The Honda CR-V

One of the most popular and reliable car manufacturers in the automotive industry right now is Honda. They are a popular Japanese car maker that has automotive plants all over the globe, including the US. One of Honda's most famous models is the Civic. However, Honda has also extended into the production of the sport-utility vehicle or SUV. At present, Honda's premiere SUV is the CR-V. The CR-V was originally built as a compact station wagon, but as the years have gone by, this vehicle has gradually transformed into a crossover and is currently sold to car finders in markets throughout the globe.

Brief History of the CR-V

The Honda CR-V was introduced to the automotive market in 1995. The CR-V was originally intended to be a niche vehicle. That was due in part because Honda was hesitant in marketing this model on a large scale. Honda was uncertain if the CR-V would be capable of taking the place of the Honda Passport as an entry-level SUV in the U.S.

Honda's worries were put to rest after entering the CR-V in the 1996 Chicago Auto Show. Car buyers and enthusiasts alike had paid close attention to the CR-V, which was thought to be a good indication of potential sales. In addition to this, Honda also began taking note of the successes Toyota's RAV4 had achieved when it was released to the market.

Due to these factors, the CR-V was released in the US in 1997, alongside other SUVs, such as the Subaru Forrester. Since then, the CR-V has started building its reputation as an in-demand and reliable SUV. As of present, Honda is about to release their fourth generation Honda CR-V, which has many new exciting features that are being offered.

What does "CR-V" means?

With all its success and popularity, there is still a question that remains uncertain about the Honda CR-V. What does "CR-V" mean? All through the years, Honda has yet to come up with a concrete answer as to what CR-V stands for. In fact there are a lot of interpretations as to what it stands for.

Many car experts have researched the meaning of CR-V. One of the possible answers could be "Civic Recreation Vehicle." This assumption was based on the notion that the CR-V was built on the Civic platform. Many observers believe that this vehicle was originally produced as an extension of the Civic line to satisfy the needs of Honda car finders who are after Honda-made SUVs. On the other hand, several sales literature's in the UK consider the CR-Vs acronym to stand for "Compact Recreational Vehicle", while the official fact book of Honda Japan CR-V states that it is an acronym for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle".

Despite the uncertainties connected to its name, the Honda CR-V still enjoys significant increases in demand, as well as new vehicle upgrades that improve its capability of being a great SUV.

4 Generations of Honda CR-Vs

As mentioned earlier, the CR-V is one of Honda's longest running models. To trace its history, here is a brief summary of the Honda CR-V's existence.

1. 1st Generation (1995-2001)

The first generation of CR-Vs were introduced in 1995 and production continued until 2001. In early production, the CR-V had only one trim and was powered by a 2.0L straight-4 B20B. That engine was capable of producing a maximum power output of 128 horsepower and 133 lb.-ft. of torque. Honda also used a uni-body chassis when they created their 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension. The interior is quite spacious and the rear seats can be folded to accommodate larger cargoes.

The external aspects of the first generation CR-Vs in the US was dominated by plastics, particularly in its rear and front bumpers, as well as the right and left fenders. After a few years, a new trim was offered for the CR-V and thus the EX trim was introduced. Honda had added some features to the EX trim which was not found on the LX trim. Other features included the anti-lock braking system. In this particular period, buyers were given two drive train options, front-wheel drive and the Real Time 4WD.

Honda has received a lot of criticism particularly on the CR-Vs lack of power to carry its 3,200 lbs. of weight. Due to this, Honda has used the 2.0L B20Z engine with a maximum power output of about 146 horsepower at 6200 rpm and up to 143 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm as a replacement. With this engine, the recorded fuel economy ratings were 23 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Despite the change in engine and increased power, the price of the CR-V remained the same, which encouraged more car buyers to purchase this SUV.

In terms of safety, the 1995-2001 CR-V models have only obtained marginal ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is because the results of the crash tests conducted by the IIHS revealed that there is a great possibility for the driver and other car occupants to incur left leg injuries. The agency has also noticed that the dummies used, went through the airbags during the collision and this could possibly cause minor concussions. It only earned a good rating in the vehicle's capability to provide chest protection to its occupants. Due to these not so impressive findings, Honda was encouraged to improve the safety features of future CR-Vs.

