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For a while it seemed you had to pick sides: you could be a sports car enthusiast, or you could drive a hybrid. A few automakers have tried to blend the two over the years, leaving critics mostly unimpressed. But, thanks to Honda, that's not the case anymore.

Not only have they released a hybrid with a 6-speed manual transmission, it has done more than just impress the critics. In fact, the Honda CR-Z is a finalist for Wheels Car of the Year award.

Why the Honda CR-Z? James Whitbourn, a Wheels judge says that it's a "refreshingly pure and enjoyable car," and that Honda has managed to "Combine the grin factor with the efficiency promised by the hybrid system, and there's little doubt the Honda coupe takes the car where it should be going - smaller, lighter, more efficient, and more fun."¹ We happen to think that the 1.5-liter engine,  and the electric motor with nickel-metal hydride battery pack set this car apart from the rest - be they hybrids or sporty coupes.

Lakeland Honda has to say, we're pretty proud to see the CR-Z make the list of finalists. Its right alongside impressive competition, like the A6, the Focus and the Evoque, to name a few. We think all of these cars represent some of the best automotive technology available today, and according to Wheels Editor, Bill Thomas, this is the widest range of entrants since the award's inception 49 years ago.

Wheels will announce their pick for Car of the Year on January 18^th. That said, be sure to stay tuned with us at Lakeland Honda to hear the results. Meanwhile the Car of the Year nominee, the Honda CR-Z, is now available at our showroom, located at 4000 N Frontage Rd Sheboygan, WI 53081. Stop by and see us during our regular business hours or contact us via our website to learn more.

Source: ¹http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8389175/honda-hybrid-among-six-wheels-finalists

Late this summer, monsoons began dumping water over most of Thailand, and have caused billions of dollars in flood damage, and displaced over 2 million people. The flood waters are still receding, and the country has only just begun the clean-up efforts. Here at Lakeland Honda, our thoughts, of course, are with the many people whose lives have been disrupted by the devastating floods.

The waters also inundated major industrial parks, including Honda's automobile production base in Rojana park. The collateral damage of production suspension at major plants is nearly immeasurable, as people need to get back to work while simultaneously rebuilding their homes. Many of Honda's facilities (including their motorcycle and power equipment facilities) are back up and running, but the Rojana park estate (where Honda produces the Civic and CR-V for most of Southeast Asia), has been closed since the beginning of November.  

The good news is, work continues in other regions for Honda parts, so when the Rojana facility is back up and running, there will be plenty of work for employees there. That day could be as soon as April 1^st, but the Japanese automaker reports that it could be as late as mid-April. Either way, we hope to see production and work back up to normal levels as the clean-up in Thailand continues.

Be sure to stay tuned with Lakeland Honda, 4000 N Frontage Rd Sheboygan, WI 53081 for continued updates on this and any other emerging Honda news. As always, we invite you to contact us anytime via our website with questions.

Lakeland Honda in Sheboygan, WI is happy to introduce the all new Honda Fit - but will the US ever get to see an EV variant of this vehicle?  

Honda introduced an EV variant of the Fit at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany last month. This new vehicle will be powered by a lithium-ion battery, strapped to an electric motor.

Hitting the market in early 2012, Honda claims Fit EV has a 100-mile range on a single charge, and reaches top speeds of 90 mph. Better yet, the battery can be charged in 12 hours using a 120-volt outlet. That time is cut down to 6 hours with 240-volt outlets.

Fuel efficiency is aided by a user-controlled three-mode system: Economy, Normal, or Sport. Honda claims the differences are "an increase of 17 percent in driving range with the Economy mode over the Normal mode and 25 percent better than Sport mode. In Sport mode, the performance is adjusted to improved acceleration."¹

Drivers can also connect to the Honda Fit via smartphone, even while not actually in the car. With these tools, you will be able to check or begin a charge, activate air conditioning, start the vehicle, and provide charging alerts, 24-hour roadside assistance, and locate charging stations - pretty amazing technology, really..

