2010 Honda Fit,Reviews

After a complete redesign last year, the 2010 Honda Fit stands pat. "Fit" spelled backwards is almost "tiff," and that's something the 2010 Honda Fit has never had -- a serious squabble with any of its rivals in the affordable compact hatchback segment. Inside is where the Fit really shines.

The 2010 Honda Fit technically does have some competition. The 2010 Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door hatchback available in two trim levels: base and Sport. The front-wheel-drive Honda Fit comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. On Fit Sports, the automatic comes with manual shift control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for all Fits with the manual transmission, while the Fit Sport equipped with the automatic is rated at 27/33/30. More conservative shift programming on base models fitted with the automatic yields a superior 28/35/31 rating.

Standard safety equipment for the 2010 Honda Fit includes antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Fit Sports can be equipped with a stability control system, but curiously, it is only available on models with the navigation system.

Driving Impressions Unlike other subcompacts, the 2010 Honda Fit is actually entertaining to drive. Going with the manual transmission takes full advantage of the Fit's engaging personality, though the Fit Sport's available automatic with shift paddles is a viable alternative. In ordinary driving, the Fit rides firmly, but there's a fair amount of road noise on the highway.

2010 Honda Element,Reviews

As it turned out, a lot of older people bought 2010 Honda Element. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SC. The Element LX and EX are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the sport-tuned SC is front-wheel drive only.

The base LX comes with 16-inch steel wheels, a urethane utility floor, moisture-resistant seats, folding and removable rear seats, a height-adjustable driver seat, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry and a four-speaker CD audio system. Every 2010 Honda Element is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque.
Safety The Element comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The 2010 Honda Element seats only four -- a disadvantage compared to other compact SUVs -- but rear passengers enjoy ample room and excellent visibility, thanks to the theater-style seating. Cargo capacity is also exceptional: With the rear seats removed, the Element can accommodate an impressive 75 cubic feet of gear. The Element's unique rear-hinged rear-seat access doors make side loading a snap, though their design can be a hassle for transporting people -- the front doors must first be opened before rear occupants are allowed in or out. Element owners who frequently transport a small-to-medium-sized dog should check out the new Dog Friendly kennel.

2010 Honda CR-V,Reviews

"It needs more power." This label has stuck to the 2010 Honda CR-V like industrial Velcro for as long as this compact crossover has been sold. The 2010 Honda CR-V's four-cylinder gets a welcome infusion of power, but a V6 option like so many of its competitors offer remains an unfulfilled desire. Safety? The backseat reclines and slides, while features like power heated seats, navigation and an iPod interface are options. Quality? Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize. It is available in LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navigation trim levels, and each can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.

The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, rear tinted glass, a dual-level cargo area, steering-wheel audio controls and a six-speaker stereo with six-CD changer. The EX-L adds automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a fixed front center console and a seven-speaker stereo that includes a subwoofer, USB audio jack and satellite radio. Every 2010 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp and 161 pound-feet of torque.

A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. AWD CR-Vs drop slightly to 21/27/23. Safety The 2010 Honda CR-V is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the CR-V achieved a perfect five stars for side protection. The CR-V's cabin is both functional and attractive. With the split-level divider stowed and the rear seats folded, the CR-V can hold an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo.

2010 Honda Civic,Reviews

After a handful of tweaks last year, the 2010 Honda Civic is unchanged. The 2010 Honda Civic compact sedan/coupe is one iconic car whose reputation is well-deserved. The 2010 Honda Civic is a compact car available as a sedan or coupe. For both, there are five main trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. On the Civic sedan, Honda also offers the DX Value package, the LX-S, the Hybrid and the GX.
The LX-S sedan tacks on alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust outlet, a rear spoiler, front sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The sporty Civic Si has most of the EX's features plus a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires, foglights, sport seats and special interior trim.
It's available only on Si, EX, EX-L and Hybrid models. The front-wheel-drive 2010 Honda Civic has a whole bunch of available engines and transmissions. Manual transmission models are notably quicker.
The Civic Hybrid uses a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain to maximize fuel economy. For the Civic Si, Honda installs a 197-hp 2.0-liter engine and a limited-slip front differential; a six-speed manual is the only available transmission. The Civic Si zips from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Nearly all Civic models boast above-average fuel efficiency. The Hybrid tops the Civic lineup with fuel mileage of 40 city/45 highway and 42 combined. Civic Si models have 21/29/24 mpg estimates.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Civic sedan its top rating of "Good" for the car's performance in frontal-offset and side-impact tests, but the Civic coupe drops to "Acceptable" (second best) in side impacts.
The Civic's dash features an unusual gauge layout. The 2010 Honda Civic handles more confidently than the average compact car, but it's not as capable as the class-leading Mazda 3. The Civic Hybrid and natural-gas GX are quite slow; we're inclined to forgive the uniquely powered GX, but not the Hybrid, as the Toyota Prius is quicker and cheaper.

