Honda’s Accord Sedan is known for comfort, luxury and advanced technology for more than twenty years now and has come to be regarded as an icon of reliability and safety. A strong, sensible choice for family sedan shoppers, the 2009 Honda Accord offers a satisfying driving experience and utility. It may not be as sporty as Nissan Altima or the Mazda 6, but it certainly scores in terms of build quality and materials used in the cabin. This quality, coupled with Honda's solid reputation for reliability, makes the Accord a better choice in the midsize sedan category.

 

Though the EPA has termed the 2009 Honda Accord LX-P Sedan as a large vehicle, it retains its midsize handling dynamics and remains a strong competitor in the volume-selling family sedan segment. The "P" in LX-P stands for premium. A $1,000 upgrade over the standard Accord LX, the LX-P adds 16-inch wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, a security system, auto up/down driver and passenger windows with illuminated switches, and a chrome exhaust finisher. It is a practical alternative for the tidier EX and to save a few dollars.

 

Design/Fit and Finish

 

The 2009 Honda Accord is 5 inches longer and an inch wider than a Camry. It is well-built with high quality materials. The styling is simple though the clean design cues do not stand out much. The trapezoidal-styled taillights and slightly rounded deck lid are noticeable. Inside, the instrument cluster’s layout is clean and the brushed aluminum on the gauges lends the car an upscale look. The buttons on the center stack have a nice, solid feel to them, regardless of how you feel about their placement.

 

Comfort

 

The 2009 Honda Accord LX-P's spacious interior makes it easy to get in and out, and finding a comfortable position for driving is also very easy thanks to a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. Though not awfully flashy, the interior is roomy, and has a well-designed and functional layout. An eight-way power-adjustable driver seat is comfortable. Rear passengers have sufficient leg- and headroom. There is also plenty of room to install child safety seats on either side, both forward- and rear-facing. All seats are firm and well-bolstered, and the cloth upholstery is soft and comfortable. The Accord's ride quality is firm. However, one can hear and feel every change in the pavement or bump on the road. Overall, it’s quite satisfying from the driver's perspective.

 

Power and Performance

 

The 2009 Honda Accord LX-P‘s 2.4-liter engine pumps out 177 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque and is best suited for everyday use. It delivers 21 mpg in city and 30 on mpg highway. To put it generally, one can be sure of 22 mpg in varied conditions. The feel of the brake pedals is consistent under heavy braking, but yields an underwhelming 60-0 stopping distance of 137 feet. Actually this is about 12 feet longer than it takes to stop the Mazda 6. A high level of body roll can also be noticed during hard cornering.

 

Around the town, the 2.4-liter engine accelerates stylishly, with enough power to pass slower vehicles. The steering is taut and accurate, and when pushed, the Accord reveals a capable chassis lurking beneath the body roll. Look out for a slightly larger space to park this sedan.

 

Function

 

The Accord LX-P’s functional layout is clear-cut. Each horizontal row of buttons has a different-size arrangement, and they are easy to read and large. The climate control, stereo volume and tuning knobs are uniquely shaped and can be easily identified by touch. The steering wheel also features cruise control and basic stereo functions. However, one tends to use the large volume knob on the dash more than the small steering wheel mounted controls. Plugging in a phone charger to the power outlet in the center stack takes a bit more dexterity than it should.

 

The trunk has a large opening, but the usable space in the back of the trunk is narrow. The maximum cargo capacity is only 14 cubic feet, which is actually less.

 

In all, 2009 Honda Accord is a good choice for people looking for a roomy, well-equipped and fuel-efficient sedan and the LX-P trim level adds value to the base-model Accord with some significant additions.

 

 

The 2009 Honda Civic presents a fresh look to the world with innovative styling, reliability of the Honda brand and refinement. The Civic is a broad ranged model with the environment-friendly Civic Hybrid to the speedy Civic Si.

 

A new bumper, grille up front, new headlight and taillight color combinations are new for 2009. The upgraded models have new alloy wheel designs. All models come with a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Interior fabrics have been upgraded and the 2009 Civic Hybrid model is available with leather. The new technology now includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink on Navigation-equipped models, and a USB audio interface on Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid, and Si.

