Summer Wildlife Day Camp Connects Hundreds of Area Students With Ohio's Native Wildlife

With support from Honda of America Mfg. and other donors, the 2012 Wildlife Explorers summer camp program presented by the Ohio Wildlife Center has expanded this year to provide additional area students with unique opportunities to engage with and learn about native Ohio animals and their behavior.

The Ohio Wildlife Center is celebrating its 10th year offering children the opportunity to interact with wild animals in a safe and educational setting.  The program is designed to create awareness and understanding of the animals living in our communities.  In addition, the children make new friends, learn new skills and have fun in the outdoor environment.

The programs expanded this year to serve 300 students as the result of a recent grant to upgrade the center's Dempsey Wildlife Display and new funding to train additional instructional interns.  Enrollment in recent years has consistently ranged between 180 and 220 students from Delaware, Union, Madison, Franklin, Logan and Fairfield counties.  To support this growth, Honda of America Mfg. provided a $15,000 grant this year, making available curriculum materials, aquatic study pond equipment, additional camp counselors and other educational items.

"We are pleased to work with Honda and other organizations to enhance environmental and science education among our students in Ohio," said Barbara Ray, Director of Education for Ohio Wildlife Center.  "These camp experiences bridge a learning gap in both urban and suburban schools when it comes to understanding and appreciating the wild neighbors in our immediate environment."

As part of the program, young wildlife explorers are given the opportunity to connect with nature, and the camp students participate in hands-on activities and animal care with the center's wildlife residents.  In addition, the campers enhance their socialization skills, self-awareness and team-building skills.

Representatives from the center and Honda recently visited with students at the day camp, including Caroline Ramsey, manager of Honda of America's philanthropy initiatives.

"Honda is pleased to support this program, which brings together students from diverse backgrounds and locations to learn together and broaden their understanding of the environment and the wildlife that exists all around us," Ramsey said.

The week-long day camp sessions take place each year from mid-June to mid-August at the Ohio Wildlife Center, located at 6131 Cook Road, with programs for students ages 7 through 12, and a half-day camp for pre-school students ages 4 to 6.
Openings are still available for this summer.  Registration forms can be downloaded from Ohio Wildlife Center's website.

Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom

Happy Monday fans, here is Monday Maintenance tip for you!

Tired Tires

Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.

Thank you to the author of this tremendous review! Keep up the great work team!

Paragon Honda - (5) Star Review on DealerRater

• I found the people at Paragon Honda to be very helpful, courteous and accommodating. Our salesperson, Mr. Juan Arias, was thoughtful and efficient, and we did not feel any pressure to make decisions. He was particularly good at helping us figure out what we really needed, and most helpfully, he told us to come in on Friday to allow us to take a look and help us find what need. Indeed, he helped me transfer the stuff from my old vehicle to the new one. It was a pleasure to do business. Mr. Levy was also willing to help us get out the door in good order and very clear in explaining the possible choices we might have for additional policies. Overall great experience now I get to enjoy our new vehicle thanks a lot Paragon Honda hope to do business again soon. -Sayala28
  

Did you know your tires should be rotated every 5,000-10,000 miles driven? Take advantage of this great offer from Paragon Honda while it lasts!

Honda Civic Type R given the green light?

With official announcements yet to be released, reports indicate Honda has given the green light on the next generation of its zippy Civic Type R.

Are you a fan of Honda’s performance-tuned hatchback? Wishing a new breed of Civic Type R would get here already? Well you’re in luck (sort of) as reports suggest that a next generation Civic Type R is on its way.

Apparently, “company insiders” at Honda have confirmed to Autocar that the Japanese automaker will officially announce the Civic Type R at this year’s Paris Motor Show, with plans to debut the speedy, hot hatch at the Geneva Motor Show next year.

The triumphant return of the Type R has been speculated for some time now, but if reports prove true car could go on sale as early as March of 2013.

As of yet nothing has been confirmed, but certainly some big changes are expected to make their way into the next-gen CTR. Honda will reportedly do away with the current interation’s existing naturally aspirated K20 VTEC – which had difficulty meeting Euro emissions regulations, subsequently causing its demise – in favor of a new 210 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged Mugen-developed four-cylinder. On top of newly designed engine and heightened bodywork, expect to see further enhancements like larger wheels and tires, upgraded brakes, as well as a sport-tuned suspension.

Of course this is all just speculation and concrete details have yet to materialize. Still, we’re exciting to see how a next CTR pans out.

Now for the bad news — at least for those of us in U.S. – we don’t anticipate snagging the keys to Honda’s race ready Civic to be an easy ordeal. Like with most Type R models, it’s highly unlikely the Civic Type R will make its way to our salty shores, and instead be restricted to Japan and Europe only.

It’s okay though, at least you have the weekend to look forward to.

