.5 aluminum wheels, P1 Racing lug nuts, Racing Spec Monoblock Calipers, Racing Spec Brake Rotors
• Falken Azenis FK453 245/40ZR-19 tires

Exterior Modifications:

• Gatorwrap custom laminated body wrap
• Bisimoto: Accord GT Decal Pack kit, Accord GT Ghost Emblem Kit
• Denmatic design scheme
• HFP body kit side skirts, rear and front fascia kit
• Carbon Creations GT Concept 2 Wing

Interior Modifications:

• Bisimotowerks: GT3 racing seats, Leather wrapped and hand stitched roll cage, reservoir socks
• G&J braided lines

2013 Honda Accord Sedan by DSO Eyewear/MAD Industries

DSO Eyewear and MAD Industries created this 2013 Honda Accord EX sedan, which is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a CVT. An Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs reduce the Accord sedan’s ride height by 1.0 inch in front and 1.5 inches in the rear while the dual exhaust from a 2013 Accord Sport enhances engine breathing. The Accord sits on 20×8.5-inch Mallory alloy wheels with a matte black finish from TSW Wheels wrapped in 255/35/20 tires

The exterior wears White Orchid Pearl paint with a Matte Blue Metallic wrap from 3M and a Honda X-Package body kit. Inside, Katzkin Leather covers new seating surfaces, door trim, the pillars, and the headliner. Matching 3M wrap also covers select interior pieces. Lightning Audio amplifiers and speakers enhance the Accord’s sound system.

Here is the full list of modifications to the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan by DSO Eyewear/MAD Industries:

Genuine Honda Accessories:

• X-Package body kit
• LED illuminated stainless door sill trim

Powertrain Modifications:

• K&N air filter
• AMSOIL dominator motor oils
• Odyssey extreme battery
• Dual Exhaust System from 2013 Accord Sport model

Chassis Modifications:

• Eibach Pro-Kit Performance Springs 1.0-inch front/1.5-inch rear
• MGP: custom satin black caliper covers

Wheel & Tires:

• Falken AZENIS FK 453 255/35ZR20 tires
• TSW Wheels: Mallory Alloys Matte Black Wheels 20″x 8.5″

Exterior Modifications:

• 3M 1080 Scotchprint Wrap Film: Matte Blue Metallic Personalized Vehicle Graphics
• Sticky Fingers Design: installed the Matte Scotchprint wrap
• BASF RM Onyx HD waterborne: DC5800 Clear coat
• PIAA: Extreme White Bulbs, fog lamp

Interior Modifications:

• Katzkin Leather Interiors: Midnight Tuscany Leather with Raven Black Perforated Suedezkin inserts appointed with Cream Bone Accent Suedezkin seat insert with matching contrast stitching; Bone Suedezkin with Tuscany accents in door panels inserts; Headliner, pillars, package tray covered in Bone and Raven Black Suedezkin
• 3M Wraps Interior Parts: Exterior matching 3M Scotchprint Wrap Film on trim pieces.
• Lighting Audio: LA-4100 4 Channel Amplifier (800-watt), LA-1654 series full-range separates, LA-400 mono amplifier (400-Watt), LA-S410 10″ Shallow Sub Woofers, Premium Speaker wire.
• LED Dome Light Bulbs

Miscellaneous Modifications:

• SRP Racing pedals: Billet aluminium anodized racing pedals
• Escort Inside: 9500IX Radar-Laser-Safety Camera- Detector
• Coverking: Stain Stretch custom interior car cover
• Signature Wheel and Tire: Provided mounting and balancing
• Enfotrace: GPS Tracking System keeps tabs of the location in real-time online via interactive tracking system
• Mothers: Polishes – Waxes – Cleaners

Courtesy of  motortrend.com

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Kudos team!

3 positive reviews from Google + Local:

Review 1

"Everytime I go to Serra Honda the service is exceptional. I went to Brannon one time for service because I didn't feel like making the drive to Ensley, but never again will I do that. I paid double at Brannon what I did at Serra for the exact same service. Serra's associates make you feel like they have known you all of your life from the time you enter until the time you leave. Serra Honda really knows what customer service is all about because they display it time and time again. Alexis T."

