Honda Accord: Midsize Division’s Best Selling Car

Welcome the new 2006 Honda Accord. This vehicle is a family sedan that holds four doors. It has the maximum passenger capacity of holding five people. It also comes available in 17 various trims that ranges from the VP 5 Spd MT to the EX V6 5 Spd AT with Nav System and XM Radio. Standard for all trim levels is a 5 speed automatic transmission system with overdrive. This vehicle is freshened for 2006.

This vehicle is considered to be the best midsize car in the United States at present. The 2006 Honda Accord has been redesigned and totally reengineered. Because of this very fact, this car has now become one of the best selling midsize cars. It comes with a combination and concoction of high technology, high quality, and everyday economy of operation. It offers a lifetime of comfort as well as amazing convenience features. Its main competitor is most likely the Toyota Camry.

For this year, the 2006 Honda Accord offers several new features and these include a powerful and responsive VTEC engine with four cylinders. This engine is responsible for producing and providing the car with a strong acceleration performance. For the EX-L and EX V6 trims, an XM Satellite Radio is made standard. Added in are side curtain airbags, a climate control system, an MP3 player, a Windows Media player, a DVD rear seat entertainment system, as well as a hands-free cellular phone. It has also been designed and crafted to be highly fuel efficient with low emissions and partial zero emissions, or PZEV. The 2006 Honda Accord has angular headlamps and sharpened noses. It actually reminds people of the Acura RSX. It boasts of a muscular and agile look that is due to its carefully sculpted body that holds a combination of concave and convex surfaces on its corners and sides. As per its interior, it is especially smooth, firm, and very quiet. It holds wide seats that are comfortable because of the added springs and urethane padding that reduces vibration.

In a nutshell, the 2006 Honda Accord holds a color choice for its exterior that includes desert mist metallic (ivory), graphite pearl (gray), premium white pearl (ivory), Redondo red pearl (gray), and silver frost metallic (gray). The features for this vehicle line include wheel locks, a removable roof rack, a ski attachment, a snowboard attachment, a bike attachment, a car cover, a half nose mask, a full nose mask, a Fenderwell trim, door visors, splash guards, door edge guards, a gold exhaust finisher, fog lights, a cargo net, a trunk tray, an auto day and night mirror with compass, a cassette player, an MP3 player, a Honda music link (for iPod), anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage and dual-threshold front airbags (SRS), front and rear crush zones, front side airbags with passenger side occupant position detection system (OPDS), the LATCH system, child seat tether anchors, seat belts with pretensioners, side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, and a wave key and immobilizer system.

For Honda Accord parts and Honda auto parts needs, customers and interested parties can visit Auto Parts Go. Auto Parts Go is an online store that holds a wide array of quality and durable Honda parts and accessories.

About the Author: Jennifer Dylan is a 35-year-old gal who hails from San Francisco. She has a habit of updating herself on new car trends and models. She spends most of her time reading up on cars and hopes to test drive them. She works for one of the topnotch car parts dealer in the U.S.

Print Article | Download PDF | 209 views | Feb 17 2006 by jennifer

Cars of the future compared

Automobilemag.com lists 5 of the cars that can be seen in the market in 2010 and beyond. These are the BMW Z8, BMW X1, BMW LC5 CLS Fighter, Audi 1, and the Honda FCX.

BMW will revive the Z8 roadster in its 2010 model. This 650Ci convertible will range from $90,000-to-$125,000. It will be powered by a 400-plus-hp turbo version of BMW's 4.4-liter V-8 mated to a new dual-clutch gearbox. Other engines--larger and smaller--may find their way under the hood as well.

The pint size BMW X1 will be added to the X5, the just-freshened X3, and a two-door X6 due in 2008. The compact SUV market might seem an unlikely place for a premium German marque, but BMW won't be alone. Audi will be there with the Volkswagen Tiguan-derived Q3, as will Mercedes-Benz with its GLK.

These three share common characteristics. Aside from the fact that they all have well-to-do female customers, they also would want to make the car seats higher, to surround their vehicles with lots of active and passive safety equipment, and to own a premium product with a versatile interior. They are less interested in size and high-performance engines. They are also value-focused, which is why the X1 will be priced about the same as a loaded Toyota RAV4.

