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Honda’s big ‘twins’ have so much to offer

The Honda Pilot and the Honda Odyssey may not look like twins since the Pilot is an SUV and the Odyssey is a minivan, but they are twins in the sense that they have the same engine, the same suspension system, same gearbox, same eight-passenger seating capacity, same interior amenities, same audio system and the same safety features. Small wonder, then, that the “twins,” Honda’s biggest offerings in this country to date, were re-launched together last June, many years after they disappeared from the Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) line-up of imported CBUs [completely built units]. The question is: Will HCPI sell more twins this time around to sustain their market viability?

 If marketability were to be based on looks alone, the 2012 Pilot, with its plain, boxy exterior, certainly wouldn’t win. But despite its truck-like appearance, the Pilot’s ride quality is as comfortable and as composed as a car’s, cruising smoothly at 128 kph and maneuvering almost nimbly in low-speed city driving. Increased sound deadening materials generally muffle road noise at highway speeds. The Pilot’s tallness and high center of gravity translate into some body lean in sharp turns, plus your having to step high to enter the vehicle.

 Roomy. On the other hand, the Pilot’s height, width and cube-shaped structure make for a roomy cabin for eight adults, including the driver. The front and second-row seats are supportive and spacious while the third-row seat can comfortably accommodate two average-sized adults on short trips. Up front, the dash-mounted gear shift lever, 8-inch high-resolution multi-information display and audio, cruise control and hands-free Bluetooth link buttons on the steering wheel give the driver full control. However, the center stack has so many buttons that they become confusing unless you take some time to learn which to push for what function.

 All leather seats, a power sunroof, USB connectivity, rear controls for the tri-zone air conditioning, rear back-up camera with backing sensors, front and rear corner sensors plus other conveniences add value to the Pilot. But the best thing about the Pilot is its easy-loading, large cargo area with second- and third-row backseats that drop easily to form a flat deck. Even with the third-row seat in place, two golf bags or a folded stroller can fit in the back. Moreover, the tailgate’s glass window lifts up easily and there are plenty of bins and cubbyholes to store small items together with a versatile front console.

 Aside from its practicality and versatility, the Pilot enjoys a reputation for safety and reliability. It was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and earned a 4-Star Over-All Crash-Test Rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to its outstanding safety features including side curtain airbags with rollover sensor for all three seat rows, hill-start assist and a 4WD system activated by Variable Torque Management.

Efficiency. Despite its size, weight (2.5 tons) and 5-speed automatic transmission, the fuel efficiency of the 2012 Pilot has improved, averaging 8.42 km per liter in combined highway and city driving. The 3.5-liter,  i-VTEC, 24-valve V6 engine (250 hp and 35.4 kg-m max torque)  it shares with the Odyssey has Variable Cylinder Management technology that automatically deactivates 2 or 3 of its 6 cylinders under low speed and load conditions in order to save fuel.

 Since the Pilot is a “twin” of the Odyssey, it’s a smart choice for someone who needs a vehicle that can comfortably seat eight, but does not want to be seen driving a mom mobile, a.k.a. an uncool minivan.  Yet in the minivan universe, the 2012 Odyssey is rated really cool because of its stylish “lightning bolt” silhouette, fuel efficiency, family-friendly features, reliability, safety and high resale value. For many years, the eight-seater Odyssey has been the best-selling minivan in the United States, for which market it was conceived and designed.

 The Odyssey is pleasant and easy to drive despite its length and width, producing competent engine power and more than enough torque to move around smoothly. It is as smooth and stable as a sedan on the road and can hold its own on twisty roads, exhibiting only moderate body lean in fast turns. Unlike the 4WD Pilot, the Odyssey is a front-drive vehicle but like the Pilot, its suspension system consists of MacPherson strut up front and multilink double wishbone at the rear. The Odyssey has the same safety features as the Pilot with ventilated disc front brakes and drum-in-disc rear brakes on 17-inch alloy wheels.

