About: Autolove

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Honda Pilot which I haven’t tested for 5 model years. Surely you would expect the price to be higher with inflation but the downward force on price increase is the technology and robotic assembly and computer aided design (CAD) that simply gets better every year and keeps the cost down. In dog years 2004 was a lifetime past. In fact I tested it in March of 2003. Consider the price then was $27-33,000 as compared with the 2009 at $28-40,000. Even if this SUV were not better, it would have improved its value to the consumer considering price alone.

Amazingly however, at the same time, it has NOT improved in fuel economy for a similarly powered engine and drive train. It is virtually the same, except for the rules of measurement that by 2004 standards today’s fuel numbers would be a bit higher. But it would not be enough to sneeze at.

So I guess what I’m saying is that I expect most would be disappointed with the improvement in mileage performance. So I would definitely look more closely at the Hybrid versions.

The recognized competition dynamics have changed in that many have evolved upward to the luxury brands so the grouping is closer together. That is the case with the Honda Pilot which has grown up and become more sophisticated. In addition 15 of those listed in Recognized Competition were not there 5 model years ago. A few others have been discontinued and all have scaled down in size, except the Suburban. It will be interesting to see what the changes are in the next 5 years. Do you think there will be any of these remaining in 5 years in this utility class? They surely will be if we find another more efficient and cheaper power source, because people obviously appreciate the large comfort of the SUV and made it part of the fabric of family life.

Parts – US/Canadian 70%.

Assembly – Lincoln, Alabama USA

Class:  – SUV

Cars: – Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, S2000.

Great car to drive. Powerful. Good Crest Test through the mountain course.

Styling:

Not much change in overall appearance in the past 5 years.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Cost of the automobile is relative to the cost of all goods and services. I believe the falling cost of consumer electronics and other home based features put into the automobile is a major reason for the slow climb in car prices generally. Consider those things you have in your home that you also have in your car. Radio, TV, DVD, MP/3, Heating, Air Conditioning, Comfortable easy chair type seating, Entertainment centers etc., which equates to home away from home convenience.

Features and Conveniences:

Abundantly endowed. There isn’t much left out of what could be added to make us feel right at home. The bad news is it’s not free. Just look at the range in price from model to model.

Consumer Recommendation:

Resource – www.safercar.gov

Truly there is a smorgasbord of cars so you can have pretty much what you want and if you opt for what you “Need”, the cost will be a whole lot less. But if you’re thinking what I’m thinking this class family vehicle should be tricked out completely because it will be used for the entire family where such outings demand entertainment centers to keep passengers occupied on longer trips. I say, spend it here and ratchet down the commuter car where you are alone in the vehicle.

Recognized Competition:

Honda Pilot $28-40,000, Buick Enclave $35-39,000, GMC Acadia $32-40,000, Hummer H3 $33-43,000, Saab 9-7X $43-49,000, Dodge Durango Hybrid $45,040, Subaru Tribeca $30-34,000, Saturn Outlook $30-36,000, Chevrolet Suburban $40-53,000, Mazda CX-9 $30-35,000, Chrysler Aspen $35-37,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $30-45,000, Lexus RX 350 $38-39,000, Ford Edge $26-35,000, Ford Explorer $27-38,000, Ford Taurus X $28-33,000, Mercury Mountaineer $27-34,000, Lincoln MKX $37-39,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $29-39,000, Chevrolet Traverse $28-41,000, Hyundai Veracruz $ n/a, Toyota 4Runner $27-36,000, Toyota 4Runner $29-39,000, Toyota Highlander $28-35,000, Kia Borrego $26-33,000, Nissan Pathfinder $27-40,000, Dodge Durango $28-40,000.

Good News:

Lots to choose from, good value over time, abundant standard equipment.

Bad News:

Disappointing fuel economy.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 250 hp V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes with electronic brake distribution system, variable assist rack and pinion power steering, 100K mile tune ups, front side and side curtain air bags, stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, security and immobilizer system, child LATCH system, Navigation w/voice recognition and rear view camera, DVD rear entertainment system with 9” display and wireless headsets, Bluetooth hands free link, stereo w/6 in-dash CD, XM satellite radio, climate control, driver 8-way power seat, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats, 60/40 split fold down 2nd & 3rd row seats, power windows and locks, cruise control, power tail gate, power moon roof, front and rear parking sensors, 17” allow wheels, auto on off headlights, fog lights, heated power mirrors and integrated class III trailer hitch.

