While the Honda CR-Z definitely isn’t a sports car, it has taken huge leaps to help change people’s minds about how fund and sporty a hybrid can actually be.  The Honda CR-Z was released as a two-seater in the United States, however Europe and Japan will get a two-seater, plus a back seat as well.  This sportier model shows a very noticeable amount of increased power, however it also has an “eco” mode that will cut the power, but also will significantly decrease the amount of gasoline that is used.

During the creation process, Honda minimized the overall development costs by borrowing basic components from the Insight hybrid 5-door hatchback.  This includes the engine as well as a large amount of the IMA (integrated motor assist) technology.  Currently, the CR-Z offers both an automatic and 6 speed manual transmission.  Additional steps were made to improve the overall performance, most notably by reducing its overall weight.  It has done so by using forged aluminum in many places.  It has also reduced the weight by adding additional cargo room in the back instead of offering a back seat.

The CR-Z boasts a number of additional touches to make it unique.  For example, it has a 3-D speedometer as well as a tachometer ring that will either be red, blue, or green depending on how aggressively it is being driven at any point in time.  Additionally, the stereo system features six speakers and has a USB port.  Along with this additional functionality, it includes standard features that include: variable wipers, LED brake lights, cruise control, braking-assist technologies, security system, and automatic climate control.

Currently, the CR-Z is going to be first made available on August 24^th and is projected to be less than $20,000.

Possible Concerns

One concern for people who are looking at the CR-Z as a very Eco-friendly vehicle is that the engine is the main driver, whereas the electric motor is only there to assist.  At the same time, this isn’t any different than the current Eco-friendly vehicles.  Currently, the Honda Fit (which is not a hybrid) gets about the same has mileage as the CR-Z.  Additionally, even though it has a sportier look, it will still feature a 1.5 liter engine, just like the Insight.  However, there is a good chance that Honda will also make a CR-Z with a 1.8 liter in the near future (even though it will only add about 20 more horsepower).  It is also important to point out that since Honda utilized a torsion-beam rear suspension, the overall ride may be a little more bouncy than if the CR-Z had a fully independent setup.  It did, however, get 4 out of 5 stars during its recent crash test.

In the end, the CR-Z definitely doesn’t fit the bill of being a “sport’s car”.  At the same time, it will be much more fun to drive than the Insight or Prius.  While it is a step forward, there is still a lot of work to be done before a sports car is created that is actually Eco-friendly.

It’s this time of the year again where many of us start thinking ..maybe its finally time for that Harley.

There are many dedicated motorcycle auctions around the country where you can pick YOUR bike at a well discounted price. Many feel comfortable bidding online so there are indeed plenty of options of making a bargain via motorcycle auctions.

With most motorcycles come a community of people that all share the love for the bike (read: manufacturer or model of bike) and that seem to bond really well just rom sharing their common love for their motorcycles and the lifestyle it represents.

An expression of this trend are the motorcycle forum communities that you find online. They are highly interactive and can best be described as a successful combination of facebook/utube/old fashion message boards/ and email posting groups all into one. They are probably the best source of information if you are thinking of a getting a bike

We recommend you check out one of the leading Honda Motorcycle forums online called Fireblades, so you can get a good idea what they are all about.

Good luck at the auctions and have a safe ride!

The Honda Accord promises to be one of the best new models launched in the year 2008. As is with all cars from the Honda factories, the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan delivers as expected. In fact, Honda has been so confident about this that it lets the car do the speaking. The reinvent launch reveals some really good styling, lots of minor and major improvements in all aspects to make the Sedan a must-have in your household.

There are 13 different trims this time in the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan category. This series assures you of some really good looking reliable family cars. The LX and EX series have subtle variations to choose from. The prices range anywhere between $20,000 to $30,000 and the car is worth the cash you pay. From the LX MT to the EX-L AT, all the models are available with 5 speed transmission with overdrive which is the standard automatic transmission. The 4 door family car is a 5 passenger Sedan with wider rear seats than before.

