In-Production

Honda Accord Few vehicles over the past three decades have garnered as much respect in America as the Honda Accord. It hasn't achieved this by being sporty, glamorous or sexy. Instead, it has, for every year, offered what most Americans want out of their daily transportation. Take an Accord for a test-drive, and you'll find it comfortable, roomy, intelligently engineered and easy to drive. Research it, and you'll find it backed by a solid reputation for reliability, a strong resale value and an emphasis on safety.
It is true that competing sedans or coupes hold certain advantages over the Accord. Some are faster, others are more prestigious or less expensive. What's special about the Honda Accord, though, is its completeness. It scores well in all of the categories that people expect a family-oriented sedan or coupe to cover, not just a few. When examined from a holistic standpoint, it's easy to see why this Honda car has become an automotive icon and one of our editors' top recommendations.
Current Honda Accord
The Accord has been fully redesigned for the 2008 model year. This model is bigger than previous Accord models and boasts better engine performance without any loss of fuel efficiency. It's available as a midsize coupe or sedan and a variety of trim levels to suit almost any buyer's needs. Entry-level LX models have the basic necessities while top-line EX-L models feature items like leather upholstery and an optional navigation system. All models come with a fully array of safety equipment, including side curtain airbags and stability control.
As has been the case with the past few generations of the Accord, the newest eighth-generation model comes with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 177 horsepower; an upgraded version of this engine makes 190 hp. For more power, a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is available. The four-cylinder engine has a five-speed manual transmission as standard and a five-speed automatic as optional. The V6 typically comes with a five-speed automatic, though V6-equipped coupes are available with a six-speed manual.
In reviews, we've found the latest Honda Accord continues to excel as a family sedan or midsize coupe. The interior is very roomy and high in quality, though some might take issue with the car's multitude of buttons on the dash. As a response to some Accords of the past, the latest model is a bit sportier to drive. We wouldn't call the Accord a sport sedan exactly, but this newfound agility is a desirable addition to the usual Accord strengths of safety, reliability and comfort.
Past Honda Accords
Unlike most things from the '70s -- disco, green shag carpeting, ugly pants -- the Honda Accord has not succumbed to being kitsch retro. It debuted in 1976 and multiple generations of success have followed since. Shoppers interested in a used Accord will likely find many seventh-generation models on dealer lots.
This Accord was sold for the 2003 to 2007 model years. As with the current model, it was available as a midsize coupe or sedan. Selecting a used Accord from this generation should be rather straightforward. Initially, there were three trim levels: DX, LX and EX. The DX was pretty frugal with features, so the better choice will be the LX or EX. Side and side-curtain airbags were typically optional on all trim levels.
Under the hood was a 160-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine. Four-cylinder engines could be had with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual was available on the V6-powered EX Coupe.
In 2005, Honda introduced the Accord Hybrid. This model's V6 gasoline/electric powertrain produced 255 hp and, in theory, the best fuel economy of the lineup. In real-world use, however, the car's fuel economy was disappointing and people balked at its higher price. Very few Accord Hybrids were sold.
The most significant changes of this generation occurred in 2006 when the Accord received freshened exterior styling and more power for both engines. Stability control also debuted this year, as did minor modifications to trim level organization. In reviews at the time, we praised the car for its roomy and stylish interior, tight build quality, smooth ride and good crash test scores. Downsides included tepid handling and mediocre brakes. All said, however, this Accord was an excellent choice for a family sedan or midsize coupe.
The sixth-generation Honda Accord is also very popular in the used car market. Available from 1998-2002, this model came in coupe or sedan body styles and had either four-cylinder or V6 power. In a nine-car comparison test conducted by our Edmunds.com editors, this car finished in 2nd place. We noted that the car was not exactly entertaining to drive but was very user-friendly and competent in all areas. Buyers should feel relatively free to look at models throughout this generation as Honda didn't make any drastic changes, though cars built after 2000 have expanded safety features.