At roughly 170 inches long, the X1 will combine the footprint of the 1-series and packaging similar to that of the X3. The large wheels and the suspension come from the X3. The underbody, the drivetrain, and the electronics will be taken from the 1-series. The X1's more carlike DNA is reflected in its target weight of 3400 pounds, significantly lighter than the X3. The X1 is principally a four-seater, but since the rear chairs slide and fold, an optional fifth seat could be integrated. BMW may offer a variety of opening and see-through roof treatments.

Indeed, BMW is readying a stretched version of the next 6-series, which would feature four doors and four seats under a coupe like roof.
To its credit, the BMW team is taking a somewhat different approach from Mercedes-Benz. The LC5 CLS Fighter will be seen without B-pillars. Instead, the structural integrity of the body will be supported by overlapping doors (the rear ones always shut first and open last) plus reinforced sills and side panels. All seats feature integrated belts and side air bags. The oval-shaped lateral aperture and the connected door skins are supposed to help spread out the energy in the event of a side impact. The engine lineup consists of four units: a 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged six; a 400-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8; an M version powered by a 550-hp, 5.5-liter V-10; and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel.

Transmission offerings are to include a conventional six-speed manual and two automatics, where one is a dual-clutch design. Both automatics will feature seven speeds and optional paddle-shift operation. The gear selector is a joystick with two parallel shift modes: flick it to the left, and you're in manual; flick it to the right, and you're in automatic. Pushing a button on top of the lever engages park. Car enthusiasts will also see new electro hydraulic brakes, active steering, and wheels ranging in size from eighteen to twenty inches. It is not yet clear whether the new arrival will be part of the 6-series family or whether BMW would rather launch it as a 7-series coupe. Either way, the car is expected to reach showrooms in 2011, shortly after the next 6-series coupe/ convertible--and, coincidentally, around the same time as the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS, the car that started it all.

Audi will be launching its A1 minicompact. It will be smaller-than-A3 entry that emphasizes performance over economy. Unlike the discontinued European-market A2, the A1 will be a two-door hatch. An S1 version would likely use a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo; a less-potent turbo four would power the base car.

Finally, Honda's latest take on fuel cells is the FCX concept. Although its ultra-cab-forward body looks dramatically long, low, and wide, at 186 inches (15.5 feet) in overall length, the FCX is actually shorter than the Acura RL. It features a compact, Honda-developed fuel-cell stack in the middle of the car with two hydrogen tanks in the rear. The stack is much smaller than what is now technologically feasible, but Honda says that it shows "our dream."

The novel four-wheel-drive system has one front 80-kW electric motor with two in-wheels, 25-kw motors at the rear. The cabin has a mixture of traditional Japanese materials, such as a wood floor, plus the latest gizmos. The dashboard rises up toward the driver as speed rises, which is supposedly to hold the driver's attention.

If you want to know their air filters, the site on K&N Filters can help you.

About the Author: Hannah Racey is a 35 year old native of Chicago, Ill. She has been a car afficionado since she can remember. She now works for an automotive company based in Detroit, Mi. as a consultant.

Honda Rolls out Honda the 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe

Honda Rolls out Honda the 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe


American Honda Motor Co. Inc. now releases the details, features, and the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2008 model year Sedan and Coupe variants of the Honda Accord. Both model variants are available with several trim level options with exclusive features for each trim level. The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan will roll out in Honda dealers all over the U.S. starting this September 12, while the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe will go on sale in September 20th.

In a recent press release, Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. commented: "The 2008 Honda Accord adds popular features and enhancements while maintaining competitive, value-oriented pricing on every model. A new, innovative design with improved packaging and even more refined performance adds to the Accord's strong foundation of historically high residual values, renowned manufacturing quality and legendary reliability."

Both the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models are available with either 4-cylinder or V6 engine options. The new 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine is capable of pumping out 268 hp and equipped with a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology. In addition, this power unit achieves a Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated this unit with a fuel economy rating of 19/29 (city/highway) miles per gallon, Accord Sedan.

Meanwhile, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine has a power output of 190 hp. A choice of a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain package for the Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe. Customers can also choose the 6-speed manual transmission available exclusively for the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe variant.

The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe come with various standard features for both model variants. These include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure, Electronic Stability Control, side-curtain airbags, dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, and brake assist, MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary input jack, 160 watts single-disc CD player and six speakers, just to name the few. Customers can also personalize the Accord Sedan and Coupe with Weathertech weatherflectors.