Gas Stats:

$2.65/ Gal avg. November 5, ‘08

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

16 City and 22 Highway MPG

www.safercar.gov  or   888-327-4236

Pricing:

MSRP $39,995.

Overview:

This week I drove the 2004 Honda Civic 4-door sedan Hybrid. With gas going “artificially” up over $2.00 at this writing, car-buying attitudes will surely begin to change. The writing is on the wall and once again the oil companies are distracting us while they separate us from our wallets. Those kinds of people used to be called “Pick Pockets”, but today they are anything but common thieves. This is high finance rip off.

Some say don’t buy Exxon or Mobil gas until there is a downward pressure on prices.

The next time someone tells you we need to stop drilling oil somewhere because it will displace spotted owls, one eyed woodpeckers or raccoons who would have to move their home a couple of miles away, pour some water on them to wake them. If people were so environmentally concerned, they wouldn’t buy gas guzzling SUV’s and more Hybrids.

Prior to 1973, Honda was a company known more for its motorcycles than for its cars, which were tiny two-cylinder 600cc runabouts.

My first experience with Honda was riding a Honda Motorcycle in the late 1960’s. Then I became acquainted with early Honda’s when “Pop” (father-in-law) bought one of the early Civics’ (see vintage Honda pictured above) way back then and that little cracker box reminded me of the Fiat 850 (also pictured above) that is so popular in Europe and specifically Poland. With the price of gas over $4 bucks a gallon there economy takes on a whole ‘nuther meaning.

Handling & Performance:   

Well of course transportation cars like the Civic serve the purpose just fine with relative comfort and enough speed for anything but drag racing or burning rubber during jackrabbit starts. That is especially true of this Civic Hybrid that sports a 1.3 liter 93 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. That is enough for some, and never enough for others. The normal Civic is powered by a 1.7 liter 4 cylinder 127 hp engine, which isn’t all that much more power, but the performance is close enough considering the fuel economy.

Hybrids are proof of the genius car companies can provide consumers when they want to invest in the future. I suspect they know more than we and are getting in position for the anticipated depletion of oil in the world.

Styling:

Clean lines like most of the competition and essentially the same as the conventionally powered Civic.

Fit and Finish:

The Japanese consistently put out well-assembled cars.

Conveniences: 

The same as in the standard Civic. In fact it’s not obvious you are in a Hybrid if it weren’t for the different gauges.

Cost:

How can cars be more affordable? Finally the Hybrids are gaining in popularity and they cost precious little more than conventional gas powered models. And you can’t appreciate the car until you realize you don’t need to stop gasoline as often. A friend says they drive from LA to San Francisco and half way back on one tank of gas in their Prius. Now that’s my kind of car. This Civic Hybrid isn’t far behind.

But when you consider the cost of these hybrids it is important to consider Honda and Toyota are subsidizing the cost of this new technology. Surely they couldn’t sell them for that price considering all the development costs. And that gives rise to a more important issue. How well will the new battery assist and regeneration equipment hold up over time?  They don’t talk about it and we won’t really know for several years. I encourage a little risk taking, however, because the product needs a boost to encourage greater production of Hybrids that will bring the prices down even further.

Consumer Recommendation:

I still can’t convince my kids to be more practical when buying a car. This generation has only known good times and has no clue of “Saving for a Rainy Day”. Their mother and I opted to take a chance in the early 1960’s when Japanese cars were first sold in the US. Yes, I was in college and we were cost of living conscious. We had to wrestle with the fear of whether parts would be available with so few dealerships. The danger or inconvenience of being stranded was very real.

