It’s going to be a great year for Honda
Website design By BotEap.comIt’s shaping up to be a great year for Honda. Last month in Detroit, the 2006 Civic and Ridgeline pickups were named North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year, respectively. Yesterday, AJAC (Auto Journalists Association of Canada) named the Honda Civic Sedan and Honda Ridgeline Pickup AJAC Car of the Year and AJAC Truck of the Year, respectively. Now, if that’s not enough, Motor Trend Magazine named the 2006 Honda Civic the Motor Trend Car of the Year, and the 2006 Honda Ridgeline the Motor Trend Truck of the Year.
Website design By BotEap.comA brand has never been awarded the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards in the same year. And much less winning the AJAC awards and the Motor Trend awards. Clearly, Honda has designed two well-thought-out vehicles that raise the bar in their respective segments.
Website design By BotEap.comHonda Civic
Website design By BotEap.comThe 2006 Honda Civic is clearly the dominant player in its segment. With 140 standard hp, it offers more horsepower than the previous generation. Clever engineering produces a completely flat floor for the middle rear-seat passenger, and the split-level dash looks great but serves its purpose by keeping your eyes on the road. The Civic sedan has been transformed into a mini Accord. This point is not lost on Honda as they prepare to introduce the Honda Jazz as their new debut sedan. And let’s not forget the Civic Si, which offers 197 hp, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential. That’s a formula for a lot of fun. In fact, the Civic Si has filled the void left by the discontinued Prelude. The Civic has raised the bar.
Website design By BotEap.comhonda ridge line
Website design By BotEap.comwow. A Honda that wins three of the most coveted Truck of the Year awards. It outperforms the recently revised 2006 Dodge Ram and Lincoln LT, among others. The Ridgeline comes with some very smart touches. Under-bed storage compartment, 4-wheel independent suspension and tailgate opens like a door or can be swiveled down. Honda also put 4 lights on the bed for better visibility at night. These ideas sound simple enough, but no other truck packs them all into such a thoughtful package. Honda has taken a different approach and built a truck that will satisfy people who need a truck for its versatility, but don’t want a harsh ride and poor handling. The Ridgeline is one of the rare vehicles that will make a big impact in its segment, outperforming all the competition. And if the competition doesn’t improve, they won’t be able to compete.