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour,Reviews

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour debuts as a crossover wagon version of Honda's venerable midsize sedan.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is indeed a cross between multiple genres. Like many crossover SUVs, it's based on a sedan; unlike true crossovers, though, the Accord Crosstour doesn't offer the versatility of a wagon or SUV. The problem for Honda is that the marketplace is teeming with crossovers that offer far more cargo capacity than the Accord Crosstour, and often a third row of seating as well (unavailable on the Honda). With just 51.3 cubic feet of maximum space behind the front seats, the Crosstour can barely haul more than the compact Toyota Matrix. Time will tell whether the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is a crossover hit or the result of crossed signals.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is a crossover wagon available in EX and EX-L trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, with all-wheel drive available on the EX-L only. All Accord Crosstours come standard with active front seat head restraints, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Accord Crosstour stopped from 60 mph in a decent 131 feet.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour's interior will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in the current-generation Accord sedan.

2010 Honda Accord,Reviews

The 2010 Honda Accord gets a couple of minor upgrades for its range-topping EX trim levels, including rear seat ventilation ducts on sedan versions of the EX and EX-L, a trunk lid liner for all EXs and Bluetooth connectivity for EX-Ls. For more than 20 years, the top choices for a family sedan have been the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Honda Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles. The sedan comes in LX, LX-P, EX and EX-L trim levels, while the coupe comes in LX-S, EX and EX-L trims.

2011 Honda Ridgeline,Reviews

The 2011 Honda Ridgeline is unchanged.
The Ridgeline's V6 puts down 250 horsepower and a modest 247 pound-feet of torque. While the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is all the truck many pickup buyers will ever need, it's not for everybody.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck is offered in a single four-door crew-cab body style with seating for five. The entry-level RT is reasonably well equipped with standard features that include 17-inch steel wheels, a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat with under-seat storage, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.

2011 Honda Pilot,Reviews

The 2011 Honda Pilot returns mostly unchanged from last year. At a glance, the 2011 Honda Pilot would seem to do a fine job as a family hauler. In sum, we think the 2011 Honda Pilot is an adequate choice for a midsize or large crossover SUV. The 2011 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, painted body molding (versus black plastic), roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), steering-wheel audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash six-CD changer, and satellite radio. Optional on the EX-L is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a voice-activated navigation system bundled with Bluetooth, an iPod interface and a 10-speaker premium audio system.

2011 Honda Element,Reviews

2011 Honda Element, Honda drops the Element's SC trim, resulting in a streamlined model lineup with LX and EX trims only. Honda says 2011 will be the Element's final year before it's discontinued.

Aside from losing the sporty SC model and EX-only navigation option, the 2011 Honda Element carries over with no content changes. Loading cargo is a breeze thanks to the Element's swing-out rear doors and rear seats that can either be flipped up or removed. The 2011 Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV available in two trim levels: LX and EX.

The Dog Friendly dealer-installed accessory package adds a rear car kennel, a pet bed, a stowable ramp, dog-patterned seat covers, all-season floor mats, a spill-resistant water bowl, an electric fan and a bag dispenser.

Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on both the LX and EX trim levels.

The AWD version of the Element offers slightly worse mpg at 19/24/21.

Safety
The Honda Element comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The Honda Element's cabin design is purposeful but compromised by trade-offs. On the plus side, the Element's theater-style seating layout offers rear passengers generous room and exceptional views. With the Element's rear seats removed, there's an impressive 75 cubic feet of space available.

While 4WD enthusiasts will insist on adding the Real Time 4WD, the test ride for the 2WD version of the 2011 Honda Element SC model offered faster steering, a comfortably-low ride height, and a stiffer suspension for the best ride along with the larger 18-inch wheel and tire combination.

