Monday, February 16, 2009
Demand for New Honda Insight Soars
Honda said that demand for hybrid vehicle Insight is soaring in Japan with orders topping its monthly target of 5,000 in just over a week.The launch of the cheapest hybrid vehicle came amid a devastating slump in the global car market.
But Honda said demand for the Insight has been so brisk that the company has received more than 5,000 orders, easily beating its monthly target.
"This is so much better than expected.
Even before the launch, Honda had received about 5,000 orders for the Insight, Asanuma said. The Insight goes on sale in April in the US, and in March for Europe.
Honda's Insight is cheaper than Toyota's Prius, the most popular hybrid.
Hybrids tend to be more expensive than regular cars because they come packed with both a petrol engine and an electric motor. Switching between the systems, depending on speed, boosts mileage.
We are taking orders for the new Insight coming April 22 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
How does your Truck Stack Up
Honda RidgeLine chosen as a top safety pick by IIHS
The battle to produce the biggest, toughest, meanest pickup is never-ending. Carmakers spend breathtaking amounts of time, energy and money boosting horsepower, features, towing capacity and the like. Apparently, amid all the brawn and dust and sweat and steel-alloyed testosterone, a little something called safety sometimes gets left behind.
According to newly released safety ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, of the six vehicles it places in the full-size pickup category, only three receive the highest marks for side-impact protection, and only four make the cut for rear-impact protection.
The safety laggards are the Nissan Titan and the Chevy Silverado, the second-best selling pickup in the country. For side impact safety, both are rated as "poor" in the IIHS's four-grade rating system (good, acceptable, marginal and poor), and both rank only "acceptable" in rear-end crashes. The Dodge Ram was only a bit better, scoring an uninspiring "marginal" for side impact.
A shining star, meanwhile, is the Honda Ridgeline , which netted perfect "good" ratings for front, side and rear impact.
Tough break for the Titan, Silverado and Ram. But hey, at least they're safer than cars, right?
Wrong, said David Zuby, senior vice president of the IIHS. "The size, weight and height of these large pickups should help them ace the side tests, just like the other large pickups we’ve tested," he said. "Not these three; they perform worse than many cars we’ve evaluated.” In fact, according to the IIHS, not a single midsized sedan scored lower than "acceptable."
Ouch....
According to the IIHS, the side-impact test is a good test for comparing vehicle safety since the institute uses the same size, weight and speed of an object to smack into the car being tested every time (it uses a truck or SUV-shaped barrier moving at 31 miles per hour). A frontal test is not so hot for that, because the mass of the test vehicle will differ.
So all things being equal in a side-impact test, trucks should always be safer, the IIHS said, since the passengers are higher off the ground, not to mention that trucks weigh more and tend to use more thick steel and nifty steel runners and the like. Get side-smacked in a truck, the thinking goes, and break a leg, but not much else. Cars, on the other hand, tend to put human livers, hearts and lungs right at bumper level.
What gives?
The Honda kept the crash on the outside of the cabin, where it belongs. Meanwhile, said the IIHS, the Silverado's lack of side torso airbags is a major problem, as are its insufficiently strong side structures. Nada bien. Crash-test dummies got broken ribs and internal organ damage. Adding the optional side curtain airbags did nothing to improve the picture.
The Ram and the Titan have beefier sides and doors, apparently, but the Ram also lacks side-torso airbags, and on the Titan they're only available as an option. With the airbags, the Titan jumps up to a "marginal" rating -- hardly confidence-inspiring. The Ram, well, it has a Hemi.
To be fair, the other major crash testing body, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, throws its top rating, five stars, to the Silverado for side impact, while it awards four stars to the Titan and the Toyota Tundra (the Ram is not yet rated).
But the NHTSA side-impact test, unlike IIHS', uses a low-height barrier to smack into the test vehicle, rather than a high one, and high impact is considered a much better test of structural integrity. It's like a body blow versus a uppercut to the jaw. As a result, NHTSA tends to rank most vehicles with four of five stars in side impact, whereas many vehicles score poorly in IIHS testing.
“It’s certainly possible to design a large pickup that offers good occupant protection in side crashes,” Zuby said. Unfortunately, according to his group's testing, Nissan, GM and Chrysler didn't quite do that this time around.
