Honda's Got Your Back(up Camera)

No question, one of my favorite features in the 2013 Odyssey is the backup camera--which is now standard on all Odysseys.

As Cars.com explained, "Previously, a backup camera was only available on the EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite trims.  For 2013, the Pilot, Accord, Crosstour, CR-Z and Ridgeline also get a standard backup camera."

I have probably mentioned that I have five kids.  And my neighbors all have kids.  In fact, if you include mine, there are 18 kids that live on my cul-de-sac, not including friends, grandkids, etc.  Backing up is one of THE most dangerous maneuvers I do with my car each day.

Before backing out, I walk around my car, turn off my radio and the fan (AC/heat), roll down my front windows and back out really, really slowly.  But backing up with a backup camera is so much safer!  You can see where you're going and what's to the sides of you as well.

Despite my copious backing-up safety rituals, I have, on more than one occasion, pulled into the road only to realize that there was a child, just to the side of my driveway that I hadn't seen.  That has freaked me out every time.  (Shivering)

So I really put the 2013 Odyssey's back up camera to the test when I got to take it for a spin.  After pulling in my driveway, I grabbed a little 12 inch bike that we own and stuck it behind the van and put it in reverse.

I could not see the tiny bike from my rear-view mirror or either of my side mirrors.  In my daily ritual, only during the walk-around could I have even seen it.  But look what happens when you turn on the backup camera.

Regular View

Wide View

Top View

These picture were taken in the early afternoon with light filtering through the trees, making it even more difficult to see.  Even without ideal viewing conditions, I could easily see the bike.  Then, I could walk around and remove it before running over it.  (It's possible that I have *uh-hem* run over a few bikes in my day...)

To be candid, the backup camera is NOT designed to replace the walk-around.  You could still have a child or toy under you vehicle or directly behind the wheels.  But the scares I've had over the years with kids who appeared at the last minute would never have happened.  With the backup camera I would always have seen them.  And as a parent, that's incredibly reassuring.

Want a $3000 Fuel Card?

Honda and Clean Energy are teaming up to hand out $3000 fuel cards to all new Civic Natural Gas customers.   

After doing a few quick calculations, I realized that it would take an eon, at current natural gas prices, to use the entire three grand.  Honda said, "With a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpg and a fuel cost savings of up to 40 percent compared to a typical gasoline-powered contact cat, the Civic Natural Gas Vehicle can significantly reduce the pain at the pump."  And that's only once you start to pay for it!

Filling up with natural gas is very similar what you normally do at the gas pump.  It only takes a few minutes to fill and you're usually able to travel about 200 miles between filling up.  (I know on my gas-run Odyssey, I can usually go about 230 miles before filling up, so it's likely quite comparable to what you're currently doing.)

In addition to the personal benefits of free then lower fuel costs, it's also great for the environment.  The 2012 Natural Gas Civic was named the "2012 Green Car of the Year" by Green Car Journal and one of the "greenest vehicles of 2012" by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.  

"It you're looking to save money at the pump . . . and reduce your environmental impact, the 2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle is a great choice," noted Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office.

"Drivers have increasingly seen a greater percentage of their dollars going down their car's gasoline tanks," said Peter Grace, senior vice president of Clean Energy for sales.  "For the average driver, the $3000 Clean Energy fuel card provided by Honda will translate into two to three years of not paying for fuel."

I don't know how that translates for you, but not having to pay for gas would save me upwards of $80 a month.  I can think of a lot of things I can do with $80 a month for the next three years!  

To learn more about the CNG fuel card promotion check out: www.CGNfuelcard.honda.com.  Want to more about CNG filling stations around the country?  http://www.cleanenergyfuels.com

And to check the inventory of the Natural Gas Civics here in Orem click here.  

Test Driving the Sleek 2013 Honda Accord

I have finally gotten behind the wheel of the brand spankin' new, super sleek, completely amazing 2013 Honda Accord EXL-V6.  I know I'm gushing, but it really is something.  The new Honda Accord is a luxury car, without the luxury pricing.

Ken Garff Honda of Orem has had some trouble keeping the 2013 Accord on their lot.  Just as soon as they get one in--it's sold!  So when I finally saw the car I'd get to drive I was stoked.  It's a beauty!

After being thoroughly walked through all of the bazillion new features, I was on my own.  Looking at the view the backup camera provided,  I pulled out of the parking spot and onto the road.

Back up camera view

The ride is incredibly smooth, the engine--though powerful--is super quiet, and the leather seats felt like they'd been specifically designed with my back in mind. I loved the blind spot camera that comes on whenever your right blinker does.