Performance
The 2011 Honda Element offers plenty of power for its size with a 2.4 liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine that features an aluminum-alloy block and head. The Control-Link Macpherson strut front suspension offers a smooth ride and precise steering.

Interior Features
The interior of the 2011 Honda Element is all about function. Front-wheel drive should be standard, but all-wheel drive should be available as an option. The 2011 Honda Element provides an affordable option for drivers who require a substantial amount of space and flexible seating options at an affordable price. Adding the optional 4WD feature adds even more value to this Honda.

2011 Honda Fit,Reviews

Keyless entry, cruise control and an iPod/USB audio interface. The 2011 Honda Fit used to be a no-brainer. By relocating the gas tank under the front seats, Honda created a perfectly flat load floor with the rear seats folded down, opening an incredible cargo space of 57 cubic feet. The 2011 Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door hatchback available in base and Sport trim levels.
The Fit Sport adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a sport body kit, shift paddles (automatic transmission only), foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, map lights and a six-speaker sound system. A navigation system with touchscreen interface, voice controls, a digital audio card reader and steering-wheel audio controls is an available option for the Fit. The 2011 Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder good for 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. The latter gets manual-override shift paddles in the Fit Sport. A base Fit with the automatic required a snooze-inducing 11 seconds.
The manual-transmission Fit returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. The Fit Sport automatic returns the same. Every 2011 Honda Fit comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The Fit has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures.
Driving Impressions The manual transmission model takes full advantage of the Fit's engaging personality, though the Fit Sport's available automatic with shift paddles is a viable alternative.
Honda Fit - What the Auto Press Says The 2011 Honda Fit ranks 2 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. The 2011 Honda Fit is a press favorite and has received numerous accolades from the automotive industry. Of course, the Fit isn’t perfect. One of the most prominent reviewer complaints concerns the Fit’s buzzy engine.
Other Cars to Consider: The Fit’s biggest drawback is its price. The Fit’s price is average for hatchbacks. Other hatchbacks on the market include the Ford Fiesta hatchback, which starts at $15,120, just a 20 bucks more than the 2011 Honda Fit. Kia is also introducing the Forte Five-door Hatchback. You can also save money by looking at used 2009 Fits and 2010 Fits still on dealer lots.

2011 Honda Insight ,Review

There is a new base model for the 2011 Honda Insight, which drops the base price along with several features. All Insights now come standard with stability control.

When it debuted last year, the Honda Insight took on the Toyota Prius. Next comes the driving experience. Certainly, there are some upsides to the 2011 Honda Insight. The 2011 Honda Insight is available in three trim levels: base, LX and EX.

The EX adds 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, steering wheel shift paddles, steering wheel audio controls, vanity mirrors and six speakers. The 2011 Honda Insight's hybrid system consists of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 40 mpg city/43 mpg highway and 41 mpg combined.
Safety

Every 2011 Honda Insight comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), brake assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In Edmunds brake testing, the Insight came to a stop from 60 mph in 125 feet -- a good distance for a compact hybrid.

The Insight has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. In side-impact tests, the Insight received five stars for the driver and four stars for rear passengers. Regardless of trim level, the Insight lacks rear seat headroom; it's tight even for those of average height.

Driving Impressions
As a hybrid, the 2011 Honda Insight delivers on the promise of miserly fuel economy. Thanks to responsive steering and relatively sporty suspension tuning, the Honda Insight is more fun and responsive to drive that a Prius.
When the current Honda Insight was introduced in March 2009 as a 2010 model it was hailed as the “Toyota Prius fighter.” With around $1,500 difference in price, combined with the Prius’s 51 mpg city and 48 highway versus the Insight’s 40 city/43 highway, the projected Insight sales of 70,000 per year hasn’t happened.

Ower Price Model, More Features For 2011
To be more competitive and jump start the sluggish sales, Honda has added a new entry-level Insight hybrid model to its 2011 lineup. Priced at $18,200 ($1,600 less than the lowest priced 2010 model) gives it a walloping $4,610 price advantage over the base Toyota Prius II.

Topping the Insight lineup is the EX with a window sticker of $21,490.
The differences between the 2011 Honda Insight and the 2011 Toyota Prius, can be easily summarized: The Insight is thousands of dollars cheaper, gets comparable fuel economy, has a crisper look and provides a more agile and enjoyable ride.

The dashboard of the Insight looks like a blending of the Honda Civic and Honda Fit.