Courtesy of DigitalTrends.com

Welcome back to the work week fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance Tip for you!

Brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pad or brake shoe is worn down past the minimum thickness specified by the car manufacturer or state law. You can have your brake linings checked at any normal service shop or at a brake specialist.

Thank you to the author of this tremendous review! Keep up the great work team!

Paragon Honda - (4.8) Star Review on DealerRater

• I received incredible service and consideration from
  the floor manager, Joe Carusone.
  He was a gentleman. Listened to my rationale for the
  price I was willing to pay for the vehicle and was
  willing to work with me to close the deal.
  The car is a certified preowned car. They prepped it
  beautifully. When I went to pick it up, the salesman
  apologized that it was a rainy day. He told me to come
  back on the sunny day of my choice and they'd wash &
  polish it again. The gave me a voucher for free gas
  at a nearby station. Before I left, the salesman had
  me sit in the driver's seat and he helped me locate
  and operate every switch and button. He showed me
  how to access the spare tire and jack.

  Before I left, he told me to call him presonally for
  ANY question or concern.

  This was the BEST experience I have ever had purchasing
  a used vehicle.

  It's been more than six months. The car has had it's
  oil change and check up..... NOT ONE PROBLEM in 6 months.

  Honest dealer selling quality Certified Hondas.

  HIGHLY Recommended. -LisaJ727
  

On this day in 1969 the Lunar Module of Apollo 11 touched down on the moon's surface and, as the world watched, Neil Armstrong took his first steps on this previously unexplored territory. If you had the chance to go to the moon would you?

Thank you to the author of this glowing review! Great job everyone!

Paragon Honda - (5) Star Review on DealerRater

• I hated car shopping But when i visited Paragon Honda, I've had a wonderful experience, finding my car. A 2012 Honda Fit. From test drive to pick up of my car, they've been friendly and courteous throughout. No pressure, just wanted to work with me, within MY boundary. What a great place. I would recommend them anytime. -amurorey

Jae, thanks for taking the time to write such an amazing review! Way to go team!

Paragon Honda - (5) Star Review on Yelp

• I came to this dealership, to buy 2012 Honda Fit, expecting sale pressure.  Instead, I've had a great buying experience and a great car.  These are the people I've worked with.  Shown Brown, Stephanie Jay and Ariel Munoz.  What a wonderful bunch.  I would highly recommend them all.  Thanks -Jae Y.

HondaLink is a cloud-based system that connects you to your favorite digital content without hassling with your mobile phone!

Stop by Paragon Honda to test drive this certified used 2012 Honda Accord! We're sure you won't be disappointed!

Click Here for Details!

2013 Honda Fit Delivers Unmatched Combination of Versatility, Efficiency and Fun

The award-winning Honda Fit returns for 2013 with a new exterior color and a host of awards and accolades that reinforce its leadership position in the competitive subcompact-car segment. After receiving extensive updates for 2012 - including an upgraded interior and additional new standard and available features - for 2013 the Fit returns with the introduction of the vibrant new Midnight Plum Pearl exterior paint, replacing the previous Orange Burst Metallic. On sale tomorrow and starting at only $15,3251, pricing for the Honda Fit is unchanged for 2013.

A multiple award-winner due to its class-leading safety scores, fuel economy, versatility, residual value and overall excellence, the Honda Fit has built a loyal following over six years and two generations. Now it enters the 2013 model year with more honors, including winning the "$16,000 Subcompact Shootout" competition by Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek that evaluated gas mileage, practicality, and user features and comfort.

The 2012 Honda Fit also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), received a 2012 Residual Value Award from ALG, topped J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS) for 2011 in its segment, and is a six-time Car and Driver magazine "10Best Cars" award winner.

Powertrain
The 1.5-liter, i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine produces 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm, and is tuned to deliver an engaging combination of responsiveness and fuel efficiency. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic transmission is available. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on Fit Sport models equipped with the available automatic transmission allow for manual gear selection.

When equipped with the available automatic transmission, the Fit has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 28/35/31 miles per gallon2. The Fit Sport with the available automatic transmission has an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/30 miles per gallon2. All manual transmission-equipped models have an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/29 miles per gallon2.

Body
A windswept body design, body-color exterior mirrors and racy five-spoke wheel covers (Fit) or 16-inch alloy wheels (Fit Sport) give the Fit an upscale appearance. But it is the Fit's compact size and tight turning diameter (34.4 feet, curb-to-curb) that help it conveniently navigate space-confined urban areas and fit in small parking spaces.

Chassis
A sporty, refined and dynamic driving experience is provided by the front MacPherson strut suspension and an H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension. Fifteen- and 16-inch wheels (Fit and Fit Sport, respectively) feature 175/65 R15 84S (Fit) and 185/55 R16 83H (Fit Sport) tires. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) uses 10.3-inch ventilated discs in the front and 7.9-inch drums in the rear.

