A Good "FIT"

I met up with an old friend for dinner the other night.  I'd heard she'd gotten a new car, and I was eager to see what she'd chosen.  When she pulled up in a sporty little Honda Fit with vanity plates, though, I was a bit surprised.  Of course, being a Honda-lover myself, I was pleased.

She gave me the grand tour, and I was impressed.  From the outside, the Fit looks quite compact, so I was expecting to see rather of a cramped interior.  I couldn't have been more wrong! There were miles and miles of space, and with the added luxury being able to fold down the backseat, I was having visions of all the cargo I could fit in.  I've been doing some home improvement projects lately, and a little mental math told me I could fit a LOT of boxes of drywall mud back there.  I was slightly green with envy.  

Naturally, I wanted to get behind the wheel.  Anything that calls itself a "sport"  makes my heart race a little.  It handled exactly the way I hoped: clean and tight.  I confess, I was expecting a little more responsive acceleration. I felt a little under-powered, but I don't actually see that as a drawback.  I expect it would be an excellent snow car because it doesn't go jack-rabbiting off as soon as you hit the gas.  I think that also makes it an excellent teenager car.  It feels cool and sporty, but it would hard to abuse the speed limit.

My friend uses her Fit as a commuter car and again, I was green with envy.  At a cool 33 city/41 highway miles per gallon, she's saving loads on gas every month. The interior is extremely comfortable (as someone with back pain, this is moving WAY up my list of must haves) and had all the blue-tooth bangs and whistles I expected in a new Honda.   I had been considering a CRV or another Accord when I finally trade Sugar in (shhhh... don't tell Sugar, but it's about time to send her off to be some 16-year old's first car!), but I'm really thinking that the Honda Fit might be the way to go.

To see more of the Fit's features for yourself, take a little tour of your own starting here! (Try not to drool on your keyboard.)

New (Cheaper) Odyssey Trim with Vacuum and Entertainment

As you know, the Honda Odyssey is getting a completely new look in 2017, but that doesn't mean you should over look getting a 2016 model.  To sweeten up the final year of the current Odyssey design, Honda is adding a new trim level, SE.

Current Honda trims are the LX (base model), EX, EX-L (with leather), EX-L RES (rear entertainment system), EX-L Navi, the Touring and Touring Elite. Want rear entertainment? You have to get a EX-L RES or higher. You love the vacuum?  That's in the Touring Elite.

But in the 2016 models, you can now get the vacuum (GUYS!  THE VACUUM!) and the rear entertainment system in the new SE, which falls in the Odyssey lineup between the EX and the EX-L.    Not only will the SE be a good bargain now, but it hold it's value because of these special additions.

Check out what Car and Driver had to say about the new trim and see the Car and Driver vacuum test.

Tips for taking a Road Trip with Kids

In April, during Spring Break, we loaded our 5 kids and headed first to the Grand Canyon and then to Zion's National Park.  It was an incredible amount of fun and over the years we've learned some fun things to do on road trips.

1. Preparation

Part of the fun of any trip is anticipation.  We put our trips on the calendar and tell them months in advance what we'll we doing.  As we have more info, we'll share it.  By the time we load our Honda Odyssey and back out of the driveway, our kids will have memorized what we're doing every single day of the trip.  This helps make the driving worthwhile AND helps us manage expectations. As our kids have gotten older, we listen for input on where they'd like to go and what they'd like to do.  On this trip, my kids were DYING to go to 4 Four Corners.  Even though it was waaaaay out of our way, we headed to 4 Corners first, then to a little city an hour drive from the Grand Canyon.

2. Something fun to do

Because we have several kids who are prone to carsickness, we discourage things like books and games which require a lot of looking down in the car while it's driving.  Instead we opt for fun music, audio presentations, and audio books. Having fallen in love with Barenaked Ladies Snack Time album on a road trip, we listen to it almost every vacation.

If your kids don't get carsick, Lindsey Redfern has great advice on carseat kits that are amazing. 

3. Snacks

If your road trip is like ours, you may go significant distances between towns and services.  It's important to have great age appropriate snacks. In a Baby Center road trip article, they pointed out food the traveled well and food that didn't. "Favorite treats that travel well: string cheese, rice cakes, pretzels, bagels, sandwiches, apple slices, bananas, granola bars, cookies, raisins, cereal-Os, and puffed corn snacks. What doesn't work: most fruit (too messy for younger kids), yogurt (ditto), and juice boxes (one squeeze and they spill all over the car seat."