The hybrid heart of the system is the fifth generation of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Just as Ford has done with the new Fusion hybrid, Honda has updated the Insight's battery, making it smaller and lighter. While the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius are similar in looks, auto critics seem to favor the Insight. About the Insight’s cabin, Kelly Blue Book commented, “Inside, the Insight’s unique design offers a mixed bag of elements where positives outweigh

Negatives.”
Driver Controls and Feedback, For Max MPG
Our take is Insight drives quite differently than the Prius. Despite any misgivings with the Honda Insight, hybrid fans should celebrate a viable alternative to the Toyota Prius.

2011 Honda Odyssey,Reviews

The 2011 Honda Odyssey has been completely redesigned. Highlights include sleeker styling, a roomier interior, improved fuel economy and new features like a chilled storage box and a rear-seat entertainment system with surround-sound audio and a high-definition display.

The latest Odyssey is still very much a modern not-so-mini minivan, with seating for up to eight passengers, sliding rear doors, V6 power and a familiar boxy silhouette.

The new 2011 Honda Odyssey also offers more comfort and practicality. The 2011 Honda Odyssey is offered in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. The entry-level LX comes reasonably well-equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, automatic headlights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding third-row seat, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control and a five-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

EX-L versions add still more upscale standard features including a power liftgate, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, heated front seats, a chilled storage box, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a USB audio input. Move up to the Touring and Touring Elite models and you gain 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, front and rear parking sensors, memory settings for the driver, retractable third-row sunshades and a fold-down armrest for third-row passengers and both the navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems as standard. The new Touring Elite model adds xenon headlights, a blind spot warning system, an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with a 16-inch HD widescreen video monitor (with HDMI input) and a premium 650-watt, 12-speaker surround-sound audio system.

The 2011 Honda Odyssey comes with a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 248 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The LX, EX and EX-L models send that power to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission; Touring and Touring Elite versions get a new six-speed automatic.
Safety

The 2011 Honda Odyssey comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, active front head restraints, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows. The Odyssey's growth spurt has made room for a new second-row seat that's nearly 4 inches wider than the one in the outgoing model, a change that makes it roomy enough to fit three car seats side by side. The third-row seat also benefits from the new Odyssey's larger dimensions with an extra 1.1 inches of legroom. Though it's been redesigned, the Odyssey's dash can still be a bit daunting. On the inside, the 2011 Honda Odyssey is as quiet as a premium luxury sedan.
In trim levels EX and above — which includes all but the base LX — you get an adjustable second row with full-size outboard seats and a smaller center seat. The three segments slide forward and back, and the two outboard seats can slide 1.5 inches sideways, adding 3 inches of width. This allows three large child-safety seats to fit across the row.

The 2011 Honda Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring trims have five sets of Latch anchors, two in the third row and the three in the second. I tested my Britax Marathon child seat in the Odyssey, expanding the two outboard seats and latching the Britax in the center.

Even if you have just one child requiring a safety seat, the middle seat is the safest in any vehicle. The center seat can also slide forward more than the outboard seats, bringing it closer to the driver. The driver's seat sits upright a bit, like in most minivans. The same V-6 engine from last year's Touring trim is found in all trims for 2011.

Cargo space behind the third row is unchanged for 2011, at 38.4 cubic feet. With the second row removed, the Odyssey has a total of 148.5 cubic feet, just behind the Sienna's 150 cubic feet. Both outdo the Chrysler minivans.
A power liftgate is standard on EX-L and Touring trims, but there is no optional powered third row.

An all-new navigation system is offered on the EX-L Navigation and both Touring trims. Rear passengers can also control their temperature and fan speed in EX trims and above.

The Odyssey features a standard slate of airbags, including seat-mounted side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for all three rows. As mentioned above, there are Latch anchors for five child-safety seats. The previous Odyssey was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

2011 Honda CR-V,Reviews

Introduction

The 2011 Honda CR-V continues the trend and is certainly an example of Honda at its best. We're certainly smitten with the CR-V's ability to comfortably take on both people and cargo. The 2011 Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize. It is available in LX, SE, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navigation trim levels, and each can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.

The EX adds a sunroof, a dual-level cargo area and steering-wheel audio controls. Going with the EX-L gets you automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a fixed front center console and a seven-speaker stereo (with subwoofer, USB audio jack and satellite radio). Every 2011 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. AWD CR-Vs drop slightly to 21/27/23.