Interior
Though the Fit has an overall exterior length of just 161.6 inches, a surprisingly roomy and versatile interior provides an impressive 90.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. There's comfortable seating for up to five passengers, and behind the rear seats, there's 20.6 cubic feet of storage space - much more than you'd find in a typical sedan.

For enhanced versatility, the exclusive 60/40 split rear Magic Seat® offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations. With its one-motion dive-down functionality, it can fold flat into the floor to provide a maximum 57.3 cu-ft. of rear cargo volume. Compared to any other vehicle in the subcompact class, the five-passenger Fit provides the lowest, flattest cargo floor and the most cargo volume. The Fit's interior thus can easily be converted to tall-object mode or long-object mode based on the shape of the cargo.

Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, a USB audio interface3, an auxiliary audio input jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, and a security system.

Safety
All Fit models are equipped with a wide range of standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, anti-lock brakes and more. Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and side-curtain airbags are also standard equipment for 2013.

Fit Sport
The top-of-the-line Fit Sport adds a host of useful features and amenities, including fog lights, "machined surface" 16-inch alloy wheels, a body-colored underbody kit and rear roofline spoiler, and a chromed exhaust finisher for a high-energy look. A rear stabilizer bar and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (on automatic transmission-equipped models) widen the performance envelope, while a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls get the tunes pumping. Other Fit Sport interior enhancements include upgraded seat fabric, dark metallic dashboard components, chrome accents around the instrument displays, console ambient lighting and floor mats.

The Fit Sport is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition4, which features a 6.5-inch screen, more than seven-million points of interest and 16 GB of flash memory. Like other Honda navigation systems, this system allows simple, intuitive operation and has an extensive on-board database. When equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition, the Fit Sport also includes Bluetooth®5 HandsFreeLink® to help make hands-free telephone calls more convenient. The Navigation System also features Bluetooth® Audio capability with compatible phones and devices.

Manufacturing and Warranty
The Fit is manufactured at Honda's plant in Suzuka, Japan. It is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.

Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom

Hello fans! Here is a money-saving car care tip for you!

Wash and wax your car. Giving your car a good cleaning helps preserve the paint by removing road grime and residues that can eat through the finish. The time spent hand washing a car gives you a close-up view of every body panel, so you can spot scratches, chips, and dings you may not have otherwise noticed. To maintain a quality shine, periodically apply car wax. A spray wax is best suited to weekly or special-occasion applications. Other waxes can be used less frequently, every 2-3 months.

Having the right road trip games in your arsenal can make the difference between a peaceful road trip and one filled with constant "are we there yet?" questions. What are some of your favorite boredom busters for long drives? I-Spy? 20 questions?

Transforming a stock 2012 Civic Si Coupe into a competitive race car for the World Challenge is easier than you think.

Check out this beautiful blue Honda Accord! It can be all your so stop by Paragon Honda today!

Click Here for Details!

Another glowing review for Paragon Honda! Keep up the great work team!

Paragon Honda - (4.6) Star Review on DealerRater

• After an extensive car shopping experience from dealership to dealership I finally was able to make a purchase at Paragon Honda. With me having a lack of ANY credit history at all I was surprised that I was able to get a good financing deal through honda considering what all of the other dealerships were offering. The sales guy, Esa Popal, was very nice and extremely patient with me. When following up he wasn't too pushy or annoying. He also was easy to get in touch with through his cell phone if I had any questions. The financial manager was detailed with explaining the financing and was very clear about everything. No hidden fees or bogus, made-up charges like prep, and some crazy off-the-wall processing fee as i saw at other dealers. They weren't able to hit my payment budget on the nail, but came preeettttyyy close to it which is fine by me. Overall the only downside I could find was that there was quite a bit of waiting in the used car office, it can get pretty busy, so I would recommend going on a day where you don't have anything planned. I must say that I probably will be going back to Paragon Honda for any service needed on my vehicle because of the great customer service I received. -Tara.Alicia
  

Honda Offers Free Insurance

If the thought of free car insurance gets you excited, Honda has a deal for you: free collision insurance. Notice we said "free" and not "stipulation-free" -- the deal is applicable only under certain conditions. That is, if you're in the market for an electric vehicle; you live in California or Oregon; you want to lease instead of buy; you can afford payments of $389 per month; and you don't care to purchase the car at the end of the three-year lease. Still interested? 

Yes, the free insurance deal is available only for Honda's Fit EV, which also comes with all of the above caveats. Honda is hoping the allure of free insurance for the duration of its three-year leases will draw buyers in. 

It's a marketing tactic to get drivers into the car, of course, but Honda says it's also a practical move. According to reporting by The Detroit News, the fact that only 1,100 vehicles are poised to hit the streets this year could have given pause to insurers attempting to rate the financial risk of such a low-volume vehicle. The insurance freebie gets around that possible snafu.