2. 2nd Generation (2002-2006)

Based on the negative feedback the first generation CR-V received, Honda introduced the fully refreshed version of the CR-V in 2002. These vehicles were considered as the second generation CR-Vs. These models were based on the platform used by the seventh generation Civic and the former engine was replaced by the K24A1 engine. The new engine produces 160 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite the increase in power, this model of the CRV has retained its fuel economy. This was made possible by using the i-VTEC system.

After these improvements, the CR-V was only subjected to minor changes up to 2004. The CR-V has once again received a major face lift in 2005 and the SE trim was added to the two existing trims. The improvements implemented were focused on the vehicle's wheel size, taillights and headlights, as well as other external changes. There were also revisions made to the CR-V's interior in 2005. That included the mounting of audio controls on the vehicle's steering wheel, the stereo was changed, and the rear seat headrests were revised to improve the driver's view of the rear.

In terms of safety, the second generation CR-Vs sold in the US were equipped with front-seat mounted airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors to protect all of the occupants. Honda had also installed ABS, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Assist, and the Electronic brake force distribution systems.

3. 3rd Generation (2007-2011)

The third generation CR-V was introduced in 2007. This CR-V model is shorter, lower, and wider, compared to the previous models. The reduction in length was achieved by removing the CR-V's spare tire from the rear and was transferred underneath the rear cargo area. The moving of the spare tire had also reduced the vehicle's center of gravity.

Honda had also changed the engine used on the third generation CR-Vs. The earlier model engine was removed and the 2.0L 4-cylinder version was used. This engine produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque which is stronger compared to the previous maximum power output. Due to this engine revision, the fuel economy ratings of the CR-V have declined to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

For CR-Vs sold in the US, Honda had dropped the manual transmission in exchange for the automatic. With this transmission, the CR-V has obtained better shifting and more manageable handling.

Due to these improvements, the Honda CR-V became one of the best-selling SUVs in the US in 2007. In fact, the CR-V has beaten some of its closest competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Tahoe. It even reached the point that the CR-V became the number one selling vehicle in the US by beating the Ford Explorer in terms of the number of demands. The Ford Explorer has been the best-selling SUV in the US since 1991 only to be beaten by the CR-V in 2007.

4. 4th Generation (2012)

The fourth generation CR-V will be released in the US during the later part of this year. Honda has even released a photo of the upcoming model to tease car buyers. In its newest model, the CR-V has made significant changes to its exterior design. The cars curves and lines were further improved to give the vehicle an upscale and tougher look. This version is also expected to be more fuel-efficient compared to the previous models.

BMW Engines Prove Their Quality

Everyone who knows about cars knows this, BMW makes high performance cars that are top of the line quality. BMW has been providing this level of quality since it started rolling out cars in 1916. One may ask how BMW's quality stacks up against the rest of the competition. Try 4 out of 8 size categories taken by BMW at this year's prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards 2011. This is against stiff competition such as known automakers Audi, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Fiat, and others. Voted on by 65 judges from over 32 different counties this award one of the most sought after in the international car business. The engines are judged on every aspect of the engine including fuel economy, smoothness, performance, noise, and drivability Since 1999 BMW has taken 50 class category and overall awards at these ceremonies proving a long standing dominance in the international car world.

BMW took the 1.4 liter to 1.8 liter category with its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is in the Mini Cooper S making this the fourth year in a row that BMW has taken this category. The engine uses Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and a variable valve control using technology developed for BMW's patented VALVETRONIC system. At 1.6 L generating 184 horsepower this engine is the most powerful and efficient for its size.

The BMW 123d and the BMW X1 xDrive23d's engine, a 4 cylinder diesel, took the 1.8L to 2L category by providing a best in class 204hp. It did this in addition to providing excellent fuel economy and low emission levels. This makes it the second year in a row that this engine has taken the 1.8L-2L category.

In the next size class of engine BMW once again took an award for the second year in a row in the 2.5 liter to 3 liter category with its 3 liter V6 engine found in its BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, and the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. Utilizing a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct injection technology High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve control BMW managed to fight off competition by once again providing excellent power (320 hp) at a fuel efficient rate. The older version of this model have taken three of these awards and won overall in the years 2007-2008.