Accords built from 1994 to 1997 should make for a smart choice for those on a budget. This model boasted the typical Accord attributes and, as a used car, should provide better than average reliability, assuming it's been properly maintained by previous owners. This generation marked the first time that Honda used its VTEC variable valve timing system. A VTEC-equipped four-cylinder engine came with the EX trim level. Accord models from 1995 and upward also had a V6 available. This generation was also the last for the rare Accord wagon.
Consumers interested in an Honda Accord but limited to a smaller budget could also check out the fourth-generation Accord, which was available starting in 1990. As there is little price difference between these cars at this point, 1992 or '93 EX or SE models are probably your best choices.

Honda CR-V When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, four-cylinder engine and sedan-like ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V enjoyed incredibly strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.
Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some compacts offer larger V6 engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the current Honda CR-V remains focused on its carlike aspirations. True enough, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of on-road drivability and practicality.
Because of the variations available, choosing the best compact SUV is largely a matter of personal taste and lifestyle. For urban and suburban dwellers looking for a more versatile alternative to a small car -- with decent mileage, great reliability and perhaps some all-weather capability thrown in to seal the deal -- we think the five-passenger, four-door Honda CR-V is a fine choice.
Current Honda CR-V
Buyers can choose from three trim levels – the LX, EX and EX-L. The LX gets you the basics like powered accessories, air-conditioning and a CD player. The high-volume EX model adds niceties like keyless entry, alloy wheels, an upgraded stereo, moonroof and privacy glass. For those who want it all, the uplevel EX-L's additions include leather upholstery, satellite radio and a subwoofer. The sole item on the SUV's options list is a touchscreen navigation system that includes a rearview camera.
Powering the Honda CR-V is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, buyers can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to maximize traction.
The Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts high-quality materials. Its ride is comfortable and quiet, its handling is nimble and its crash test scores are superlative. Its sole shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. Our editors found the 4WD CR-V's acceleration adequate and pleasant around town, but merging and passing maneuvers on gradients can strain its torque reserves -- especially when compared to its V6-equipped competition. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, we think the Honda CR-V may possess all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.
The current CR-V is part of the model's third generation, which dates back to 2007. There have been no significant changes since then.
Past Honda CR-Vs
Because it's a perennial top-seller, used-CR-V shoppers should find plenty of vehicles to look at. Redesigned for 2002, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. Mostly detail changes saw the CR-V through the next few years, meaning earlier models can provide especially good value.
Of the 2006 model, our editors said, "Around-town driving reveals a softly tuned setup that favors comfort over performance and is just about ideal for commuters. Four-wheel-drive CR-Vs are perfect for negotiating wet or snowy road conditions. However, when taken on terrain more rugged than a gravel road, the Honda CR-V quickly gets wobbly in the knees. Though it has more ground clearance than the Honda Element, this isn't the mini SUV to get if you regularly venture into the wilderness."
The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV hit the streets a decade ago. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.

Honda Civic Since its launch in 1973, the Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars sold in America. Its success can be attributed to its consistently high level of fit and finish and an impressive reputation for reliability and low running costs. High fuel economy, environmental awareness and engaging performance have also played a large role in making the Honda Civic a top choice for many Americans.
The current Civic is the best yet. It is the most powerful and the most fuel-efficient, and comes in a wide range of models. It is also the most radically designed Civic to date, inside and out. For small car shoppers looking for a used vehicle, the Civic is again a smart choice, as its long production run and wide range of models make it easy to find what you want.
Current Honda Civic
The current Honda Civic represents the eighth generation of this popular car. Introduced for the 2006 model year, the current Civic is available as a coupe or sedan. Both styles share five trim levels: base DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. All trims get a broad range of safety features, such as antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In terms of premium features, the DX is pretty limited, and you'll have to jump up to the LX, EX and EX-L trims to get amenities such as air-conditioning and power accessories.