Source: ¹http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/09/2011-frankfurt-freshened-2012-honda-insight.html

Seinfeld, Family Guy, and Rules of Engagement all had him. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, too. Even Scream 3 and News Radio. Him being none other than funny-man Patrick Warburton recognized both for his distinct-deep voice and over-the-top, often dry humor.  Now, Honda has Warburton.

Warburton was cast especially to act the part of a self -assured man convinced it's his role to expose the trials and tribulations of the car-buying experience as well as the less-than-honest, indirect marketing ploys frequently used. In one video featured in the clever "Good Reasons" series, Warburton mocks the ridiculous lengths some auto brands are going to by promises (sometimes under false pretenses)..."billion-mile, swearing-on-their-mother's grave, this isn't-a-piece of junk worry-free agreement: a thick stack of paper filled with tiny little elf-lawyer writing that you probably wouldn't read. Even if you could."¹

Leave it to Honda to poke fun at their own industry. The fact of the matter, though, is that they are different. Honda doesn't fit the mold. And thank goodness for that.

Lakeland Honda encourages you to keep your eyes peeled for a host of Honda "Good Reasons" commercials on TV and online. They are certain to bring much-needed comic relief to your day.

If you have any questions about any of the new Honda models featured in the spots, or would like to experience one first hand, simply contact Lakeland Honda today. Or, visit us in person at 4000 N. Frontage Rd. We're happy to share complete specs, compare models and arrange test drives.

Source: ¹ http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-ad-campaign-provides-plenty-of-good-reasons-to-buy-a-new-honda-2011-09-12

Hockey fans, regardless of whether their loyalty lay with the Bruins, Flyers, Sabers or Canadiens, have one thing in common: they're super pumped for the 2011/2012 NHL season to begin early this October. Honda is psyched, too. For, they've just renewed its partnership with the NHL and will continue to stand as the league's official auto.

Honda has been the official vehicle of the NHL since for the past three years, since 2008. The renewed contract between Honda and the NFL is slated to extend to 2014. It may then be renewed for a second time, bearing both companies agree to brand allegiance and terms. Neither company has disclosed monetary terms at this time.

Among one of the exchanges Honda and the NHL have agreed to is with regards to league awards. Honda will continue to serve as the presenting sponsor for the NHL Super Skills even and NHL All-Star MVP for the next two NHL All-Star weekends held in the U.S. In exchange, the NHL will give Honda in-ice brand exposure, dasherboard branding, and in-arena ad spots, among many marketing/advertising perks.

Honda Brand Manager, Tom Payton believes Honda and the NHL are the perfect match, for they share a demographic, which he describes as, "young, affluent and educated."¹ Keith Wachtecl, SVP Integrated Sales, NHL, agrees. He says, "Honda has been a great partner for the NHL, supporting hockey at every level and we look forward to continuing to align ourselves with a leader in the automotive industry..."¹

Lakeland Honda, located at 4000 N. Frontage Rd. in Sheboygan, WI wishes your hockey team the best of luck this season. And, we invite you to stay tuned for more Honda news, coming soon.

Source: ¹ http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/09/12/honda-renews-as-official-vehicle-of-nhl-in-u-s

Honda is buying land in Mexico to make way for a new car producing facility.  

The $800 Million Dollar facility in Celaya will be home to the next generation Honda Fit for all suppliers in North America, mainly the US and Canada. Honda may add Fit Hybrid and Fit Electric to these assembly lines by 2014.

This is not the first time Honda has been building in Mexico - they have a plant 210 miles away in El Salto. That facility builds vehicles for sale at Lakeland Honda in Sheboygan, WI.  

Celaya's plant will produce an annual vehicle capacity of 200,000 units. The factory will also boost total North American capacity from 1.63 million vehicles to 1.83 million units - spread throughout eight assembly lines: 4 in the US, 2 Canadian, and now 2 in Mexico.

Inside Line reminds us of the power Honda has in North America: "Honda says that more than 87% of the cars and trucks it sells in North America are produced locally. The new plant could boost that to more than 90%."¹  

Source: ¹http://www.insideline.com/honda/fit/honda-confirms-800-million-mexico-plant-for-2014.html

Lakeland Honda in Sheboygan, WI recommends checking out the Honda model that has been a best seller across the globe. From Japan to nations across Europe and the United States, Honda Fit is the company's top selling vehicle in its class.  