Review 2

"Well I've been here 3 or 4 times for basic maintenance and each time the service has been great. The service writers are nicer than most competitors and speed of service is fast. I haven't bought a car lately from anyone but the next time I'm in the market I'll definitely stop by Serra Honda. AD"

Review 3

"Drove into the service department with my 2010 Odyssey for an oil change and replacing the cabin and engine air filters, drove out in a 2012 Odyssey. Totally unexpected. I could not ignore their offer. Outstanding customer service and willingness to negotiate. This was my second purchase at Serra Honda."

Thank you for your feedback. Enjoy your CR-V!

4.8 star review from DealerRater:

"We were in the market for a new CRV. We chose Serra Honda because they were the first dealership to contact us in regards to our interest in a new vehicle. We knew exactly what we wanted in regards to how the CRV would have to be equipped for us to consider it. We were pleased with the amount of time it took from start to finish. My wife is very pleased with her new car, especially the electronics. I would certainly recommend Serra Honda if you are in the market for a new car.

Paul C"

Honda Beat Confirmed for Production

Honda President Takanobu Ito has confirmed that a new-generation Beat model will be heading to production, bringing back the automaker’s mini-sports car from 20 years ago.

 

Rumors and speculation of the Honda Beat revival began last year, and when the Japanese automaker displayed its EV-STER Concept, giving us a glimpse into its design. It’s the car that excites Honda President Ito the most and recently mentioned how his interest in the Beat came when development of the new NSX began.

“When the Beat was being built, I was on the development team to work on the NSX sports car and sports cars are something I really love,” Ito said. “I was kind of envious of the little cute sports car.”

Last year Honda confirmed that the EV-STER was heading to production, and now it appears that the production Beat model will be based on the EV-STER. The question is whether or not it’ll be a true sports car to take on the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ, or if it’ll be an electric vehicle. Or perhaps, given its rumored Fit underpinnings, the new Beat will be available with a choice of electric or gasoline propulsion.

Courtesy of autoguide.com

From Start to Finish - How Accords are Built

ASIMO recently opened up the doors of its home to its favorite IndyCar driver, Josef Newgarden.

How to survive a crisis stop and avoid an accident with an antilock brake system (ABS)

Crisis Stop With ABS If your car has ABS and you face a road-blocking emergency, here's what you do:

• Stomp the brake pedal to the floor. Kick it as if you're trying to snap it off.
• Stay hard on the pedal until the car comes to a complete stop. Hold the brake pedal to the floor as if you were pinning the head of an angry rattlesnake.

Practice before the actual emergency: Find a dead-end street or an empty parking lot. Start at a low speed, say, 25 mph. Stomp and Stay. The first time, you will almost certainly not push the brake hard enough, nor will you stay on the pedal until the car comes to a complete stop. The complete stop is important. Do it again at higher speeds. Ignore bad noises. Other than slightly accelerated brake and tire wear, you're not hurting the car.

Accident Avoidance Maneuvers Using ABS There's a third "S" that goes with ABS's "Stomp and Stay." It's Steer (around the obstacle). One of the great benefits of ABS is that it allows you to steer even while pushing hard on the brake. In radically oversimplified terms, it transfers a little bit of the tire's braking power into turning potential.

But a little bit of steering goes a very long way, and many drivers way overdo this part. Numerous students turn the wheel completely in one direction. The problem is that the instant the driver releases the brake pedal, the front tires are relieved of their braking duties and have 100 percent cornering power available, which sends the car into oncoming traffic or off the road.

Here's your parking lot practice mission: Set up a row of water-filled plastic soda bottles perpendicular to your path. If you have ABS, stomp the pedal to the floor, stay hard on the pedal and try to steer around them. It's simple and fun as well.

Courtesy of Edmunds

Image courtesy of mpi.mb.ca

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Cars Gone Wild in Paris-Honda EV-Ster

Word on the floor of the 2012 Paris Motor Show is that Honda's EV-Ster open-top electric sports car will see production possibly as soon as 2014. To maximize the 10-kWh electric powertrain, Honda is working carbon materials into the EV-Ster to make it lighter, helping it carry a range of 100 miles per charge. However, the EV-Ster is no speed demon in its current form, with a top speed of 100 mph and a zero-to-40 mph of five seconds.