If you want to drive an economical car you have to consider this Hybrid even in consideration of the risks. Their first attempt was the Insight, which is only a 2-seater. This Civic Hybrid is almost indistinguishable from a gas engine powered Civic. However, although I like the design better than the Toyota Prius, you need to drive both. I encourage you to discuss the propulsion systems of both with dealers and pay particular attention to what maintenance issues they anticipate. If they offer an extended warranty and if affordable it would be a wise choice to buy it.

The Competition:

Honda Civic $13-20,000, Toyota Prius $20,000, Honda Insight $19-21,000, but the Insight is only a two seater.     

Good News:

Outstanding fuel economy, fun to drive, Honda quality and good pricing and it only needs an 11 gallon fuel tank.

Bad News:

We won’t know how well the new technology will hold up over time.

Standard Equipment:

1.3 liter 85 hp 4-cylinder engine with integrated motor assist, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), front disc rear drum ABS brakes, electric power assist steering, 110,000 mile tune up, dual front and side air bags, child anchors, anti theft system with remote keyless entry, climate control, stereo with CD and anti theft feature, center console, cruise control, power windows and locks and power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

47 City and 48 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $13-20,000.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

Overview:
This week we’re looking at the new model for 2008 Honda Civic EX-L 4-door sedan. Now that’s what I’m talking about, as Richard would say. I’ve never leaned a lot to Honda but have most always given a good review. One particular Civic Hybrid comes to mind very early on. They have been at the forefront for years and are working on Hydrogen powered versions. So I’m cautiously optimistic they will be a major player in new technology arriving on the scene in the immediate future.

However I have to tell you there are other players in the fuel economy area and the one that comes immediately to mind is the Toyota Yaris that I reviewed recently. Auto engineer and friend Merkel did a lot of research for a new family car and bought a Yaris. So I tested it and agreed he had made a great decision. It may have been self defense since they own horses and his wife FJ gives riding lessons. Therefore she drives a big Ford V8 Diesel. I always remind my friends and readers that you really need to establish first the need and in some cases, contractors and others who need a truck like Merkel’s family, balance it off by buying a very fuel efficient second car. It will soon become the first car as gas prices rise. Merkel says in the real world he consistently gets 39 mpg from the Yaris. I’m impressed.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 70%, Japan 30%,

Assembly – Alliston, Ontario Canada

Class:  – Subcompact

Cars: – Accord, Civic / Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000.

I tested this Civic in Oregon as we traveled the beautiful coast from Florence up to Seaside and in and around Portland. 140 horsepower doesn’t sound like a lot but I had no complaints as I passed gas stations. A tank will deliver over 400 miles.

Styling:

Very nice in class.

Fit and Finish:

Very good, as we’ve come to expect from most new products, especially Japanese cars that have been consistently out performed their competition even when put together in other parts of the world like the US, Canada and Korea.

Cost:

I like it. This car in class is one of my top 3 picks.

Features and Conveniences:

Outstanding. Nice size trunk space and generally roomy inside. Nice storage nooks and crannies and I found no negatives in the placement and provision of storage spaces and controls for a subcompact car.

Consumer Recommendation:

Resource – www.safercar.gov

Hybrids are good but if you can get the same out of conventional power plants it eliminates the concern we all have with unknown repair costs in the future for the Hybrid combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors. That means you need to look at this Honda Civic and Toyota Yaris for the economical addition to your garage.

Recognized Competition:

Honda Civic $15-25,000, Honda Civic Hybrid $23-24,000, MazdaSpeed 3 $22-24,000, Mazda 3 $14-20,000, Saturn Ion $12-20,000, Saturn Astra $16-18,000, Pontiac GS $15-20,000, Dodge Caliber $14-23,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $14-22,000, Hyundai Elantra $14-16,000, Hyundai Tiburon $17-23,000, Subaru Impreza $17-35,000, Volkswagen R32 $33,000, Volkswagen Jetta $17-24,000, Ford Focus $14-17,000, Toyota Corolla $15-20,000, Suzuki Forenza $14-15,000,  Mitsubishi Lancer $14-18,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $20-29,000, Nissan Sentra $16-20,000, Kia Spectra $13-16,000, Acura TSX $29-32,000, Scion tC $17,000, MINI Cooper $18-25,000, MINI Clubman $20-23,000.

