Honda Jazz 5-dr hatch range

HONDA has righted almost all of the old Jazz wrongs with the second-generation version, out now in three models kicking off from $15,990.

Besides boasting an all-new body and interior, many of the mechanical elements have been overhauled, including the steering and suspension for a marked improvement in driveability and ride comfort.

But the Jazz still looks, feels and fits like the little Honda that reset class benchmarks back in 2002, and the latest iteration – apart from the odd minor quibble – appears set to do the same again in 2009.

Model release date: August 2008

HONDA turned the light-car market on its ear with the first-generation Jazz.

Relocating the fuel tank from under the rear seat to the car’s centre liberated packaging space, making the little Japanese runabout a sort of automotive Tardis.

Engine choices were a SOHC 61kW/119Nm 1.3-litre or 81kW/143Nm 1.5-litre four, with five-speed manual or industry-leading CVT auto.

Three five-door hatchback models were offered – GLi, VTi and VTi-S, with a minor facelift and specification upgrade arriving in late 2004.

Production moved from Japan to Thailand two years later.

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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.

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Honda Jazz GLi 5-dr hatch

HONDA is the economy car expert par excellence, as the original Civic demonstrated to devastating effect back in the mid 1970s.

Similarly, the 2002 Jazz showed the others how to build and present a light car, without making the owner feel as if they have skimped on quality.

Now there is a new-generation version, with more power, safety, space, refinement, and strength, bundled up in an attractive and extremely easy-to-live-with package.

We spend a long time in the cheapest version – the manual GLi – to see if Honda is still at the top of its game.

Model release date: August 2008NOTHING short of a revolution, the original Jazz was a breath of fresh air with its incredibly spacious and stylish interior, crisp styling, and excellent fuel economy – particularly in base GLi guise.

A 61kW/119Nm 1.3-litre SOHC 16V four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to either a nifty little five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT Continuously Variable Transmission.

Unfortunately, for keen drivers, there was little appeal in the vague steering and busy ride.

However, equipment levels were generous for an entry-level model, and included ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, power windows, air-conditioning and central locking.

A facelift was introduced in late 2004, while production switched from Japan to Thailand for all Jazzes from early 2006.

Your monthly motoring magazine; sometimes irreverent, always creative and not afraid to have a good time.

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Honda Motors Company History

Honda Motors Company Ltd. is a Japanese-based car maker registered as a public multinational corporation currently stationed at Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Honda was founded by Soichiro Honda on September 24, 1948. Soichiro was a mechanic and a self-taught engineer who first worked at a Japanese tuning shop named "Art Shokai."

Soichiro, at first worked on developing a piston that he could sell to Toyota, but his first attempt was rejected by the Japanese car maker. After the first rejection, Soichiro worked hard to perfect the design of his piston and a few years later it was accepted by Toyota. After this, Honda opened his own factory which was later damaged by the earthquake. Shortage of gasoline supply due to World War II had further worsened Honda's business situation. Due to this, Honda had failed to sell his cars.

Despite the initial failure, Honda's decided he would attempt to attach a small engine to a bicycle. This instantly became a hit. Honda's idea would eventually lead to the invention of the motorcycle. Honda received the needed capital and began producing the first batch of motorcycles. These events marked the actual start of the Honda Motor Company. Due to stable sales and rising demands for his products, Honda had emerged as the world's largest producer of motorcycles in 1964.

Honda then ventured into developing the company's own version of automobiles. It was in August of 1963 when Honda started the production of his first automobile. The first model that was produced was the T360, a mini pickup truck that was powered by a 356 cc straight-4 engine. Two months after that, Honda was able to produce his first ever car, known as the S500 sports car. The S500 was a rear-wheel drive vehicle driven by chains, just like a motorcycle.

After a few decades, Honda extended its production to other products. At the present, Honda is producing products such as automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. Aside from these, the company has also ventured into the production of engines, robots and air crafts, however, its automobile production still remains as one of the largest globally distributed products.

Honda opened its first store in the US in the year 1959. This was established in Los Angeles with only 6 employees. After a few years, Honda's sales in the US had increased and the demand for the products they sell had increased, which led to further expansion. Due to this, Honda established more stores in different areas of the US to meet the needs of its growing customers.

At present, the American Honda Motor Company is currently based in Torrance, California. This regional division of the Japanese car maker is now in-charge of the production and distribution of Honda vehicles all over the US. In Canada, all of the company's sales and production efforts are handled by Honda Canada Inc., which is based in its corporate headquarters at Markham, Ontario. In addition to this, there is also Honda of Canada Manufacturing, based in Alliston, Ontario.

As of now, Honda has many assembling plants all over the globe. Some of these are located in Asia, America, and Europe. With this expansion, Honda emerged as the second largest Japanese car maker in 2001, surpassing Nissan. In August 2008, Honda was able to surpass Chrysler's sales and production. This made Honda the fourth largest car manufacturer in the US and the sixth largest all over the globe.

Honda's position as a leading automobile manufacturer however was affected by the March 2011 earthquake in Japan. The effect of this natural calamity has somehow crippled Honda's production and even forced some of the company's assembling plants to slow their vehicle production down. Honda has subsequently recovered from this particular challenge and is currently making its way back to producing more vehicles and meet the demands of its consumers worldwide.

For now, Honda offers an impressive vehicle line-up, consisting of the Civic, Accord, Insight, Fit, Odyssey, and the CR-V worldwide. Each of these vehicles vary depending on the region where they are purchased. Many of the vehicles vary in engine, accessories and options in order to meet the needs of that particular area.

In the US market, Honda is still experiencing higher demands for its Civic, a line of compact cars which is also the company's second-largest nameplate. This model has been competing with the Toyota Corolla since it was first introduced to the market and up to the present. In order to provide US consumers with more car choices, Honda has introduced other models such as the Fit and the Accord. Both of these models are currently experiencing impressive sales in the US.

In terms of SUV, Honda continues to produce its Pilot and Element for the US, while its production of trucks is only limited to the Ridgeline, since the demand for this type of vehicle has gone down. This is also the case for the minivan. Honda is currently offering the Odyssey as the sole minivan model, since only a few consumers would want to buy this type of vehicle.

In order to tackle the issue of the continuing rise of gasoline prices, as well as the rising environmental concerns about harmful effects of carbon emissions on the natural environment, Honda has also made several hybrids with better fuel economy. These vehicles are composed of the Civic Hybrid, FCX Clarity, Insight, and the CR-Z. Aside from these, Honda is also exploring the possibilities of producing vehicles that are powered by engines that use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas.

Given these efforts and operational strategies, Honda Motors Company Limited Still remains as one of the most reliable and prestigious car manufacturers in the world that continues to look for ways to provide car finders with vehicles that suit their diverse needs.

 

 

 

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