Courtesy of MSN Autos

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Five star review from DealerRater:

The whole experience with Serra Honda was very satisfying. I was expecting to get a lot of rigamarole from sales staff but was totally shocked that I was not pressured into any situation as far as what I wanted and down payment plus trade. Initially I visited the location with a negative feeling due to previous experiences with other dealerships and was surprised of the customer service and effort that James and other staff members had taken to get me into a later modem vehicle that I am very pleased with and not pressure me into biting off more than I can chew. I would highly recommend Serra Honda to all of my friends and associates from this day forward. Also, I was very pleased with the amount of time it had taken for the transaction to complete. All previous dealerships I've visited would have taken all day plus more. This transaction only took a short amount of time. I went to the dealership with a negative feeling while looking for a Honda Accord but left feeling very positive with my Mazda CX-7.

Introducing the all-new 2013 Honda Accord. You'll be as proud driving it, as Honda was in making it.

That new car smell is just a click away.

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5-star review from DealerRater:

"This is the first time that I have had the experience buying a new car and Serra Honda greatly exceeded my expectations. As someone who does not work in the sales industry it is very difficult for me to negotiate the sale of an item that does not have a fixed price as do most of the products that I purchase. James Otieno was extremely patient with me and my wife as we came in with very strict expectations of what we wanted as well as a strict budget. James was able to negotiate with his administrators to find a deal that both fit what we wanted and worked for the dealership as well. He could have easily gotten frustrated with us (and may have but did not let it known) and I was very impressed with him personally and his interpersonal communication skills. He has the character of a leader and can obviously diffuse difficult situations. I have had 10 years of post high-school training in the most competitive academic environment that exists in this country so I have seen many through the years without hard work and dedication to make it in the work force. I encourage James to continue with the way he treated me and the leadership above him to recognize his talent as his ceiling has no limit.

Regarding the vehicle: We could not be happier. The safety of my family means more to me than anything that money can buy. Sadly, I do not have unlimited resources but Serra allowed me to buy the safest vehicle on the road (honda odyssey) at an excellent price. My wife is ecstatic, my children are safe, and we were not broken financially in the process. Thank you Serra Honda. I will recommend your services often to my colleagues and friends."

Thank you for this enthusiastic review!

Customer review:

"The hospitality and customer care is beyond what I originally expected. I actually drive the extra distance because I prefer the staff at Serra."

The Accord has a pretty massive trophy case. But the engineer's didn't rest on their laurels—they've managed to make this one even better.

A Peek at 2014: Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid

 

The usual order of things in the auto industry dictates that conventional, high-volume cars come first and niche products like hybrids come a distant second if they come at all.

Honda is bucking the trend by preparing to roll out a plug-in-hybrid version of its redesigned Accord sedan early next year, just a few months after the bread-and-butter gasoline-powered model goes on sale. A standard hybrid will follow next summer. The moves reflect the growing importance of hybrids in the U.S. market — and Honda’s desire to trump the Prius hybrids built by its nemesis Toyota Motors Corp.

Driver’s Seat took a test-drive in a pre-production Accord plug-in this week.

I have yet to drive the regular Accord, so the plug-in was my first experience with the redesigned model. Because the car ran for just over 12 miles on electric power alone, I had an opportunity to test its “NVH,” which is autospeak for noise, vibration and harshness. These are all bad things in the car business — some of which have plagued Honda for years.

Noise from mechanical systems, wind and tires is a common complaint from Honda drivers. Compared with the top-selling Toyota Camry, the Accord has always been a bit buzzy. It drives some motorists to distraction — and, presumably, to other brands.

What stood out with the plug-in was its near-silent running in local driving and on the highway. Even without the engine masking other sounds, I didn’t notice the usual racket from wind or tires. Indeed, the car was so quiet that the engine caused a major disturbance when it kicked in. This suggests other versions will also be quieter than before.

Still, compared with other hybrids, plug-in or not, the Accord felt smoother and more solid, with the overall feel of a more-expensive car. Most of my drives were fairly short and didn’t require much use of the gasoline engines, which also kicks in for heavy acceleration. So my fuel economy was well over 100 miles per gallon for every outing.