 Interior space. The cockpit and cabin of the Odyssey resemble the Pilot’s with the 8-inch multi-information display, dash-mounted gearshift lever and “busy” center stack.  Honda made the most of the Odyssey’s interior space,  high-quality materials are used, craftsmanship is excellent and the seats are comfy and versatile.  There are up to 15 cupholders, or at least one cupholder for every occupant.

 Between the two front seats, on top of the large, roomy console box, there is a flat space for a purse, attaché case, diaper bag, cell phones or an iPad.  Aside from cupholders, trays and storage bins of various sizes abound, plus a “cool box” in the lower dashboard to keep drinks cold.

 The most attractive features of the Odyssey are its power sliding doors and power tailgate that you can open and close with one touch of a button on a remote control fob. The doors and tailgate can also be controlled via buttons in the dashboard. In addition, the third-row 60/40 split Magic Seats can be tucked away completely or partially into the floor to increase flat cargo space to 93.1 cubic feet. All you have to do is pull a strap behind each seat. The second-row seats are captain seats that can be folded to further expand flat cargo space to 148.6 cubic feet.

 Summing up, Honda’s big twins are not exciting or that much fun to drive, but they are unequalled in their respective market segments terms of safety, reliability, comfort, roominess, fuel efficiency and family-friendly features. At P2.6 million for the Pilot and P2.8 million for the Odyssey, the twins should sell this time around.

Courtesy of The Business Inquirer

Fewer Gas Pains

With significantly improved fuel efficiency for a midsize automatic-equipped sedan, the 2013 Accord 4-cylinder can save you money at the pump.

Even though the 2013 Accord has more equipment and features than ever before, and it has a new 4-cylinder engine with more horsepower and considerably more torque than the engine it replaces, the vehicle is substantially more fuel-efficient.

What are the main reasons? More use of lighter, stronger steel, a new direct injection system and the available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With an essentially infinite range of available gear ratios, the CVT has just the right gear for every situation, maximizing efficiency – and gas station drive-bys.

Courtesy of 2013HondaAccordLaunch.com

Know a deal when you see it? Then lock in this Certified Pre-Owned 2011 Honda Accord Coupe!

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First 2013 Honda Accords Rolls Off Production Line at Marysville Plant in Ohio

It’s a big week at Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant, where production of the 2013 Honda Accord has now begun. With the new midsize sedan now rolling through the assembly line, Honda has been manufacturing in the U.S. for 30 years.

The ninth-generation Accord is the latest Honda since the second-generation Accord to be produced at the Marysville facility since the company since 1982. The 2013 Honda Accord will go on sale in September, using an Earth Dreams 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired to a new CVT or a six-speed manual. The 3.5-liter V-6, which will debut after the four-banger, will be coupled to a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

In addition to the Accord’s redesigned exterior and interior, Honda is banking big on its new transmissions. The automaker invested $220 million to launch production of the parts in the U.S. The transmission plant, which started building the CVTs for the Accord last week, operates on a new, “highly automated” assembly line that was part of a $70 million, 200,000-sq-ft expansion. Another $50 million has been invested in the same facility for extra aluminum casting operations.

The Anna engine plant, which is where the engines are paired to the transmissions, is also currently under construction to make more space for CVT pulley component production. Currently produced in Japan, the CVT components will start production at the Anna engine plant next year. With capacity to build 1.2 million I-4 and V-6 engines a year, the facility is also the largest auto engine factory in Honda’s global production network.

The 2013 Honda Accord will launch with available features including a forward collision warning system, LED daytime running lights, and a blind-spot monitoring system. Whether you opt for a 2013 Accord with the I-4 or V-6, Honda will offer an available six-speed manual transmission.

Courtesy of AutomobileMag.com

Do your keys weigh you down? Here is a Monday maintenance tip to help prevent a trip to the maintenance department for you!

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Lighten up your key chain

Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition. The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. To add years of service to your ignition switch, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.

Many thanks to the author of this great review! Keep up the great work team!