 

The Civic is standard various safety features that are optional on competitive models. Vehicle Stability Assist is now standard on the Civic EX-L, Civic Hybrid and Civic Si.

 

The sporty Civic Si coupe and sedan come with a 197-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel-disc brakes, and supportive sport seats.

 

The Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a permanent magnet electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Hybrid features dramatically reduced emissions, and delivers an EPA-rated 40/45 mpg City/Highway, second only to the 48/45 mpg of the Toyota Prius. The Civic GX sedan uses natural gas for fuel.

 

Model lineup and packages

 

The Honda Civic is available in coupe and sedan versions. Civic DX, LX, and EX are powered by a 140-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is an option. Two new trim levels, the DX-VP and LX-S, have been added for 2009.

 

Civic DX coupe and sedan are the base models. Power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and fold-down rear seatback are among the standard equipment. The coupe has a rear decklid spoiler. Radio is optional but a rear window-integrated radio antenna is standard. Brakes are disc in front, drum in rear. P195/65R15 tires wrap around steel wheels with full-cover hubcaps. Civic DX-VP sedan adds a four-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack, CD text display, air conditioning, plus speed-sensitive volume control.

 

Civic LX coupe and sedan add overhead map lights; express up/down for the driver's power window; cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls; power door locks with keyless entry; center console with sliding armrest; and P205/55R16 tires on steel wheels with covers. The sedan sports a four-speaker stereo (same as DX-VP), but the coupe comprises a six-speaker system, and also a rear-seat walk-in feature that remembers the front passenger seat's setting. Civic LX-S sedan upgrades to alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, a rear deck spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher.

 

Civic EX coupe and sedan add variable-speed intermittent windshield wipers; a second 12-volt power outlet; a power moonroof; a 60/40 split folding rear seatback; and outside temperature indicator. The steering wheel reverts to plastic, but adds audio controls; while the keyless remote adds a trunk release button. Brakes upgrade to four-wheel discs. The sedan's stereo adds two speakers (for a total of six); while the coupe gets a 350-watt, seven-speaker system; both get a USB interface. EX coupe is available with manual transmission, XM Satellite Radio, and voice-recognition Navigation.

 

Civic EX-L coupe and sedan come with leather seats with seat heaters, heated mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel and armrest, and Vehicle Stability Assist and Brake Assist. EX-L sedan is available with automatic with XM and Navigation.

 

Civic Si coupe and sedan are performance-oriented models featuring a 197-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission. A limited-slip differential, sport suspension, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and P215/45VR17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels are other features. Fog lights are standard. Inside, synthetic suede sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an aluminum shift knob are other features. Both coupe and sedan get the 350-watt, seven-speaker stereo. High-performance tires for the coupe and sedan; XM and navigation ; or all of the above are the packages available.

 

The Civic Hybrid sedan features a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), automatic climate control, a roof-mounted radio antenna, a rear decklid spoiler, and hybrid-pertinent digital data displays. Vehicle Stability Assist is standard. The navigation system, XM Satellite Radio, leather interior including heated front seats and side mirrors, or with the leather package, navigation, and XM are available with the Hybrid.

 

Civic GX is basically an LX sedan with a 1.8-liter engine powered by natural gas mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

 

Exterior and interior

 

A benchmark for the compact cars, the Civic LX sedan is a superb choice for those seeking a practical compact that is smooth, comfortable and quick. The EX models get all the conveniences like heated leather seats in the EX-L. The GX provides basic transportation with the potential economy and real emissions reduction of natural gas. The Hybrid is a good commuter vehicle with its fuel-saving electric motor. The Si Coupe and Si Sedan are known for sporty performance.

 

The Honda Civic sedans and coupes do not share any body panels. Details and markings are different for each trim level. The new design of front part incorporates a taller, more trapezoidal center opening with secondary scoop-like openings on either side. The revisions made to the headlights are more subtle. The rear view of each body style differs markedly. On the 2009 Civic Si sedan, the grille bar is black instead of chrome. On both coupes and sedans and Si badge tucks into the grille's lower left side, and oval fog lights are set into the bumper's outboard openings. An interestingly shaped rear spoiler wraps over the outboard edges of the sedan's trunk lid; on the coupe, the spoiler is free-standing. Both sedan and coupe roll on own unique alloy wheels. The Civic Hybrid comes with just a small Hybrid badge under the right rear taillight.

