2012 Honda Accord Coupe: Better Than Ever

The Accord is back and better than ever. Check out some of the head-turning available features, such as paddle shifters, GPS navi system and a V-6 engine in this video!

Honda tops Ford as America's favorite auto brand in new survey

Honda: America's Favorite Full Line Automaker

The ranking was close and the results are in - Honda overtakes both Toyota and Ford to become the 2012 Full Line Automotive Brand of the Year. It replaces last year's top-ranked automaker, Ford.

Having overcome some quality concerns and recalls in 2011, Toyota has come back strong. It climbs into second place, which is up two notches from its fourth-place position in 2011, and that much closer to the top spot it held only two years ago in 2010. Toyota's increase in brand equity is the largest of the brands measured in the category.

Although its equity score has actually increased, Ford has slipped to third place in the 2012 rankings- a further testament to the highly competitive nature of the automotive market. Chevrolet, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Volkswagen also rank above average in the full line automotive category.

In addition to measuring the brand equity of the luxury and full line automotive manufacturers, EQ also measures the auto industry's ancillary products and services, including tires, motor oil, and service centers, among others.

 

Courtesy of Harris Interactive via AutoBlog

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Lights and Direction Indicators

Lights are easier to check on a dull day or when daylight is fading.

SIDELIGHTS Two white at the front; two red at the back. Should be bright and of equal intensity. Look closely at the rear lights to see if there is a dim glow from the brake lights, turn indicators or high-intensity fog lights — this may mean a poor earth to the car body on the nearest sidelight. If the front sidelights are small bulbs set in the headlight reflector these may be dim — these little bulbs tend to overheat and go black inside. Not a MOT fail point as such if they are both equally dim, but it's best to replace them.

HEADLIGHTS Put the headlights on dipped beam. Both should shine with equal brightness — failure to do so means a bad electrical supply or earth at that bulb. The reflection from the lights on a wall or garage door should show the two beams pointing slightly down to the left and level.
There are adjusting screws or knobs behind each headlight, but unless a beam is so far out of line as to cause a hazard, it is probably best to leave adjustment to the MOT tester, who will usually use a beam-setter to set them spot on. Switch to main beam and make the same check —

REAR FOG LIGHT(S) Switch on the high-intensity red rear light(s) — your headlights need to be on dipped beam. If fitted, fog lights must work, so must the interior 'tell-tale' light on the instrument panel.

DIRECTION INDICATORS Turn the ignition on and operate the indicators. Check that there is a flashing 'tell tale' light on the instrument panel. Check that front and rear indicators are flashing.
The flash rate should be between 30 and 90 per minute. If it's just under 30 it may speed up once the engine is running, though not if the flasher unit is an electronic rather than a mechanical unit. Side repeater indicators on the wings must be working if fitted.

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS With the indicators off, switch on the hazard flashers, checking for the warning light and/or tick inside. Walk round the car to ensure that all four hazards are flashing, and that no other lights are glowing dimly. Switch off hazard flashers.

BRAKE LIGHTS Get a helper to operate the foot brake while you check the brake lights. Again, both brake lights must be equally bright, with nothing else glowing. Switch off the ignition.

LIGHTING REPAIRS If a light isn't working, chances are the bulb is blown. Bulbs are standard items, so replacement is easy. Indicators and rear red hazard lamp bulbs are 21 watt; brake light and rear tail light are usually a 21 and a 5 watt combined into one bulb. This only fits one way round to ensure the brake light is the more powerful. If it doesn't slip in easily, don't force it! Ensure that the offset pins match the slots in the bulb holder.
Front sidelights are either small bulbs set in the headlamp reflector, or larger bulbs (around 5 watts) under separate covers. Headlight bulbs come in various fittings and types, so take the old bulb along when buying a replacement. Access to the bulbs is gained by either unclipping the bulb-holder from the back of the light housing (usually after removing a cover) or by use of a number 2 Pozidriv (cross-head) screwdriver to unscrew the coloured lens from the outside.

If you have a vehicle handbook, it may show the correct procedure for removing and fitting bulbs. Other reasons for a bulb not lighting may be broken or badly corroded wiring. If one lamp lights up another, check for broken or corroded wires or a damaged lamp-holder and replace them. Many rear light units are mounted on a printed circuit board. If the circuit strips corrode, a new unit will probably be needed.
Front sidelights are either small bulbs set in the headlamp reflector, or larger bulbs (around 5 watts) under separate covers. Headlight bulbs come in various fittings and types, so take the old bulb along when buying a replacement. Access to the bulbs is gained by either unclipping the bulb-holder from the back of the light housing (usually after removing a cover) or by use of a number 2 Pozidriv (cross-head) screwdriver to unscrew the coloured lens from the outside.
If you have a vehicle handbook, it may show the correct procedure for removing and fitting bulbs. Other reasons for a bulb not lighting may be broken or badly corroded wiring. If one lamp lights up another, check for broken or corroded wires or a damaged lamp-holder and replace them. Many rear light units are mounted on a printed circuit board. If the circuit strips corrode, a new unit will probably be needed.