Paragon Honda - (2 out of 3) Rating on Google+ Local

• I went to this location for an oil change and regular maintenance check. The person i talked with was very professional and he patiently explained to me what other parts needed to be changed. -Rizz S.
  

Linkin Park and Incubus are currently touring together as part of the Honda Civic Tour! Watch the video below to see an exclusive interview with Chester Bennington from Linkin Park and Brandon Boyd from Incubus!

Save some money at the pump with this all new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid! Don't miss out on this great deal!

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Honda and Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award Scholarships, Expand Program

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) recently recognized thirteen outstanding Latino undergraduate students from around the country with scholarships at an awards luncheon held at Honda of America Mfg. in Marysville, Ohio.  Selected based on their demonstrated academic excellence, interest in science and engineering, and knowledge of the automotive industry, each student recipient received $5,000 to help in their pursuit of a higher education, along with other opportunities to expand their career horizons.

As part of its growing partnership with HSF, Honda increased its scholarship fund for the 2012-13 academic year from $50,000 to $80,000, allowing for the distribution of additional scholarships to deserving Latino students, as well as increased internship opportunities and expanded contact with top executives

In order to be considered for the scholarship, students were required to carry a major in business administration, chemical, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering, and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. Selections were also based on knowledge of the automotive industry. The grants will help students pay for tuition, books and living expenses. 

During the scholarship award program held at Honda of America Mfg. in Marysville, Ohio, the scholarship recipients got an inside look into Honda's manufacturing and research and development operations in Ohio, and met with top Honda executives to discuss the future of the auto industry. In addition, they learned of their eligibility to participate in Honda's summer immersion/internship program for an in-depth experience in an automobile manufacturing environment.

Nicholas Diaz, a 2011-12 scholarship recipient who participated in the internship program, met with the students to talk about his experiences at Honda of America Mfg.  Diaz, who graduated from Ohio State University, now holds a permanent full-time position with the company. 

For more information about Honda's partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, please visit at www.HSF.net.

Quote from Honda

"We created this program two years ago to not only celebrate the achievements of Hispanic students, but to also provide scholarships that would help relieve some of the financial strain associated with pursuing a higher education" said Marc Burt, assistant vice president, Office of Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda."We are happy to see this program grow and to support even more deserving students."

Quote from HSF

"Honda's partnership with HSF demonstrates its commitment to improving access to higher education for Latino students," said Frank D. Alvarez, President & CEO of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund."We appreciate Honda's willingness to invest in Hispanic youth through HSF and join us in our work to place a college degree in every Latino home across the country."

About Honda
Honda is the world's largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and, soon, jet aircraft – all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. Based on its belief in The Power of Dreams and in the ability of individuals to create a new and better future for society, Honda supports a variety of initiatives aimed at advancing education and creating experiences of discovery that help young people see and achieve their own dreams. Honda's partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund is one of many programs that demonstrate Honda's commitment to the Latino community and to helping young people access The Power of Dreams.

About Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation's leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. HSF has awarded over $330 million in scholarships over the past 36 years and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come.

Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom

Welcome back fans! When it is rainy outside driving conditions become a little bit more difficult, here is a maintenance tip to help you through those wet days!

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Foggy windows

• Rain or high humidity can quickly cause windows to mist up inside the car. In a car equipped with air conditioning, turn up the heat and direct the airflow to your defrosters with the AC switch engaged. (Many cars automatically engage the AC when switched to the defrost mode.) In a car without AC the procedure is the same, but you may need to open your side windows to get the air moving. Most modern cars have a built-in rear window defroster that easily clears a misted rear windscreen by heating up electrodes embedded in the glass. If you don't have one, put your defroster on high and its hot air will eventually follow the inside of the roof down to the rear window. If the car has swiveling dashboard vents, adjust them so that the air flow strikes the upper edge of the side windows. The airflow will clear the side windows first, finally traveling to the rear of the car. If all else fails, a rag or article of clothing will work as well; you'll just need to clear the window more often. Drivers should regularly clean their windshield and windows, both on the inside and outside, to help them see in good and bad weather. Smokers need to take extra care to make sure their interior windows are clear of a buildup of smoke residue.