All trims but the Si are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 140 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Driving enthusiasts might want to take a look at the Civic Si. Offered in both coupe and sedan body styles, the Si is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 197 hp. It comes exclusively with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
The Civic sedan is also available in three special trims: GX, Hybrid and Mugen Si. Powered by a 113-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Civic GX runs on clean-burning compressed natural gas. The Civic Hybrid features Honda's latest Integrated Motor Assist system, which consists of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 20-hp electric motor. Total output is 110 hp. The Hybrid comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 40/45 mpg. The limited-production Mugen Si offers a track-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance exhaust and a specialized body kit.
In reviews and road tests, our editors found the Honda Civic to be a well-rounded car. Inside, this Civic has a dramatic-looking interior that features a two-tier dashboard layout. A digital speedometer sits on top of the dash, while the tachometer sits underneath. The 1.8-liter engine won't overwhelm anyone, but it provides enough power for comfortable city driving. Honda has tuned the coupe to feel sportier than the sedan. Both are fun to drive, with great steering feel and impressive handling.
Past Honda Civics
Previous Honda Civics have all been hailed for their superb reliability and higher-than-average fuel economy. The car has been an "Editors' Most Wanted" winner across a host of categories over the years. Each of these older models represents an excellent choice for used car shoppers.
Previous to the current model was the seventh-generation Honda Civic, which was sold from 2001-'05. There were coupe and sedan body styles as well as a two-door hatchback. Honda offered its typical mainstream trims -- DX, LX and EX -- plus a few specialty trims such as VP, HX, SE and Hybrid. The hatchback came only in the Si trim. Most models had a 1.7-liter engine good for 117 hp or 127 hp (EX). The Civic Hybrid mated an 85-hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine to a 13-hp electric motor and offered the best fuel economy of the lineup. The Civic Si produced 160 hp from its 2.0-liter engine.
Sold from 1996-2000, the sixth-generation Civic was in many ways a refinement of the style and technology found on the previous generation. Coupe, sedan and hatchback body styles were available. Sedans were offered in DX, LX and EX trim levels. Engine choices were a 1.6-liter good for 106 hp in the DX and LX or 127 hp in the VTEC-equipped EX. There was also a higher-fuel-economy coupe, the 115-hp HX. Honda didn't release an Si trim until 1999. Based on the coupe body style, the Si was powered by a high-performance 1.6-liter engine tuned to put out 160 hp.
Honda's VTEC technology first appeared in the fifth-generation Civic, which was sold from 1992-'95. The Civic VX featured a fuel-efficient 92-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder with VTEC-E. More powerful was the 125-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine found in the Civic Si and EX sedan trims. First sold only in hatchback and sedan body styles, the fifth-gen Honda Civic got two coupe trims in 1993, the DX and EX. The lower CX and DX trims each had a 70-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Honda Element After several years on the market, the Honda Element sport-utility remains one of the most distinctive and useful shapes on the road. It's relatively short -- 7 inches shorter than Honda's smallest sedan -- and surprisingly tall. But behind that cubist philosophy is a level of versatility that bests that of many other small wagons or compact SUVs.
As opposed to a conventional four-door setup, the Honda Element's "clamshell" rear doors pivot backward a full 90 degrees. Without a B-pillar to intrude, opening both side doors creates an extra-large portal through which to easily load passengers or bulky cargo. In back, the tailgate lowers like a pickup's and is split from the upper glass. The theater-style rear seats provide plenty of visibility and legroom, and can be configured in multiple ways. And with the rear seats removed, you've got a larger SUV's 75 cubic feet of cargo space to play with.
According to Honda, the Element leverages its versatility and optional all-wheel drive into the ultimate niche vehicle for active young adventure-seekers and their toys. The Element, being a Honda, fulfills that role well. But we know that plenty other buyers also find it useful for routine errands and adventures of their own. Our editors believe its primary weakness is a lack of family friendliness -- there is seating for four people only and the backward-pivoting rear doors can be problematic when frequently transporting children.
Still, as a small, spunky SUV with a spacious, thoughtfully designed interior wrapped in a distinctive shell, the Honda Element easily accommodates the lifestyles of all kinds of people on road and off with smooth, efficient four-cylinder power, crisp and balanced handling, and optional all-wheel-drive traction for beach or snow. We like it just fine for the light-duty utility it delivers for its size, but if you regularly fill the seats or need serious off-road/towing capability, you'd do better to check out other larger, more worthy domestic and overseas competitors.