The 2012 Fit, which hits dealerships this year, will receive updates to both its interior and exterior, though you'll have to look pretty hard to figure out what's different from previous versions. But that doesn't mean these tweaks are any less important than a full redesign, which Fit is scheduled for soon.

Don't worry - nothing is changing with that fuel efficient Fit powertrain. Its 1.5-liter, four-cylinder producing 117 horsepower will remain. It's also still EPA rated at 28 miles per gallon in the city, 35 on the highway.  

Now for the upgrades: Fit Sport will have a slightly altered grille, and matte black coloring surrounding the headlights and blinkers. There will also be a darker, smooth machined surface to the alloy wheels. Fit Sport's side view mirrors have a similar machined look, different from the base model's, which will be offered in the same color as the car's body.

Speaking of colors, two new schemes will be available for 2012: Orange Burst Metallic and Blue Raspberry Metallic.

Keeping in line with this darker theme, interiors of the 2012 Fit Sport come with "dark metallic dashboard components for a unified color theme." All Fit models are going to include "added sound insulation measures" - as road noise can be an issue when commuting in major cities. Thicker front window glass will help create a quieter, steadier trip.¹

Source: ¹http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/08/honda-fit-gets-gets-outside-inside-tweaks-for-2012/1

J.D. Powers and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM for 2011 shows Honda has earned the highest initial quality ranking in the company's history. This improvement puts Honda second among all premium- and non-premium automakers surveyed. Perhaps even more impressive:  Honda led the entire auto industry with the most segment leaders, including the Honda Civic (compact car), Honda Accord (midsize car), Honda Element (compact crossover SUV), Honda Accord Crosstour (midsize crossover SUV), Honda Ridgeline, (midsize pickup truck), Honda Insight (hybrid), and Honda Fit (subcompact car).

Of the seven Honda models earning the highest initial quality from J.D. Powers and Associates, within their respective segments, five are manufactured here in North America. They are the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Element, Honda Accord Crosstour, and Honda Ridgeline.

In addition to calling attention to the quality Honda delivers as a brand, the J.D. Powers and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM for 2011 also calls attention to the superior quality of three Honda manufacturing facilities. Honda Manufacturing Indiana even won the Platinum Plant Quality Award. Only three such awards were presented worldwide. Two other Honda manufacturing facilities earned a Silver- and Bronze Plant Quality Award respectively.

Following J.D. Power and Associates announcement of their 2011 Initial Quality Study results, Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., said "Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business, and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer. These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organization - in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales  - to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura [Honda's luxury arm]."¹ Acura finished third overall in J.D. Powers and Associates' Initial Quality Study SM for 2011.

To learn more about the proven quality Honda vehicles offer, contact Lakeland Honda today. Or, visit us in person. We're conveniently located at 4000 N. Frontage Rd. in Sheboygan, WI.

Source: ¹ http://automobiles.honda.com/news/press-releases-article.aspx?Article=6099-en

The new Honda CR-Z Mungen concept project has been underway for some time, getting ready for its great unveiling at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

This supercharged version of CR-Z is a collaboration between Honda UK and the in-house tuning shop Mugen Euro. The team combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with a supercharger and Honda's IMA system. Exact power output of the supercharged hybrid engine is still unknown, but rumors have suggested a 0 - 60 mph time around that of the Honda Civic Type R, another enhanced Honda coupe. That means a 6-second range would be the result, with electric and gas powerplants creating 200 hp.  

"Performance figures already look promising for this supercharged Honda CR-Z, as early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine giving 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R," Honda said in a statement.¹

"Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging," says Colin Whittamore from Mugen Euro. "We've retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in 'eco' mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special Mugen mode."²  

You can check out the Honda Civic Coupe and CR-Z Sports Hybrid today at Lakeland Honda - 4000 N. Frontage Rd. in Sheboygan, WI.

 

Source: ^1,2http://www.autoevolution.com/news/first-official-honda-cr-z-mugen-video-revealed-36430.html

Available at Lakeland Honda in Sheboygan, WI, Honda's Civic EX-L adds some interesting features to the base model.