Safety

The 2011 Honda CR-V is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the CR-V achieved a perfect five stars for all frontal- and side-impact tests. The CR-V's cabin is both functional and attractive. With the split-level divider stowed and the rear seats folded, the CR-V can hold an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo.

Driving Impressions

Though the Honda CR-V is certainly competitive against other four-cylinder-powered crossovers, it lacks low-end power and there's no getting around the fact that there's no upgrade available.

2011 Honda CR-Z,Reviews

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is all-new.

A sporty hybrid? At first glance, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might seem a bit oxymoronic. Sales were slow, however, and Honda cancelled the car after a short run. Like the old CRX, the CR-Z is front-drive with two doors and just two seats. Mechanically, though, the CR-Z is related most to Honda's current Insight hybrid, sharing its basic structure and suspension design. Under the hood is Honda's familiar Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system. The electric motor is the same and generates another 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Notably, Honda is offering a six-speed manual transmission in addition to the more hybrid-typical continuously variable transmission (CVT). The end result of all this is that Honda has indeed created a sporty hybrid. The CR-Z looks sharp and is fun to drive around town thanks to its small size and quick steering.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The two-seat 2011 Honda CR-Z comes in three trim levels: base, EX and EX with navigation. The base model comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, hill-start assist (manual transmission), automatic climate control, full power accessories, manual seats with driver-side height adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker CD audio system (with steering-wheel controls and USB/auxiliary audio jacks). Notable dealer-installed features include 17-inch wheels, performance tires and satellite radio.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is hybrid-powered by a team consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. If the CVT is selected, torque output drops slightly to 123 lb-ft. All CR-Zs come with a three-mode drive selector consisting of Sport, Normal or Econ. Each adjusts parameters for throttle sensitivity, steering assist, transmission programming (CVT), additional IMA assist (manual transmission) and air-conditioning usage.

Official EPA fuel economy numbers haven't been released as of this writing but Honda estimates that the CR-Z will get 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined with the manual and 35/39/37 mpg with the CVT.

Safety

While the 2011 Honda CR-Z sold in other worldwide markets will come with a small backseat, Honda chose to equip the American version with a flip-down rear parcel shelf instead. Seat comfort is adequate.

The centerpiece of the CR-Z's interior is certainly its futuristic-looking dash. A configurable display can also show other fuel-economy-enhancing tools.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is tuned for a smooth ride, and its economy-minded twist-beam rear suspension simply isn't up to the task of providing sports car reflexes and compliance. But if you lower your expectations a little, you'll find the CR-Z reasonably fun to drive. Sport provides a feel reminiscent of a classic, free-revving Honda performance car, while Econ transforms the CR-Z into a lethargic, deathly slow fuel-sipper.

2011 Honda Accord Crosstour,Reviews

The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour gets a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy and also relocates the confusing climate-control buttons.

It's difficult to place the 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour into a category. When you compare the 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour to top compact crossover SUVs, its shortcomings are readily apparent. Only in rear legroom does the Crosstour hold a notable advantage. The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour crossover wagon is available in EX and EX-L trim levels. The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour is offered in front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on the EX-L. In Edmunds performance testing, a front-wheel-drive Crosstour accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a class-competitive 7.5 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg in combined driving for front-wheel-drive models.

Standard safety features for all 2011 Honda Accord Crosstours include active front-seat head restraints, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Crosstour stopped from 60 mph in a decent 131 feet.

The interior of the 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour is nearly identical to the Accord sedan on which it is based.

Like the standard Accord, the Crosstour benefits from accurate steering and predictable handling. The Crosstour is a fine highway cruiser thanks to a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin at speed.

The Honda Accord Crosstour has a couple of historical things going for it; it also has a big thing dragging it down.

First, it has the name Accord – one of the most successful in North America.

Here, it only lasted through two generations (through 1997, though the current European Accord wagon makes a comeback to North America as the Acura TSX Sportwagon). Around the time the Accord wagon was petering out in North America, along came the Honda Odyssey, which in its first generation was very much a tall Accord wagon (complete with sedan-like rear doors).

Handy rear seatback release handles in the cargo area sides make it easy to expand the cargo hold forward.

Other than that subjective roofline preference, Crosstour is a fine vehicle, offering up the traditional Accord room and quality inside and out, and delivering fine driving manners in all kinds of situations and surfaces (thanks primarily to our test vehicle’s all wheel drive system).

