By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Most vehicles reaching the fifth year of their life cycle are in need of replacement. Even with continual upgrades they are outpaced by newer and more up-to-date competing models and appear a bit long in the tooth. That’s why most vehicles these days are mostly on a five-year cycle, replaced by an all-new model in the sixth year.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

If Honda builds it, you can expect a quality product. The Japanese company has earned this enviable reputation over the past two decades with a string of exemplary vehicles.

So it’s no surprise that Honda’s 2004 mid-sized sport utility vehicle, the Pilot, is a solid and proven entry from head to foot.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Let’s list the things most people would desire when shopping for an affordable new car…

For most people the ultimate vehicle would be easy to drive, easy to maintain, comfortable in all driving situations, reliable, durable, safe and fuel efficient. And it would possess a good resale history.

But most people would think some compromises would have to be made. Finding the perfect car is probably like finding the perfect mate.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Now with gas prices reaching (unadjusted for inflation) record highs in 2005, the large numbers on a new vehicle’s window sticker will probably take on added importance to buyers.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Those of us who write about the auto industry often get asked what we consider the best sports car, or truck, or sport utility or whatever. People want us to come up with just one make. But there seldom is one suitable answer. There are just too many things to consider.

Today, however, we are prepared to answer a similar question with only one qualification. The question is: what one car line is most capable of serving all the transportation needs of a typical family?

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Last year Honda officials became alarmed with declining sales of the Accord. It was particularly upsetting because the Accord has for years been one of the top-selling cars in the U.S.

And for years the Accord sedan and coupe have been acknowledged by J.D.
Power and Associates and by Consumer Reports magazine as one of the best mid-sized brands sold in America.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Interstate 95 is among the busiest north-south arteries in the country.

Spend a day on I-95 and you will discover many things about your vehicle such as how it performs in emergency handling situations, how fast it brakes from 75 miles per hour and how quickly it accelerates out of the danger of onrushing traffic.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We applaud Honda for restraint in redesigning its small CR-V sport utility vehicle for the 2007 model year.

Restraint is in short supply in automotive circles. Sport utilities get more horsepower, more size, more seats, usually more weight and marginally less gas mileage with each new iteration. Staying the course is not business as usual for the industry.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — We stopped on one of those lovely tree-lined residential streets here to take some pictures of the new subcompact Honda Fit. A fitting backdrop considering the environmentalist nature of Santa Monica and its residents.

After a few minutes of trying to line the car up for the best picture, a home owner came trudging down his driveway. Instead of complaining about a camera pointed at his house, he was curious about the rather curiously styled little car.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Fun can be spelled in many ways. We just rediscovered one spelling — Honda Accord coupe with a manual transmission.

It’s a mouthful, but this tossable Accord is loaded with entertainment, otherwise known as fun on four wheels. While many people wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car without an automatic, this vast majority is missing out on a delightful experience.