4. Be relaxed about the schedule

On our trip we started almost 2 hours later than we meant to because of minor medical emergency.  Everything was running behind.  But a slow start isn't the only problem you'll face on a road trip.  Traffic or road construction and can mean you're running behind, too.  (Or taking the wrong turn.  In days before GPS my family was traveling to see Mt Rushmore.  Thinking we were almost there we suddenly saw a Welcome to Wyoming sign.  It's life.  Stuff happens.) 

Your schedule should be flexible enough that you can stop for lunch for cities sooner than planned. 


And maybe even take a fun detour that is story worthy for years. 

Beat the Heat

With summer in full swing and temperatures rising (and rising!), we here at Ken Garff Honda want to take a moment to remind you about summer car safety.  It can very tempting to leave road-weary children or energetic pets in the car for "just a minute" while you run into that one last store.  However, as a local police department recently proved, it doesn't take long for your car and its passengers to overheat.   

In a recent safety demonstration carried out by the West Valley, UT police department, officers tested just how long it takes for car interiors to heat up.  

"We'll see how long it takes to get hot," said Officer Dana Pugmire as he got into an SUV parked in the blazing sun.

Pugmire has responded to calls with children locked in hot cars, but Thursday, he was the one feeling the heat. Outside it was 100 degrees.

"It builds quick, quicker than I thought it would," he said. "It's been about three minutes. The dash has gone from 105 (degrees) to 113."

After a few minutes, Officer Pugmire started to feel dramatic physical changes. 

"It's been about five minutes," he said from inside the SUV. "I'm starting to sweat all over the place."

After 10 minutes, beads of sweat were visible on his face. The paramedics called that a good sign he wasn't experiencing heat stroke — yet.  Remember, children don't show signs of heat distress as quickly as adults because their bodies don't regulate the way they react to heat the same way adults do.  That doesn't mean, however, that they aren't rapidly overheating.  

After 13 minutes, the temperature inside exceeded 130 degrees.   And everyone knows you can't get in and out of your favorite big box store in any less than 20-25 minutes.  And that's on a good day! 

According to research by KidsandCars.org, a national safety organization, an average of thirty seven children die each year in heat-related deaths in cars. Eight have died so far this year. Twenty years ago, when people had fewer distractions like cellphones, the problem was far less severe, with an average of a half-dozen fatalities each year. Ten children died in hot cars in Utah between 1990 and 2010, according to KidsandCars.

Remember:

• If you see a child or a pet locked in a hot car, call 911.
• The 911 dispatcher can help you decide whether you need to break the window before help arrives.
• Once the child is out, get them in the shade, loosen their clothes and cool them down with a cold towel on the neck and hands. 
• Give the child a cold drink. But, make sure they drink slowly, so their body can handle it.

For Honda Civic Lovers

My 9-year-old broke her leg.  After more than 6 weeks immobilized in a long-leg cast, she was given a prescription to physical therapy to increase her range of motion in her knee and ankle.  As we stopped by the physical therapists office earlier this month, I tossed my car keys onto my daughters assigned bench and headed with her to the stationary bike to warm up.

After her warm-up, one of the physical therapist's assistants said, "It looks like you drive a Honda."

"All Honda's all the time," I asserted.  The assistant pulled out his keys to show me that he drives a Honda too.  And then the gushing began.

"I drive a Civic," he began and then launched into his favorite features on his not-particularly-new vehicle.  It made me smile. There are few people who are as dedicated to their cars as Civic lovers. Car and Driver must know this two because they put together a 37 picture montage honoring the Honda Civic.

It's a pretty incredible visual history featuring some amazing and beautiful old photographs.

And some interesting history including the CVCC, Natural Gas Vehicles and more.

It's first Car and Drive 10Best list in 1988.

Right up to today.

Whether you love the Honda Civic coupe, the Civic sedan or the Civic hybrid, you'll find something in the history that you'll love.

Thanks to the Dads

If you'll permit me, I'm going to wax a little personal and perhaps even sentimental.  Over Father's Day weekend, my family swapped a lot of "Dad" stories.  I had to laugh at the number that involved the misadventures of teaching three teenage daughters to drive. 