2012 Honda Civic EX-L,Reviews

A two-door 2012 Honda Civic EX-L or a Kia Forte Koup? Luckily, Hyundai is readying an Elantra coupe that should be totes cute. Other options that might show up include the Kia Forte Koup’s larger fours (a 156-hp 2.0-liter and a 173-hp 2.4-liter are offered), or the 210-hp, 1.6-liter turbo four that’s currently in development forHyundai’s Veloster, but we don’t expect hot performance to be the Elantra coupe’s thing. The Korean company must, after all, protect both the funky-doored Veloster and the rear-drive Genesis coupe.

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: After driving this 2012 Honda Civic EX-L, I'm beginning to understand why Honda delayed the car. As for the Civic's power? Outward visibility was outstanding in the best Honda tradition. I can't imagine anyone except the most die-hard Honda aficionado choosing this car over the competitive offerings.

The small information screen tucked up high on the two-tiered dashboard seems to have no real purpose in a car with a big navigation/audio screen in the center console.

There's an Eco button, which seems to force the car into a fuel-saving, lesser-performance mode, but this seems hardly necessary in a car that already measures up quite well on the fuel-economy scale. Not in a Honda. All would be forgiven if the car still felt as if it was providing that same mechanical-direct link among driver and machine and road.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: So this is the new 2012 Honda Civic? It looks decent, drives fine and in general sips fuel. There's nothing wrong with the Civic. It's just that other small cars have gotten so impressive with almost premium interiors and better, classier sheetmetal that Honda seems almost stagnant. There's some irony in that, considering that Honda made cars like this matter. Ford and Chevy were late-comers to quality smaller cars, and Hyundai--well, it wasn't even in the discussion earlier in the decade. The Civic looks nice enough. It's a Civic. On the road, the Civic performed well. The brakes were very well mannered. If you happen to enjoy a permanent state of boredom, check out the 2012 Honda Civic.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT: I came away from an overnight with the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L feeling there was nothing particularly noteworthy about his car. The Hyundai Elantra immediately comes to mind. That car has sporty sheetmetal, good styling inside and out, and it's fun to drive. As for the Civic, not so much.

First, the driver's seat felt as if it was designed with seven-foot-tall people in mind. The Civic held expressway speeds well and there is decent power underhood. And the brakes are strong. 2012 Honda Civic EX-L Navi Sedan Base Price: $24,205 As-Tested Price: $24,205 Drivetrain: 1.8-liter I4; FWD, five-speed automatic Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 32/33.0 mpg

2012 Honda Civic,Reviews

How good is the newly redesigned 2012 Honda (HMC) Civic that hit the market on Apr. 20? The Civic used to be the classiest compact economy car on the market. Rather than make dramatic changes to fend off rising competition, Honda improved the Civic in numerous small ways. The price of the Civic hybrid rose a mere $100, to $24,800. Crucially, with gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon in some areas of the country, the Civic's is up 3 miles per gallon. With an automatic transmission, both the Civic sedan and two-door coupe are rated to get 28 mpg in the city, 39 on the highway, for an average of 32 (up from 29 before).

However, that still leaves the Honda a tiny bit behind the 2011 Elantra sedan, which is rated at 29/40/33 whether with an automatic or a stick shift, and versions of the 2012 Ford Focus that are rated at 28/40/33 with an automatic. (The 2011 Toyota Corolla trails behind at 26/34/29.)

Honda claims the HF gets the best highway mileage of any car on the market with an automatic transmission and conventional gasoline engine.

The efficiency-oriented Civic HF sedan will list from $19,455 with a standard five-speed automatic, while the range-topping Civic EX-L sedan with navigation and XM Satellite Radio stickers for $23,455.

2012 Honda Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas vehicle specifications
All of these models share a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine that is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This model uses a modified version of the same model on the standard Civic, and increased fuel economy by 7 percent, meaning highway fuel economy should come in between 38 and 39 mpg, but power will be slightly down compared to the gas-powered models.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid specifications
Should fuel economy be at the top of your list, and your budget isn’t too tight, stepping from the 41 highway mpg Civic HF to the combined 44 mpg rating of the all-new Civic Hybrid is the move for you. The Civic Hybrid also features ECO Assist, a system that provides feedback to drivers to optimize fuel econo
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