Honda’s new hybrid system

This Accord plug-in could be a breakthrough among non-Prius hybrids. Honda has not released a price yet, but if it isn’t too steep the plug-in could convince many drivers to take the leap into hybrids.

Source: WSJ

 

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Introducing the more advanced, more sophisticated all-new 2013 Honda Accord.

The Honda Odyssey has the best resale value in its class according to KBB.com.

All this AND a 5 Star Safety Rating too!

Fans! Did you know the Honda Accord has been around for 30 years?

Courtesy of Motortrend.com

Today we remember 9/11. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event.

Get to know the man who holds the fate of one of Honda's most significant vehicles in his hands.

2013 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe/2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid

Honda has gone Rocky IV. Both that film’s protagonist and the Accord received a bloody reality check from newcomers—Rocky by Dolph Lundgren’s Soviet he-man, and Honda by the Passat and Sonata, among others—and went off to retrain in extreme climates. The Honda sedan probably didn’t pull carts of firewood, but like Rocky, the ninth-generation Accord returns to the ring leaner, more efficient, and more powerful.

Sharp New Look

A glance at the new Accord could lead one to think that Honda has executed yet another conservative redesign. That wouldn’t be a good thing: The outgoing Accord managed a paradoxical look of both blandness and over-stylization. Allow your eyes to linger, though, and you can see that major cosmetic work has been performed.

The new Accord’s nose is more rounded and more aggressive than before, with sculpted lines in the hood and a chrome-ier grille lending an upscale look. If you’re a hard-core Honda disciple, you may even pick out a resemblance to a few older European- and Japanese-market Accords. As for the side and rear of the car, you may as well set up a Bingo board for similarities to other vehicles. We see Hyundai Genesis sedan in the taillights and BMW 3-series in the side profile, but you’ll have no shortage of comparisons.

The end result—at least in photos—is an exterior that’s stylish and sophisticated, where the outgoing Accord was a commoditized brick.

It’s a no-debate improvement inside the new car, though. The dripping glob of buttons that was the last Accord’s center stack is gone, replaced by a stylish and apparently user-friendlier setup. A new touch-screen audio system sits at eye level, with a mezzanine of controls below for the standard dual-zone climate control. Lowest on the stack sits a rotary knob for the optional navigation system.

There are plenty of parts either carried over or just designed with the same ol’ Honda style, like the glove-box door that could be straight from a 2004 Accord or a swage of pewter-colored plastic that stars in every Acura. These don’t take away from the fact that this is a modern, simpler-looking, and frankly more attractive interior than before.

Engines, Transmissions, and Weight Loss

Most Accords will be powered by a new four-cylinder engine, replete with its own unmarketable marketing name meant to emphasize efficiency. Honda calls it EarthDreams—even-more wishy-washy than Mazda’s Skyactiv line of engine and chassis tech—and we’ll call it a direct-injected 2.4-liter inline-four. In standard tune, it makes 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, topping the outgoing Accord’s base engine by 8 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque. As it did with the last Accord, Honda again will offer a version of the four-cylinder sedan with a bit more power: The new Accord Sport’s 2.4-liter four uses a higher-flow exhaust system to score a rating of 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque.

With the four-cylinder engine, shoppers can choose from a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual, both of which Honda says are more efficient than the old car’s five-speed automatic and stick-shift transmissions. The company’s provisional EPA ratings put the CVT-equipped sedan at 27 mpg city and 36 highway.

Honda still will offer a V-6 in the Accord, which the brand says has been significantly upgraded from past iterations. It’s rated at 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, which is a slight increase in power from last year while losing a couple of pound-feet in peak twist, but low-end torque has been improved. In the sedan, this engine is offered only with a six-speed automatic gearbox—with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters—and Honda is expecting a 21 mpg city/34 highway rating from the EPA. A six-speed manual will be available with the V-6 in the coupe.