-- Ken Bensinger
Friday, February 6, 2009
Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test
[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]
PRESS RELEASE:Redesigned Honda Fit Tops Consumer Reports' Ratings of Subcompact Cars Fit easily outscores competitors including Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo and Suzuki SX4YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The newly-redesigned Honda Fit outpointed competitors including the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa in Consumer Reports' tests of six subcompacts and small sedans for the March issue. The Fit remains CR's highest-rated subcompact.The Honda Fit became a hot-selling vehicle when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. A redesigned and slightly larger Fit arrived last fall, and it improves on the space-efficient formula that made the last one such a hit with buyers."The Fit seems roomier on the inside than you might expect, with an interior that is unusually versatile and flexible--and cargo capacity rivaling that of a small SUV," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Lightness and agility make the Fit fun to drive, the powertrain is smooth and willing, and fuel economy is enviable."Consumer Reports tested two trim lines of the Fit, a base model with an automatic transmission and a manual upscale Sport model, both of which earned "Very Good" overall road test scores. CR also tested two other subcompacts--a base model Toyota Yaris and a Chevrolet Aveo5, both of which scored "Good" overall, and two small sedans--the Suzuki SX4 and Nissan Versa, both of which were rated Very Good overall.Prices for the six cars in CR's tests range from $16,020 for the base Fit to $17,378 for the Suzuki SX4.Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale February 3. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.The Fit and the SX4 are the only vehicles from this month's test group that are Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.The Versa sedan's reliability is much below average; reliability for the hatchback Versa has been average. The Aveo and Yaris scored too low in CR's tests to be recommended.CR's engineers found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group. It has easy cabin access and a panoramic view out. It also comes well equipped and has comfortable seating. The base Fit ($16,020 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) and Fit Sport ($16,730 MSRP as tested) are powered by a 118-hp, 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers quick takeoffs but doesn't brim with power. The Fit Sport's easy shifting five-speed manual transmission adds sportiness; the five-speed automatic in the base model is more relaxed, with lower engine speed on the highway. Braking was rated Very Good. Fuel economy is an impressive 33 mpg overall in the Fit Sport and 30 mpg overall in the base model with the automatic.The SX4 LE was conceived as a subcompact, but its price and 26 mpg overall fuel economy makes it compete more closely with cars one size bigger. The SX4 has a stiff, choppy ride on rough and smooth roads. Steering isn't quick or communicative. The SX4 LE ($17,378 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine that is mated to a fairly smooth four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels a bit lethargic. Braking performance is very good.The Versa has a nicely made, well-appointed interior. It rides pleasantly and quietly, and the powertrain feels refined. The rear seat is enormous for a small car. Handling is sound but not really agile, and it's tricky at the limits. Its 27-mpg overall fuel economy is not impressive. The Versa 1.8S ($16,130 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that accelerates adequately; the four-speed automatic is smooth and responsive. Interior storage is modest, but trunk space is quite generous. Braking is very good.The compactly-sized Yaris is ideal for tight spaces, making it a good city car. Its gets very good fuel economy at 30 mpg overall and has some nice interior touches such as a rear seat that adjusts fore and aft and three glove compartments. Handling is responsive but can be tricky at the limits. The base model Yaris ($16,095 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that feels lively enough around town but lacks reserve power for the highway. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Braking is excellent.Despite recent updates, the Aveo remains unpleasant, outdated, and overpriced for what you get. Acceleration is slow, the engine is rough and noisy, handling is clumsy, and the ride is jumpy. Fuel economy at 26 mpg overall is poor for its class, and reliability has been below average. The Aveo51LT ($16,470 MSRP as tested) is powered by an anemic 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, and the four-speed automatic transmission isn't very responsive. Braking performance is very good.With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.MARCH 2009The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.
SOURCE Consumer Reports
http://www.breakawayhonda.com
[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]
PRESS RELEASE:Redesigned Honda Fit Tops Consumer Reports' Ratings of Subcompact Cars Fit easily outscores competitors including Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo and Suzuki SX4YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The newly-redesigned Honda Fit outpointed competitors including the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa in Consumer Reports' tests of six subcompacts and small sedans for the March issue. The Fit remains CR's highest-rated subcompact.The Honda Fit became a hot-selling vehicle when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. A redesigned and slightly larger Fit arrived last fall, and it improves on the space-efficient formula that made the last one such a hit with buyers."The Fit seems roomier on the inside than you might expect, with an interior that is unusually versatile and flexible--and cargo capacity rivaling that of a small SUV," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Lightness and agility make the Fit fun to drive, the powertrain is smooth and willing, and fuel economy is enviable."Consumer Reports tested two trim lines of the Fit, a base model with an automatic transmission and a manual upscale Sport model, both of which earned "Very Good" overall road test scores. CR also tested two other subcompacts--a base model Toyota Yaris and a Chevrolet Aveo5, both of which scored "Good" overall, and two small sedans--the Suzuki SX4 and Nissan Versa, both of which were rated Very Good overall.Prices for the six cars in CR's tests range from $16,020 for the base Fit to $17,378 for the Suzuki SX4.Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale February 3. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.The Fit and the SX4 are the only vehicles from this month's test group that are Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.The Versa sedan's reliability is much below average; reliability for the hatchback Versa has been average. The Aveo and Yaris scored too low in CR's tests to be recommended.CR's engineers found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group. It has easy cabin access and a panoramic view out. It also comes well equipped and has comfortable seating. The base Fit ($16,020 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) and Fit Sport ($16,730 MSRP as tested) are powered by a 118-hp, 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers quick takeoffs but doesn't brim with power. The Fit Sport's easy shifting five-speed manual transmission adds sportiness; the five-speed automatic in the base model is more relaxed, with lower engine speed on the highway. Braking was rated Very Good. Fuel economy is an impressive 33 mpg overall in the Fit Sport and 30 mpg overall in the base model with the automatic.The SX4 LE was conceived as a subcompact, but its price and 26 mpg overall fuel economy makes it compete more closely with cars one size bigger. The SX4 has a stiff, choppy ride on rough and smooth roads. Steering isn't quick or communicative. The SX4 LE ($17,378 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine that is mated to a fairly smooth four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels a bit lethargic. Braking performance is very good.The Versa has a nicely made, well-appointed interior. It rides pleasantly and quietly, and the powertrain feels refined. The rear seat is enormous for a small car. Handling is sound but not really agile, and it's tricky at the limits. Its 27-mpg overall fuel economy is not impressive. The Versa 1.8S ($16,130 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that accelerates adequately; the four-speed automatic is smooth and responsive. Interior storage is modest, but trunk space is quite generous. Braking is very good.The compactly-sized Yaris is ideal for tight spaces, making it a good city car. Its gets very good fuel economy at 30 mpg overall and has some nice interior touches such as a rear seat that adjusts fore and aft and three glove compartments. Handling is responsive but can be tricky at the limits. The base model Yaris ($16,095 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that feels lively enough around town but lacks reserve power for the highway. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Braking is excellent.Despite recent updates, the Aveo remains unpleasant, outdated, and overpriced for what you get. Acceleration is slow, the engine is rough and noisy, handling is clumsy, and the ride is jumpy. Fuel economy at 26 mpg overall is poor for its class, and reliability has been below average. The Aveo51LT ($16,470 MSRP as tested) is powered by an anemic 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, and the four-speed automatic transmission isn't very responsive. Braking performance is very good.With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.MARCH 2009The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.
SOURCE Consumer Reports
http://www.breakawayhonda.com
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Redesigned Honda Fit Tops Consumer Reports' Ratings of Subcompact Cars
Fit easily outscores competitors including Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo and Suzuki SX4
YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The newly-redesigned Honda Fit outpointed competitors including the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa in Consumer Reports' tests of six subcompacts and small sedans for the March issue. The Fit remains CR's highest-rated subcompact.
The Honda Fit became a hot-selling vehicle when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. A redesigned and slightly larger Fit arrived last fall, and it improves on the space-efficient formula that made the last one such a hit with buyers.
"The Fit seems roomier on the inside than you might expect, with an interior that is unusually versatile and flexible--and cargo capacity rivaling that of a small SUV," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Lightness and agility make the Fit fun to drive, the powertrain is smooth and willing, and fuel economy is enviable."
Consumer Reports tested two trim lines of the Fit, a base model with an automatic transmission and a manual upscale Sport model, both of which earned "Very Good" overall road test scores. CR also tested two other subcompacts--a base model Toyota Yaris and a Chevrolet Aveo5, both of which scored "Good" overall, and two small sedans--the Suzuki SX4 and Nissan Versa, both of which were rated Very Good overall.
Prices for the six cars in CR's tests range from $16,020 for the base Fit to $17,378 for the Suzuki SX4.
Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale February 3. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
The Fit and the SX4 are the only vehicles from this month's test group that are Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The Versa sedan's reliability is much below average; reliability for the hatchback Versa has been average. The Aveo and Yaris scored too low in CR's tests to be recommended.
CR's engineers found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group. It has easy cabin access and a panoramic view out. It also comes well equipped and has comfortable seating. The base Fit ($16,020 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) and Fit Sport ($16,730 MSRP as tested) are powered by a 118-hp, 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers quick takeoffs but doesn't brim with power. The Fit Sport's easy shifting five-speed manual transmission adds sportiness; the five-speed automatic in the base model is more relaxed, with lower engine speed on the highway. Braking was rated Very Good. Fuel economy is an impressive 33 mpg overall in the Fit Sport and 30 mpg overall in the base model with the automatic.
The SX4 LE was conceived as a subcompact, but its price and 26 mpg overall fuel economy makes it compete more closely with cars one size bigger. The SX4 has a stiff, choppy ride on rough and smooth roads. Steering isn't quick or communicative. The SX4 LE ($17,378 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine that is mated to a fairly smooth four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels a bit lethargic. Braking performance is very good.
