New Civic Coupe Goes Back to It's Roots

The re-designed 2016 Honda Civic sedan has received most of the attention- and tons of awards- but the new Civic coupe shouldn't be overlooked.  While it has been written over the past several years that the two-door version of the Civic had gotten a bit stale, Honda has made a decided effort to put more fun back into the coupe, and the effort has paid off. 

First off, Honda has given the Civic coupe a style of it's own, rather than just making it look like the sedan minus two doors.  It sits a bit lower, the fenders are flared just a bit, comes with standard aluminum wheels, and overall has a sportier look than the sedan- as it should. 

The interior is just as impressive.  It is surprisingly spacious and comfortable.  Road and Track describes the cabin like this:  "The same sorcery that makes the subcompact Fit capable of hauling the entire contents of your apartment yields a coupe that feels as airy and spacious as most sedans. Despite the higher beltline, it's easy to see out of. Grownups won't mind riding in the backseat and enjoy slightly more headroom than in the last coupe."

The 2016 Honda Civic coupe has brought back the driving fun that should excite lovers of the gone-but-not-forgotten Honda Prelude.  You can see our inventory of new Civic coupes here, or our entire inventory at www.capital-honda.com. 



The Honda S660 is More Fun than 63 HP Should Be

3 cylinders and 63 horsepower doesn't exactly sound like most people's idea of a sportscar or roadster, but Honda seems to have struck the right tone with the S660.  Road and Track took a spin in the little 2-seater and came away notably impressed.  "Thankfully, the S660 is an exemplary sports car, more than any three-cylinder economy car has any right to be. The easy comparison to make is that this is Honda's answer to the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Then, you realize that the S660 is endowed with just 63 horsepower."

For a company like Honda, which produces many of the world's most popular models, like the Civic and the Accord, producing an ultra-niche vehicle like the S660 is an ambitious venture.  It's also very possible that we will never make it to the states, at least in it's current configuration.

No one will ever confuse the S660 with anything resembling practical.  There is essentially no storage, so this isn't going to be a long road-trip type car, but then again, it was never meant to be.  But what it lacks in practicality in makes up for in driving enjoyment.

The S660 comes standard with a newly-developed 6-speed manual transmission.  Although there is an available continuously-variable transmission, for a pure driving experience, the manual would seem to be the way to go for most people.  The turbo-charged inline 3-cylinder may not wow you with it's pure numbers, but it sounds and drives like something much more powerful.

We don't know if Honda will ever move the steering wheel to the other side and bring it to the U.S., but we would certainly welcome the opportunity to give it a drive.  



Honda College Grad Program

Honda College Grad Program

You've put in the work, you spent the time and, heaven knows, the money, to get through school.  Congratulations are certainly in order, and Capital Honda would like to extend ours.  As you prepare to embark on the next phase of your life, wouldn't a new car be a great reward for all of your hard work?  And if you are going to buy or lease a new car, would it not make sense to buy one of the best and most reliable, vehicles on the road?

Honda has a fantastic program for recent and soon-to-be college graduates.  If you have graduated in the past two years, or if you will graduate within the next six months, with either a bachelors, masters, or associates degree (and meet necessary credit criteria) you can take advantage of the Honda College Grad Program and save an additional $500 (money down assistance or cap cost reduction) on any 2015 or newer Honda vehicle.  

Honda has so many great choices.  From the ultra-efficient and fun to drive Civic (the 2016 North American Car of the Year [1] and the Kelley Blue Book Overall Best Buy for 2016[2]), the 2016 HR-V (the 2016 Green Car of the Year[3], according to Green Car Journal).  

Stop by Capital Honda to find out more about the Honda College Grad Program

 [1] For more information, visit AutoGuide.com. AutoGuide.com is a registered trademark of Verticalscope Inc.

[2] For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc

 [3] For more information, visit greencargroup.com.  Green Car Journal is a registered trademark of  RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

KBB Honors Honda Civic, CR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) has announced their "Best Buy" awards for 2016, and Honda has dominated the market.

 The Overall Best Buy is the newly re-designed Honda Civic, and the Civic, CR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey were all named Best Buy in their respective category.   KBB's criteria for the Best Buy awards is exhaustive, and according to their website, includes "comparative market pricing, cost-to-own information, generational consumer reviews and ratings and, or course expert evaluations based on extensive driving experience.  