The car is smooth, powerful and comfortable. As far as looks are concerned, the car comes with standard good exteriors and body styling. Mileage with advanced fuel saving design ranges from 22 and 31 mpg ( city and highway) in the  LX 5-Spd MT while at the other end, the EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT with Navigation System goes for 19 and 29 mpg ( city and highways). The Sedan comes with standard safety features and suspension mechanism for a smooth drive. Convenient for everyday use, the car is sturdy.

The sedan exteriors seem like a combination of styles from various other models and the car needs to stamp its identity with distinct body. But on the whole, it is a thoroughly efficient car which delivers the results you need from a family car. With its acceleration and smooth drive due to excellent suspension, the car can pass for a sports model. It is certainly worth more than what you pay.

Engine: 3 out of 5….. The engines go up to v6 level with about 268 hp, so you can expect a good drive in the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan.

Transmission: 4 out of 5…. The standard 5 speed automatic transmission works quite well.

Handling: 4 out of 5… convenient handling, Good steering control. Traction and brakes are good.

Safety: 4 out of 5 … safe Sedan for the family’s comfort.

Value 4 out of 5… the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan is definitely very affordable with convenient pricing for standard features. This is one durable car.

Tech Specifics

Body: standard exteriors for all the versions, with 4 door 5 passenger capacity design.

Engine: goes up to v6 with 268 hp in the EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT with Navigation System.

Transmission: the cars come with standard 5 speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Torque: maximum is 248 lbs-ft at 5000 rpm in the 3.5 l v6.

Power: 268 at 6200 rpm in the 3.5 liter v6 engine.

Tires: 17 to 18 inch alloy wheels in all models.

Verdict: the Honda Accord Sedan is a car that defines standards. With revamped styling and design, the car is out to sell very well.

 For: performance, comfort and looks.

Against: hardly any negative points.

It can be rightly proclaimed as a new big chapter in the history of automobile industry, when 2008 Honda CR-V inc. put forth the master class sporty crossover Chromium-Vanadium, i.e. CR-V vehicle on the roads, for the fellow customers. In its current generation, Honda CR-V 2008 begs the best position in the class of SUV automobiles and we take a look as why it is so.

The sleek n stylish 2008 Honda CR-V begs distinction right through its exterior and interior beauty. The aerodynamic features and the sophistication crossed with aggressive appeal is instant turn-on for the customers. One astounding feature is the current inclusion of GPS system, which aids the driver wonderfully throughout the full throttle journey. All in all, the highly comfortable leather cushions, dashboard design graphics and the material quality are second to none.

The multi activity vehicle provides mileage in the range of 20s in better running conditions and it promises improvement with the loosening of the drive train. The console is better than the previous models and there is plenty of storage area for all your accessories. 

The 2008 Honda CR-V SUV segment comes in 3 variants, viz., LX, EX and EX-L. The engine is covered in aluminum material and is supported by 4 pistons. 166hp 161torque measures and ensures greater sporting experience pushing the beast to the speed of the light aided by a huge 2354 cc power.

While on the move with vengeance, it takes care of the power shifts optimally, so that it doesn’t become a point of hindrance in the throttling experience. At tougher terrains, the GLC system takes care of the continuous gear shift problems even. However, the speed breakers and road blocks which shield the action, are also encountered by the superb suspension system aided in the 2008 model.

Just when you thought that along with all the sporty features that are essential to be associated with the best in class SUVs, security features also are key role in deciding the ranks in the competition. So what we see is that Honda CR-V 2008 clears all the security standards and overdoes so in some segments.

The flagship systems like ABS, TMPS, ACE, SRS etc are enough to verify the evidences made in favor of the sleek CR-V. Collectively they make maneuver of the vehicle very smooth at ultra high speeds; monitors tire pressure through its bad patches, safety during probabilities of collision etc. All according to rave reviews, it undoubtedly gets the coveted tag of top pick.
Apart from all the features that make it the best in its class, there are still features which can be craved for betterment, according to the trusted and loyal customers all alike. Like the rear storage compartment needs to get bit more spacious, a 6^th gear is as usual much awaited and the back side engineering can be improved to give it the ultimate look.