It's a little more aerodynamic than before, but there is no mistaking the Honda Civic. One of the Japanese auto maker's best selling cars of all time has been slightly redesigned for 2012. In the end, we know it's a Civic, and it will never disappoint.  

With their DX model going for $15,805, a hybrid variant needs to offer more to entice customers into spending $20,505 - $26,750. Honda loaded up the EX-L with leather interior, navigation, USB and Bluetooth integration and satellite radio. Not a bad way to start. The new Civic also adds 3.7 cubic feet of space.

Under its hood, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. EX has a EPA fuel economy estimate of 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway thanks to a sporty yet economic five-speed automatic transmission.  

Electric power and Honda's rack-and-pinion steering creates a smooth, silent ride for your daily commute. Civic's steering system also includes the "Motion Adaptive" system to "help nudge the wheel in the right direction when driving too fast through too tight a corner." ¹

Test drive the all new Civic today at Lakeland Honda, you won't be disappointed!  

Source: ¹http://apps.detnews.com/apps/autoreviews/index.php?id=35632

What exactly does "CNG" stand for when you hear or see ads for the upcoming 2012 Honda CNG? Civic Natural Gas - that's right, the Honda Civic, available soon at Lakeland Honda in Sheboygan, WI can now be powered by natural gas. With gasoline prices hitting $4 a gallon (and more) alternative fuels are going to become big business once again. Honda has been working on a natural gas variant of the Civic since the late 1980's. It looks like the Japanese auto maker finally got it right. And now may be the right time for them to market it.  

How long has Honda tried to market their CNG line-up of Civics? Since 1988, sold as the Civic GX according to Green Car Report.¹

This is the fifth generation of Civic Natural Gas, and will be available at dealerships this Fall. Why so long? Honda first needs to produce their line-up of 2012 Honda Hybrid and Gas Civics first. You won't be able to tell a 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas apart from the regular model. It looks exactly like a Civic, except for a CNG badge, and less trunk space (taken up by the natural gas tank).  

The 2010 version of Honda CNG was limited to 180 miles per tank fill-up. No word on how far you'll get in a 2012 model, but we're betting it's much further.

Source: ¹http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1060011_2012-honda-civic-natural-gas-video-of-alternative-fuel-car

Honda is a company dedicated to safety. However, as many automakers make such claims, we wanted to take a moment to explain to you exactly what sets Honda apart from its competitors-- the company's safety philosophy.

Honda Safety Philosophy

"Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone - not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for the occupants of other vehicles, and injury mitigation for pedestrians. We are dedicated to identifying and implementing advanced designs and features that help enhance the safety of vehicles on the road. As a leader, Honda, looks beyond government regulations, studying real-world situations to develop new safety technologies for everyone."¹

Here's how Honda puts their distinctive safety philosophy in to everyday practice:

-          Side curtain airbags for every row of every vehicle
-          Occupant Protection Detection System - Stops deployment of airbags when it senses a child is sitting in the front seat
-          Gold Wing Airbag System  -  First of its kind on a production motorcycle
-          Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure
-          Exterior design specially engineered to reduce pedestrian injuries
-          ABS
-          Vehicle Stability Assist

In addition to equipping their vehicles with a suite of active and passive safety features, the Japanese automaker built the world's largest indoor crash test facility in 2003. By gaining even greater insight into what happens in real-world collisions, Honda has effectively been able to fine-tune existing safety features and develop new technologies as well.

For more details on Honda's safety initiatives, contact Lakeland Honda today. Located at 4000 N. Frontage Rd. in Sheboygan, WI 53081, we're happy to provide greater insight into the cutting-edge safety technologies specific to the many different models across Honda's award-winning lineup.

Source: ¹ http://corporate.honda.com/safety/details.aspx?id=research

Seven vehicles on the top-ten list of best-selling cars for March 2011 sold more than 30,000 units. Only three accomplished that volume in January and February. Needless to say, nearly all automakers are on an upswing. However, the list also shows significant gains in the midsize category, with Honda, coming in as the number-two best-seller with their award-winning Accord.