Other exclusive features for Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe model trims include six-disc CD changer, 270 watts of total amplification and seven speakers, including an 8-inch subwoofer (Accord EX Coupe and EX-L Sedan), XM Satellite Radio (Accord EX-L), Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available on EX-L), 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (2008 Accord Sedan), 17-inch alloy wheels standard (Accord Coupe), and 18-inch alloy wheels for the V6-equipped Honda Accord Coupe models.

The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan will go on sale in dealer showrooms carrying a base MSRP of $20,360 for the 4-cylinder model with 5-speed manual. Accord Sedan with V6 engines and 5-speed automatic transmission carries a base MSRP of $25,960. Meanwhile, the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe 4-cylinder model is priced at $21,860, while the base price for the V6 Coupe model is at $28,310.

About the Author: Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Rules to Follow When Buying a Car Audio System

Ok. You bought the new car and it looks good. There is just one thing missing from it. Its audio system just isn’t cutting it. You need yourself a good sounding car audio system if you want to be taken seriously these days. Do you know how to shop for one?

Buying a car audio system is often times more difficult than buying the car. You’ll run into all sorts of problems like just trying to install it. Some of the instruction manuals come with technical specifications that are unintelligible unless hold a degree in electrical engineering.

Realize that it's difficult task finding all the features you want in a car stereo. The decision needs to be based on features like sound quality and power output. There are so many features that determine how much enjoyment the system can offer, look for what is important for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind once you make the decision to go car audio shopping.

• Do some homework and research so that you're somewhat familiar with much of the basic terminology associated with car audio systems. Try reading some magazines on cars or look around on the Internet for some good sources of knowledge.



• Figure out your price limitation and set a budget. Depending on what you are looking for some complete audio systems can range from the low hundreds to thousands of dollars. Setting a budget can help you narrow down your choices.



• Determine what type of high performance you are interested in. If you are fan of rock or rap music, then you are going to want a system with maximum output. On the other hand, you’ll only need minimal to moderate power from a system if you’re a fan of classical music. Instead of power, buy a system for its sound quality.



• When you do decide on a system that works for you, buy everything at once instead of one piece at a time. You’ll find that each component, regardless of quality, emits it own sound characteristics. You won’t have the chance to listen or preview the system in its entirety with buying everything separately.



• Get to know all of the options available with speakers. A lot of speakers are two-way. This means they have a low-range driver or woofer long with a high-range driver or tweeter. Three-way speakers include an extra midrange driver, providing precise sound quality. If you own a small car then you may want to choose individual drivers, with the tweeters up front, and woofers and midrange drivers in back. Systems like this require an external crossover device synchronizing the individual drivers. A reputable car audio shop can help you with the speaker limitations for your vehicle.



• Shop around for head units or also sometimes referred to as receivers. These typically include a radio, an amplifier, and CD player. The head units give you a power output figure in watts and higher-quality units usually put out more power. Check to be sure that your head unit is compatible with options such as satellite radio, MP3 and home-recorded CDs.



• Check if there are any pre-outs that allow for additional components to be added on to the head unit. If you plan on installing an equalizer or an amplifier, then your head unit better have enough pre-outs. If you already own a head unit then make sure the pre-outs are compatible with any new components.



• Buy speakers and a head unit compatible in terms of power. You’ll instantly regretting purchasing speakers with a lower power rating than the head unit. In fact, it's always a good idea to buy speakers which have a slightly greater rating. This way, if you want, you can add an amplifier.

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About the Author: Electra Warehouse does not only offer mobile electronics, it also carries brand named pro dj equipment and home audio equipment. Electra Warehouse strives to give each customer a great one stop shop for the best bargain mobile, home and pro dj electronics. Visit them at www.electrawarehouse.com.

Honda’s New Hybrid Battles with the Prius

The first ever hybrid car made for the US car market was from the Japanese car maker Honda Motor Corporation. The Honda Insight was first seen in 1999 on the US auto market. But after Toyota revealed the Prius, the Insight made an exit. Toyota Prius has ever since become the consistent number one hybrid car in the auto industry.

The presence of the Insight on the US car market was not as impressive as the Toyota Prius. Although Honda Insight also has the same fuel efficient features as the Toyota Prius, the two seats hybrid car soon vanished on the auto industry. Toyota has many buyers because of its quality yet affordable rates.