My dad took each of my older siblings to a local church parking lot with for driving lessons and brought me along a little moral support.  (I'm the youngest, and apparently the most reckless.) I generously tasked myself with inventing with the best "real world" driving scenarios!  Hey! Let's pretend there's a cow in the road... What should you do?  Whiplash and hollering ensued, but my dad stayed as calm as any father of a 16-year old standing on the breaks of a 1984 Buick Century could. Apparently, lesson unlearned, I accompanied sister number two on her parking lot lessons.  There, I kindly invented a scenario in which backing up alllll the way around the building was necessary.  As we sped toward the building... up over the curb and on to the grass.... and narrowly missed an oncoming tree, my dad very calmly said, "Brake.... brake... brake....BRAKE!"  It's a wonder he didn't have a heart attack on the spot.  (I was later banned from further ride-alongs.)   And I well remember flying off the road and sliding past a chain link fence before coming to a stop as my dad calmly said, "Turn here... Yes, here... You have to TURN!!!"  My dad never really got mad at our youthful incompetence, but he sure took the wheel in a hurry when danger was immanent.   

I can't imagine the dread he must have felt turning each of his daughters loose behind the wheel of a car.  But, to his credit, we were always well prepared with the necessary road skills.  He's a Wyoming-bred boy, so we learned the ins and outs of proper snow driving (some of us more successfully than others...), we were taught to be handy with a jack, but we were also armed with phone numbers for towing services, and we learned to check our own oil and how to identify leaked car fluids.  My dad was determined to raise car-capable daughters and he succeeded.  (I've even had to teach a boyfriend or two some basic car maintenance.) But maybe the best thing my dad ever taught us was that no matter what happened, he'd always be there for us.  My sisters and I have totaled our fair share of teenage junkers, wrapped his pride and joy red pick-up truck around a pole, and STILL not mastered the art of driving out of a spin on the ice (I'm red-faced here!), but on that inevitable call home, we could always bank on my dad coming to the rescue.   

So here's to all the dads who taught their kids to drive, changed a host of tires, brought gas cans to the sides of roads in the middle of the night, and pretended the dent just wasn't that big of a deal.   Your kids salute you and Ken Garff Honda of Orem does, too.  

2016 Honda HRV Test Drive

As we climbed into the new Honda HRV between errands, my 14-year-old son asserted, "This is my new favorite Honda."

Although he's had his eye on the Civic for years, HRV--Honda's crossover--turned his head. And it's turning other heads, too. Car and Driver noted, "The HR-V mixes angles and curves in an attractive design that lends it a sporty look while hiding its budget-friendly roots."

The HRV has seating for 5 and a dumbfounding 3 different interior configurations.  It has tons of cargo space and that's before you fold down the seats for cargo space that blows out any small SUV or sedan.

I got to drive the high-end model, the EXL Navi.  It had HondaLink, blue tooth connectivity, backup camera (standard on every 2016 Honda), blind spot camera, moon roof and leather interior.  It was fun to drive and very sporty without feeling like I'm sitting on the pavement.

It comes with an automatic transmission, but it also has a "Sport" setting that allows you shift up and down manually with buttons on the steering wheel.

I can't really explain why, but I'm absolutely in love with the rear door handle.  Seriously!  It almost looks like a coup, but with the functionality of a sedan.  There is just something about that I find so attractive!  It's turning my head, too!

Honda's Predictive Cruise Control

Honda is set to introduce the world’s first predictive cruise control system known as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), capable of foreseeing and automatically reacting to other vehicles ‘cutting-in’ to the equipped vehicle’s lane.

Based on extensive real-world research of typical European driving styles, Honda’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) uses a camera and radar to sense the position of other vehicles on the road. It then applies an algorithm to predict the likelihood of vehicles in neighboring lanes cutting-in by evaluating relations between multiple vehicles, enabling the equipped vehicle to react quickly, safely and comfortably.

i-ACC will make its debut this year on the new European CR-V, building upon the traditional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. Traditional ACC systems keep a preselected longitudinal velocity, which is only reduced for maintaining a safe distance to a car in front. However, if a vehicle cuts-in from a neighboring lane, the traditional ACC system reacts later thus requiring stronger braking.