This is a notable accomplishment for Honda, as the first two places usually go to pickup trucks. The Japanese automaker also earned sixth place among the top-ten best-selling cars in March 2011 with its award-winning Civic.

Best-Selling Features of the Honda Accord

-          Five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA)(Sedan)
-          Partial-Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) rated (Sedan); Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rated (Coupe)
-          Modern, artful design
-          Wide-opening doors
-          17-Inch alloy wheels (Sedan); 18-inch wheels (Coupe); 18-inch alloy wheels (Crosstour EX-L)
-          One-touch power moonroof (Sedan)
-          Dual-zone climate control (Crosstour)
-          Chrome door handles
-          Generous passenger room (Sedan) -          10-Way power adjustable driver's seat, including lumbar seat support
-          Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
-          Bluetooth-HandsFreeLink -          Steering-wheel-mounted controls (Sedan and Coupe)
-          6-Speaker, 160-watt sound system (LX) 270-watt sound system, plus XM Radio (EX-L)
-          Auxiliary input jack
-          iVTEC  (Sedan) and Variable Cylinder Management equipped (Sedan and Crosstour)
-          Standard Safety Features: Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure; front, side and side curtain airbags;  active front head restraints; and more
-          Available leather trimmed seats (Sedan)
-          Trims available: Accord Sedan, Accord Coupe, Accord Crosstour

For complete specs on the 2011 Honda Accord, including details on the engines and transmissions available with each trim level,  or to set up a test drive, contact Lakeland Honda today. Or, visit us in person. We're conveniently located at 4000 N. Frontage Rd. in Sheboygan, WI. You can also explore or new and used car inventories online.

With gas prices going up and a new breed of electric and hybrids storming the auto market, it's hard to believe just a short time ago, EPA ratings of 30 mpg or more were considered in the highest ranks for fuel efficiency. People have said that today, 40 is the new 30. And, we at Lakeland Honda (located at 4000 N. Frontage Rd. in Sheboygan, WI 53081) have to agree. Apparently, Honda does too, as they'll prove with the launch of their 2012 Civic HF.

Even before news of Honda's new 40-plus-mpg Civic, the company has long been lauded for its compact fuel-efficient Civic sedans and coupes. The 2012 Civic HF, however, will put the car right in consumers' budget-minded performance-driven sweet spot. Compared to the current 2011 model which is rated at 36-mpg highway with a 1.8-liter engine and automatic transmission, the 2012 Honda Civic HR is expected to receive an EPA rating of 41 mpg-highway.

If that's not good enough to satisfy your discriminating sense of fuel economy; Honda is also releasing a new Honda Civic Hybrid model, estimated to achieve a combined rating of 45 mpg. In comparison, the current 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid carries EPA ratings of 40 mpg-city and 43 mpg-highway for a total combined rating of 41 mpg?the expected rating of the forthcoming Honda Civic HF. Both the new Honda Civic HF and the new Civic Hybrid will also gain "aerodynamic components for improved efficiency."¹ At this time, Honda has not said exactly what those components will be.

[SOURCE] ¹http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/02/28/2012-honda-civic-hf-joins-the-40-mpg-plus-parade-hybrid-too/

Gas prices are on the rise with some projections as high as $5.00 per gallon. If you're in the market for a new car and want something that will reduce visits to the gas station, you might just want to consider the 2011 Honda Civic, the 2011 Honda Fit, or the 2011 Honda CR-Z. Each of these three Honda models were recently picked by the editors of Cars.com's Kicking Tires as their favorite efficient new cars.