Regarding the 2016 Civic, KBB describes it as a "car you just want to be in, whether that' sin front or back".  The editors go on to compliment the Civic's "class-above" interior and exterior design, driver ergonomics, and fuel-efficient engines, and of course, Honda's long-standing reputation for high reliability and re-sale value.  

2016 KBB Overall Best Buy Award and Small Car Best Buy Award

The CR-V won for the Small SUV segment, the Pilot for Mid-Size SUV, and the Odyssey for Best Buy in the Minivan category.    

[1] For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

 

Zero Emissions. Infinite Possibilities.

 

 

  The driving force behind the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a combination of elements we use everyday. By using hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, the only by-product is water, therefore making this Honda more than just efficient, it's changing the game.  A compact fuel cell makes the refueling time short, just 3-5 minutes.  The interior is larger than the already roomy Accord and Honda Sensing comes standard. In fact, the Honda Clarity is the only fuel-cell vehicle to support Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.

  The Honda Clarity is engineered for efficiency. The Clarity fuel cell has a targeted driving range of over 300+ miles, thanks to a number of things, including its compact fuel cell, energy efficient LED headlights and lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels.**

 

 

 

While you wait for the Honda Clarity to hit stores, you can shop our current inventory at www.capital-honda.com or visit our store located at 2651 Jolly Road, Okemos, MI. 48864 where you can speak with a member of our Honda Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

***

[1] Anticipated range determined by Honda; production vehicle range rating to be determined.

[2] Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

[3] Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc.

2016 Chicago Auto Show

 



  I had the opportunity to attend the 2016 Chicago Auto Show a couple days ago and Honda definitely represented. The new Ridgeline was present, the 2016 Honda Civic, the Fit and the HR-V were just some of the models that were at the show. 

 

 

 

  Honda has made a big comeback and the 2016 Honda Civic has earned the title of "2016 North American Car of the Year".

   With a sporty 2016 redesign, Honda is back in the drivers seat (Pun intended). Upper-end models offer new turbocharged engines, a first for Honda in mainstream non-performance cars. Lower-cost versions come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 158 horsepower. Congratulations Honda!

   Honda is resurrecting the Ridgeline and we can't wait for it to hit the road. After debuting in 2005, Honda is taking another shot at the pickup segment and introducing the all-new, second generation Honda Ridgeline.  As did the previous Ridgeline, the new truck will be closely related to the Pilot crossover and share the same body platform. However, this time around, the Ridgeline will not only offer all-wheel drive but also front-wheel drive.

   The Fit proves that a small car needn’t be punishment for spending less, successfully mixing economy, versatility—and even a little mischief. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 130 hp; a slick-shifting six-speed manual is standard, while a CVT is optional. Rear-seat legroom is ample, and thanks to rear seats that fold flat, cargo capacity—at 53 cubic feet—is impressive, too.

   The 2016 Honda HR-V, the brands versatile and stylish crossover vehicle, has been named "2016 Green SUV of the Year" by Green Car Journal. The HR-V has been recognized for it's class-leading environmental performance.  The Honda HR-V is Honda's third vehicle to be honored by Green Car Journal in the past 5 years, joining Green Car of the Year award winners, the 2012 Civic Natural Gas and the 2014 Accord. Congrats Honda on yet ANOTHER award!**



Honda was represented well at the Auto Show. Shop our inventory at www.capital-honda.com so you can represent Honda too! Or, you can visit our show room located at 2651 Jolly Rd. Okemos, MI. 48864 where you can speak with a member of our Honda Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

** Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors. For more information see GreenCarJournal.com .

2017 Honda Ridgeline

                                                                 2017 Honda Ridgeline

  Honda is resurrecting the Ridgeline and we can't wait for it to hit the road. After debuting in 2005, Honda is taking another shot at the pickup segment and introducing the all-new, second generation Honda Ridgeline. As did the previous Ridgeline, the new truck will be closely related to the Pilot crossover and share the same body platform. However, this time around, the Ridgeline will not only offer all-wheel drive but also front-wheel drive.

  In contrast to the original Ridgeline, which was somewhat awkward looking with buttressed C-pillars, a droopy rear end and a tailgate that seemed like it was one size too small, the completely redesigned 2017 Honda Ridgeline will look like a proper, four-door pickup. 

 

 

Continue reading here. You can shop our inventory at www.capital-honda.com where you can also request information about the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. A member of our Honda Certified Sales Team will be happy to answer any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.