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.