The Versa has a nicely made, well-appointed interior. It rides pleasantly and quietly, and the powertrain feels refined. The rear seat is enormous for a small car. Handling is sound but not really agile, and it's tricky at the limits. Its 27-mpg overall fuel economy is not impressive. The Versa 1.8S ($16,130 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that accelerates adequately; the four-speed automatic is smooth and responsive. Interior storage is modest, but trunk space is quite generous. Braking is very good.
The compactly-sized Yaris is ideal for tight spaces, making it a good city car. Its gets very good fuel economy at 30 mpg overall and has some nice interior touches such as a rear seat that adjusts fore and aft and three glove compartments. Handling is responsive but can be tricky at the limits. The base model Yaris ($16,095 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that feels lively enough around town but lacks reserve power for the highway. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Braking is excellent.
Despite recent updates, the Aveo remains unpleasant, outdated, and overpriced for what you get. Acceleration is slow, the engine is rough and noisy, handling is clumsy, and the ride is jumpy. Fuel economy at 26 mpg overall is poor for its class, and reliability has been below average. The Aveo51LT ($16,470 MSRP as tested) is powered by an anemic 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, and the four-speed automatic transmission isn't very responsive. Braking performance is very good.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
http://www.breakawayhonda.com
YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The newly-redesigned Honda Fit outpointed competitors including the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa in Consumer Reports' tests of six subcompacts and small sedans for the March issue. The Fit remains CR's highest-rated subcompact.
The Honda Fit became a hot-selling vehicle when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. A redesigned and slightly larger Fit arrived last fall, and it improves on the space-efficient formula that made the last one such a hit with buyers.
"The Fit seems roomier on the inside than you might expect, with an interior that is unusually versatile and flexible--and cargo capacity rivaling that of a small SUV," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Lightness and agility make the Fit fun to drive, the powertrain is smooth and willing, and fuel economy is enviable."
Consumer Reports tested two trim lines of the Fit, a base model with an automatic transmission and a manual upscale Sport model, both of which earned "Very Good" overall road test scores. CR also tested two other subcompacts--a base model Toyota Yaris and a Chevrolet Aveo5, both of which scored "Good" overall, and two small sedans--the Suzuki SX4 and Nissan Versa, both of which were rated Very Good overall.
Prices for the six cars in CR's tests range from $16,020 for the base Fit to $17,378 for the Suzuki SX4.
Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale February 3. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
The Fit and the SX4 are the only vehicles from this month's test group that are Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The Versa sedan's reliability is much below average; reliability for the hatchback Versa has been average. The Aveo and Yaris scored too low in CR's tests to be recommended.
CR's engineers found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group. It has easy cabin access and a panoramic view out. It also comes well equipped and has comfortable seating. The base Fit ($16,020 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) and Fit Sport ($16,730 MSRP as tested) are powered by a 118-hp, 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers quick takeoffs but doesn't brim with power. The Fit Sport's easy shifting five-speed manual transmission adds sportiness; the five-speed automatic in the base model is more relaxed, with lower engine speed on the highway. Braking was rated Very Good. Fuel economy is an impressive 33 mpg overall in the Fit Sport and 30 mpg overall in the base model with the automatic.
The SX4 LE was conceived as a subcompact, but its price and 26 mpg overall fuel economy makes it compete more closely with cars one size bigger. The SX4 has a stiff, choppy ride on rough and smooth roads. Steering isn't quick or communicative. The SX4 LE ($17,378 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine that is mated to a fairly smooth four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels a bit lethargic. Braking performance is very good.
The Versa has a nicely made, well-appointed interior. It rides pleasantly and quietly, and the powertrain feels refined. The rear seat is enormous for a small car. Handling is sound but not really agile, and it's tricky at the limits. Its 27-mpg overall fuel economy is not impressive. The Versa 1.8S ($16,130 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that accelerates adequately; the four-speed automatic is smooth and responsive. Interior storage is modest, but trunk space is quite generous. Braking is very good.
The compactly-sized Yaris is ideal for tight spaces, making it a good city car. Its gets very good fuel economy at 30 mpg overall and has some nice interior touches such as a rear seat that adjusts fore and aft and three glove compartments. Handling is responsive but can be tricky at the limits. The base model Yaris ($16,095 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that feels lively enough around town but lacks reserve power for the highway. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Braking is excellent.
Despite recent updates, the Aveo remains unpleasant, outdated, and overpriced for what you get. Acceleration is slow, the engine is rough and noisy, handling is clumsy, and the ride is jumpy. Fuel economy at 26 mpg overall is poor for its class, and reliability has been below average. The Aveo51LT ($16,470 MSRP as tested) is powered by an anemic 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, and the four-speed automatic transmission isn't very responsive. Braking performance is very good.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
http://www.breakawayhonda.com
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