LENSES & REFLECTORS Headlamp reflectors must be bright and not obviously misted, tarnished or corroded. The headlamp lens should not have any hole or a crack that could let in water. All plastic lenses covering the other lights should be the correct colour and not excessively faded.

 

Courtesy of 2Pass

We appreciate the fantastic feedback, Ann! We look forward to seeing you again.

"I used their service department for the first time and had a great experience. I made an appointment and they were expecting me -,their waiting room has wifi, places to work, tv, etc. the best part was their free shuttle service - they will pick u up / drop u off within 10 mile radius. Also - I didn't end up with any unexpected charges. They checked out my air filters to see if they needed replacement - and they said they were fine! It was an opportunity to add on charges and they didn't. I will definitely be back."

- Ann H

Thank you for the rave review, Jessica. Congratulations on the new car!

"I called the dealership inquiring about a car that I saw online. I spoke to Shahbaz about the car and he was very attentive to my needs and what I was looking for in a car. Throughout the entire process, Shahbaz was extremely helpful, caring, and professional. I didn't feel pressured or as though I was being "schmoozed" at all, like I had at other dealerships in the area. I would without a doubt recommend both O'Hare Honda and Shahbaz- he truly revolutionized my car-buying experience."

- Jessica

We are thrilled to have so many wonderful customers. Thank you for the 5-star reviews!

"I received an online quote for a new fit form Gina at O'Hare Honda and was planning on a purchase later in the summer or early fall. Unexpectedly my car needs changed and Gina set up an appointment for me to meet with Shahbaz in less than 3 hours time.
Shahbaz was incredibly helpful and accommodating to my car buying needs (tight budget and a desire for a fuel efficient car). He was knowledgeable about the Fit and answered all my questions thoroughly. I wanted to stick with a basic model (I specified not wanting extra things to break) and never felt pressured to add options to the car.
When I finished my test drive which was after 7 PM instead of being told to come back tomorrow, Shahbaz started the purchase paperwork and stayed at the dealership ( until 10:30 PM)to switch my license plates and even help move my belongings from one car to the other.
I haven't purchased a new car in 10 years, but I can say that I have never been treated with as much courtesy as I was today. Any and all of my questions and concerns were addressed.
I absolutely would recommend Shahbaz to my friends at O'Hare or any other dealership."

- Corrine

See more reviews on DealerRater!

"This was my first visit to O'hare Honda in response to a factory recall notice. The service people were fast, efficient, courteous and friendly. Making the appointment, dropping off the car, waiting area, and explanation of service was easy and pleasant. Having had a very bad experience at the original dealer where I bought the car in Chicago, I will service my 2010 Honda CRV here from now on."

See more reviews on Edmunds!

 

 

Ever Wonder How Honda’s Headlights Got That Way?

Honda is stepping up its sponsorship of Documentaries on UK channel 4 with a series of short ads that match new auto features to documentary stock footage.

In the same way that documentaries dissect their subjects in order to provide a more complete view of the whole, a new series of Honda ads each hone in on a single feature of the auto company’s latest models.

As sponsors of Channel 4's Documentaries, Honda has launched this new TV campaign, created by Wieden + Kennedy London, which links brand and programming together. The tagline "The More We Look, The More We Learn" could be applied to the documentaries themselves, or the ads/"idents" which use footage that looks as though it came from a documentary to illustrate features of several different Honda products.

The campaign also includes a new website developed and created by Collective London, which indulges the kind of curiosity that accompanies an interest in documentaries. On the website, users will find a game that’s played with a series of questions themed ‘How curious are you?’ The site will Channel 4 content throughout the year.

Watch more of the "idents" below.

Courtesy of FastCoCreate.com

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: What to Do If Your Car Overheats

There are many things that can go wrong when driving, overheating is a big one. Many factors can cause a car to overheat, typically low coolant during warm temperatures, long drives and congested traffic are to blame.

If your car overheats, do not drive more than a quarter mile. Have it towed to avoid further damage to the engine. However, if there is no experienced mechanic or tow truck nearby, follow these simple steps:

• Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine.
• Do not open the hood until the car has completely cooled or the temperature gauge has moved from hot to cool.
• Check the coolant (also called antifreeze) level in the radiator. Look in the owner’s manual if you are unsure where the coolant reservoir tank is.
• Make sure the radiator cap is cool before opening it. Slowly twist it off with a towel and beware of any hot steam. If needed, fill coolant to the top of the radiator. Put the radiator cap back on.
• Be sure the upper or lower radiator hose and any of the heater hoses have not been blocked, disconnected or burst.
• Restart the engine.
• Carefully monitor the temperature gauge. If you see it crossing the optimal mark, pull over to a safe location and turn the engine off.