2011 Honda Civic At a Glance

-          5 Trims Available: DX Coupe, DX Sedan, DX Coupe AT, DX-VP Sedan, DX Sedan AT
-          Base MSRP: $15,605 (DX Coupe), $15,805 (DX Sedan)
-          Standard Engine: 1.8-liter I4
-          Horsepower (HP): 140 @ 6,300 rpm
-          Fuel Economy (mpg city/mpg highway): 26/34 (DX Coupe, DX Sedan, DX-VP Sedan), 25/36 (DX Coupe AT, DX Sedan AT)

Honda Fit At a Glance

-          5 Trims Available: 5-Spd MT, 5-Spd AT, Sport 5-Spd MT, Sport 5-Spd AT, Sport 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System
-          Base MSRP: $15,100 (5-Spd MT), $15,900 (5-Spd AT)
-          Standard Engine: 1.5-liter I4
-          HP: 117 @ 6,600 rpm
-          Fuel Economy (mpg city/mpg highway): 27/33 (5-Spd MT, Sport 5-Spd MT, Sport 5-Spd AT, Sport 5-Spd AT w/Navigation System), 28/35 (5-Spd AT)

Honda CR-Z At a Glance

-          5 Trims Available: Base 6M, Base CVT, EX 6M, EX CVT, EX 6M w/ Navigation
-          Base MSRP: $19,345 (Base 6M), $19,995 (Base CVT)
-          Standard Engine: 1.5-liter I4
-          HP: 122 @ 6,000 rpm
-          Fuel Economy (mpg city/mpg highway): 31/37 (Base 6M, EX 6M, EX 6M w/ Navigation), 35/39 (Base CVT, EX CVT)

2011 Honda Odyssey Earns Best-Possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in More-Stringent Federal Government Crash Test Safety Rating Program

01/27/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif. The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score1 of five stars and is one of the first two vehicles ever to earn five stars in each seating position for all three crash tests, each crash test category and the overall rating, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Odyssey joins the 2011 Accord Sedan as one of the few vehicles to date that achieves the federal government's best-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five stars in the combined frontal and side crash safety ratings.

The Odyssey achieved its top Overall Vehicle Score with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests2 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. Additionally, the Odyssey received four stars for the rollover rating3, the highest achievable in the light-truck vehicle class using the program's measurement methodology.

The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. As a convenience to new car shoppers, the Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests and the rollover-resistance into a single, summary score between one and five stars. Additional information is available at www.safercar.gov.

All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist? (VSA?) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.

Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated4 city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle - designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

Each year, the Detroit Auto Show (better known as the North American International Auto Show / NAIAS) reveals concept cars from major auto makers - and 2011 was no exception.

Green was the way to be - whether it was electric vehicles, hybrid cars (as every auto maker now has at least one of) or fuel efficient gas models. Some companies showed "outlandish never-to-reach-production elements" and items that looked more like science experiments or works of art than modes of transportation.

Honda's Civic sedan and coupe concepts were there, making a guest appearance as fans snapped photos. Honda featured the next generation of their popular vehicle with pride.

Both concepts "feature profiles that aren't much different from the sedan and coupe currently on the road, but they have more muscular sculpting in the side panels." The 2012 concepts show off aggressive front ends, angular headlamps that sweep back from honeycomb grilles.

Civic sedan features bright chrome work above its grille, also similar to the current generation. The coupe ditches its chrome "in favor of a glossy black strip that makes its lower grille opening look larger and more aggressive." In the rear, Honda's Civic coupe features a trapezoidal center exhaust.

We can't wait until you get to test drive these up and coming Honda Civic models at Lakeland Honda - 4000 N. Frontage Rd - Sheboygan, 53081

[SOURCE] http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-31229_7-10006283.html

After selling approximately 1,500 natural-gas civics each year primarily as government fleet vehicles and a few individuals in only four states, Honda will soon be mainstreaming it's compressed natural gas technology. Starting this year, travelers and commuters in all 50 states will see a natural-gas version of Honda Motor Co.'s new Civic Sedan - the Civic GX -  cruising down the streets.

Another more environmentally friendly choice for consumers, the natural-gas-powered Honda Civic GX produces less emissions than it traditional counterparts, and 98 percent of the natural gas used in the U.S. comes from North America.

The tricky thing is that there are only about 1,000 natural gas fueling stations in the U.S. As such, Honda is also releasing a gas-electric hybrid version of the Civic, which promises the innovative use of lithium-ion batteries. However, it stands to reason that as demand for natural gas fueling stations increases, so too will availability.