The naturally aspirated 4 liter V8 engine that is in the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Saloon, and BMW M3 Convertible has the most impressive streak of any of the engines BMW is running with a 4 year streak of dominance in the 3 liter to 4 liter category. This engine generates a huge amount of horsepower at 420. The BMW engine, aside from featuring excellent performance and impeccable efficiency, also has superior features such as Auto Start Stop function; brake energy regeneration and further Efficient Dynamics technologies that give the BMW engine a mercurial feel.

With its recent successes and history of remarkable quality and amazing performance, along with its drive to provide the best car to its customers, one can only expect that BMW will be back with a vengeance at next year's International Engine of the Year Awards.

The Difference Between A Toyota Camry And A Toyota Solara

Between 1998 and 2009 Toyota had two models of its best selling car the Camry. There was the standard Toyota Camry and the Toyota Camry Solara, also known as the Toyota Solara.

While these two cars share similar features, there were also several notable differences. This article will cover the history of the Solara and how it is different from the Toyota Camry. Here is what you need to know.

Toyota Solara Beginnings

Toyota began manufacturing the Toyota Solara in 1998 as a two-door, sportier version of the Camry. The Toyota Solara was a replacement for the Toyota Camry Coupe. Toyota created the Toyota Camry Coupe four years earlier, to provide a sportier option for people considering buying a Camry. Its main competition was the Honda Accord Coupe, a mid-sized car with sporty features.

As a replacement for the Camry Coupe the Solara featured a four cylinder engine with slightly more power than a standard Camry engine. The model also featured an upgraded stereo as well as sport options. A few years after introduction, Toyota added a Solara convertible to its lineup of mid-sized cars.

Toyota Solara Performance

As noted earlier the Toyota Solara had slightly more power than the Camry. Toyota also offered a V-6 option in 2002 for better performance. In terms of gas mileage a typical Solara got between 19-23 miles per gallon for city driving and 26-33 miles per gallon for highway driving.

By comparison, the latest Toyota Camry gets similar gas mileage. It gets 22 miles per gallon for city driving and 33 miles per gallon for highway driving.

Toyota Solara Exterior

The most notable difference between the Solara and the Camry was the exterior. The Solara was a two door car whereas the Camry was a four door car. The Solara also featured more sportier trim options. The Solara also had a more streamlined look to its exterior.

As mentioned before the Solara also had a convertible option. The convertibles typically had V-6 engines in them.

Additional Features

With the Toyota Solara you could also get some additional features. Options included sport suspension and performance tires, leather upholstery as well as a six-disc CD changer. You could also get 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Later models of the Solara, featured Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, navigation systems and MP3 support.

Toyota Solara Discontinued

Despite its unique style, Toyota decided to discontinue the Solara from its Camry lineup in 2009. This was due to dropping sales over the years. There was not much demand for sportier mid-sized cars with convertible options.

Despite it being discontinued, the Toyota Solara remains a popular vehicle for used buyers who are looking for a sportier mid-sized car. The car handles well and it is easy to find genuine Toyota parts [http://www.toyotapartscenter.net] and Toyota OEM parts [http://www.toyotapartscenter.net] for this vehicle since it shares many parts with the Camry.

Since this car is now discontinued there are questions whether Toyota will have a mid-sized coupe again in the future. As of know, Toyota features its standard Camry lineup along with a hybrid option.

Why Do People Love Hondas So Much?

Although many new automobile brands may have made their way onto the market in recent years, many consumers still prefer older and more well-known models. For many years, Hondas have been among the most popular vehicles on the road. According to numerous consumer reports, Honda is known for producing a wide range of vehicles that have excelled in various road tests across the United States.

Unsurpassed Levels of Quality

Many Honda owners are adamant that since they made the decision to purchase a Honda, they are not interested in purchasing or owning any other make of vehicle. Over the years, Honda has been able to offer consumers the best quality vehicles, some of which have been reported to drive over 300,000 miles before needing any engine work done. Interior finishes in them are usually also of excellent quality, making them one of the best brands of vehicle on the road today.

Excellent Safety Ratings

With most Honda models receiving nothing less than four-star safety ratings, it's no wonder these vehicles continue to increase in popularity. Features such as anti-lock brakes, all-round airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), active head restraints and lane change assist features help ensure the complete safety of the driver and passengers while on the road. More and more of the Honda models are seeing these safety features being included as standard during production.