The new i-ACC system is able to compute the likelihood of a cut-in up to five seconds before it occurs, and is therefore designed to react very smoothly so as not to startle the driver, who might not yet be aware of the imminent cut-in. In this case the system applies just a mild brake initially, with an icon appearing on the driver display, informing the driver why a slow-down occurs. It then proceeds to apply a stronger brake to adapt the velocity to keep a safe distance. Dr. Kleinehagenbrock, responsible for i-ACC at Honda R&D Europe (in Germany) GmbH says, "i-ACC takes cruise control systems to a whole new level, offering what we call ‘predictive safety.’"

The real question is if this technology has application in an American market. Do you think American's use cruise control differently than our European counterparts? Would you find this technology helpful? 

You can read more about this technology here.

Honda Fit, Accord and CR-V Named Best Family Cars for 2015

The parenting experts and car experts at Parents magazine and Edmonds.com picked the 10 best family cars and there are 3 Hondas on list: Honda Fit, Honda Accord and Honda CR-V. These three family friendly Honda vehicles earned the top crashworthiness ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  The experts we also impressed that each vehicle is equipped with a standard rearview camera.  These three models were selected out of hundreds of models because they excel in the key areas of safety, convenience features, performance and value.

The Accord was recognized as one of the top sedans for families for the third straight year.

The 2015 CR-V was recognized as one of the best crossovers for families.

The spacious, fuel-efficient and versatile 2015 Honda Fit was chosen as one of the best budget cars on the annual list.

The full list will be featured in the July 2015 issue of Parents magazine available on June 9th.

In Head-to-head Comparison of Small SUVs Honda Wins

The head-to-head challenge in the Compact SUV Challenge was triple sponsored by Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek.  The rules of the challenge: find the best compact SUV for a modest price ($28,000) that's about $5000 less than the average new-car price today, and with a budget friendly EPA mileage rating of at least 26 mpg in combined city-highway driving.

Three days of testing included: A 100-mile drive in and around Baltimore mixing city traffic, rural roads and interstate to judge real-world fuel economy.  A day for the experts to judge all seven SUVs over the same route back-to-back.  A day for the family judges to evaluate and then to drive each on the same route back-to-back.

The winner?  Chosen by a panel of experts--including a family who's actually shopping for a small SUV--the Honda CR-V was selected the winner in all around appeal of its combination of feature and driving feel.

Notable features at this price: All-wheel drive, heated seats, moon roof, remote key.

What the judges liked: Creature comforts: "Love the easy-to-fold seats and low load floor," said Brian Robinson, producer of PBS MotorWeek. "A lot of extra features for the money," said Fred Meier, auto editor at USA Today. The CR-V's continuously variable automatic transmission behaved enough like a conventional automatic that Meier noted, "It could fool you. Nissan and Subaru could learn a thing or two."

Bottom line: "The best blend of good interior room, excellent visibility and a surprisingly rewarding driving experience ... power it to the top of my scorecard," said Bill Jackson, assistant managing editor of Cars.com.

Read the entire article on USA Today.

Looking to buy a new or used car by July 31, 2015?  Get an extra $100 off here.  This offer may be combined with any other discount or sale.

End of May is the Perfect Time to Shop for a New Car

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off for summer.  It's also one of the best times of year to go car shopping.

According to Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub, "The 2016 editions are going to be out mid-July, so [the dealerships] really want to move inventory.  Also, interest rates are very low."

WalletHub crunched the number on financial offerings at over 150 lenders and found interest rates on new cars at their lowest level in three year.  Don't expect that to last long, though.

"We know they're going to be hiking up sometime in the near future," Gonzalez said, "probably three to four months from now."

Of course, the cost of a car hinges on more than just interest rates. After all, you still must pay for insurance.

WalletHub looked int data from the nation's top five auto insurance carriers and found that premiums on cars in the same price range can differ by as much as 39 percent.  A car's price tag doesn't predict how much you'll pay to insure it.

Take a 2015 Toyota Corolla L and a 2015 Honda Accord LX.  The Corolla's sticker price is less than the Accord, but the Corolla will cost $232 more to insure it every year.

To read the rest of this article on KSL go here.

Interested in getting a new or used car at Ken Garff Honda of Orem? Go here to get an extra $100 off coupon that can be combined with any other discount or sale.

10 Cars That Go Over 200,000 Miles | 5 Are Hondas

For its June issue, Consumer Report ran an assessment of vehicles that are most likely to turn over 200,000 miles.  