 

The natural gas-powered GX can be identified by a blue CNG diamond on the right side of the rear deck lid, and NGV lettering on the rear doors.

 

Seats are not plush but comfortable. The Si models get sport front seats with synthetic suede upholstery and more aggressive bolsters both bottom and side for improved support. The controls are for the most part where they should be, but not necessarily as they should be. The dash may seem endless deep to some persons.

 

Sedans share the coupe's three-spoke steering wheel (with spokes at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions) promising a functional improvement over the previous design (with its two downward-swept spokes at 4 and 8 o'clock). The Civic navigation system includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

 

The Civic coupe and sedan are competitive with other cars in their classes in terms of interior room. The rear doors provide easy rear seat access. However, the bench seats in the rear are flat and may not be comfortable while taking twists and turns. The cargo space available is 12.0 cubic feet, lags behind competitors. The Hybrid gives up an additional 1.6 cubic feet to battery and such, while the GX loses fully half its trunk to fuel storage.

 

Driving impressions

 

The ride quality in the Honda Civic is solid but not overly firm, with less road noise and wind whistle. The stiff chassis gives the Civic a solid and planted feel. The brake feel is solid. The modern front and rear suspension designs deliver impressive stability and certain steering response. The long wheelbase ride is smooth.

 

The five-speed automatic does the job admirably. The five-speed manual gearbox is a bit rubbery, and hitting the desired gear requires careful aim.

 

The 1.8-liter engine that comes standard delivers 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Honda rates the combined output of the Hybrid's electric motor and 1.3-liter gasoline engine at 110 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, on regular unleaded. The LNG-powered GX produces 113 horsepower and 109 pound-feet. The 2.0-liter Si models feature 197 horsepower and 139 pound-feet.

 

EPA fuel economy estimates are 26/34 mpg City/Highway for the five-speed manual, 25/36 mpg for the five-speed automatic, and 21/29 mpg for the Si six-speed manual. The Hybrid earns a 40/45 mpg rating, the GX a gasoline-equivalent of 24/36.  

The brand new 2009 Honda Fit offers engineering excellence and value with a compelling balance of economy, fun, interior convenience and comfort. It is Honda's smallest car with an innovative and upgraded interior, fun-to-drive character and efficient bottom line.

 

The Fit is fit for your life with a healthy list of standard safety equipment to multiple seat configurations and ample storage room. Truly, the Fit, a small and fuel efficient car, is a right choice in these days of fluctuating fuel prices, environment concerns and economic uncertainty. In other words, the Fit offers all that what most people need from their cars actually.

 

What’s new for 2009? Honda has retained the Fit fresh, giving it a redesign after two years of its debut in North America thereby making an effort to stay ahead of increasing competitors like the Nissan Versa and Scion xD.

 

For 2009, the Fit comes with a new, more upscale and driver-friendly exterior design and an improved interior with better materials and seats. The second row seats can be folded in multitude of ways in which the second row could be folded, however the difference for 2009 is the deletion of the "refresh" mode as one of the possible configurations and the addition of a secret compartment at the seat bottom.

 

The Fit delivers better performance from its 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and slightly gets more power on the road. The upgraded chassis and suspension components improve the overall ride and handling experience. The Fit is fuel efficient too, securing an EPA-estimated 27/33 mpg city/highway. The 1.5-liter engine delivers 117-horsepower at 6600 rpm and 106 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm.

 

Model lineup

 

The 2009 Honda Fit comes in two models with three trim variations, Fit, Fit Sport and Fit Sport with Navi. The main differences among the trims and variants are around equipment and technology upgrades. The Fit Sport comes with one-inch larger wheels, and the Fit Sport with Navi includes satellite navigation and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

 

The Fit comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic and features 15-inch wheels, black side mirrors, telescoping steering wheel, auxiliary input jack for your iPod, MP3/WMA playback and 160-watt stereo with four speakers.

