Archive for category Auto Reviews
2011 Honda Accord Is Safe, Reliable and Spacious
Posted on April 25, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
The Accord is Honda’s popular sedan. The vehicle offers comfort, safety, and efficiency in a family friendly package. The sedan also offers the reliability and quality Honda is known praised for. For 2011, the Honda Accord sedan has won several awards and accolades, proving it is a leading sedan.
For 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced more rigorous testing procedures to better provide the best information about vehicles’ safety features. The new standards are so tough that of the over 40 vehicles tested; very few have received an overall five-star rating. Of the few to receive five-star scores, only one vehicle, the Honda Accord Sedan has earned the top five star rating in each of the individual NHSTA tests. The Sedan earned the top score for frontal-crash, side-crash and rollover protection. The Honda Accord keeps passengers safe utilizing a multitude of safety features including its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, stability and traction control, and standard front, front-side and side curtain airbags.
In addition to the Accord’s impressive safety features and scores, the vehicle has been named on Car and Driver magazine’s list of the 10 Best Cars for 2011. This is the 25th time the Accord has been recognized on the prestigious list. The Honda Accord was referred to as excellent, managing to combine all practical virtues desired in a family sedan. The magazine praised the sedan for its spacious interior, numerous trim choices, its quiet ride and its effortless transmissions.
The Honda Accord has been awarded with Kelly Blue Book’s (kbb.com) Best Resale Value Award in the Mid-Size Car category. This award expects that the Accord will have the best resale value in the mid-size car category after five years of ownership. The resale value award proves the Accord’s quality and reliability, features that the Honda Accord is consistently known for.
Along with the Honda Accord’s numerous awards, the vehicle has also been praised for its impressive fuel efficiency. Honda, who has been awarded multiple times as the Greenest Automaker, makes no exception with its leading sedan. The 2011 model sets a new benchmark with its impressive 23 miles per gallon city and 34 miles per gallon highway.
Notable revisions have also been made to the sedan. Improved seating cloth surfaces, an updated instrument panel, and more ergonomic controls for the vehicle’s climate system are just a few of the updates. The vehicle also receives a new SE trim level that is between the LX Premium and EX models. The new trim levels boasts a ten way adjustable driver’s seat, leather trim, leather wrapped steering wheel, automatic windows and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The award winning 2011 Honda Accord is a crowd pleaser. With a variety of trim levels available, the sedan offers something for everyone.
Infiniti EX35 SUV
Posted on April 23, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
If you are interested in a SUV but don’t want to sacrifice when it comes to style and performance then take a look at the EX35. It’s smooth and sleek out the outside with lots of swooping curves while the interior is classy. On top of that it offers lots of cool gadgets such as a hard drive to store all your favorite songs. The EX35 has enough room for five. Buyers can select from two trims available; base and Journey. In terms of looks, this auto is instantly recognizable as an Infiniti due to its seductive curves and Infiniti badge in the grille.
Let’s take a look at the powerful engine underneath the hood. There is more than enough power thanks to a capable six cylinder 3.5 Liter engine with 297 hp. Gas mileage is at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the freeway. It’s very easy to speed up; just a light push on the pedal and she speeds up right away. Performance and handling is excellent; this is a SUV that can corner and ride out curves with ease and comfort. The transmission system comes with seven speeds.
Since Infiniti is a luxury brand you can expect the cabin to be elegant and stylish; the EX35 does not disappoint in this regard. The base trim includes sweet options such as compatibility with most personal music players and even a rear camera which helps to prevent accident when reversing or backing up. Opt for the more upscale Journey trim and you get an advanced navigation. Reviewers have noted that cargo space may be a tad small for its class at 18.6 cubic feet.
Let’s examine the various safety systems. One very advanced and unique offering is Infiniti’s Around View Monitor Package. It actually gives you a screenshot of the from above; almost like a bird’s eye view. This should help you ease into tight parking spots a whole lot easier. Other safety systems include a comprehensive air bag system, ABS, vehicle dynamic control and traction control. If you upgrade to the Journey version with the Technology Package, you get additional safety features such as Forward Collision Warning, which you know if there is an imminent collision with a foreign object.
Infiniti is a brand with a focus on luxury and the EX35 isn’t any different. If you like to ride in style and if performance is more important to you then this might be a good choice. In addition, this car offers very advanced features such as the camera with a clear view from above. The EX35′s strongest points are its luxurious interior, high tech and advanced gadgets and its excellent performance. Pricing starts at around thirty two thousand dollars which is a good deal for a SUV in the premium market.