As the USA Today put it, "With the average amount paid for a new car now firmly above $30,000, it makes sense to hold on to a vehicle as long as possible in order to squeeze every usable mile out of it before it needs to be traded in. But when it come to the long-mileage derby, the car you choose can make a big difference on whether you'll hit the magic 200,000-mile mark."

So which cars will get you to 200,000? Five are Hondas.  Five are Toyotas.  No other cars or brands made the list. 

The most trustworthy Hondas: 

Honda Odyssey

Honda Pilot

Honda Accord sedan

Honda CRV

and, of course, the Honda Civic. 

Read the rest of USA Today's article here.

Noisy Brakes? 5 Tips to Keep Your Brakes Happy and Quiet

Sugar and I were out for a little Sunday drive when we rounded a sharp corner and she started to screech like a caged cat.  It was such a horrible noise, that I stopped right in the middle of what was (luckily!) an almost desereted street. I made a quick phone call to a friend who knows a lot more about cars than I do and he had me drive the short distance to his house.  He heard me coming a half a block away as I slowly inched along.  After surmising I hadn't run over a lawn mower, we took Sugar for a spin around the block.  My friend listened closely and determined I had a rock caught in my brakes.

Neat.

I got lucky and reversing my car eventually flipped the rock out, but if that hadn't worked, I would have hauled Sugar in to my Ken Garff Honda of Orem dealership for a little brake check.  While I was waiting for my car expert to diagnose me, I started doing a little brake homework of my own and learned a few useful tips from Honda about brake care and maintenance.  

Brake Squeal and Wear Indicators

All four brakes have audible brake wear indicators. When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them lightly. Do not confuse this with the brake wear indicators. They make a very audible "screeching."

Low Brake fluid

If your brake fluid is low, it may be leaking or your brakes could be worn.

Flushing the Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture. And when that moisture finds its way into your braking system, it can corrode metal and seals.

Flushing the system with new fluid removes the condensation before extensive damage can occur.

When flushing the system, always use Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. If this specific fluid is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed container, but only as a temporary replacement. The use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and may decrease the life of the system.

Honda Genuine Brake Pads

It stands to reason that Honda Genuine Brake Rotors function best with Honda Genuine Brake Pads. Particularly since Honda brake pads are extensively tested on Honda vehicles in the most intense braking situations and extreme environments. Made from a balance of hard and soft materials, Honda Brake Pads can effectively help prevent premature disc wear and minimize noise.

• Precisely engineered and manufactured with state-of-the-art materials for superior performance, proper wear and long life.
• Specially designed to dampen noise and reduce vibration.

Includes high-insulating shims and specially formulated grease.

Honda Genuine Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are vital to dissipating the heat that comes from the pads every time you brake. Honda Genuine Brake Rotors are built to take that heat time and again for lasting performance and reliability. They’re made with the optimum mix of materials and compounds to safely withstand long periods of wear and to help prevent overheating and warping.

As always, the helpful Honda Service Center staff can help you determine what will keep your car running smoothly and safely! 

Honda to Donate to Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts

On April 25, 2015 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake devastated the small country of Nepal. Honda corporation has operations in Nepal consisting of motorcycle, automobile and power equipment distributors and dealers. Because of the connection and in response to this tragedy, Honda will donate approximately $168,000 as well as equipment to support the relief and recovery effort.

Whenever disasters occur, the Honda company closest to the spot assesses the situation and determines how best to respond. In this case, Honda Asia has taken the lead on these efforts.

Honda hopes this contribution will help support the restoration of the devastated infrastructure and assist with recovery for those affected.

While Honda also has operations in India and Bangladesh, no victims or property damage has been reported for Honda operations in the areas of these countries affected by this disaster. 

If you would like to join Honda in donating to relief efforts in Nepal, please donate to the American Red Cross here. 

Beauty, Brawn and Brains | 2016 Honda Pilot

Sometimes you need to haul a bunch of people around.  And sometimes you'd rather not do it in a minivan.

Whether you need more room or just prefer the less mom-ish look of an SUV, the 2016 Pilot, due out this summer, fits the bill.

Photo credit: Motor Trend.com

The all-new, third generation 2016 Honda Pilot will go on sale this summer ready to take the mid-size SUV segment by storm, with more of what active families seek in a three-row SUV – sleek and athletic styling, outstanding power, sophisticated technology and, new for 2016, an all-new Elite model with a panoramic roof.  Not kidding.  Panoramic roof. 

