Honda College Grad Program

You've put in the work, you spent the time and, heaven knows, the money, to get through school.  Congratulations are certainly in order, and Smart Honda would like to extend ours.  As you prepare to embark on the next phase of your life, wouldn't a new car be a great reward for all of your hard work?  And if you are going to buy or lease a new car, would it not make sense to buy one of the best and most reliable, vehicles on the road?

Honda has a fantastic program for recent and soon-to-be college graduates.  If you have graduated in the past two years, or if you will graduate within the next six months, with either a bachelors, masters, or associates degree (and meet necessary credit criteria) you can take advantage of the Honda College Grad Program and save an additional $500 (money down assistance or cap cost reduction) on any 2015 or newer Honda vehicle.  

Honda has so many great choices.  From the ultra-efficient and fun to drive Civic (the 2016 North American Car of the Year [1] and the Kelley Blue Book Overall Best Buy for 2016[2]), the 2016 HR-V (the 2016 Green Car of the Year[3], according to Green Car Journal).  

Stop by Smart Honda to find out more about the Honda College Grad Program

 [1] For more information, visit AutoGuide.com. AutoGuide.com is a registered trademark of Verticalscope Inc.

[2] For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc

 [3] For more information, visit greencargroup.com.  Green Car Journal is a registered trademark of  RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

KBB Honors Honda Civic, CR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) has announced their "Best Buy" awards for 2016, and Honda has dominated the market.

 The Overall Best Buy is the newly re-designed Honda Civic, and the Civic, CR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey were all named Best Buy in their respective category.   KBB's criteria for the Best Buy awards is exhaustive, and according to their website, includes "comparative market pricing, cost-to-own information, generational consumer reviews and ratings and, or course expert evaluations based on extensive driving experience.  

Regarding the 2016 Civic, KBB describes it as a "car you just want to be in, whether that' sin front or back".  The editors go on to compliment the Civic's "class-above" interior and exterior design, driver ergonomics, and fuel-efficient engines, and of course, Honda's long-standing reputation for high reliability and re-sale value.  

2016 KBB Overall Best Buy Award and Small Car Best Buy Award

The CR-V won for the Small SUV segment, the Pilot for Mid-Size SUV, and the Odyssey for Best Buy in the Minivan category.    

[1] For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

 

Zero Emissions. Infinite Possibilities.

 

 

  The driving force behind the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a combination of elements we use everyday. By using hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, the only by-product is water, therefore making this Honda more than just efficient, it's changing the game.  A compact fuel cell makes the refueling time short, just 3-5 minutes.  The interior is larger than the already roomy Accord and Honda Sensing comes standard. In fact, the Honda Clarity is the only fuel-cell vehicle to support Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.

  The Honda Clarity is engineered for efficiency. The Clarity fuel cell has a targeted driving range of over 300+ miles, thanks to a number of things, including its compact fuel cell, energy efficient LED headlights and lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels.**

 

 

While you wait for the Honda Clarity to hit stores, you can shop our current inventory at www.smarthondadesmoines.com or visit our store located at 11206 Hickman Rd. Des Moines, IA. 50325 where you can speak with a member of our Honda Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

***

[1] Anticipated range determined by Honda; production vehicle range rating to be determined.

[2] Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

[3] Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc.

2016 Honda Fit

  The 2016 Honda Fit is a five-door hatchback, the smallest Honda you can buy, and one of the best fuel-efficient cars on the road today. The Fit simply does what Honda has always done well, and it does many things better even than the last-generation car.

2016 Honda Fit at the Chicago Auto Show

 

 

   Pragmatic but attractive, the Fit isn't styled so much like a scaled-down minivan anymore. It's grown more toward the current state of the art in hatchbacks, with deep side creases, a shoulder line that accentuates the wedge in its shape, and a leaner, tauter stance. The stubby, short hood and long roofline draw out the longer body, and the glass areas are in better balance—as are the Fit's bigger wheels and tires.

  It's hardly the hush of a luxury car, but among small and affordable hatchbacks, the new Fit is noticeably more refined than its predecessor was. The Fit rides with a little more maturity than it has in the past, and keeps its responsive steering and handling, but the cost is that the driving experience isn't quite as tied to the driver's seat.

 

 

 

  One of the keys to the Fit's simply unparalleled interior flexibility is its so-called "Magic Seat" rear-seat setup. The setup brings a split folding rear seat that can not only flip forward but flip back and upward, allowing four different modes that cater to specific kinds of large cargo—including a unique Tall mode and a futon-like Refresh mode. Back seats are happy places for tall, lanky folks, too—more so than in many swoopy-roofline cars a size or two larger. In front, the Fit is more ordinary for its class.

 

 

 Shop our current inventory for your next Honda Fit at www.smarthondadesmoines.com or visit our showroom located at 11206 Hickman Rd. Des Moines, IA. 50325 where you can speak with a member of our Honda Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Preparing your car for Spring/Summer

 

  With winter FINALLY behind us, it's time to start thinking about summer roads trips. But first, you need to make sure your car is ready for summer road trips. Check out these tips below to make sure you won't get stranded on your first of many road trips.

1. Get rid of salt on the undercarriage.  Road salt can damage the undercarriage of your vehicle by eating away at it, so use a garden hose with as much water as you can to loosen grime and salt.

2. Check the tires.  Tire pressure changes about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in outside temperature, so it's important to check tire pressure after weather changes. You should never exceed the recommended tire pressure for your car.