Good News:

Comfortable, roomy sub-compact, great fuel economy, well priced and a bunch of competition to chose from.

Bad News:

None.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 140 hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed auto transmission, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake force distribution, variable assist rack and Pinion steering, front and side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, remote keyless system, security system with immobilizer theft deterrent system, LATCH system for child seats, Navigation system with voice recognition, leather trim and wrapped steering wheel, audio system with MP3/CD and 6 speakers and steering wheel controls, XM Satellite radio, air conditioning, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, center console and rear fold down armrest, power windows and locks, tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, one touch power moonroof with tilt, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster and heated power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$4.01/ Gal avg. May 28, ‘08

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

25 City and 36 Highway MPG

www.safercar.gov  or    888-327-4236

Pricing:

MSRP $20,710.

Overview:

This week I tested the 2004 Honda Element 5-door 2-WD EX. Ugly would be a good description for many, but when you compare it to the Mercedes Benz G-Class and especially the Toyota Scion xb, it turns out to be the best of the three. What I can’t understand is what possessed the Japanese and German automakers. The G-Class is awful and not to be outdone Toyota built a hearse and inscribed Scion xb on the grave stone.

Square defines a four-sided figure, but in the mid 20^th century it was slang for a person that was “out of it” or simple “not with it” and today, square is a “Nerd”. Old saying, “If the shoe fits, wear it”. These SUV’s are definitely square. Now, don’t misunderstand me I don’t cotton to overly rounded corners like the 1958 Chevrolet Impala, for example. How about the 1950’s vintage Buick Roadmaster.

Thank heaven most of today’s cars are middle ground and are decent styling for most peoples taste. So the only explanation for the above mentioned “boxes” that are being passed off as automobiles is that Toyota and Honda and Mercedes are trying to swing the pendulum to the extreme to shock our senses. Janet Jackson took a page out of their book of marketing but with the oldest of designs.

In the final analysis you have to consider a car purchasing decision is also an investment decision. What you buy, one day will have to be sold. Are you sure you want to buy into such a risky investment?

Handling & Performance:

Well, if you like to feel the road, brace yourself, you’ll feel every pebble but no real need for a kidney belt.

Styling:

My first impression in the Element was that I was slipping into a child of the H2 and Jeep Wrangler. Although I don’t care for the boxiness, it isn’t as bad as the Toyota Scion XB that looks even more like a Hearse than an SUV. And then they had to put puke green on it. Why not put some tan splotches and make it look like camouflage?

Fit and Finish:

Rugged and basic which is obviously by design. If people like it like that they are sure to change it.

Conveniences: 

Urethane utility floor that is made to look like metal for easy cleaning. Suicide doors that make accessibility entry and exit especially easy. Great for young and old and handicapped wheel chair users.

Cost:

Super competitive, but when you’re that ugly, you have to try harder, know what I mean?

Consumer Recommendation:

Well this Element was supposedly built for the young but the demographics tell another story. The age range of consumers is 42-45 years old. That is likely because it is: Inexpensive, easy to care for, easy entry and exit and finally it is a Honda that is known for quality.

The Competition:

Honda Element $16-21,000, Subaru Forester $21-27,000, Mazda Tribute $19-25,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $18-25,000, Jeep Liberty $18-25,000, Saturn VUE $17-24,000, Kia Sorento $19-25,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $18-22,000, Nissan Xterra $15-28,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000.

Good News:

Wide open access, functional and you’ll stand out in a crowd but perhaps people won’t ask you to drive- burn their gas.

Bad News:

Radical design could be a risky investment, and you’ll stand out in a crowd like Janet Jackson – naked and potentially embarrassed. People won’t invite you to drive.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 4-cylinder 160 hp engine, 4-speed auto trans, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, power steering, dual air bags, child anchor system, immobilizer anti theft system, audio system with 7 speakers, air conditioning, Urethane coated utility floor, removable flip up rear seat, power windows, rear vent windows, power locks, cruise control, adjustable steering column, power mirrors and rear window wiper washer.

Gas Stats:

22 City and 26 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $19,450.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com