honda

With Toyota's name all over TV and the news within the last couple of months, I figured it timely to show that not all things associated with Toyota are bad. In the specific case of the Toyota Prius, the Japanese manufacturer has honed and crafted a trendsetting, forward-thinking hybrid car that's gone from novelty to an almost universally accepted automobile. In yesterday's video we got a good sampling of the modern Prius' many notable features, but we didn't get a look at everything. And that's why I've got another clip on this very cool … Read more

Honda Japan has announced a fully remodeled driving simulator to promote safer driving, featuring high-resolution LCDs with computer graphics, a moving seat for a more realistic experience, and feedback about users' driving skills.

The latest simulator features high-definition 42-inch LCDs, image and text explanations of and advice about road hazards, as well as two- and six-axis motion options. A touch-panel display allows for easy operation.

Users can select driving simulations at nighttime, in fog, and on the highway as well as regular urban environments. While there are other vehicles on the simulated roads, it seems there are no pedestrians.

Honda … Read more

GENEVA--Honda's display at the 2010 Geneva auto show included the new hybrid CR-Z, which we saw previously at the 2010 Detroit auto show, and some electric vehicles demonstrating Honda's commitment to sustainable mobility, the most curious of which was the U3-X personal mobility device.

But nothing was more interesting than seeing a live demonstration of the device, a woman effortlessly piloting the U3-X around the stage through slight body shifts. She was able to travel forward and back, and glide to either side, making it look incredibly easy and graceful. As we imagined trying the device out, a … Read more

Amateur drivers who build and race their own Honda race cars hit the track at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Central California.

The drivers, a group of friends that call themselves FF Squad, talk about the perils and rewards of building and racing their own cars.

The race is hosted by Speed Ventures, which holds events at several California tracks including Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Infineon Raceway. Drivers pay from $180 to $290 to participate in each event.

The Honda Element is a strange-looking beast, but very practical. Rear seats fold up into the sides of the car, allowing floor-to-ceiling cargo space. and a clamshell tailgate makes a good picnic bench. And Honda has finally started offering navigation and an iPod connection with the car, making it more appealing to the young demographic to which the car should appeal.

Read our review of the 2010 Honda Element EX.

Previews for next week's Geneva auto show announced this week, including a hybrid concept from Lotus, a diesel hybrid concept from Hyundai, an electric personal mobility vehicle from Honda, and the Audi RS5. We take a drive in another Audi, the A3 TDI.

• The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept debuts at Geneva

• Hyundai's diesel-electric hybrid dream car

• Honda 3R-C is part motorcycle, part Segway, all weird

• 450 horsepower Audi RS5 announced for Geneva

• Mini becomes the unofficial iCar… Read more

Someone at Honda's been watching too much "Akira," because the automaker's latest electric vehicle concept looks a lot like the main character Kaneda's bike with training wheels.

Created by Honda's research-and-design facility in Milan, the 3R-C concept is an inverted trike that is powered by a battery electric drive train and seats a single passenger. When parked, the driver's seat and controls are covered by a clear canopy for added security and protection from the elements. This canopy rises and slides forward to become a windshield when the vehicle is in motion, protecting … Read more

Honda dumbfounded the motoring press with the strange body style of its new Accord Crosstour, but after getting up close and personal with the car, we understand it. The body style is certainly unique and hard to get used to, but the practicality of the rear hatch/trunk is undeniable.

Underneath and inside, it's all high-trim Accord, with the addition of all-wheel drive. In that respect, it should give Subaru, a company that did excellent sales during the recession, a run for its money.

Read our review of the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L.

Not prone to building outlandish or highly speculative concepts, Honda showed off a very mundane concept version of its upcoming new Odyssey minivan at the Chicago Auto Show. The real thing is coming out this fall, so the concept is fairly close to production trim.

Honda notes that the new Odyssey will be lower and wider than the current version, improving aerodynamics and fuel economy. Some versions of the car will get 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, according to Honda. But it sounds like the powerplant options will remain unchanged, as Honda says the current i-VTEC V-6, with … Read more