Many thanks to Marc for this outstanding review! Great job team!

Paragon Honda - (3 out of 3) Rating on Google+ Local

• This dealership and all the staff offer exceptional service. They really know how to make you feel like the most important customer ever from start to finish. -Marc J.
  

A blast from the past: Honda Accord circa 1976

With all of the talk about the newly redesigned Honda Accord, we thought we would take a moment to revisit the Accord’s early days.  In 1976, The Accord hit the U.S. as a front-wheel drive, 3-door hatchback.  In contrast to the other Japanese vehicles on the US market, which were all rear-wheel drive, the Accord was “luxury” coming standard with air conditioning, AM/FM radio and radial tires.  The arrival of the Accord in the U.S. was a huge hit for Honda and demand quickly outstripped production with some anxious Accord customers waiting up to three months for their new car!  The Accord debuted in the U.S. market in 1976 as a front-wheel drive, 3-door hatchback. When most Japanese cars at the time were rear-drive econoboxes, the Accord offered standard air conditioning, AM/FM radio and radial tires. Honda underestimated demand and some customers waited up to 3 months to take delivery.  While the early Accord wasn’t perfect, it was definitely a step in the right direction and we can’t be more proud of the latest generation!

Courtesy of Automotive News

Don't miss your chance to have a happy ending! Come into Paragon Honda and check out the great deals we have going on during the Honda Summer Clearance Event.

Click here to view our inventory!

American Honda Reports July Auto Sales: CR-V Sets Seventh Consecutive Monthly Sales Record; Acura RDX Sales Up More Than 142 Percent

American Honda today reported July 2012 U.S. sales of 116,944 units, an increase of 45.3 percent compared with July 2011 (an increase of 57.4 percent based on the daily selling rate*). The Honda Division posted July 2012 sales of 104,119 units, an increase of 46.4 percent compared with July 2011. Acura’s U.S. July sales of 12,825 units increased 36.4 percent compared with July 2011.

Honda
- Honda division posts best seventh-month year-to-date sales total since 2008

- Accord sales pace strong at 28,639 units, up more than 70 percent; Civic sales up more than 78 percent with 25,004 units sold

- CR-V sets seventh consecutive monthly sales record with a new July record (20,554 units), up more than 47 percent from July 2011

- Odyssey sales up more than 88 percent from July 2011, with 11,953 units sold in July

"As our sales momentum continues to build through the summer, Honda is experiencing its best year-to-date sales in four years," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "With success growing along with inventory, it's wonderful to once again be able to meet the strong retail customer demand for our great Honda products."

Acura
- Continuing its sales success, the new RDX delivered another record sales month (2,664 units), up more than 142 percent from July 2011

- MDX remains the top selling Acura vehicle with sales of 4,288 units, up more than 24 percent from July 2011

- Gaining momentum in only its second full month of sales, the all-new ILX posted sales of 1,410 units

"With the MDX continuing its reign as the top seven-passenger luxury SUV, and the new RDX leading the compact luxury segment, Acura light trucks lead the way for the Acura brand," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With the ILX gaining its stride, Acura is sure to see robust sales increases for many months to come."

See the full gallery on Posterous

Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom

Welcome back to the work week fans! Here’s a tip to help you drive home after those late nights at the office.

Make it easy for others to see you.

Be sure all exterior vehicle lights work properly. In case of a vehicle breakdown, pull completely off the road beyond the end of the guardrail, if possible, and turn on emergency flashers.

Watch the video below and see why the Honda Accord got 5 stars in every category!

Watch the video below and see why the Honda Accord got 5 starts in every category!

Hey fans! Would you rather have a 19.95 oil change coupon or free battery test? Comment on which one you would prefer. The deal with the most comments will be active this weekend!