On balance—or on a balance scale—the new Accord is said to weigh about the same as the last generation. Honda claims it has cut 24 pounds from the previous stick-shifted four-cylinder sedan, but adds two on the coupe. That means that the new car is a little more dense, as it’s shrunk by 3.5 inches in overall length, 0.4 inch in height, and 0.9 inch between the wheels. Despite the decrease in overall dimensions, rear-seat occupants receive an extra 1.3 inches in legroom, and better use of interior space adds 0.3 inch to rear-seat headroom and ups shoulder room for all passengers.

Trim Levels and Features

Be careful here if you’re prone to dizzy spells. Honda has a total of seven trim levels between the Accord sedan and coupe, and they’re mostly just confusing alphanumeric titles. At the bottom of the lineup sit the LX sedan and LX-S coupe. The sedan adds a Sport trim above that before rejoining the coupe in EX land. From there, shoppers can upgrade to a leather-lined EX-L. The V-6 is offered in the coupe only as the EX-L, while sedan buyers can get an EX-L V-6 or, above that, a Touring.

Fortunately, the list of standard equipment is so ample that customers may not need to wade into the confusing world of Xs and hyphens to get the features they want. Dual-zone climate control is included on every Accord, as are a touch screen audio system with Pandora radio and Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, automatic headlights, and active noise canceling. Most of this stuff is offered only on competitive sedans as high-priced options, and we think Honda not only will score major sales by bundling them into every Accord, but will force competitors to lower prices and add features in their cars.

In addition to nudging up the power ratings, the Accord Sport adds an eight-way power driver’s seat and a few smaller features. The next major jump in equipment comes with the EX trim level, where cars are packed with a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, and in sedans, a blind-spot monitoring system. Even more gadgets are included in the EX-L, which adds heated, power-adjustable, leather-trimmed seats, plus a premium audio system, satellite radio, a multi-angle rearview camera, and collision and lane-departure warnings. The six-cylinder cars include everything listed so far and add a navigation system, LED running and brake lights and, on the Touring, radar-based adaptive cruise control.

Accord Hybrid Is Back!

Honda’s new hybrid Accord is shooting directly for the gasoline-electric versions of the Camry and Fusion. Although a conventional variant will be offered next summer, we’ll first see a plug-in model. Honda claims the latter can run for 10 to 15 miles in pure-electric mode, and that it’ll get an EPA rating of better than 100 MPGe, matching the plug-in hybrid Fusion. (We’ve already driven a prototype Accord hybrid that uses this system.)

The new hybrid uses a scaled-down version of the four-cylinder engine from the regular Accord, here displacing 2.0 liters and making 137 hp. It runs on the Atkinson cycle, a combustion setup that trades some power for improved fuel efficiency. A 124-kW electric motor provides the rest of the power, and Honda estimates that the combined power output is 196 hp. Recharge time is claimed at three hours on a normal 120-volt outlet and under an hour on a 240-volt charger.

All of the Accord PHEVs will be fully loaded, and feature a substantial amount of aluminum in the body to save weight. Unlike the nonhybrid Accords, which are built in Ohio, the PHEV will be built in Japan and shipped to the U.S.

How Much, and When?

Sales of the sedan begin later this month, and coupes will arrive at dealers in mid-October. The plug-in hybrid should start sales in early 2013, and we’ll see a conventional hybrid next summer. Honda will release pricing information soon.

Courtesy of caranddriver.com

2012/2013 Compact Crossover Comparison: The 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L Navi

With the exception of 2011, when Japan's catastrophic earthquake and Thailand flooding choked production down to a trickle, the CR-V has been the bestseller in this class for years, and often the bestseller of all SUVs, great and small. Which raises the tricky question of what's next?

Honda essentially invented the segment in 1995 with the first-generation CR-V, and subsequent generations have kept the Civic-based crossover at the front of the pack.

Introduced last fall, Honda's response to the "what's next" challenge was conservative, even cautious.  The wheelbase is unchanged at 103.1 inches -- shortest in this group -- while length and height shrink an inch, to 178.1 and 65.1, respectively.

This puts the CR-V at the small end of our test-SUV spectrum, but in typical Honda fashion its interior volume seems to belie the exterior dimensions. Basic cargo capacity -- the space behind the rear seats -- is substantial at 37 cubic feet, as is the space with the rear seats folded: 71 cubic feet. There's also plenty of passenger room, front and rear, and numerous nooks and cubbies for small-object storage, another typical Honda strong suit.