Current Honda Element
The Honda Element is a compact, car-based SUV that comes in three trim levels: regular LX, the upgraded EX and the special SC. For power, the vehicle has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. The Element LX and EX are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the SC is front-drive only.
In reviews, we've found that the Honda Element does offer reasonably peppy around-town response with enough smoothness to make everyday commuting a pleasant enough experience. From behind the wheel, the Element feels just as tall and boxy as it is -- although the steering offers positive feedback and the wide stance keeps it stable even in aggressive/evasive maneuvers.
The wide opening provided by the unique clamshell side doors is useful, but opening the rear doors for passengers is not always as convenient as one might think -- to open them, the front doors must be opened first, leading to some annoyance for the front occupants as they must always open their doors in order to allow people in or out. If you don't carry rear passengers often, you likely won't notice.
Honda's Element is still in its first generation, but was significantly updated in 2007, its fifth year. It's a bit more stylish and laidback outside, and a little quicker too thanks to a 10-hp increase and a new, more efficient five-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous four-speed auto. It should also be safer than ever, thanks to new safety equipment including standard stability control and optional side curtain airbags.
Past Honda Elements
Honda introduced the adventurous, completely new Element compact SUV in 2003. Since then, the vehicle has received minor but frequent feature upgrades. Just about any example in good or excellent condition should be an especially good used-car value.

Honda Fit The Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door hatchback perfect for getting you through times of increasingly expensive fuel with a cheerful, economical, less-is-more attitude. Built to Honda's usual exacting, world-class standards, the Fit proves that a hip, desirable car can be affordable for most anyone.
Already an established and popular Honda vehicle in Japan and Europe, we expect that success will also follow it here in the U.S. The Honda Fit is a smart, nearly perfect choice for consumers living in congested urban areas. The vehicle's strengths include snappy handling, interior adaptability and high quality, at a relatively low price.
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Fit is Honda's smallest and most affordable product. In terms of size, the Fit hatchback is about 20 inches shorter than a Civic sedan -- yet if measured by interior volume, the Fit nearly matches the passenger space of the much larger, midsize Accord. Honda has managed this by using an innovative, highly versatile "Magic Seat" seating arrangement, a compact suspension design and the placement of the fuel tank underneath the passenger seat.
Current Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is available in two complete trim levels with no factory options available -- though dealers offer a line of Honda-approved accessories to personalize the Fit. The base version adheres more strictly to a minimalist philosophy, with spartan exterior styling and compact 14-inch wheels. Inside, however, you'll find electric-assist power steering, air-conditioning and a CD player. More to our liking, though, is the uplevel Sport trim. This better-equipped, driver-oriented model features larger 15-inch alloy wheels, stickier tires, exterior styling pieces, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a premium MP3-compatible audio system with an auxiliary audio jack.
As is typically the case for a Honda vehicle, the Fit's interior controls are intelligently designed and its materials are of high quality. And considering its subcompact status, the Honda Fit also impresses with its surprisingly roomy and versatile nature. Much of the credit for this goes to the car's second-row, 60/40-split Magic Seat design. The rear seats can be placed into four different configurations that can be used for different passenger or cargo needs. For regular use, the three-person rear seat offers seating dimensions similar to those of a small sedan. Folding the rear seat flat provides a surprising 41.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Both trim levels are front-wheel drive and are equipped with a 1.5-liter, 109-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. Fit Sports with the automatic also have steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Because of its approximately 2,500-pound curb weight, the subcompact Honda Fit feels light and responsive when cornering and accelerating. Expect 0-60-mph sprints in fewer than 10 seconds with either transmission. Fuel economy is impressive. One downside is that while the car seems solid, well insulated and less tinny than other cars in its class, at highway speeds the engine makes its presence known. But overall, the Honda Fit provides about as much fun, satisfaction and value as you'll find in a small economy car.