Ensuring the Safety of all Occupants

Honda even takes the safety of their smallest passengers seriously with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, which ensures that a child's car seat remains in position in the event of a collision. In the event of there being a child or small adult in the front seat of the vehicle during a collision, Honda has an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that prevents deployment of airbags on the front passenger side in order to reduce the chances of injury.

Great Gas Mileage

With the price of gas rising constantly these days, one of the most important features car buyers are looking for is high gas mileage. Honda has been known to offer some of the best gas mileage rates in the automotive industry. This is an extremely important factor for those who commute long distances each day. By getting more miles to the gallon, Honda owners can rest assured that they are doing their part in helping reduce air pollution levels.

Great Looking Vehicles

Unlike many other auto manufacturers, Honda takes great pride in producing a range of vehicles that are not only practical and affordable; they also ensure that their vehicles are aesthetically pleasing. Honda prides themselves in producing vehicles that look unique as well as being an absolute pleasure to drive. For anyone who is in the market for either a new or pre-owned replacement vehicle, Honda should definitely be on their list of automobiles to be considered.

Most Honda owners are adamant that there will never be another brand of vehicle available that will match up to their expectations. If you are looking for reliability, safety and affordability in a vehicle, look no further than Honda.

Upgrading and Customizing the Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular and successful car models in the world. Many people regard the Civic as a good value for money, offering a combination of excellent performance, fuel economy, reliability and a good number of standard features. The Civic appeals to many people, from college students to elderly professionals because of its flexibility, dependability, and excellent performance. Because of the popularity of the Civic, it is relatively easier and cheaper to customize or upgrade this car due to the wide availability of Honda parts and accessories. Most Honda Civic owners are happy and content with their cars. On the other hand, many Civic owners would not mind a few alterations, either cosmetic or in the engine, to enhance either the performance or the look of their vehicles. There is a huge variety of options when it comes to enhancing the Honda Civic's performance or appearance.

If you want to upgrade, modify or customize your Honda Civic, you will find that there are many ways to do so. The three main reasons that Civic owners upgrade their cars are performance, looks and style. In terms of style and looks, you can transform your Honda Civic from a car that looks similar to thousands of other Civics on the road to one that could look like a completely different model. You can achieve this by installing performance body kits to your Civic. Body kits are accessories, such as bumpers, side skirts, and rear valance that you add on to your Civic to create a more muscled, aggressive look. Performance body kits give the Civic the look of a racecar. The drawback of performance body kits is that they can be very costly. However, body kits are merely cosmetic alterations. If you want your Civic to look good on the outside, then you must also want your car to perform as well as it looks. Interior modifications include everything from engine upgrades to audio systems.

Nevertheless, if you are on a tight budget, you can still achieve a fresher and more updated look for your Honda Civic without spending too much. There are inexpensive Honda Accessories you can use to create a more personalized look for your car. A new Honda Civic Bumpers, either chrome or monochromatic, can certainly give your car a sharper facade. You can even add in a new Honda Spoiler for a sportier look. One of the best ways to customize subtly the way your car looks is by installing Honda Hubcaps or wheel covers. With the wide variety of designs and styles available, you can surely find the perfect set for that perfect look you envision for your car.

Honda Accessories are available in various auto parts dealers all over the country, However, there is an easy and convenient way to shop for Honda accessories and other Honda Parts without having to pay a visit to your auto dealer across town. Online auto parts stores now offer a huge array of Honda auto parts and Honda accessories. They offer everything from Honda A/C condensers to Honda wheels. They also offer essential auto parts such as Honda headlights, Honda fuel tanks, Honda Radiators, Honda grilles, Honda hoods and many other Honda parts.

It is better to shop for auto parts from a company that knows its business thoroughly and is a known expert in the field. Inner Auto Parts is a renowned source of useful and relevant automotive information. They offer a comprehensive resource of everything about the automobile – the systems, its history, and other relevant topics. The good news is that Inner Auto Parts now has an auto parts store offering high quality Honda parts and accessories. Now you can easily find the high quality affordable Honda accessories you need to customize or upgrade your Honda Civic.

Best Replacement Parts for Toyota's Hybrid Vehicles Housed at the No. 1 Toyota Parts Store

Toyota has long promoted environment responsibility through its low-emission vehicles and manufacturing plants with "zero-landfill producing operations." With the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997, Toyota had taken a big step forward in its efforts to create more fuel efficient and environment-friendly vehicles. This feat is followed recently with the introduction of the Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Prius, being the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and the Toyota Highlander, being the first seven-passenger hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle, are great contributions to the industry. Having one of them as your own vehicle certainly brings not only driving satisfaction but a great sense of pride, too.