Building on the solid reputation established from the June 2002 introduction of the first generation 2003 model, the 2016 Pilot brings a whole new level of refinement and available content to the segment.

This includes:

• a more powerful engine (direct inject 3.5 SOHC i-VTEC EarthDreams Technology) 
• outstanding dynamic handling 
• upgraded display audio and navigation systems
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Pretty much, it's going to rock.  So who wants to test drive one of the new 2016 Honda Pilots? 

Spring Into Car Care

April is National Car Care Month and who doesn't love the purr of well-maintained vehicle? 

Let's take a look the top 10 spring cleaning musts for your Honda! 

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

While some of these you can easily do yourself, the technicians in Orem's Ken Garff Honda Service Department can help you spruce up your car just in time for your first Spring road trip! 

2016 Honda Civic is Epic

"The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we've ever made," said John Mendel, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co. "In every way, this will be an epic Civic."

Photo credit: USA Today

Honda stole the show at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.  This concept car for the 2016 Honda Coupe was not what the reporters were expecting at all.  

Green Car Reports explained, "Major auto shows are where carmakers traditionally unveil new models, but these days, they're rarely a surprise. Thanks to the Internet, both leaks and car companies' desire for extra publicity from early teaser photos tend to spoil the surprise.

Then there is advance information sent under embargo to selected media sites, so they can prepare their stories ahead of time and launch them at the designated minute.

"None of that applied at the 2015 New York Auto Show yesterday, when a Honda Civic concept that previews the 10th generation of the compact car was a total surprise to assembled reporters."

Remembering how hard Honda works at keeping its design a secret, maybe we shouldn't be so surprised.  

USA Today loved the new design. They wrote, "The 10th-generation appearance abandons the cab-forward design that the Civic has had for years to give it a long hood and sense of more power. The new one is a little longer and wider. In front there are new LED running lights and in back, a new wrap-around taillight design. Yet even with the changes, the car still has the unmistakable look of a Civic."

Photo Credit: Green Car Reports

USA today went on, "The goal was to create 'the most charismatic, most ambitious and most fun-to-drive and sportiest Civic we've ever made,' says Guy Melville-Brown, who led the U.S. design team in the creation of the car expected to sell around the world."

So what do you think? They're expected to be in dealerships this fall. We will absolutely let you know when we have them in at Ken Garff Honda of Orem! 

I Saw (and Smelled!) the Signs

Sugar and I took a long, mountain-climbing drive with a few friends last week.  When we arrived at the peak, we parked to observe the gorgeous view and breathe the fresh air.  The only trouble?  The fresh air smelled mysteriously like it was burning.  I leaned in closer to get a better idea of how bad it was and solicited the opinion of my car wise best friend.  He asserted it was a burning belt, I countered that it was burning oil (Not that we're keeping score, but I won again!).

We made our way back down and I took my car for an oil change the very next day.  The technician told me I was a solid quart low and that I REALLY shouldn't let that happen too often. Sugar's aging, so I need to keep a better eye on her.  Poor thing.  I felt quite bad for her, but low oil is an easy thing to miss.  In fact, I needed an oil change pretty badly.

So let's take a look at 5 easy signs you need an oil change so that you don't get stuck burning up your engine:

1.   The oil looks black and gritty.  This one's a little tricky.  Oil should be a dark honey color.  After a few weeks of driving, it starts to get murky with black particulates.  You don't want to see black oil on your dipstick! That's a bad sign.
2.  Your engine sounds rougher and louder than usual.  (This is the one I'm most likely to notice.) Oil lubricates your engine, so without it the parts grind pretty loudly.  If your engine starts complaining at the top of its lungs, get in for an oil change immediately.
3.  You can't remember the last time you changed your oil. (Oy.  Guilty. As. Charged.) Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles; 4,000-6,000 is okay, but don't push it beyond that.
   
4.  Your oil light comes on.  Now, this one sounds harmless enough, but if your oil light comes on, that actually means you're dangerously low on oil.  Either add oil or take your car in for an oil service IMMEDIATELY.
   
5.  Your oil level drops.  Engines will eventually just use up engine oil.  That's normal. But the lower it gets, the harder it is for your engine to run smoothly.  Check your levels regularly.   The best time is about 20 minutes after you shut off the engine. The oil level should be between the two holes on your dipstick.  If you're down to the bottom hole or lower, start by adding half a quart and check it again.  Over-filling is just as bad (or worse!) than being low.
   

