Category: Honda

Aug 19

Assessing the 2024 Honda CR-V: Has It Lost Its Edge in the Compact SUV Market?

The 2024 Honda CR-V once reigned supreme in the compact SUV category, but recent evaluations suggest it might be losing its charm. Critics point out that while the CR-V remains a solid choice, it’s no longer the standout it once was in a rapidly evolving market. This shift raises questions: Is Honda falling behind, or is the competition simply accelerating?

Evaluating the 2024 Honda CR-V: Performance and Pricing

The 2024 Honda CR-V, praised for its comfort and space, continues to offer a commendable driving experience with its latest model. It features enhanced interior space due to an extended wheelbase, ensuring comfort across its three available trims: LX, EX, and EX-L. Starting at $29,500 for the LX with front-wheel drive and reaching up to $34,660 for a fully-loaded model, the CR-V maintains competitive fuel efficiency, with the front-wheel drive model achieving 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. However, adding all-wheel drive slightly reduces these numbers.

Critics like Edmunds acknowledge the CR-V’s enduring appeal but no longer see it as the top contender, now favoring newcomers like the Mazda CX-50. The CR-V’s drawbacks include limited storage for small items and a noisy hybrid model, which may deter some buyers seeking a quieter ride.

Prospects for the Honda CR-V Amidst Fierce Competition

Despite its merits, the 2024 Honda CR-V finds itself in a tougher spot than previous years, positioned in the middle tier of U.S. News’ compact SUV rankings. It faces stiff competition from the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, both of which have garnered accolades for their value and family-friendly attributes. The CR-V’s performance is reliable yet criticized for its sluggish transmission, a minor flaw that doesn’t overshadow its overall capability.

Looking ahead, the longevity of the Honda CR-V remains promising, with potential to exceed 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. Although it’s currently overshadowed by more dynamic rivals, Honda’s track record suggests that forthcoming versions of the CR-V will address any shortcomings. In a market brimming with high-quality options, the CR-V still holds significant appeal due to its blend of functionality, comfort, and enduring value. Honda continues to stick to its proven formula, ensuring that the CR-V remains a top seller, even as it adapts to a changing automotive landscape.

Aug 19

Honda’s Impressive Growth in 2023: What’s Behind the Surge?

As we reach the mid-year mark, automakers are sharing their sales data, and Honda’s performance is turning heads. Despite being a well-established brand, Honda is experiencing growth rates typically seen with newer companies. This surge raises an intriguing question: can Honda sustain this remarkable pace through the rest of 2023?

Honda’s Remarkable Sales Surge

Honda’s sales growth this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. In July alone, Honda saw a 53% increase in sales compared to the same month last year. By mid-2023, Honda has already exceeded its entire 2022 sales total, reaching 657,590 units sold, a substantial leap from the previous year’s 518,509 units.

Innovations Fueling Honda’s Success

Honda’s success in 2023 is largely driven by a series of strategic innovations and model updates. The company kicked off the year with the launch of the new Pilot and Pilot TrailSport, while also refreshing its HR-V, CR-V, and CR-V Hybrid lineup. Looking ahead, the anticipated Honda Prologue, the brand’s first electric SUV, set to arrive in early 2024, further underscores Honda’s commitment to advancing its lineup and maintaining its competitive edge.

Will Honda Maintain Its Momentum?

With Honda’s growth significantly outpacing competitors like Ford and Toyota, the big question is whether this momentum can continue. Honda’s plans include a $3.5 billion EV battery plant in Ohio and an additional $700 million investment in existing auto plants. These efforts are aimed at boosting hybrid production and transitioning towards an all-electric future, which may well sustain Honda’s impressive growth trajectory.

Aug 19

Honda and Acura Embrace Tesla’s NACS: What It Means for Future EV Charging

Honda and Acura’s Shift to NACS

Honda and its luxury division, Acura, are set to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for their upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. This move, confirmed by American Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Noriya Kaihara, marks a significant step in aligning with industry trends. However, it is expected that the new Acura ZDX will initially feature the Combined Charging System (CCS1) before transitioning to NACS, likely aligning with General Motors’ timeline for their own switch in 2025.

Future Prospects and Charging Infrastructure

While the immediate future sees Honda and Acura’s initial EV models, such as the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, equipped with CCS1, the transition to NACS is on the horizon. This shift is closely tied to General Motors’ adaptation of NACS, as Honda’s upcoming all-electric models are built on GM’s Ultium platform and produced at GM’s facilities. As Honda develops its own EV platform for future models, it is anticipated that these vehicles will integrate NACS from the outset.

Advancing Charging Networks

In addition to adopting NACS, Honda is collaborating with other major automakers, including BMW, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, to establish a new fast-charging network across North America. This joint venture aims to ensure the new network is secure, reliable, and accessible, drawing inspiration from Tesla’s well-maintained Supercharger network. Jay Joseph, Honda’s Vice President of Sustainability, highlighted the importance of robust software and hardware standards for this new infrastructure, emphasizing the need for reliable maintenance and swift response to technical issues.

Aug 19

#2371: Locating the Chee on Jody’s Honda : The Best of Car Talk

Jody’s mechanics can’t seem to fix her car and since she’s a practitioner of Eastern Medicine she’s considering plying her acupuncture talents in the hopes of helping her Honda. Tom and Ray try to help her locate the Chee on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. And if you want to listen to more Car Talk, sign up for Car Talk+ Car Talk+ is the easiest way for fans to access more than 800 Car Talk episodes, wherever you listen to podcasts. Find out more at plus.npr.org/cartalk or find the Car Talk channel in Apple Podcasts.

