The 2010 Honda Ridgeline's main attraction, however, is that 5-foot bed. While the Ridgeline is all the truck many pickup buyers will ever need, it's not for everybody. The standard all-wheel-drive system (there's no low-range gearing) and light-duty suspension make it unsuitable for serious off-roading.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck is offered in a single four-door crew-cab body style with seating for five. The RTS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 2010 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. In testing, we recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 9 seconds flat, which is slower than most other midsize V6 pickups as well as V8-powered full-size trucks. The Ridgeline can handle payloads up to 1,550 pounds and tow trailers up to 5,000 pounds, both of which are a little below average for a V6-powered midsize pickup.
Safety The Honda Ridgeline's list of standard safety features includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. In government crash tests, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline earned a perfect five-star rating for occupant protection in both frontal and side-impact crashes. The Ridgeline's interior gets high marks for passenger friendliness, with comfortable seats up front and above-average legroom -- at least by midsize pickup standards -- in back.
Driving Impressions By pickup standards, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline is surprisingly pleasant to drive.
After a complete redesign last year, the 2010 Honda Pilot stands pat except for standard two-stage heated seats on the EX-L model and integrated rear window sunshades on the Touring.
Automotive names are often inscrutable, but the 2010 Honda Pilot's got a simple one. The trouble starts with the brakes -- the 2010 Honda Pilot required almost 150 feet of pavement to come to a halt in our instrumented 60-0-mph testing, which is a solid 20 feet or more behind rival crossovers. The 2010 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The EX adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The DVD system is the only option on Touring models.
The 2010 Honda Pilot is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 250 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all Pilot models are available with an all-wheel-drive system that automatically apportions power to the rear wheels -- up to 70 percent -- when front slippage occurs.
Safety Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Pilot performed flawlessly, scoring a perfect five stars in frontal and side-impact testing, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety likewise awarded the Pilot its top "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side-impact crashes. The 2010 Honda Pilot's interior layout is rugged-looking, in keeping with the boxy exterior.
Driving Impressions A lack of low-end torque from the V6 makes the 2010 Honda Pilot feel rather flat-footed off the line.
There are no significant changes to the 2010 Honda Odyssey.The current-generation Honda Odyssey has been around since 2005.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2010 Honda Odyssey is offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The EX trim level adds alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, roof rails, heated outside mirrors, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, a removable second-row center seat, a conversation mirror, automatic triple-zone climate control and a six-speaker audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
The EX-L goes markedly upscale by adding a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, a power liftgate, a back-up camera with a rearview-mirror-mounted display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror,satellite radio and a sunroof. The 2010 Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque (EX-L and Touring models get an additional boost of 5 pound-feet). This system allows those particular Odysseys to return an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined -- a notable improvement over the base engine's 16/23/18.
SafetyThe 2010 Honda Odyssey comes with standard safety features that include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. 2010 Honda Odyssey can be configured to seat seven or eight passengers, with the eighth occupant relegated to the removable PlusOne center seat in the second row on EX, EX-L and Touring models.
The Honda Insight hybrid is back. Under the new Insight's hood is Honda's familiar Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. Notably, the gas engine's crankshaft never stops spinning, even when the Insight is operating solely on electric power, so there's no unseemly coughing or rumbling as the gas engine comes online.
With a starting price in the high teens, the Insight handily undercuts its crosstown rival's $22,000 base price, not to mention the Civic Hybrid's $23,550 cost of entry. The 2010 Honda Insight is a four-door hatchback available in base LX and uplevel EX trims. The EX adds alloy wheels, side-mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, stability control, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port and a fully integrated iPod connection. The 2010 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. According to Honda, EPA fuel economy ratings are 40 mpg city/43 highway and 41 combined.
All Insights come standard with antilock brakes (front disc/rear drum), front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. However, the base Insight LX lacks stability control and traction control, which come standard on the EX. Inside, the 2010 Honda Insight is a distinctive mix of familiar Honda design elements and edgy hybrid-themed flourishes. Toyota's roomy hybrid still trumps the Insight in this regard.
Driving Impressions The words "hybrid" and "sporty" remain mutually exclusive at this modest price point, but the 2010 Honda Insight is by far the most enjoyable hybrid hatchback to drive.
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 ImpressionsUnlike 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.
As it turned out, a lot of older people bought 2010 Honda Element. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 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. SafetyThe 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.
"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 OptionsThe 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. Every2010 Honda CR-Vcomes 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.SafetyThe 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.
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.
The 2010 Honda Ridgeline's main attraction, however, is that 5-foot bed. While the Ridgeline is all the truck many pickup buyers will ever need, it's not for everybody. The standard all-wheel-drive system (there's no low-range gearing) and light-duty suspension make it unsuitable for serious off-roading.