Honda Odyssey For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick for many savvy minivan consumers. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative fold-into-the-floor third-row seat. Now in its third generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.
Invariably, whenever we've had a minivan comparison test, the Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors. Sure, there are one or two other minivans that rival the Odyssey as far as performance and family-friendly features, but the Honda's combination of those attributes, along with a roomy, comfortable cabin, sporty driving dynamics and a long-standing impressive record of reliability, have made the Odyssey a favorite among our road-test staffers with kiddies.
Current Honda Odyssey
The current Honda Odyssey was last redesigned for the 2005 model year. There are three main trim levels for this seven-passenger minivan: LX, EX and Touring. The well-equipped LX features full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX adds alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades.
There's also the EX-L version that provides leather seating, heated seats and a moonroof. The Touring adds a power tailgate, triple-zone climate control, driver memory seat, AC power outlet, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a second-row removable center console, run-flat tires and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A rear entertainment system and navigation system are optional on the EX-L and Touring.
A midcycle refresh occurred three years later that brought a restyled front end and new luxury features including Bluetooth connectivity and a back-up camera integrated into the rearview mirror.
For power, the Honda Odyssey relies on a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. One special feature for this V6 on top trim levels is Variable Cylinder Management, or VCM. VCM improves the Odyssey's fuel efficiency by "shutting off" three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. When power is needed for acceleration, the engine seamlessly switches back to all six cylinders.
On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its powerful engine and stable handling. Cornering is flat, the steering is direct and acceleration and braking are linear and sure. All of these qualities have made this Honda van a favorite of Edmunds editors, and it has won the Edmunds.com Editors' Most WantedSM minivan award more times than any other minivan on the market.
Past Honda Odyssey Models
The previous-generation Odyssey showed off Honda's typical skill at identifying exactly what the market wants in a given segment and delivering it in a high-quality package. Available from 1999 to 2004, this Odyssey featured best-in-class performance courtesy of a powerful V6 and an all-independent suspension, as well as useful features such as a large cabin, power sliding doors and that hide-away third-row seat. Throughout its six-year run, Honda's second-generation Odyssey was the one to get. From 1999 to 2003, the Odyssey won consecutive Editors' Most Wanted awards for the minivan category.
The first-generation Honda Odyssey, which debuted in 1995, had a few features that, for better or worse, made it unique. Instead of sliding doors on the sides, the Odyssey had four conventional swing-open doors with roll-down windows. And although the competition offered V6 engines, the Honda didn't. An inline four borrowed from the Accord EX powered the Odyssey. With VTEC variable valve timing and lift, it made a respectable 140 hp. But good as it was, 140 wasn't enough power when the Odyssey was loaded up with kids or cargo. The van did, however, offer a highly functional fold-flat third-row seat. This feature has proven invaluable to -- and highly popular with -- minivan buyers over the past decade.

Honda Pilot Honda has a knack for creating vehicles that hit a sweet spot in their market segments. Take the Honda Pilot: One of the most family-friendly sport-utility vehicles in its price range, the Pilot tucks eight-passenger seating into an easy-to-maneuver midsize SUV body. A standard V6 provides ample acceleration and above-average fuel economy. Interior accommodations are straightforward and comfortable, and the third-row seat folds into the floor in a convenient 60/40-split arrangement.
Rather than forcing buyers to wade through options lists to get popular convenience and safety features, Honda has made all the essentials standard equipment on the Pilot. The only items you have to pay extra for are leather upholstery, a rear entertainment system, a navigation system and all-wheel drive.
As a result of this near-perfect packaging, Pilot sales have always been strong. Although consumers shopping for an SUV with seven- to eight-passenger seating now have many candidates to consider, the Honda Pilot remains one of our top recommendations to families of four or more looking for a midsize model with a reasonable compromise of space, comfort and economy.