Passive safety features are top drawer -- five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

But the interior element that immediately grabs eyeballs is the quality of the materials, the straightforward logic of the various controls, the supportive front bucket seats, and the excellent forward sightlines. Honda's old advertising tagline -- "we make it simple" -- is in evidence here. Acclimating oneself to this vehicle is as easy as getting in, starting the engine, and driving off.

Pricing makes the CR-V's many strengths even more appealing. The window sticker bottom line on our EX-L Navi tester (Honda counts navigation-equipped vehicles as separate trim levels) was $29,575. This includes pretty much everything in the CR-V inventory -- (inhale) leather upholstery and trim, navigation system with voice recognition and rear view camera, power moonroof, DVD entertainment system, heated front seats with driver-side power adjustability, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio, USB audio interface and Pandora connectivity, SMS text messaging, 328-watt 7-speaker premium audio, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (exhale).

A power rear liftgate would be a useful addition to the foregoing, as would a blind-spot warning system, a la Ford. And, of course, in real 4-season climates all-wheel drive is always welcome -- and available, for a price. But beyond that, it's hard to think of anything to add.

One of the reasons Honda is able to offer the new CR-V with attractive pricing can be found in the powertrain. The engineers have squeezed a little more thrust out of the 2.4-liter engine -- now with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque -- but while other carmakers are embracing the efficiency of direct fuel injection, Honda has been resisting the cost.

Honda also resisted the trend to 6-speed automatic transmissions -- the CR-V retains the 5-speed automatic of the previous generation.  However, this doesn't seem to extract much of a fuel economy penalty -- at 23 mpg city/31 highway the CR-V's EPA ratings are competitive.

Similarly, the Honda's straight-line performance stacks up well versus its 6-speed rivals: 0-to-60 mph takes about 8.5 seconds.

The Honda CR-V isn't as entertaining an SUV to drive as the Ford Escape or the Mazda CX-5. The suspension tuning is softer, the new electric power steering system is novocaine numb, conveying essentially no information to the driver, and the evolutionary styling update, with its bigger rear roof pillar, creates a good-sized rear quarter blind spot.

But the CR-V's blend of smooth ride, smooth power, competitive fuel economy, outstanding assembly quality, first rate materials, quiet operation, exceptional comfort, and excellent value story trump its few soft points. Just as it trumps the rest of this field.

Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book

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How to Keep Your Car Clean Like A Pro

Here are some tips for cleaning and protecting your car's appearance:

Washing the Car

Using concentrated car cleaner only, add two or so capfuls to a bucket of water to clean the entire car. NEVER use dishwashing liquid, as it strips all the wax off your car. Check the bottle for directions. After you wet down the entire car, use a washing mitt or sponge and start cleaning the roof. Don't use old rags, because they often leave hairline scratches in your car's finish. It is important to start from the top and work down so that dirty water won't run off onto the panels you just cleaned. Clean one panel at a time and rinse it off so that soap doesn't dry onto the car. Also, use just enough water pressure to get the suds off. Repeat until the entire car is clean.

Cleaning Wheels and Tires

When your wheels and tires are cool to the touch, start by thoroughly rinsing them down. Next, spray one tire and wheel with a good quality cleaner and work it into the crevices with a soft bristled brush. Only clean one at a time to avoid drying of the cleaner. Last, thoroughly rinse the wheel. Repeat with the remaining wheels.

Cleaning Bugs and Tar

Bugs and tar tend to build up on the lower body sides, the leading edge and the windshield. Apply a little bug and tar cleaner to the bug sponge and rub it onto these areas to remove the debris.

Drying the Car

Use a damp chamois or soft terry cloth towel (preferably just out of the washer) and remove excess water from the entire car. Start at the roof and work down to the lower panels.

