How would you feel if your car gets suddenly swamped by mud and water right before your very eyes and there’s just nothing you can do about it? It’s that total helpless feeling that overcame an Englishman by the name of David Foster as he watched his Honda 4×4 get engulfed by the water and mud in Brean, Somerset.

Mr. Foster was just there to find a good fishing spot. I guess it was really a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time because unfortunately for him and his £25,000 car, the tide was already rolling in. During the investigation, he said that as he drove, the vehicle was so stuck in the mud that calling for help was not of any use. And even though the tide was already gone, the Honda 4×4 was still firmly stuck. The extent of the damage was so serious that driving it again is already out of the question. A recovery truck was called to pull it out.

Well, Mr. David Foster really did learn a lesson there, one that’s so painful on the pocket. Aside from losing his £25,000 to the mud and water, he also had to pay £3,000 for the two-hour retrieval operation.

This is a great lesson for families and vacationers who regularly go out for adventures. Always be sure it’s not the wrong place and the wrong time!
Photo Credit: Dailymail

Crossovers are great options for someone who’s looking for a vehicle for his family. This is because crossovers contain almost al the conveniences that a family needs for an enjoyable and relaxing road trip. Space, safety, and performance are all provided by crossovers.

Another example of a great crossover is the Honda Pilot. Ever heard of it? This full size crossover SUV that was first released back in 2002 as the 2003 model. It was built in Lincoln, Alabama where it’s now exclusively produced. Nut then, it was also manufactured for a time in Alliston, Ontario, Canada.

When it comes to appearance, the Pilot is not the most beautiful SUV to look at. Although it’s grille is kind of unique-looking.

However, its quality and durability cannot be doubted. The unit body construction is equipped with a fully independent suspension. Easy handling and smooth drive is also possible because of this. Now, the Pilot is both a front and four wheel drive vehicle. There are 4-trims available – LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, which are all equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 250-HP. This engine is matched with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Honda Pilot is worth taking a look at if you are looking for a vehicle that suits all your family’s needs.

Photo Credit: AOL

Between an SUV and a minivan, which would you choose? The answer to this usually depends on the purpose for which it will be used. When it comes to hauling family and cargo, the minivan is the best bet.

Now, if there are two minivans in front of you – a Honda Odyssey and a Toyota Sienna – and you were asked to choose between them, would your choice be the Od or the Si?

Photo Credit: Cars

Safety is a very important factor that a lot of people consider primarily in all activities they involve in; even more so when it comes to driving. Road and vehicular accidents are very prevalent these days so it is but natural for people to be wary about their safety when they go out for a drive.

Auto manufacturers understand this worry that is why they continue to develop safety features to make every car owner secure whenever and wherever they go for a drive. Honda for one is taking an active role in preserving road safety. Honda will be participating in the ITS-Safety 2010 public demonstration in February in Tokyo. This maker is all set to show its new line of Advanced Safety Vehicles that are installed with driving support features integrated with information technologies.

Here is the Press Release for complete information.

PRESS RELEASE

February 2009

Honda has announced that it will participate in the ITS-Safety 2010 public demonstration in February in Tokyo and demonstrate its latest line of Advanced Safety Vehicles that are equipped with active safety driving support features that utilize “information technologies.”

These Advanced Safety Vehicles are designed to exchange speed and positional information and other data between vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle communications), as well as between vehicle and road infrastructure (vehicle-to-infrastructure communications), to demonstrate its research into Human Machine Interface (HMI) that provides drivers with information which may help to prevent an accident.

Honda’s Advanced Safety Vehicle research model, based on an Odyssey minivan for the Japanese market, represents the next stage in the development of its vehicle-to-infrastructure driving support systems.

Systems include ‘DSSS,’ developed principally by the Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan (UTMS: overseen by National Police Agency); ‘Smartway,’ promoted by the Road Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT); and ‘ASV,’ promoted by the Road Transport Bureau of MLIT.

The Forza-based research motorcycle used in the same project represents a further evolution of vehicle-to-vehicle communications system developed from the previous model’s preventive safety technologies and further enhancements of the FACE and LONG conspicuity designs, which make motorcycles more noticeable and correctly identifiable to other motorists.

Moreover, the Honda IT Monpal 4 electric cart has also been equipped with wireless communication capabilities to take advantage of vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Honda will continue to move forward with research and development directed at the practical implementation of these component technologies.

Since January 2009, Honda has been participating in ITS-Safety 2010, a large-scale verification testing project for DSSS, Smartway, and ASV in Tokyo’s waterfront subcenter district and surrounding freeways.

 

Photo Credit: Taxi Design Network

Do you have a big family and your budget for gas is just not cutting it? Well, you need to find a way on how you can meet your family’s transport needs without compromising your budget. The best way of going about this predicament is finding a vehicle that allows you to achieve both. Since many auto makers are becoming aware of their customer needs, many of them are developing vehicles that are not gas guzzlers.  

Here is a list of minivans that are suited for transporting large families but do not use up that much gas. This list could be helpful for you if you are looking for a convenient means of transport for your whole family.

1.  2009 Honda Odyssey LX Passenger Minivan

This minivan is big enough to accommodate seven persons. It has all comfortable and adjustable seats, armrests, readings lights and other amenities for making the ride enjoyable. Honda didn’t scrimp in terms of safety because this minivan is equipped with three rows side curtain airbags, head restraints, and cruise control. Aside from providing comfort to you and your family, the 2009 Honda Odyssey is also capable of taking you to your destination with its 3.5L V6 engine coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Price is $26,255.

2. 2009 Mazda 5 Minivan

This family car operates using a 2.3L I4, 5-speed automatic transmission. This can pump out 153-horsepower that’s ample for taking your family out for an enjoyable ride. As you can see, it’s big. Your whole family will surely fit inside; just make sure that the tiny kids occupy the rear seat since it’s somewhat small. 2009 Mazda 5 Minivan seems affordable at a $15,000-$25,000 price range.

3.  2009 Chrysler Town and Country Minivan

I must say this is a very good-looking vehicle. It sports clean lines and contours that make it look modern. Its good-looking appearance is complemented by a luxurious interior. Inside is an impressive arrangement of instrument panel, door trim and soft-touch surfaces made of wood grain. It’s perfectly complemented by seats made with leather trim. A seating for seven persons is provided. Chrysler’s Town and Country Minivan offer a variety of engine choices – 3.3L V6 and 4.0L V6 – to power up the vehicle.

4. 2009 Toyota Sienna Minivan

This is another great-looking potential family car for you. It has the capacity to seat up to seven persons. It features front captain chairs and are made with armrests. All of the seats are adjustable though. It also houses creature comforts to make your whole family enjoy the ride. Safety is not compromised for it has 4-wheel anti-lock brake system and electronic brake force distribution. Under its hood is a 3.5L DOHC 24-valve VVT-I V6 engine partnered with 5-speed automatic transmission.