3. Check the wiper blades.  Your wipers are worked hard all winter removing dirt and debris, including salt and spray from your windshield. Six months to a year is the usually life expectancy of wipers. Also, make sure you refill your wiper fluid.

4. Rotate the tires.  This is something that is relatively simple, but really important. Rotating your tires can extend the tread life and should be done roughly every 5,000-10,000 miles, but check your manual for the exact intervals. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires at every oil change.

5. Change the oil and oil filter.  Some manufacturers recommend using a heavyweight oil to help the engine perform more efficiently in hotter weather. However, you should always consult your owners manual for the best recommendation for your car. Make sure you also change the oil filter, since a dirty filter won't keep new oil clean.

6. Change the air filter. The air filter prevents dust and other debris from getting into the combustion chambers of the cylinders, resulting in wasted gas and weaker engine performance. A good rule of thumb is to change the air filters every six months.

7. Flush and fill your cooling system.  This is cheap insurance against engine failure. It's recommended that you flush your systems every two years or 24,000 miles. Again, consult your owners manual. Simply draining your radiator is not enough, it doesn't get rid of the grease, rust and sediments built up in there.

8. Check the radiator and gas caps.  Radiator caps don't last forever, so replace yours whenever you flush the cooling system. Pressure recommendations vary, so get the right cap for your vehicle model. Nearly 20 percent of vehicles have gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing altogether, wasting some 147 million gallons of gas every year. 

9. Check the battery and spark plugs.  Make sure all battery posts and connections are secure and free of corrosion. Dirty spark plugs cause misfiring, which wastes fuel. If you're planning a long trip, consider replacing the battery a spark plugs if they are more than two years old.

10. Clean the cabin.  It may seem like common sense, but appearances are important no matter the season. Get rid of all the debris that's been hanging out in your car all winter and then grab the vacuum! Remove all the mats to vacuum and wash outside. Don't forget about the trunk. Take out the spare tire and vacuum in there as well, but before you put it back check the pressure on the spare. Any grime, road dust or fingerprints have no appeal anytime of the year, so grab some vinyl cleaner and make sure you wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel and door panels.

  Whew! Now you're ready to wash and wax. Ordinary dish washing liquid and a clean, soft sponge will do nicely Make sure you use a different sponge though for the body and the wheels, you don't want to scratch your car. Or, there are plenty of reputable car washes around that will make your car sparkle and shine without you lifting a finger. Now, hit the road, you've earned it!

2016 Chicago Auto Show

  I had the opportunity to attend the 2016 Chicago Auto Show a couple days ago and Honda definitely represented. The new Ridgeline was present, the 2016 Honda Civic, the Fit and the HR-V were just some of the models that were at the show.

 

 

 

  Honda has made a big comeback and the 2016 Honda Civic has earned the title of "2016 North American Car of the Year".

   With a sporty 2016 redesign, Honda is back in the drivers seat (Pun intended). Upper-end models offer new turbocharged engines, a first for Honda in mainstream non-performance cars. Lower-cost versions come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 158 horsepower. Congratulations Honda!

   Honda is resurrecting the Ridgeline and we can't wait for it to hit the road. After debuting in 2005, Honda is taking another shot at the pickup segment and introducing the all-new, second generation Honda Ridgeline.  As did the previous Ridgeline, the new truck will be closely related to the Pilot crossover and share the same body platform. However, this time around, the Ridgeline will not only offer all-wheel drive but also front-wheel drive.

   The Fit proves that a small car needn’t be punishment for spending less, successfully mixing economy, versatility—and even a little mischief. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 130 hp; a slick-shifting six-speed manual is standard, while a CVT is optional. Rear-seat legroom is ample, and thanks to rear seats that fold flat, cargo capacity—at 53 cubic feet—is impressive, too.

   The 2016 Honda HR-V, the brands versatile and stylish crossover vehicle, has been named "2016 Green SUV of the Year" by Green Car Journal. The HR-V has been recognized for it's class-leading environmental performance.  The Honda HR-V is Honda's third vehicle to be honored by Green Car Journal in the past 5 years, joining Green Car of the Year award winners, the 2012 Civic Natural Gas and the 2014 Accord. Congrats Honda on yet ANOTHER award!**



   Honda was represented well at the Auto Show. Shop our inventory at www.smarthondadesmoines.com so you can represent Honda too! Or, you can visit our show room located at 11206 Hickman Rd. Des Moines, IA. 50325 where you can speak with a member of our Honda Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.


**Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors. For more information see GreenCarJournal.com .

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline

 

  Honda is resurrecting the Ridgeline and we can't wait for it to hit the road. After debuting in 2005, Honda is taking another shot at the pickup segment and introducing the all-new, second generation Honda Ridgeline. As did the previous Ridgeline, the new truck will be closely related to the Pilot crossover and share the same body platform. However, this time around, the Ridgeline will not only offer all-wheel drive but also front-wheel drive.

  In contrast to the original Ridgeline, which was somewhat awkward looking with buttressed C-pillars, a droopy rear end and a tailgate that seemed like it was one size too small, the completely redesigned 2017 Honda Ridgeline will look like a proper, four-door pickup.



Continue reading more here. Shop our inventory at www.smarthondadesmoines.com where you can also request more information about the 2017 Ridgeline. One of our Honda Certified Sales Team Members will be happy to answer any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.