Waxing the Car

Remove the car from direct sunlight. Wait for the car to cool. Start by wetting the wax applicator, often included with the can of wax. Next, put the wax on the applicator and frame out the area where you want to apply it. Then, fill in the middle portion. This way, you can avoid getting wax into the seams and jambs. Wax one panel of the car at at time. After a few minutes, the wax will have dried to a dull haze. Wiping in one direction, use a clean terrycloth to remove the film of wax. Use a polishing cloth (preferably a clean cloth diaper) buff in the opposite direction to a high shine. After you've done one panel, turn both towels to an unused section and start on the next panel. Repeat until you've completed the entire vehicle.

Courtesy of PepBoys.com

Honda Marks 30 Years of U.S. Auto Manufacturing

MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Marysville Auto Plant has started production of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord, marking 30 years of automotive manufacturing in the U.S. The ninth-generation Accord will go on sale next month.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich along with other government and community leaders joined Honda associates at the plant as the first mass-produced 2013 Accords rolled off the assembly line. The Accord has been in continuous production at the Marysville Auto Plant since it started operations as the first Japanese automaker in the U.S. on Nov. 1, 1982, with production of the second-generation Accord Sedan. The plant has produced more than 9 million Accords during the past three decades.

Along with a total redesign of the vehicle, the ninth-generation Accord is the first in North America to apply Honda’s new "Earth Dreams" engine and transmission technologies. This includes a new four-cylinder direct injection engine paired with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and a new V-6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission that provide an excellent combination of fuel efficiency and performance.

Honda is investing $220 million to launch the CVT production for vehicles produced in North America, including $120 million for the new CVT line and nearly $100 million at the Anna Engine Plant for the production of the CVT’s high-tech pulley components starting next year. The expanded production will create 150 new jobs at the two plants.

Honda says the Accord also is an important product for domestic suppliers in Ohio and the rest of North America, which manufacture the vast majority of the parts and components for its production. More than 200 parts suppliers in the U.S. manufacture parts for the Accord.

Honda’s parts purchasing will exceed $20 billion this year in North America from more than 600 parts suppliers in the region, including 500 in the U.S. and 150 in Ohio. Parts purchasing has continued to grow in the region as Honda’s production has increased in North America and due to increasing exports of parts from North American suppliers to Honda plants in other parts of the world.

Courtesy of aftermarketnews.com

Paint by Numbers: A Honda Environmental Short Film

Inspiration comes from many places. Honda engineer Shubho Bhattacharya, inspired by his belief that global warming is one of the greatest challenges facing mankind today, developed technology to reduce energy in the auto body-painting process at the Honda manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio. Watch how Bhattacharya's Intelligent Paint Technology has cut the plant's energy use by 25 percent.

We would like to thank Mark for this excellent review!

Customer review:

"The Service Manager was very on the ball, took care of me quickly and was friendly."

THE SPORT HYBRID. Everything a Hybrid is, and isn't.

The intersection of sport and hybrid can be found under the hood of the CR-Z.

Hybrid Thrill

The CR-Z is powered by a 16-valve, 1.5-liter i-VTEC^® 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA^®. This combination delivers both spirited performance rarely seen in the hybrid world with impressive fuel economy[1].

IMA Power

The battery pack, positioned low in CR-Z's body structure for optimal center of gravity, supplies juice to the Integrated Motor Assist system, giving the CR-Z abundant low-rpm torque for quick off-the-line acceleration. This is an attribute unique to electric motors and something the CR-Z would not benefit from with just the conventional engine.

6-Speed or CVT

The CR-Z's sporting credentials include a 6-speed manual transmission—the first production hybrid vehicle ever to be equipped this way. The transmission allows enthusiasts to drive the CR-Z to its maximum capabilities. Those who choose the CVT automatic transmission, however, are treated to racing-inspired paddle shifters that also provide driving excitement and engagement.

Sophisticated Suspension

A low center of gravity, wide tread and a low overall height contribute to the CR-Z's excellent handling. These virtues, together with specially tuned independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension, provide an exciting blend of agility, stability and ride quality.

[1] 35 city/39 hwy/37 combined for CVT models. 31 city/37 hwy/34 combined for 6MT models. Based on 2012 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.

 

Courtesy of automobiles.honda.com

How To Cope with Dropping Two Wheels off the Road

The answer is as easy as this: If you drop two wheels off the road, don't be in a hurry to get back on the pavement.