I drove immediately home to take pictures (and get marshmallows to placate my four-year-old, so I could drive for awhile).  One of my goals on this drive was to test out all of the various new beeping features.  Honda has installed a system--the Forward Collision Warning--that beeps if your front bumper gets to close to something (i.e. you're at risk of a collision).

A few family members and I were musing if this system would drive you crazy and go off all the time.  So I may have revved up to the back of a few cars trying to make the thing go off.  It didn't. See, I wasn't about to put myself, my four-year-old son, and the brand new 2013 Accord in actual risk.  And the Forward Collision Warning system can, apparently, tell the difference.  Since I wasn't in actual danger of collision--no beeping.  It put those fears to rest: you won't have to improve change your driving to enjoy this car.

Leather seats, mmmm.

I did, however, get FCW beep when a car suddenly pulled out in front of me.  It wasn't a particularly close call, but it did require a little aggressive braking on my part.  What was interesting for me, was when the beeping went on, I instinctively began braking harder. Among safety features available, I really like this one.

The next system that I had to try was the Lane Departure Warning.  In this system, when you drift from one lane to another without a turn signal one--the LDW beeps at you.  After turning left onto a wide, empty stretch of State Street, I gave it a go. Drifting to the left, the beeping went off!  I drifted back to the right and more beeping!  With a turn signal on--no beeping.  It worked exactly as advertised.  In all of my swerving up and down various roads in Orem, only once did it not go off.  Honda explains, "LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use.  LDW may not detect all lane marking or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions."

There are so many things to love about this car.  From the Blue Tooth connection that lets you talk to people without ever looking at your phone, having your text messages read to you in a cool computer voice, having Pandora stop the moment you arrive somewhere and pick up--mid song--exactly where you left off, the amenities are jaw dropping.

As someone who has a serious problem losing her keys, I LOVED the keyless entry and start.  I stood in my driveway locking and unlocking the car.  To lock, you only have to push a button on the door handle.  To unlock--this is the coolest part--you just reach out and grab the handle.  Seriously.  It's like being in a sci-fi movie.  It made me feel kinda of powerful, like, "Hah!  This car obeys my commands."  As long as you never lose your purse, or briefcase, you never have to even get your "keys" out again.

The list of what this car can do and why it is so cool, goes on and on.  In reality, it deserves another post, but I'll wrap up this post with the eco button.  Everyone I know wants to be eco-friendly, right?  I recycle, donate used items to charity and generally like the idea of saving the earth.  But I don't like to do it if I have to sacrifice comfort.  I have ignored, for years now, the plea of our local power company to switch to the euphemistically labeled "energy efficient service" because, in large part, that means that my air conditioning won't come on during the hottest part of the day because everyone else's AC is already on.  "It'll save you money!" they say.  "You won't even notice the 5 degree temperature increase," they insist.

Perhaps I should give it a chance, but I like being cool in my house in the summer and we live in a desert for crying out loud.  So, I was a bit worried about the leaf-looking "Eco" button on the new Accord.   I was informed that it pulls power from the AC to increase gas milage.  Even though I had my misgivings, I gave it a shot anyway.  Initially, my AC lowered in power a bit, so I turned up the fan.  Problem solved. The entire time I drove around I was perfectly cool, in fact my four-year-old eventually said he was cold so I closed the vents in back.

I love the thought that, by pushing a button, I can increase my gas milage from the already impressive 36 MPG Highway rating (27 MPG City) without sacrificing a thing.

 Edmonds.com and I both agree that Honda has restored the old magic to the new Accord.

Why Drive a Honda?

As newlyweds my husband and I had driven both of our college clunkers into the ground and decided to go on a hunt for our first bonafide family car that we purchased together.  We got a copy of Consumer Reports from a family member and scoured it's pages before embarking on our journey.

Honda Accord topped the list of best used cars--best at holding value, best repair record, and top of the line safety record, among others--and so we began our car hunt with a Honda in mind.  As we shopped, we eventually narrowed our choices to a 1994 Accord and a vehicle made by another manufacturer.  We test drove them both, but fell in love with the Honda.

Super sylin' 1994 Accord.  Photo courtesy: cardomain.com

Just like Consumer Reports had mentioned, the Honda was a bit more expensive, but the cool aquamarine paint of the Accord verses a hideous pale metallic green of the other car sealed the deal for me.  We purchase our first used Honda and have never turned back.

I'm far from the only one who feels this strongly about my Honda.  Edmunds.com notes, "Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers?  Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor.  But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience.  Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety."

Edmunds.com continues, "Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut.  Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers."