autoMedia Auto News Blog : Acura

Pricing: 2010 Acura ZDX

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:42:00 GMT

Since the 2010 Acura ZDX was unveiled , there has been debate over what it is. Based on a platform shared with the MDX SUV , the ZDX looks like a cross between a coupe and sedan, with an elevated ride and premium execution. Regardless of how you perceive this genre-defining vehicle, it definitely has class. And the price of entry we now know will be $45,495, plus $810 destination charges, when it goes on sale December 15. The ZDX will be available in three trim packages: the well-equipped ZDX; ZDX with Technology Package; and the ZDX with Advance Package. All versions are powered by a 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. And each benefits from the “super handling” SH-AWD system that aids enthusiastic driving and all-weather traction. Standard features include the world's longest panoramic glass roof, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a premium AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with iPod. The ZDX with Technology Package adds navigation with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, real-time weather with radar image maps, and a multi-view rear camera. In addition, the Technology Package upgrades the stereo...(read more)

Sneak Peek: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:50:00 GMT

Acura will add a sport wagon version of its TSX sedan range in fall 2010 as a 2011 model. The automaker is mum on other details, but much can be inferred. Just as the TSX is based on the European-market Accord, the TSX Sport Wagon will be an Americanized Accord Tourer (shown here). Except for the rear cargo section, the interior is likely to carry over from the TSX. Same underhood, where a 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower four-cylinder and 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 should carry over. The overall package for the current car delivers an appealing balance of performance, driver-centric feel, high-tech amenities, just-right sizing, and competitive pricing. The same should hold true for the hatchback. The TSX sport wagon will probably make the show circuit rounds this coming season, before it competes against the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series , and Mercedes-Benz C-Class next fall. See our Acura TSX V6 and Acura TSX reviews ....(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: New-for-2010 Acura TSX V6

Editor — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT

It’s hard not to be a fan of the Acura TSX. In its first generation, the lithe and nimble sedan offered great looks and refinement, with a rev-happy four-cylinder engine thrown in to boot. In 2009, a new TSX appeared, larger, more luxurious, but still enjoying that incredible fun-to-drive feeling, and keeping that sweetheart four-cylinder. But the marketplace can be a fickle thing, and just about every competitor of Acura’s near-luxury sedan either featured a standard six-cylinder engine, or offered one as an option. So for 2010, we now have a new TSX V6 model to top out the range. And this is no mild-mannered six, but a very powerful 3.5-liter V6—taken from the Acura TL—that pumps out 280 hp (79 more hp than the four-cylinder) as well as 254 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 comes standard with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. That the added power makes a quantum leap in performance is not a big surprises—40 percent more horsepower will do that, but it also makes a huge change in the personality of the TSX. Where the four-cylinder feels light and spirited, the V6 moves out with real authority, yet feels much more serious. Tap on the gas and you’re gone. And the sound is a rich deep...(read more)

Automotive Recalls: They happen to imports AND domestics

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:52:00 GMT

So, CNN Money is reporting that Ford is recalling more than 4 million vehicles due to a potential fire hazard that can be created by a faulty cruise control deactivation switch. A friend of mine sent me an email that said " See? This is why people don't buy American. " The recall covers 1995-2003 Windstars, 2000-2003 Excursion diesels, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-Super Duty diesels, 1992-2003 Econolines, 1995-2002 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Rangers and 1994 F35 motorhomes. This is the eighth recall that involves a specific faulty switch manufactured by Texas Instruments, and brings the total to more than 16 million Ford vehicles recalled because that switch. The article at CNN Money advises that "Ford drivers should look for warnings of possible imminent fires, including malfunctioning cruise control systems and brake lights and antilock braking system and brake light warnings on the dashboard. The safety agency also said difficulty in getting the vehicle out of the park mode should be treated as a warning." Ford says it has not used that switch in any model years after 2003. It's disappointing that this is what people think...(read more)

Acura Reveals Restyled, Revised MDX for 2010

Editor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels.

On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind spot information system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and enhance safety, with Acura’s unique Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).”

Coming soon will be a full road test review of the restyled, refined 2010 Acura MDX. Read about other Acura vehicles currently on sale in our 2009 Acura Buyer’s Guide.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Unveiled: 2010 Acura ZDX

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:43:00 GMT

Acura has provided an official look at its new ZDX four-door sports crossover thingy, and it looks much like the concept vehicle last seen at the 2009 New York auto show. The ZDX is based on the MDX SUV platform, and it will be positioned between the MDX and flagship RL luxury sedan. While it shares basic bodystyle with the upcoming Honda Crosstour, the two vehicle are not related.

The ZDX touts a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 300 horsepower and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All ZDX models will use Acura’s “Super Handling” all-wheel-drive system, and standard wheels measure 19 inches.