Later, Honda revealed two new breeds of hybrid cars, the Accord and Civic hybrids. However, even if they made it more effective than the Insight, these cars are still not enough to sway the Prius out of the market. The Civic hybrid had a distinctive hybrid features but it failed because of its "performance hybrid" nature that later resulted to scanty fuel efficiency gain as compared to the conventional Accord V6. The news was from the Daily Tech yesterday.

Honda tried to bring out the best vehicle to match with the ongoing Toyota Prius but the world famous hybrid car continues to receive more fame because of its real time fuel efficiency. The design as well as the appearance may not be as powerful as the other hybrids out there but Americans recognizes Prius as the best hybrid car in the market.

Toyota was able to sell 110,000 units on the first seven months of this year. Honda also gained a few but not enough to compensate for the efforts they made to sell both Civic and Accord Hybrid. But even with the combination of its sale, Toyota Prius still ranks the best seller hybrid car in the US market.

Honda Senior Vice President John Mendel said, "The Prius has become synonymous with hybrid; it's the Kleenex of hybrids. We feel Honda should be synonymous with the most fuel-efficient company in America."

Honda Motor Corporation is maybe tired of being the second rate which is why they are looking forward on building new hybrid car that could give the Toyota Prius a serious battle. Honda will build the so called "Global Small Hybrid" soon. This new car is a five-passenger car with a price tag of only $22,000 or below and scheduled to hit showrooms this coming 2009. Honda car maker did not mention about the car parts like Honda strut bar, if they are making it available on the new hybrid car.

Honda also released that the "Global Small Hybrid" is even better than the Toyota Prius in terms of fuel efficiency. The company has undergone several tests in terms of the Insight so they are pretty sure on what to do this time.

However while Honda is doing car that battles up with Prius, Toyota is also planning for more high tech hybrids for the future. By the year 2020, Toyota is also looking forward to meet the highest emission standards set by making more hybrid cars and cleaner diesel cars for the US market.

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About the Author: Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda’s New Hybrid Battles with the Prius

The first ever hybrid car made for the US car market was from the Japanese car maker Honda Motor Corporation. The Honda Insight was first seen in 1999 on the US auto market. But after Toyota revealed the Prius, the Insight made an exit. Toyota Prius has ever since become the consistent number one hybrid car in the auto industry.

The presence of the Insight on the US car market was not as impressive as the Toyota Prius. Although Honda Insight also has the same fuel efficient features as the Toyota Prius, the two seats hybrid car soon vanished on the auto industry. Toyota has many buyers because of its quality yet affordable rates.

Later, Honda revealed two new breeds of hybrid cars, the Accord and Civic hybrids. However, even if they made it more effective than the Insight, these cars are still not enough to sway the Prius out of the market. The Civic hybrid had a distinctive hybrid features but it failed because of its "performance hybrid" nature that later resulted to scanty fuel efficiency gain as compared to the conventional Accord V6. The news was from the Daily Tech yesterday.

Honda tried to bring out the best vehicle to match with the ongoing Toyota Prius but the world famous hybrid car continues to receive more fame because of its real time fuel efficiency. The design as well as the appearance may not be as powerful as the other hybrids out there but Americans recognizes Prius as the best hybrid car in the market.

Toyota was able to sell 110,000 units on the first seven months of this year. Honda also gained a few but not enough to compensate for the efforts they made to sell both Civic and Accord Hybrid. But even with the combination of its sale, Toyota Prius still ranks the best seller hybrid car in the US market.

Honda Senior Vice President John Mendel said, "The Prius has become synonymous with hybrid; it's the Kleenex of hybrids. We feel Honda should be synonymous with the most fuel-efficient company in America."

Honda Motor Corporation is maybe tired of being the second rate which is why they are looking forward on building new hybrid car that could give the Toyota Prius a serious battle. Honda will build the so called "Global Small Hybrid" soon. This new car is a five-passenger car with a price tag of only $22,000 or below and scheduled to hit showrooms this coming 2009. Honda car maker did not mention about the car parts like Honda strut bar, if they are making it available on the new hybrid car.

Honda also released that the "Global Small Hybrid" is even better than the Toyota Prius in terms of fuel efficiency. The company has undergone several tests in terms of the Insight so they are pretty sure on what to do this time.

However while Honda is doing car that battles up with Prius, Toyota is also planning for more high tech hybrids for the future. By the year 2020, Toyota is also looking forward to meet the highest emission standards set by making more hybrid cars and cleaner diesel cars for the US market.

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About the Author: Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.