Honda Civic GX At a Glance

-    Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
-    Fueled by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for nearly zero emissions
-    HOV lane access in many states
-    113-horsepower (hp), 1.8-liter, 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine
-    Aerodynamic exterior
-    Distinctive six-sided grill
-    Two-tier instrument panel
-    MPS/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability

Honda Civic GX Accolades

For seven consecutive years, the Honda Civic GX NGV has been named the "Greenest Vehicle" by the American Council for and Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The natural-gas-powered Civic even beat out the Toyota Prius, for first place. In addition, three other Honda vehicles also made the list.

 It should also be noted that Honda has been recognized as the country's Greenest Automaker by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), for the fifth time in a row.

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan are making world debuts at the North American International Auto Show today, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this spring, the company announced.

"The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet."

The 2012 Civic embraces the company's vision as a "Civic for all people," a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of an increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed vision of a "Civic for all people." The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry.

As a new interpretation of the current Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy appearance. The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the sedan's and coupe's clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.

The Civic Concept sedan takes on a sophisticated presence with a front grille defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a chrome Honda emblem. The look of the Civic Si Concept coupe conveys an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk.  The Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy wheels.

Powertrain Technology
The Civic's family of engines with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC?) technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist? (IMA?) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.

Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist? technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.

Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in America. The increased availability of the Civic GX helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.

Safety
The 2012 Civic continues to emphasize safety and is anticipated to score well in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program1 (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations. The 2001 Honda Civic Coupe was one of the first two passenger cars ever to earn the federal government's top 5-star crash safety rating3 for the driver and front- and rear-seat passengers in both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist? (VSA?) as standard equipment. Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic continues to provide Honda's exclusive and innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering? (ACE?) body structure for frontal collision energy management.

Accolades and Manufacturing
As a top-selling model for Honda, the current, eighth-generation Civic has sold more than 1.5 million units since the 2006 model went on sale in late 2005. The 2006 Civic earned both the prestigious Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and the North American Car of the Year awards.

The current-generation Civic continues to be a significant entry-point to the Honda brand for younger buyers, introducing on average more than 90,000 new-car customers under the age of 35 to the brand every year. More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the U.S. as of calendar-year 2010 were made4 in North America at manufacturing facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in Canada.

AUTOMOBILE Magazine has named the 2011 Honda Odyssey as one of the winners of its prestigious 2011 AUTOMOBILE Magazine "All-Star" awards, the publication announced today.

The Odyssey has won the All-Star award a total of eight times in its history, winning votes from the magazine?s editorial staff for the vehicle?s versatile and comfortable interior, refined handling dynamics, family friendly features and fuel economy.

"The all-new Odyssey represents the latest and best thinking that Honda has to offer in a minivan," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The recognition from AUTOMOBILE Magazine as an All Star is an honor made possible by the hard work and passion that Honda associates have put into the design and construction of the vehicle."

The completely redesigned Odyssey improves for 2011 with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated1 city/highway/combined fuel economy of up to 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle, designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Odyssey previously won the AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star Award in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Additional information regarding AUTOMOBILE Magazine and the All-Star awards is available at www.automobilemag.com. Consumer information regarding the Odyssey is available at automobiles.honda.com.

After a slow introducing of the 2010 model, Honda motors announced it will discontinue their Element after the 2011 run.

The Element first went on sale in 2003, its "anti-styling" made it popular during its inaugural year. In 2003, 67,478 Honda Elements were sold. Only 12,960 have been sold this year through November, according to The Detroit News.

The Honda CR-V, a close relative to the Element, has shot up to 180,589 units this year, and is considered the best replacement for this segment.

More importantly, the Honda CR-V, which is the best selling car in the small SUV segment (again, according to The Detroit News) was redesigned in 2006. The Element has not had a major overhauling of looks since first hitting dealership lots.

Honda Element offered buyers a unique option in a small SUV market. We're a little sad to see the fun, funky looking vehicle leave Honda's lineup.

There is good news for Element fans: the SUV will be available with strong sales incentives over the next year, as Honda dealerships try to clear out inventory.

Test drive a Honda Element or CR-V today at Lakeland Honda - 4000 N. Frontage Rd, Sheboygan, WI 53081