Befitting a premium car, the ZDX will be outfitted with a panoramic glass roof, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and AM/FM/XM stereo with CD player and USB input.

The Technology Package adds a navigation system, premium surround-sound audio system, and rearview camera. The Advance Package adds a blind-spot detection system, active anti-collision system, and adaptive cruise control.

Pricing has not been announced yet, but it is expected to start in the low to mid $40k range when it goes on sale this coming winter.

For a more affordable alternative, read about the 2010 Honda Crosstour.

Coming Soon: 2010 Honda Crosstour

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:08:00 GMT

In what has to be among the shortest press releases ever issued, Honda announced today that the Accord Crosstour would go on sale this fall. Honda promises real information will be provided closer to when the vehicle arrives at dealers.

However, Honda may having given us a glimpse at this genre-bending car type with the Acura ZDX concept shown at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Recent spy photos posted at AutoBlog and elsewhere reveal a similar coupe-profile with Accord bodywork on a Crosstour test mule. These cars have a sloped rear like the Volkswagen Passat CC, though it features hatchback.

The body style seems distinctly European, where automotive versatility is highly prized. However, the Crosstourer will be based on the American-market Accord platform, which is larger than the Euro Accord seen Stateside as the Acura TSX. The Accord Crosstour will be a distinctive vehicle that offers a more sedan-like alternative to the heavy Toyota Venza.

We’ll share more information on the Accord Crosstour as it becomes available. The MDX-based ZDX also goes on sale in the fall.

See our complete 2009 New York auto show coverage.

Research Honda models in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

autoMedia CARnival June 12, 2009: What's happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:12:00 GMT

It's the week ending June 12, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest auto news of the week is that Congress approved the first "Cash for Clunker" legislation, Penske is buying Saturn, and American Honda turned 50. Read below for more bits and pieces from the auto world this week.

American Honda celebrated its 50th birthday this week! Beginning with the debut of the Honda SuperCub motorcycle in 1959, and the tiny little Civic CVCC in the 1970s, to the latest 2010 Insight, Honda has consistently introduced technologies and products that have benefited the environment and driver safety. Watch an informative video detailing the company's American history in this video at YouTube and read more about their history here at autoMedia.com

Housing prices may be down, but the cost for a coveted parking space has gone waaaay up: A buyer recently paid $300,000 for a private parking space, making it the most expensive parking space in Boston! As they said at autoblog.com "When a parking spot costs more than 99% of the cars on the market, Armageddon can't be far behind." Are you kidding? That's more than many people even pay for a HOUSE!

It's a dangerous world out there and Texas Armoring Corporation has been working for three decades to provide customers all the luxuries of a modern car with all the protection of a bank vault. Jalopnik visited a Texas company building pedestrian-looking cars capable of withstanding snipers and mine blasts and shared all the high-tech details here.

The Supreme Court has brushed back what had been viewed as the last potentially serious challenge to the restructuring plan laid out by Chrysler, clearing the way for the bankrupt U.S. carmaker's emergence from Chapter 11, and its takeover by the Italian automaker Fiat. Learn more details at TheDetroitBureau and here at autoMedia.com

LeftLaneNews spy photographers have snapped pix of the all-new mid-sized family sedan from Suzuki: the Kizashi - but this time it's production-ready and without most of the camouflage as in many of the previous photos. Check out the photo gallery here.

Congress passed the first "Cash for Clunkers" legislation this week, and the autoworld is all abuzz. The next step requires it must also be passed in the Senate before you can earn any vouchers toward the purchase of your next car. The folks at Edmunds.com have created a handy list of vehicles that qualify for incentives, according to the plan that went through the House this week. If your car is on that list, cruise by the autoMedia.com Buyer's Guide for some virtual shopping while you wait to see what happens in the senate.

Here's great news for those of you who've always been wanting to buy a Lamborghini, but have been holding back because its emissions didn't fit into your earth-friendly interests! HybridCars.com has announced that Lamborghini intends to reduce CO2 emissions by about a third in the next six years.

General Motors is in the early stages of negotiations to sell Saturn division to Penske Automotive Group. Motor Trend's Todd Lassa shares details about the pending sale saying Penkse's "smart, tough, and he's getting a dealership network known for its customer satisfaction. Even if Penske's Saturn starts out as the modern answer to American Motors in Detroit, it can only improve under his leadership."

If you're used to filling up your car with standard gasoline, discussions on the difference between biodiesel and straight vegetable oil might be as difficult to follow as conversations in Klingon. Autobloggreen has posted an informative "Greenlings" guide to help decipher the differences between the fuels and the engines that can burn them.

Have you seen the latest commercial for the Toyota Prius? The green-thinking folks at eCycleGroup have highlighted it in their blog/cafe saying "In this version of Harmony, Man's wants and Nature's needs agree. Using the wind, sun, and advanced hybrid technology, Toyota claims the Prius balances our demand for mobility with the natural order of things." It's a cute little video, and if you watch very closely, you'll see there's much more happening than originally meets the eye.

Yearning for some light automotive entertainment? Jim Cherry at Examiner.com has posted his First annual Automotive Fame and Shame Awards in which he highlights an assortment of vehicles, from the Pontiac Aztek and radical Aptera to the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Ford Fiesta. You'll have to click to read which got boos and which got kudos.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Honda Celebrates 50 Years in the U.S.

Editor — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:33:00 GMT

Today marks the official 50th anniversary since American Honda Motor Co. opened its first store in Los Angeles, California, selling Honda 50 motorcycles and establishing Honda’s commitment to fuel-efficient, affordable, quality transportation for its U.S. customers. Since then, Honda has pioneered many innovative, industry-changing technologies that have solidified their strength in the market and their place in the hearts and driveways of many American families. Such Honda breakthroughs include being the:

First automaker to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter (1974 Civic CVCC)
First automaker to build a vehicle to top U.S. EPA list of most fuel-efficient cars (1977 Civic)
First Japanese automaker to build motorcycles (1979) and automobiles (1982) in the U.S.
First Japanese automaker to establish a luxury automobile brand (Acura, 1986)
First automaker to introduce a mass-produced gas-electric hybrid car in America (1999 Insight)
First automaker to develop a government-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (2002 FCX)

2009 also marks the 40th anniversary of the first Honda automobile sold in the United States—the Lilliputian N600 sedan that stickered for just $1,275 at the time. Honda’s most recent launch is their completely redesigned 2010 Insight hybrid sedan, the lowest-priced new hybrid vehicle on the market today. Price isn’t everything, however, with a Honda product.

Honda has built a solid reputation of product quality, reliability, safety and resale value. To that end, American Honda operates 10 U.S. manufacturing plants, 14 research and development operations, and over a dozen regional sales, parts, service and finance offices around the country, employing more than 27,000 Americans in design, development, manufacturing and sales.

Happy Anniversary American Honda!

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

NY: Luxury 4-dr Acura ZDX Coupe

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:59:00 GMT

After much pre-show teasing, Acura unveiled its swoopy ZDX four-door coupe at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Looking right at home next to the Acura TL and RL, the ZDX takes a sleeker approach to the high-tech Acura formula. (See our 2009 Acura TL review.)

Drawing clear inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Volkswagen Passat CC, the ZDX finds a niche within the Acura product line. Think of it as a more versatile alternative to the TL, with a liftgate and flip/fold rear seats. Acura says it will be powered by a V6 engine, ensuring at least 280 horsepower are on tap to be routed to the all-wheel-drive system.

True to form, the ZDX will offer advanced features, such as a blind spot information system, multi-view rear camera, navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic, Bluetooth connectivity, and premium surround sound system. Acura says it will position the ZDX above the MDX, suggesting a price that extends in the $50k region.

The ZDX goes on sale in the fall. See our complete 2009 New York auto show coverage.

Research Acura models in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Sneak Peek: Acura Crossover to Appear in NY

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:46:00 GMT

Acura has been increasingly cheeky with its pre-auto show releases, and the luxury division is outdoing itself with an ongoing series of shadowy images it has been trickling out.

Shown here from the rear, the unnamed crossover vehicle looks to be a sloped sedan in the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Volkswagen Passat CC tradition. However, spy images suggest the vehicle is a crossover, more akin to the BMW X6. Expect the Acura to be powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 producing about 300 horsepower routed to a super-handling AWD system. Like other Acura models, the crossover will likely be a technical tour de force, with leading-edge convenience, entertainment, and safety features. However, abundant rear-seat headroom doesn’t appear to be in the cards.

We expect Acura to release more information in the days leading up to the 2009 New York auto show, and we’ll share the details here when they become available.

Research Acura in our new car buyer's guide, and check out our BMW X6 review.

Carpocalypse Now: Cars Sales Plummet, Again

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:16:00 GMT

The tragic trend continues, car sales continue to slide from bad to worse as the nation reels amidst the troubled economy. As automakers, suppliers, and dealers struggle to survive and restructure to face the changing challenges, the plummeting sales figures do mean that tremendous deals can be found for those in the market for a new or even a used car.

Few companies were spared deep double-digit declines in Februrary when comparing the month year to year. In the 40-50 percent range, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac, and even Toyota saw such steep declines. The 50-60 percent range includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Mitsubishi, Saturn, and Volvo. The scariest thing, there are brands in the 60-70 percent range, such as Chrysler, Hummer, Saab, and Suzuki.