While your best bet is to get help from a mechanic, your safest bet is to be prepared. Store these essential items in you car: Coolant, tool kit, working flashlight, non-perishable foods and water.

 

Courtesy of The National Safety Council

We'd like to thank our happy customers for the kind words. We appreciate the recommendation!

"As car buying can be an nerve racking experience, the people at this dealership were friendly and professional. Answered all my questions and the follow up was appreciated also. I have recommended them to others."

 

2013 Honda Fit EV rated by the EPA at 118 MPGe

The 2013 Honda Fit EV tops all other EV offerings in efficiency ratings, providing the most mileage for your electric dollar.

With such an efficient drivetrain, the Fit EV ‘s 20-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery provides the capacity to earn an EPA combined city/highway estimated driving range rating of 82-miles, allowing the Fit EV to surpass the EPA efficiency and range ratings of the Ford Focus Electric (105 MPGe, 76-mile range), Nissan Leaf (99 MPGe, 73-mile range), and Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112 MPGe, 62-mile range). The Fit EV ‘s exceptionally efficient design - encompassing everything from savvy powertrain design, weight-conscious engineering and effective aerodynamics - makes the most of the Fit EV ‘s smaller battery. Additionally, the Fit EV battery can be recharged in less than 3 hours from a low charge indicator illumination point when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

“Just as important as the industry-leading fuel-efficiency and fast recharging time, as a Honda, the 2013 Fit EV will be an absolute kick to drive,” said Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office.

The Fit EV ‘s 92 kilowatt (123 horsepower) coaxial electric motor generates 188 ft-lb of torque, and is teamed to a chassis with a fully-independent suspension and a driver-selectable 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid.

Honda debuted the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the battery-electric commuter vehicle to customers in select California and Oregon markets during the summer of 2012, followed by an East Coast rollout in 2013. The Fit EV will be offered with three-year $389/month lease.

Honda Environmental Leadership: The Fit EV is a part of Honda ‘s portfolio approach, which includes the development of battery- electric, hydrogen, natural gas, and gasoline-electric powered vehicles, to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce C02 emissions. Honda has led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America’s greenest vehicles, from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for eleven consecutive years.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets for its global fleet of automobile, powersports and power equipment products and its global network of manufacturing plants. Today, the company is striving for even greater reductions in CO2 emissions that contribute to global climate change, while also working to minimize waste, water use and the total environmental footprint of its operations worldwide.

 

Courtesy of American Honda Motor Co via The Washington Times

Best SUVs for the Bucks

2012 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a perennial value, and the 2012 redesign makes it even better. Though it's not luxurious, it does offer pleasant road manners and excellent interior space for its compact footprint. The cargo area is the most versatile in the class, with lots of room and seats that fold flat with the flick of a lever. Prices start at $22,495, and the CR-V excels in resale value and reliability. The 2012 model scored in the top 10 of Kelley Blue Book's best resale values and it was the second-highest-ranked compact crossover in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study.

 

Courtesy of MSN Autos

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: How To Change a Tire

Sooner or later, it's bound to happen to most everyone. You're driving along with your mind on the important meeting agenda, and suddenly your car pulls to one side and you hear that dreaded flapping sound of a flat tire.

Nowadays, many drivers have roadside assistance services that will come fix your flats, but it's always smart to know how to change a flat yourself. Because it's a fairly common occurrence, car manufacturers have tried to make the tire change process one that virtually anyone can do.

Before Starting Out

It's a good idea to get your car serviced before heading out on a road trip. Part of the checkup should include a look at the tires.

Look for any unevenly worn spots, or skimpy tread. If the tires are iffy, invest in new ones. You'll need them eventually anyway, and it's better to start out on a trip with new tires than have a blow-out in the middle of nowhere.

Even if you're not heading on a trip, you should familiarize yourself with the tools you'll use in the event of a flat tire. Most cars come equipped with a simple jack and lug wrench, as well as a spare tire. Check your owner's manual if you aren't sure how to access these items.

Pull out the jack and the tire, and make sure the tire is in good shape. If your spare is flat, get it fixed.

It only takes a few minutes to make sure you have all the tools, and you'll save yourself a big headache later if you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat.