Current Honda Pilot
Introduced for 2003, the Honda Pilot has always come standard with three rows of seating and eight-passenger capacity. Currently, buyers have their choice of LX and EX trim levels. The LX comes with all the necessities, including reclining, 60/40-split seats in the second and third rows; separate front and rear air-conditioners; full power accessories; a CD player; cruise control and alloy wheels. The EX adds a power driver seat, automatic climate control, an upgraded audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, darker-tint glass, auto-off headlights, foglights and Homelink.
Going with the EX also gives you access to the leather, entertainment and nav options. Additionally, all leather-equipped Honda Pilots (EX-L) come with a sunroof and, starting in 2006, satellite radio. If you're shopping for specific safety features, there are a few things to watch for on used Pilots. Although ABS and front-seat side airbags have been standard on Honda's midsize SUV since its debut, a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor was added for 2006. Stability control has been standard on EX models with leather since 2005; Honda made it standard on all Pilots for 2006. For 2008, the LX was replaced by the Value Package and a new SE trim debuted that slotted above the EX and added a sunroof and DVD player.
A 3.5-liter V6 is the sole power source, and it's matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Pilots from '03 and '04 made 240 horsepower. For 2005, a new 255-hp, 3.5-liter engine arrived. The adoption of revised SAE certification procedures in 2006 saw this engine's horsepower rating changed to 244, but actual performance was unaffected.
All Pilots sold from 2003-'05 were all-wheel drive, but Honda began offering front-wheel drive on both the LX and EX for 2006. Front-wheel-drive Pilots have a cylinder deactivation feature that improves fuel economy during highway travel. The all-wheel-drive system, which Honda calls VTM-4, has a center differential lock feature to provide extra traction on dirt roads and in the snow.
Even this late in its model cycle, drawbacks to the Honda Pilot remain few. Probably the biggest annoyance is the fact that you can't get both the rear DVD player and the navigation system. Also, when driven back to back with some of the newer SUVs in its price range, the Pilot feels a bit less nimble. Finally, if your family tows a trailer, you'll find the Honda's 3,500-pound maximum falls well short of competing sport-utility vehicles, particularly those with a V8 option.
Past Honda Pilot Models
The Pilot is still in its first generation, but Honda sold another midsize sport-utility vehicle called the Passport from 1994-2002. A rebadged version of the Isuzu Rodeo, the five-passenger Passport has little to recommend it other than low pricing on the used market. Performance, cabin accommodations and reliability are all below average.

Honda Ridgeline Although millions of pickup trucks are sold each year, only a fraction of them actually see an off-road trail or a boat ramp. The rest are daily drivers that make an occasional trip to Home Depot for 2x4s and patio furniture. For those consumers who desire a friendlier pickup that can still handle those occasional jobs, there's the Honda Ridgeline. This four-door ("crew cab") pickup truck has a number of distinctive features and, true to Honda's philosophy, is a vehicle that makes sense for the great majority of people shopping in a given market segment.
Current Honda Ridgeline
Introduced for the 2006 model year, the Honda Ridgeline pickup is available in just one four-door body style. There are three trim levels: base RT, midlevel RTS and leather-lined RTL. A few key features of all Ridgelines include a hidden trunk in the cargo bed that doubles as an ice chest, a dent-proof bed liner, a four-wheel independent suspension (for a smoother ride and more agile handling) and a power sliding rear window.
Rather than having a separate cab and bed, the Ridgeline's body unites the two. Underneath, the Ridgeline uses an architecture that combines the techniques of both unibody and full-frame construction. Although it shares some of its running gear with the Honda Pilot, fully 90 percent of the Ridgeline is unique and should not just be considered the pickup version of Honda's SUV.
The Ridgeline's sole powertrain is a 255-horsepower (later re-rated to 247 hp due to new SAE testing procedures) V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard. In all but the most taxing situations, performance is respectable, and on the open highway the Honda Ridgeline is an effortless and quiet cruiser. As such, it is an ideal road trip vehicle, especially when said trip involves carrying bulky items.
