Thursday, June 21, 2012

Only a Honda is a Honda! 2012 Accord Sedan


We have a challenge for you! This week while you make your daily commute, take a look around. Don’t completely get distracted because we don’t want you to hurt yourself, but just be aware of the cars driving adjacent to you.   We bet you spot at least 4 Honda Accords out there, and if you can prove that you don’t we will give you a free 2012 Honda Accord!! Just Kidding LOL, but that would be awesome, right?!  But, seriously take a look around, because not seeing an Accord on the road is like not seeing Christmas lights during Christmas time! This is because the Accord offers what most Americans want out of their daily transportation! Not only is it sporty, glamorous or sexy, it has roomy accommodations, excellent driving position, and great driver visibility. Heck, if this was a fantasy world where our vehicles came to life and attended high school, the Accord would win Prom King!



Here at Route23Honda, we are proud to sell the 2012 Accord Sedan to you! It is equipped with a 177-hp and 190-hp DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual OR automatic transmission, and a Drive-by-Wire throttle system, which gives the car it’s great handling.  As for safety precautions, the Accord Sedan earned a 5-star safety rating in each of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s  (NHTSA’s) combined safety rating categories.  Luxury? You bet; leather interior, heated seats XM Radio, Navigation System (with voice recognition and rearview camera), Bluetooth integration, and a USB for Ipod or MP3 integration are all included.


The 2012 Accord Sedan delivers performance, styling and luxury with the dependability and reliability for which Honda is known for. What can we say it beats out competitors simply because “Only a Honda is a Honda,” and none other can be on par with Accord’s value. Honda is the most trusted brand and the Kelley Blue Book reinforces that, “The 2012 Honda Accord Sedan continues to thrive for a number of reasons. Its design is clean and simple, yet sophisticated enough to attract buyers young and old alike. The Honda Accord continually tops the charts for safety, reliability and strong resale, and its fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine remains one of the best in the industry. Granted, newer competitors such as the Hyundai Sonata, Chevy Malibu and Kia Optima sedans offer some stiff competition, at least on paper. But, these makes have yet to prove themselves in the long run, something the Accord Sedan has successfully been doing for the last four decades.”


Recently, the Accord has received numerous awards, accolades and ratings, including a Top Safety Pick from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and one of the 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 from Kelley Blue Book. People know that it is in their best interest to drive an Accord Sedan. So, sorry! Even if our silly offer for a free 2012 Honda Accord held true, you’d be out of luck anyway because to spot an Accord on the road isn’t really a challenge, it’s more like a GIVEN!!!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Dealer Review: 2012 Honda Crosstour V6


3300 Miles and Going


I’ve officially reached 3300 miles in my 2012 Black 6 cylinder AWD Crosstour and I’m still going with no plans to stop! This car is my third Crosstour Demo and by far my favorite Honda of all time.  In the past I’ve enjoyed the Prelude Si of the late 80’s, the Prelude 4 wheel steering of the 90’s, the trucky Passport (a rebranded Isuzo Rodeo), and the Honda designed and built Pilot (which blew away the Passport and was itself blown away by the 2nd generation Pilot).  I drove the latest iteration of the CRV when I could get one out of inventory that wasn’t sold and I even drove a black Fit sport for a year—I blacked out the rear windows to give it an SUV/ CUV feel—it was fun—real zippy!  As you can see I’ve had my fair share of rides in many Honda cars and let me tell you I believe the best and most underrated Honda is currently the Crosstour!

The Crosstour, originally part of the Accord family, now has its own model.  The wide stance, six cylinder Crosstour equipped with a 3,4,6 cylinder management, gives the car superior handling over many of the Hondas that have come before it.  I don’t know technical numbers, ratios, or specs—I just know what I feel.  It’s quick off the line and gives me complete confidence when pulling out into traffic, which gives many of us anxiety. I’ve added “ambience lights” under the dash, which provide a complimentary blue glow underneath and a brightly lit backlight that sure is neat to look at when the sun goes down. The standard center console houses a mini jack for aux audio, a USB for Ipod or MP3 integration, and a power outlet to plug in my phone charger without having it out in plain sight ruining an otherwise clean and sleek look.

The center console also delivers airflow to the rear passengers, which is a nice feature appreciated by my kids—it gets real hot back there during the summer months!  Another bonus for the back seat passengers is an optional center armrest with cup holders that can be pulled down to make long trips with four people comfortable, but of course there are three seats across with shoulder belts if needed. 

Traveling with large cargo? Trunk space is not a problem, the Crosstour’s large tailgate opens real wide.  Simple silver handles to the left and right allow the 60 40 split rear seats to drop down without even a push (they are spring loaded), and makes putting the golf clubs in the car an easy feat.  There is a removable storage bin under the rear floor for whatever you want to throw at it: ice and beverages, jumper cables, blankets, jackets...you name it.  I added a trunk organizer that can clip to any of the four floor eyelets.  You can secure it against the back of the front seats or along the back edge against the tailgate depending on your needs.  An area light sits against the side to light the back at night.  Another notable feature is the power plug in the cargo area.  I use it to keep a rechargeable flashlight plugged in and charged in case of emergencies.

I love the 17 inch alloy wheels.  Honda has never been terrific at wheel style and these are perfect for the Crosstour—a great look for a great ride!  I don’t know how wide the tires are, but looking at the rear—they look meaty and wide.  The grill has a macho feel that gives the Crosstour more of an SUV look than a car look.  A kind of diamond plate pattern along the rocker panel compliments the SUV-ness of the vehicle, as well.

Other somewhat expected yet neat features include: XM Radio (90 days free), Bluetooth integration via Honda’s Handsfree Link, auto dimming rearview mirror, rear camera on ALL models, one touch open / close sunroof, projector beam headlights, fully adjustable steering column (up/ down, in/ out), two position memory seat, two zone climate control...The list of standard features is truly astounding for a Honda.  This car could easily sold as is as an Acura, but not it’s value priced as a Honda!  I’m telling you, it’ll exceed all your expectations and give you a smile every time you sit in it—it does for me!


Written by Adam Barish
Follow him on Twitter: @abarish