Optional Items to Pack

Besides the crucial jack, wrench, and spare tire, you might also want to consider placing these tools in your trunk to make a tire change much easier and more comfortable:

• Flashlight (with extra batteries)

• Gloves

• Tarp or mat to kneel on

• Plastic rain poncho

• Fix-a-flat™ spray foam

• Tire gauge

• Tire blocks

Changing a Flat Tire

Follow these simple steps to fix the problem and be on your way in no time:

1. Find a safe spot to pull over. If you're on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can't see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!
2. Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.
3. Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don't remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.
4. Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner's manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.
5. Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won't get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.
6. Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't go any farther.
7. Put on the lug nuts. Don't put them on tightly, just make sure they're on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.
8. Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.
9. Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.
10. Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don't leave anything on the side of the road.

Quick Fixes

Once in a while, a tire isn't completely destroyed when it goes flat. If the flat is caused by a nail or other sharp object, and you can't or don't want to change your tire on the side of the road, you may be able to give yourself a few miles of leeway by using a flat-fix type spray.

Simply follow the manufacturer's directions. In ideal situations, the spray foam will allow you to at least find a close off-ramp and pull into a service station or a rest stop before you have to change your tire.

Courtesy of DMV.org

Thank you for the fantastic feedback, Carrie! Kudos to Shahbaz!

"Best dealership and salesperson we have ever had in all our years of buying cars.
Everyone extremely helpful! Our salesperson Shahbaz Sheikh was courteous, conscientious and very well groomed. He was very patient with us, never, never aggressive.
From the minute we waked into O'hare Honda, Shahbaz helped us through the entire process.
I will buy my next car from him and am happy to say: So very pleased. Thanks again, Shahbaz..."

- Carrie

See more reviews on DealerRater!

Thank you for the 5-star review, Carmelita! Kudos to David and Ryan!

"My thanks to David Strickland & Ryan at O'Hare Honda Service. Not only am I welcomed as though I was family, my car was serviced, washed, and everything was clearly explained to me. Thank you!!"

- Carmelita

See more reviews on Edmunds!

We'd like to thank our happy customer, Richard, for the kind words. We appreciate the rave review!

We bought our 2002 Odyssey new at O hare Honda and have been very pleased with the service. It s great to be able to schedule the service and have it done while we wait."

- Richard

See more reviews on Yahoo!

Kelley Blue Book - Best Green Cars of 2012

Overview

Fuel economy is up, fuel consumption is down, and the road keeps getting a little bit greener each new model year. But world-class fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on our annual 10 Best Green Cars list. Click the arrow above to see the standouts offering mpg and more.

2012 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has long been the vanilla ice cream of compact sedans; it's easy to fall back on due to its remarkable reliability and exceptional value. But for 2012, the Civic has evolved into more of a Neapolitan as it presents a choice of three different engine types: gasoline, natural gas and hybrid gas/electric. Considering all of them achieve close to 40 highway mpg, the Civic is an excellent choice no matter what flavor you pick.

 

Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book

Thank you for the 5-star review, Kathy! We appreciate your recommendation.

"Great Dealer & a Pleasant experience. We had been to a dozen local dealers before finding one we felt comfortable in, and this was it! While we are not fond of the whole buying a car process, indeed this dealer made it a decent experience. Not the case from other dealers around the area. We d highly recommend giving them a try, if you need a new car." - Kathy

 

See more reviews on Yahoo!

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving and Tornadoes

When you prepare for tornado season ahead of time, you can increase your chances of protecting yourself and your property in the face of a tornado or heavy windstorm. If you’re in a tornado’s path, you don’t have much time to find shelter.

Tornado Driving Safety Tips:

• Try not drive during tornado conditions. Drive only if the tornado is far away and the traffic you will be driving in is light.
• Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
• If you can see the tornado, and it is heading away from you… just sit tight. If it is heading toward you, and you have the time, drive away from it at right angles. Example, if it is heading north, travel east or west. If it is too close, find safety below ground if possible, or in the nearest depression. Do not stay in your car, as it will be tossed around with you in it.
• Do not, under any circumstance, drive over a downed electrical line.
• Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
• Be prepared with a disaster kit in the car at all times. Take it, if possible, when you leave your car.
• If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
• Heavy rains often accompany tornadoes. Do not travel down a road submerged in water — underlying currents could carry your car away. Another likely threat: a collapsed roadway. If your vehicle stalls in water, immediately abandon it — floodwaters can rise several feet in a matter of minutes.

You should know these about tornadoes:

• They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
• Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

Other Tornado Safety Tips:

Be alert to changing weather conditions.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.Look for approaching storms
• Look for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

 

Courtesy of Car-Use.net

It's great to hear from our satisfied customers. Thank you or the 5-star review, Tom!

"I have to say we are a Honda family we bought ALL our cars from there and it is the only place that we would go, from John to the service dept. they are the best this family run business is fantastic" - Tom