Aug 19

2023 Ford Ranger vs. Honda Ridgeline: A Study in Contrasts

Comparing the 2023 Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline

While midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline are smaller than full-size pickups, they still offer robust capabilities for daily driving and light towing. Both models feature practical cargo spaces, yet their appeal differs, with the Ridgeline currently experiencing a surge in popularity compared to the Ranger. Despite their differences, the Ridgeline’s growing sales highlight its unique advantages over the Ranger, especially in terms of comfort and features.

Honda Ridgeline’s Rising Popularity

Recent sales data reveals a notable increase in the Honda Ridgeline’s popularity, with over 4,000 units sold in July and a total of 31,605 units for the year. This represents nearly a 33% growth compared to the previous year, despite minimal design changes. The Ridgeline’s success is attributed to its well-rounded features, including a smooth ride and practical design elements like its in-bed trunk and multi-function tailgate, despite its modest towing capacity and lack of off-road trims.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Ford Ranger

In contrast, the Ford Ranger has seen a dip in overall sales, with a 25% decrease year-to-date despite a small increase in July. The Ranger boasts a powerful turbo-four engine and impressive towing capacity but struggles with its body-on-frame ride quality and limited standard technology features. Upcoming models, including the highly anticipated Ranger Raptor, which promises advanced off-roading capabilities and a powerful twin-turbo V6, could rejuvenate interest and compete more effectively against the Ridgeline’s growing appeal.

What Lies Ahead

As the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor and next-gen Honda Ridgeline approach their market releases, it’s uncertain which model will capture more attention. While the Ridgeline’s current success underscores its appeal, the Ranger’s anticipated upgrades could shift the balance. For now, the Ranger’s ability to revitalize its market position will be crucial in balancing the competitive landscape of midsize trucks.

Jul 21

Used Honda Ridgeline Prices Are Rapidly Decreasing

We’re starting to wonder if the Honda Ridgeline is in trouble because prices for used models are dropping at an alarming rate. While used truck prices are dropping across the board, used Honda Ridgeline prices are falling the fastest.

Is buying a used Honda Ridgeline worth it?

Yes, buying a used Honda Ridgeline is an excellent way to save on an upscale truck that’s practical, comfortable, and spacious. It often ranks as the best mid-size truck because of its SUV-like handling, loaded interior, and abundant passenger space.

Because the Ridgeline is such a high-ranking option, it’s a little odd for used models to be decreasing at a faster rate compared to rivals.

iSeeCars analyzed over 1.8 million used vehicles in the market that are between one to five years old to determine the biggest price differences between June 2022 and June 2023.

The study found that the average price for a used Ridgeline in June was $34,617, which is a 4.1% decrease or $1,469 less compared to the same time period last year.

The average price for a used Toyota Tacoma in June 2023 was $37,300, which is a 2.5% decrease or $937 less than it was in June 2022.

This is interesting because the Ridgeline is more modern and comfortable than the Tacoma, and it has a higher starting price. But on the other hand, the Tacoma is built for more durable off-roading applications.

How reliable is the Honda Ridgeline?

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline has an average reliability rating. It has a score of 80 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while anything between 81 to 90 is above average.

It missed the above-average category by one point! Used Honda Ridgeline models from this generation have a similar score because this truck has been more or less the same since 2017. Also, rivals like the Toyota Tacoma have an above-average reliability score.

You can expect the average Ridgeline truck to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Some Ridgeline models have made it over 300,000 miles. Proper maintenance and regular care is the key to survival, so carefully review the history of your used Ridgeline model before buying it.

If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, then your Ridgeline could provide around 17 years of service on the road.

Does the Ridgeline have a good resale value?

The Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have the best resale value. This could be why used Honda Ridgeline prices are dropping. Anyway, the Ridgeline only retains about 56.9% of its resale value after five years.

If a Ridgeline depreciates by about 29% after five years, then it should have a resale value of about $32,457. Since the Ridgeline had a mid-cycle refresh, sales have been up.

It’s possible that used Honda Ridgeline models are dropping in price because leases are ending and there’s more inventory available. Also, truck sales are starting to slow due to rising inflation rates.

Having an average reliability rating and weak resale value probably doesn’t help. This comfortable truck still deserves a chance, though. Stay tuned as we continue tracking trends among used vehicles.

Jul 12

Tesla Dashcam Captures Honda Flipping Over in Rear-End Collision

Dramatic Early Morning Accident Captured on Tesla Dashcam

A Tesla Model 3 driver, six months pregnant, experienced a harrowing moment early in the morning after dropping her husband off at the airport. While waiting for a traffic light to change at 4:30 a.m., her vehicle was rear-ended by a Honda that veered into her lane, causing the Honda to flip onto its roof before landing back on its wheels. Thankfully, both the driver, Mala Arguello, and her unborn child emerged unscathed, highlighting the resilience of human life over material possessions.

Investigation and Dashcam Insights

Despite the fortunate outcome, the aftermath was complicated. Mala Arguello had previously noticed the Honda stopped in the middle of an exit and witnessed it swerving erratically before the collision. Although the footage from the Tesla dashcam and another Tesla on the scene was reviewed, the police attributed the accident to the Honda driver possibly falling asleep, as their policy only mandates DUI investigations if alcohol is suspected and there are fatalities involved.

The Power of Dashcam Technology

Tesla’s dashcam feature has proven its value in documenting significant accidents, such as a recent incident where a Kia Soul was airborne after being struck by a runaway wheel. These recordings offer critical evidence in understanding and resolving road incidents, showcasing the growing importance of in-car camera systems in enhancing road safety and accountability.