Of course, Ken Garff Honda of Orem has the sweetest deals on oil changes around.  Click here to find out about the amazing Honda Advantage Care package!

Car and Driver Plays 'I Spy'

By their own admission, Car and Driver has favored the Honda Odyssey as their top pick for a minivan.  They wrote, "For many years, the Honda Odyssey has been our favorite minivan, blending favorable driving dynamics with an ingenious and well-built interior and plenty of usable space."

Imagine, then, Car and Driver's delight when they came across a very cloaked...Honda. 

Photo Credit: Car and Driver

"A mule for the next Honda Odyssey minivan, [was] seen roaming the streets of Los Angeles. Yes, many Acura MDX pieces are evident inside and out, but don’t believe it: Our sources both inside and outside Acura say the luxury brand has no minivan plan. That, naturally, leaves only the next-generation Odyssey as a possible suspect."

After looking the new vehicle over, Car and Driver had a few ideas about what the new Odyssey might have.  How would you like an Odyssey with AWD or P-AWS (four-wheel steering)?

Wonder what else Car and Driver deduced from this drive-by?  Read the rest of the article here.

Safest Cars for Teen Drivers

By my 10 year high school reunion, a dear friend had passed away from muscular dystrophy.  Wanting to honor him and others we had lost, a former classmate of mine and I reached out to find the names of those lost from our graduating class.  Much to my surprise, we had lost another classmate only 4 months after graduation.  He was killed in a single car accident as he drove north one day toward Salt Lake City.

This story is far too common.  Research conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) found that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers.  The good news is, that the IIHS research suggests that the type of vehicle driven has a big effect on the degree of risk.  So the IIHS compiled a list to help guide parents in making safer choices.

2007 Honda Element

Honda pre-owned vehicles earning this first recognition from IIHS as among the best, safer choices for teen drivers under $20,000 include the Honda Accord Sedan (2012 and later), Accord Coupe (2013-14), CR-V (2012 and later), Element (2007 and later) and Honda Odyssey (2011 and later). But not everyone can drop $20, 000 for a teenager's care.  So, additionally, the Honda Pilot (2006 and later) and the Honda Odyssey (2005-10) were included on the list of good choices for teen drivers under $10,000.

2005 Honda Odyssey

According to IIHS automotive vehicle registration statistics, Honda is the most durable, longest lasting brand in its class. 

Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs meant to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. Honda operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities, one in the U.S. and one in Japan, and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. American Honda leads the industry for 2014 in third party crash test ratings with more models rated TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the IIHS than any other manufacturer.

For added piece of mind, customers who choose a Certified Pre-Owned Honda from an authorized Honda dealership (like Ken Garff Honda of Orem), an extensive limited warranty is included with each sale. 

As my oldest daughter turns 16 this year, I'll have the piece of mind knowing that she'll be driving a Honda, one of the safest vehicles on the road. 

Introducing the 2016 Honda Pilot

Here at Ken Garff Honda of Orem, we are beyond thrilled to introduce the first of our 2016 line-up, featuring the gorgeous, redesigned Honda Pilot. Just watch... and try not to drool.

The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot delivers more family-friendly utility, more advanced technology and more premium attributes (can anyone say 5 USB ports!) than ever before, all while boasting class-leading safety features.

We will let you know THE MOMENT we get the 2016 Honda Pilot on our lot. We expect we'll get them in during the summer.

Test Driving the 2015 Honda Fit

I've be dying to test drive the 2015 Honda Fit.  I finally got a turn and the results are that I'm impressed.

When I first pulled out of the lot, I was impressed with the responsive steering and the zip when you accelerate.  It's sporty-ness really reminded me of driving the beloved Honda Civic.  The Fit is definitely an entry level car, so while it doesn't have the fancier finishes, I was still blown away by what I did find: Honda tech.  It's completely rippling with the very latest Honda technology which includes the back-up camera, Lane Watch, blue-tooth radio, navigation and more.

And, of course, I had to see what would fit in a Fit.  (Otherwise, why test-drive, right?)

You can fit a lot in a Fit, in fact, you can fit enough to send two junior high age boys on an overnight campout.

And you might just have all of the scout leaders and other dads oo-ing and ah-ing over your ride.  In part, because they'd really like to have your gas milage.