News & Reviews- Make: Honda

If you're looking to buy your first new car or thinking of downgrading into something more affordable there's plenty available in Canada's subcompact market segment. A total of 14 (soon to be 15) models are vying for your attention, with the segment split up into three segments. The most popular are regular subcompacts positioned just below compact models, the Honda Fit being reviewed here fitting into this category, while below that are smaller city cars that offer anywhere from two to five seats albeit abbreviated versions in back and narrower overall, while there is also a new breed of full and partial electrics either available as dedicated models or trim lines of gasoline powered versions. I'm not going to run through the entire list and make comparisons in this review, but I will recommend you check out this Fit in your quest for the ideal ride.

First off, there is no electrified version of the Fit in our market, the Fit EV only available in six U.S. states and other world Read Full Story

Fuel prices have come down so much over the past year that it's hardly time to consider a hybrid, right? This may be true for some parts of Canada, but where I live pump prices aren't much lower than before last year's oil crash. We were hovering between $1.25 and $1.30 per litre ahead of January 2015 and today's average was $1.18, so maybe now's not the time to buck up for a big SUV or performance-oriented sports coupe. Then again, if your new ride combines great fuel economy with loads of fun, why not?

That's always been the premise behind Honda's CR-Z, but to be honest I never found it offered enough on the fun meter to be taken seriously by enthusiasts. That was before testing this revised 2016 version, mind you, a car that gets some sweet styling enhancements and mild suspension upgrades to go along with the shot of adrenaline you probably didn't realize it received three years ago.

The visual changes are subtle but effective, including a completely reworked lower Read Full Story

Has the new Civic caught your attention yet? It certainly doesn't fly under the radar like previous generations, the latest redesign making a high-tech visual statement that definitely carries over to the interior when optioned out in top-line Touring trim.

That's the way Honda provided my latest Civic Sedan tester, but before we jump inside I should point out this particular model's full low and high beam LED headlamps and LED front turn signals, the combination arguably more jewel-like than the more upscale Acura ILX's distinctive lighting clusters. Together with chrome surrounding trim that seems to seamlessly meld into the bold brightwork grille they glitter in sunlight like brilliant cut diamonds, a fitting analogy considering it'll require the better part of a reasonably respectable engagement ring to ante up for this near premium compact.

The base Civic Sedan DX starts at a very approachable $15,990 plus freight and dealer fees, whereas this Touring will need Read Full Story

If you want to know which minivan BMW owners turn to when they need more practicality than anything offered by the performance-oriented luxury brand, look no further than the Honda Odyssey. It's not necessarily the most premium-like when it comes to interior refinements and features, but its ride and handling characteristics feel more Teutonic than traditional Japanese, and understated yet elegant styling looks good while not standing out too much in a crowd.

After all, nobody really wants to be seen while driving a minivan, do they? That may be common thought based upon the segment's anti-status stigma, but it really comes down to one's own personal struggle with ego. Thanks to a little therapy and a lot of self-help I couldn't give a rat's ass what anyone else thinks, so I'm perfectly comfortable behind the wheel of anything with two, three, four or even six wheels, let alone tracks. Hmmm… now we're onto something, a go-anywhere minivan with tank-like tracks. As cool Read Full Story

There's a CR-V around almost every corner. Whether one of the latest fourth-generation models that are starting to become most plentiful, or the near omnipresent third-gen version, the still stalwart second-generation model, or the first of its kind that I see everyday parked in my neighbours driveway, the CR-V has been one of Honda's greatest success stories since 1995. As if it was a family pet, some owners would never even consider giving their trustworthy motorized companion up, like that neighbour who's had his since new and drives it nearly every day, while others want to be first to move up to the next generation or most recent mid-cycle update.

I'm sure Honda loves both types of customers, because the first type help to tell great stories about the CR-V's enviable quality and all-round dependability, while the second type regularly fill the coffers, keeping everyone happy from those at the dealer level to the hundreds who build them at Honda's Alliston, Ontario assembly Read Full Story