One of the country's leading auto parts supplier specializing on selling OEM-quality Toyota parts, Toyota Parts Online proudly brings to its beloved customers a comprehensive and updated line of automotive replacement and aftermarket auto parts for the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius. With the same commitment as Toyota, this Toyota Parts Discount store offers the most dependable products that could make your Toyota vehicle more fuel efficient, environment-friendly and more capable.

As Toyota's latest and most sophisticated models, the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius are sure to give you a more satisfying ride compared to earlier Toyota cars; however, these vehicles are in the same way vulnerable to a lot of car problems ranging from minor to major car damages. Accidents, too, would surely require you to replace some of the stock Toyota Prius Parts and Toyota Highlander Parts. This is where Toyota Parts Online is of great help to you and to thousands of Toyota owners who demand for excellence in their replacement Toyota parts needs.

Quality replacement parts available for your Toyota Highlander include Toyota Hood, Toyota bumper retainer, Toyota grill, Toyota radiator, and Toyota A/C condenser. For additional safety and style, you can add or replace your current Toyota headlights with first-class and stylish headlamps offered in this store. Also available are elegant-looking Toyota Euro Altezza lights, Toyota clear turn signal lamps, Toyota Projector Headlamps, Toyota clear corner lights for Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Pickup, Toyota 4Runner and other vehicles.

Believing in Toyota's dedication in providing its users the most dependable passenger cars, SUVs, vans and trucks, this Toyota auto parts dealer is proud to deliver the finest parts for various Toyota models, old and new alike. With their auto parts' tried and tested durability, you are sure to experience the same satisfaction you get from Toyota Parts Used in your Toyota vehicle. What's even greater is that you get all those parts at very exciting Toyota Parts Discount deals. Shopping for your Toyota replacement parts needs online has never been more fulfilling than buying them here at the country's number one Toyota parts dealer.

Electric Versus Traditional Car Engines

According to the EPA, a majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and trucks. In past years, gas from transportation is the second largest contributor. The United States' average commute is roughly 20 miles which translates to a 0.01 metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted for just one trip. Though seemingly small, this adds up fast throughout the year as everyone commutes. Out of all transportation, about 1,750,000 metric tons is emitted in a year. This statistic only includes the United States and is a dangerously high number.

The consequences of all the air pollutants does not come at no risk. The large amount of carbon dioxide emitted every year is what experts believe is the cause of global warming. The warming can endanger our health and can cause extreme weather such as higher sea levels due to flooding and droughts. Because oil is a non-renewable resource, it will only become more difficult to obtain, which will make the burning of gasoline even worse.

With all the seemingly negative effects of traditional car engines, there are some positives. Engines that run on gas will travel much further than an electric engine. All electric cars will only travel up to 100 miles on a full charge before needing to be plugged in again. If a consumer is not near somewhere they can charge, this can be a cause for concern to the individual. Charging stations have not become a commodity that is everywhere yet. Also, the price for a car with a combustion engine will be priced lower than that of a pure hybrid vehicle. The average price to buy the hybrid car brand new can reach up to $30,000, but a regular midsize sedan has an average price of around $18,000.

Although electric vehicles are priced significantly higher than the others, they will typically last several years longer than a gasoline based car. A battery in the electric car will last up to 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced. With no engine to give maintenance to, money is saved through the lack of oil changes and upkeep. In addition, brakes will last notably longer therefore making it even more cost efficient. Lastly, and most important, zero emissions will flow out from the electric vehicle. Some emissions are exuded to make the electricity to charge the car, but it does not compare to the greenhouses gases put into the air through combustion engines.

The demand for an all hybrid car has increased within the past decade, yet traditional cars still sell better. According to the EIA, electric cars sell at a very small fraction compared to gas cars. Yet, by 2040, the growth rate of electric cars is expected to be 11%, whereas conventional cars will only grow by 0.1%. Most family households are presumed to have the two types of vehicles in the future, one for traveling far distances and the other for riding around town. If these predictions are correct, transportation will no longer be a tremendous contributor of greenhouse gases and each individual's carbon footprint will not have as much of an impact on the environment.