At the corporate level, the numbers still look dreadful. BMW is down 32.7 percent, proving that even the well-heeled are sheepish about new car buying. Chrysler is down 44 percent—notably less than Ford Motor Company at 48.4 percent and General Motors at 52.9 percent. Even Honda saw a 38 percent decrease, made higher by the 41.5 percent drop in Acura sales. Nissan is off by 37 percent, and Toyota Motor Company is down 39.8 percent.

The big winner? Subaru, with a 1.4 percent uptick, no doubt fueled by winter months adding appeal to its AWD line up. Victory can be also claimed for Kia with a humble, though celebration worthy, 0.4 percent increase.

As the automakers grapple with these latest figures, expect enticing deals to continue and more creative marketing to appear. Hyundai has done this with the expansion of its successful Assurance program. Chrysler has just announced a free Hemi V8 upgrade for Ram buyers. And the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are eligible for a $3,400 tax credit till the end of March.

If you’re in the market, do your research and you’ll find great deals on just about every vehicle.

Research in the new car buyer’s guide. Or, scan our more than 3 million used car listings to find the best car for you.

Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Acura TSX V-6

admin — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:32:00 GMT

At a time when automakers are scrambling to improve fuel efficiency and fit their models with smaller, thriftier engines and alternative-fuel powerplants, Acura heads in the other direction. At the Chicago Auto Show this week, Acura introduced a new, higher-performance version of the TSX. Once known as the entry-level Acura sedan, the TSX will be available for the 2010 model year with a 280-horsepower V-6.

Borrowing its powerplant from the larger TL, the TSX employs the age-old formula to boosting performance—a bigger engine. It worked for the original GTO, it still works today. The 3.5-liter engine will be teamed with a sequential automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The power will be routed through the front wheel; there is no all-wheel-drive version to be offered.

The balance the car’s character, the independent suspension is tuned for sportier ride and handling. Standard fitment is 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot all-season tires.

The 2010 Acura TSX V-6 goes on sale summer 2009.

Read our Acura TSX review, and research the TSX in the new car buyer’s guide.

Honda Builds 20 Millionth Automobile in North America

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:16:00 GMT

Since Honda began production in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982, the automaker has built 20 million vehicles in North America. In 2008, more than 77 percent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S, were produced in North America- a total of 1,421,427 units. Further, 11 different models are produced exclusively in North America- the Honda Accord Coupe, Civic Coupe and Si, Civic GX natural gas vehicle, Odyssey, Pilot, Element, and Ridgeline and the Acura TL, MDX, RDX, and CSX (Canadian exclusive model).

By the numbers
Honda currently partners with more than 620 North American suppliers, including 545 in the U.S., and purchased more than $19.5 billion in parts and materials from its North American suppliers in 2008.

Honda has four U.S. automobile plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Alabama; and Greensburg, Indiana; two plants in Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and a plant in Jalisco, El Salto, Mexico.

In addition, Honda is celebrating the 50th anniversary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., its first overseas subsidiary. U.S. production began with motorcycles in 1979 in Ohio and soon expanded automobiles. Today, Honda has 16 major manufacturing facilities employing more than 34,000 associates. They produce Honda and Acura automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, lawn mowers, general-purpose engines, and other power equipment products.

Research Acura and Honda automobiles in the new car buyer’s guide, or search for a great deal near you from our more than 3 million used car listings.

2010 Acura TL Gets Manual Transmission

admin — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:31:00 GMT

Securing sporty credentials, the redesigned Acura TL will be available with a manual transmission for the 2010 model year. We referenced the availability of the stick shift in our 2009 Acura TL review, and since posting, Acura has officially confirmed will be available next fall.

The six-speed manual transmission will be available on the TL with SH-AWD, marking it as the best performing TL ever. Choosing the manual over the six-speed automatic saves 110 lbs., aiding acceleration, braking, and cornering. The new transmissions is substantially stronger than the previous generation TL manual transmission, and it is engineered for improved shifter action and feel. Likewise, it uses a new self-adjusting, dual-mass clutch promises constant pedal effort throughout the entire stroke of the pedal. The manual-equipped sedan will have a Hill Start Assist system that helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator while stopped on a hill—a welcomed convenience.

The car’s character is further enhanced with a tauter suspension, reflect with stiffer damping to reduce body roll and pitch, and thereby aid handling and braking.

This ultimate TL will be available in about a year, though as we found in our recent TL review, the automatic version is quite enticing as is.

Read our 2009 Acura TL review for a detailed look at this sport sedan. Research Acuras in the 2009 new car buyer's guide, and see our blog Acura TL pricing.