• Smoothly remove pressure from the gas pedal. Stay away from the brake pedal unless it can't be avoided (e.g., if you're headed downhill or there's an upcoming obstacle). Here's where ABS would be worth its weight in hundred-dollar bills.
• Drive parallel to the road: Allow the car to coast down to, say, 35 or 40 mph.
• Gently turn the wheel a very small amount: If you have to turn more than 5 degrees, you're going too fast. Let the car slow down more.
• If you face an obstacle, brake harder but don't try to reenter with more than 15 degrees of steering. The reason: If you have to turn the wheel, say, 45 or 60 degrees to get back on the pavement, the front tires will fully regain traction before the rears and either you'll spin out — likely hitting what you were trying to avoid — or shoot across the road into other traffic.

I once ran completely off a racetrack at 110 mph in an important turn. I straightened the steering up and allowed the car to slow down a bit. And I eased it back over onto the pavement. That mistake could have been tragic, but instead it cost me less than one second.

Even the curves you'll find on interstate highways need only the grip from two tires to stay firmly planted on the road.

Courtesy of Edmunds.com

Honda to unveil all-new Accord next week

Honda plans to unveil its new Accord sedan Monday at an Ohio factory.

The company promises a more athletic look with all-new engines and transmissions that will raise the car's fuel efficiency.

The Accord is important because it competes in the biggest segment of the U.S. auto market. In most years it's No. 2 on the list of best-selling cars. Toyota's Camry is No. 1.

Honda hasn't released many details but says the new model will have a sportier driving character than the current Accord.

A new four-cylinder engine should boost fuel economy above the current Accord, which now gets 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

The car will be made at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, factory near Columbus. Production is scheduled to start Monday.

Courtesy of cbsnews.com

Fans! At Serra Honda we are offering new Accords for only $99 a month or 0.9% financing for 60 months!

2012 Honda CR-V

With its great fuel mileage, stylish design, and ample cargo space, the 2012 Honda CR-V helps you live life to the fullest.

Click here for more information.

How To Change A Flat Tire

Tools needed: Spare tire, jack, lug wrench.

1. Park your car on a flat surface. If you get a flat while on the road, pull your car as far away from traffic as possible . Make sure to put on the emergency brake. It’s also recommended to put a block on the tire opposite of the flat tire. Put to use that fruitcake from Aunt Gertie you’ve been toting around in the trunk. Here’s a blocking example: if your right rear tire is flat, put the block on the front left tire.

2. Remove the hubcap. If your car has a hubcap, remove it so you can get to the lug nuts. Use the hubcap to hold the nuts, just like the dad in A Christmas Story. Just don’t let your kid hold the hubcap or he’ll lose them and drop the F-bomb.

3. Loosen the nuts. Grab your lug wrench and place it on the flat tire’s lug nuts. Loosen them up by turning them counterclockwise. The nuts are probably on there really tight, so you’ll have to use all your man strength to unscrew them. Loosen the nuts a few turns, but don’t take any of them off yet!

4. Place the jack underneath your car. Check your owner’s manual for the correct placement of the jack. Turn the hand crank at the end of the jack to raise the jack until it comes into contact with your car’s frame. Make sure it’s touching a sturdy spot.

5. Jack it up! Start cranking the jack until the wheel is high enough above the ground to remove the tire.

6. Remove the flat. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel. You should be able to do it by hand because you’ve already loosened them. Remove the flat tire and lay it flat. You don’t want the wheel to roll into traffic during rush hour and cause a thirty car pile-up.

7. Slap on your spare. Take your spare tire and line up the lugs, or bolts, with the holes in the wheel and slide the wheel on. Once the wheel is on, take your lug nuts and tighten them by hand until you meet firm resistance.

8. Lower the car. Lower the jack until the wheel is firmly on the ground.

9. Finish tightening your lug nuts. These babies must be on super tight so the wheel doesn’t come flying off while driving to the tire shop to get the flat fixed. So you need to unleash the super power of the star pattern to get those lugs tighter than a deer tick. Use this tightening pattern if you have five bolts on your wheel. Start with any lug nut and then follow this pattern:

If your car has four, use this pattern:

Images and article courtesy of artofmanliness.com