Is this likely to catch on within the industry? General Motors offered a year of free insurance to drivers in Washington and Oregon last year, but didn't subsequently renew or expand the program. The problem: It was difficult to administer. 

But with such low volume -- just 1,100 cars total -- administrative logistics are likely to be minimal for Honda with the Fit EV. And for drivers of the new, unproven vehicle, the added assurance of complimentary insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance could make the difference -- along with the financial break, which comes to an estimated $600 per year. 

Fit EV drivers will still have to pay for their own liability insurance. According to Jerry Hirsch of The Detroit News: "Consumers leasing the Fit will be required to carry liability insurance at $100,000 per incident and $300,000 overall coverage." 

Courtesy of MSN Autos

Thank you Curt, for writing this awesome review. Great job team!

Paragon Honda - (4) Star Review on Yelp

• I bought a pre-owned CRV last weekend and I'm very pleased, most of all with the value of my purchase. Juan C was my salesperson, and he was not pushy or aggressive, which I appreciated. There was not a lot of bargaining on price, mostly because I did my homework and found their prices to be the best in the area. My advice: do a lot of internet research and know what you want before you test drive. I had narrowed it down to 3 vehicles that had similar prices and features and mileage. I bought the one in the best condition. If you've searched http://Edmunds.com and Autobytel and Consumer Reports and CarsDirect you should know if you're getting a good deal or not. Evelin was very helpful in reviewing all the features of the car and a friendly charming person to deal with. Try to do most of your dealing not on the weekend, which is too hectic. -Curt H.

Hey fans, here is a Monday car care tip!

Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to prevent uneven wear, replace them when they become worn and have the alignment checked if the car pulls to either side when driving or if you notice uneven tire wear. This way your tires will be running smoothly all the time!

Arleigh, thank you for the wonderful review! Keep up the great work team!

Paragon Honda - (5) Star Review on DealerRater

• I am incredibly grateful for the kindness which was extended to me during my entire experience at Paragon Honda.  

  The service provided by Shawn Brown, Ariel Munoz, and Wendy Deshais was EXCEPTIONAL.  

  Obviously leasing/buying a car is an extensive process, and I never imagined that I would be so excited about a car.  

  During the process of looking at cars at multiple other dealerships, I became concerned that I would end up with a car that I didn't love/was not comfortable in, because of monetary reasons.  
  Shawn, Ariel, and Wendy made the process at Paragon Honda completely stress free, and made me feel assured that I would leave Paragon Honda with a car I loved, and at a price in which I felt comfortable.

  I can not quite articulate how thankful I am, but please know that I felt confident that they truly cared about providing extraordinary service, and that it was not simply about selling another car.  

  I highly recommend that anyone in need of a car visits Shawn, Ariel, and Wendy at Paragon Honda on Northern Boulevard! -Arleigh R.

Each summer, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama volunteers in red t-shirts descend on communities across central and east Alabama to donate their time and service to non-profit organizations. Watch the video below to see what a difference volunteers can make!

The 4th of July is almost here! Do you have any special 4th of July traditions that you are going to partake in tomorrow?

About Time: Honda to Preview Next-Gen Infotainment System

While Ford’s Sync and Kia’s UVO infotainment systems have seen much improvement in the past couple of years, the same can’t be said for Honda. Compared to its competitors, Honda’s current navigation and infotainment offerings are outdated, but all that will change when the Japanese automaker previews its  HondaLink system mid-July, Wired reports.

Honda is moving away from using satellite data for its connected services, though Wired magazine’s Autopia blog says Honda reps don’t know if the newer system will utilize a built-in modem or work through a driver’s smartphone. Its first efforts at improving connectivity were revealed at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, where Honda announced its partnership with Aha Radio. Through the Aha radio app, users could stream thousands of audio feeds. The 2013 Honda Accord (view a spyshot of the car’s interior here) will be the first in the lineup to be available with the app. At this point, it’s unclear which vehicles will get Apple’s Siri Eyes Free function, but we’d again bet on the 2013 Accord.

The revamped HondaLink system will make its official debut in the Honda Fit EV, but seeing as the Fit is only arriving in select markets, many won’t benefit from the system until it becomes available on the new 2013 Accord, which goes on sale this fall.

Courtesy of Motor Trend Magazine

Thank you Lisa for this awesome review! Great job team!

Paragon Honda - (5) Star Review on Cars.com

• Well I called today and spoke with Elizabeth and explained I would be going in to shop for a minivan. She was extremly helpful, answered all of my questions (of which I had many) patiend and friendly. I'll be going this evening with my husband and kids to meet with Luis Cruz. So I'll keep you posted on how my experience goes. -Lisa BX