 

The Fit Sport comes with larger wheels, a sporty front bumper, body-colored side mirrors, keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB connectivity, a driver side armrest, map lights, a five-speed automatic or five-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

 

The Fit Sport with Navi sports a manual transmission or five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The Fit Sport with Navi adds satellite navigation and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

 

Front, side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard safety features on all Fit trims.

 

Exterior and interior

 

The Fit bears a new functional and attractive style for 2009 with sharply styled headlights, larger front quarter windows and a more aerodynamic front design. These improved looks make the Fit the most appealing car in its class. A wider stance, more aggressive fender flares and sharper character lines along the side are some other design changes.

 

The critical elements of the interior have been considerably improved ensuring that the awesome utility of this little car is intact mostly. The new front seats can now accommodate taller passengers and is wider providing more room for occupants. The materials used are sufficiently ample and durable. The center stack bears the easiest layout - the large knobs that control the environment and settings curve around the stereo controls on the driver's side, making the design stylish and easy to reach. However, the plastic controls are a bit thin to the touch.

 

The in-dash cup holders and split glovebox are highpoints, though both upper and lower boxes are too small to be of much use. Space inside the cabin ranges is almost-spacious, particularly for a car this size.  However, a noisy and thrashy ride, slightly numb steering and a small (split) glovebox are some backdrops.

 

Driving impressions

 

The Fit, with new seats and suspension changes, offers comfortable conveyance and is fun for everyday driving.

 

The manual transmission or automatic with paddle shifters increases the fun by allowing drivers to dip down into the vehicle's torque band when needed. On twisty corners, it provides more fun, and almost as efficient as the Scion xD or Nissan Versa. Most of the time, the rear of the car nicely follows the front with a new improved electric steering set up. The clutch and throw play on the manual transmission is easy to manipulate and gives a lot of fun to operate.

 

Some people may not like the noise it gives out: the engine squeals when you hammer the throttle, whining and moaning its displeasure even during normal driving situations, like accelerating from a stop light.  

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., has registered total February vehicle sales of 71,575, a decline of 35.4 percent compared to February 2008. These sales figures are based on the daily selling rate. Honda Division posted February sales of 63,916, a decline of 34.9 percent versus February 2008.

 

Dick Colliver, Executive Vice president of Sales for American Honda, said the trend that started a few months ago “seems to be continuing” and hoped that the sales might go up in the spring “when the economy strengthens”.

 

Honda total car sales decreased by 33.1 percent, to 35,991. However, the Fit’s sales increased 2.3 percent, to 4,247. Honda light-truck sales decreased 37.2 percent, to 27,925.

 

The Acura Division posted sales of 7,659, a decline of 39.0 percent compared to February 2008. Sales of the TSX sports sedan, the brand's second-best-selling model for the month, increased 4.1 percent to 2,293.

 

The daily selling rate is calculated with 24 days for February 2009 and 25 days for February 2008. All percentages project the daily selling rate.  

Honda produced its 20 millionth automobile in North America based on January 2009 production totals to be released this week. Honda began local auto production in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio.

 

Tsuneo Tanai, president & CEO of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and head of Honda's production operations in North America, covering the U.S., Canada and Mexico said: “The production of 20 million cars and light trucks in North America was achieved through the ultimate in teamwork by our suppliers, business partners and dealers working together with Honda associates to create joy for our customers".

 

Consistent with Honda's commitment to produce products close to the customer, more than 77% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2008, were produced in North America- a total of 1,421,427 units. Further, 11 different models are produced exclusively in North America- the Honda Accord Coupe, Civic Coupe and Si, Civic GX natural gas vehicle, Odyssey, Pilot, Element and Ridgeline and the Acura TL, MDX, RDX and CSX (Canadian exclusive model).

 

In addition to the 20 million cars and light trucks, Honda's cumulative North American production of automobile engines exceeds 18.4 million units, mostly in Ohio and Alabama, with automatic transmission production now exceeding 13 million units at plants in Ohio and Georgia.

 

Honda has four U.S. automobile plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Alabama; and Greensburg, Indiana. Honda currently partners with more than 620 North American suppliers, including 545 in the U.S., and purchased more than $19.5 billion in parts and materials from its North American suppliers in 2008.

 

The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment in 1959 of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. motorcycle production in Ohio in 1979, and U.S. automobile production in 1982.