Comfortable seats, plenty of storage cubbies, sound ergonomics, smooth, quiet performance and a relatively manageable size make the Honda Ridgeline a viable option as the sole family vehicle. While the cabin provides sedan-like comfort, the cargo bed effortlessly transports things such as camping gear or lawn supplies. On the debit side is the Ridgeline's aversion to off-road adventures, where its lack of a low-range gear and a tendency to bottom out don't help when tackling the more rugged trails.
True, a traditional V8-powered domestic-brand pickup might be more appropriate for a small slice of the population. But in the real world, most people would be better served by the Honda Ridgeline. If you need the passenger space of an SUV and the utility of a pickup truck, but want nimble carlike handling, the Ridgeline is an excellent choice.

Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster that features a high-performance, high-winding inline four-cylinder engine along with a superbly balanced chassis. Introduced for the 2000 model year, the S2000 was the first sports car to roll out of a Honda factory since the tiny S500, S600 and S800 roadsters of the 1960s.
With minimalist cockpit comforts and a racetrack-ready suspension, the Honda S2000 is a pure sports car. More powerful than the less expensive Miata yet not as pricey or luxurious as a Z4 or SLK, the S2000 occupies a niche within a niche. Quick and communicative steering, an ideal 49/51 weight distribution and an engine that loves to rev coupled with a slick six-speed gearbox promise a lot of fun for the serious driving enthusiast.
Current Honda S2000
There are two versions of the Honda S2000 roadster, the standard version and the racetrack-oriented CR (for Club Racer). Notable hardware on both includes a feisty inline-4 with an 8,200-rpm redline coupled to a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox. Without resorting to forced induction (turbo- or supercharging), this jewel of an engine utilizes Honda's variable valve timing and lift system (VTEC) to squeeze 237 horsepower out of just 2.2 liters. No automatic transmission is available.
Standard features on the S2000 include a power-operated top with a glass rear window (with defroster), lightweight 17-inch wheels, leather seats, keyless entry, air-conditioning, an eight-speaker CD audio system, stability control and HID headlights. A lightweight (44 pounds) aluminum hardtop is optional. The CR differs in that it deletes the power top, A/C and stereo to reduce weight, it also has track-oriented suspension settings, a beefed-up structure for higher rigidity, a removable hardtop and extroverted, more aerodynamic bodywork.
As with prior S2000s, the current version speaks loudly to the enthusiast. With its finely balanced chassis, quick and communicative steering, eager-to-spin engine and flickable shifter, the S2000 makes short work of twisty roads as it slices through and then slingshots out of the corners. Even with all this performance potential, the S2000 retains strong Honda attributes such as sound ergonomics and comfortable, supportive seats with enough adjustment to make short and tall pilots alike a good fit.
Past Honda S2000 Models
Debuting in 2000, the Honda S2000 started life with a 2.0-liter inline-4 that redlined at 9,000 rpm. With 240 hp, it put out more horsepower per liter than any other naturally aspirated engine on the planet. Although it provided a thrilling ride when driven aggressively, our editors did find some faults. Among the more notable ones were a lack of low-end torque that made the S2000 a bit flat-footed around town, a sometimes persnickety shifter, a weak audio system and a plastic rear window.
Honda gradually made upgrades to the S2000. For 2002 the company amped up the radio, added a glass rear window with a defogger and even smoothed out the short-throw shifter. Some styling changes took place as well, with chrome rings added to the taillights, a new shift knob and a few pieces of well-placed silver trim in the cockpit. The lightweight aluminum hardtop became optional, a blessing (albeit a pricey one) for those who live in areas where inclement weather is a part of life.
Several key improvements came about in 2004 that made the Honda S2000 a more viable choice as a daily driver. This is when the now-current 2.2-liter engine debuted. Honda also added shorter gearing for the six-speed transmission's lower four gears, thus giving the S2000 more snap at lower engine speeds for dealing with the daily slog to work and dicing through urban traffic. Larger 17-inch tires (versus the previous 16s) were fitted, as were minor suspension tweaks designed to make the ultra-reactive S2000 more forgiving of less-than-expert drivers.

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