CR-V or Pilot

Honda has one of the most attractive line-ups of "people movers" in the industry.   The Odyssey is absolutely the best mini-van on the market.  It offers very high reliability, drive-ability, fuel efficiency, safety and roominess.  The CR-V is consistently one of the top rated Compact SUVs on the market.

The Honda CR-V seats five passengers comfortably.  It has the best designed interiors of any Compact SUV.   US News and World Reports ranks the CR-V Number 1 for Compact SUVs.  Edomonds also rates the CR-V as the best in class.  The MSRP for the CR-V ranges from about $23,000 to $30,000.00.  

The CR-V is a very good handling Compact SUV. Its drive is very car-like.  The efficient 2.4L engine provides very good performance with a City MPG rating of 23 and a Highway rating of 31. The CR-V uses unleaded regular gasoline.  The Honda CR-V has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.  The all wheel drive version only subtracts one mile per gallon from the fuel efficiency.  

Honda offers the Pilot for those who need a third row.  The Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5L 6 cylinder.  The engine has a unique feature called VCM that when it reaches cruising speed, it shuts off three of the cylinders to provide additional fuel efficiency.  The Pilot is one of the few vehicles on the market that can provide seating for eight adults.  The Pilot is available in both two wheel and four wheel drive versions.   The Pilot uses unleaded regular gasoline.  The Honda Pilot offers a towing capacity of 5,000 miles.

For those interested in the Pilot's off-road capabilities, the following video is very good to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EctDyZGPRc

Many of my customers have purchased previously used CR-Vs and Pilots.   I will be happy to let you know what we have available on the lot.

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions

Honda Accord Sport

Honda vehicles are known to be reliable, safe, piratical and good values.   However, when people describe Honda vehicles, they don't often think of sporty.   Probably no car in Honda's lineup is more practical than the Accord.  The Accord is big enough for most families. It seats five comfortably.  It has lots of legroom and trunk room.   It gets great mileage and it has an unsurpassed record for reliability and safety.

There is a version of the Honda Accord that is sporty.  It is called the Honda Accord Sport.   The Honda Accord Sport is classified as a Sport Sedan.  A Sport Sedan is a sedan that provides sporty looks, good performance and better connection for the driver and the road. The Sport comes with 18 inch wheels, dual exhausts, a spoiler, paddle shifters (on the CVT version) and a set of fog lights.


The Accord is available either as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engine. Depending on the trim chosen, three transmissions are available: a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, or a CVT.  The CVT on the sport offers two paddles to simulate manual shifting

The Honda Accord Sport Coupe V6 is one of the few sedans available that offers a six speed manual transmission.

Here is a good "tounge in cheek" review of the Accord Sport

Here is a customer review of the Honda 2014 Sport

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions

How are Accords Built?

Here is a video where you can see how the Honda Accords are built:

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions

Crosstour

I have written several posts about Honda vehicles that are in big demand such as the Odyssey or the Honda Fit.  One vehicle that is often overlooked in Honda's line is the Crosstour.   During my Honda training, I was told that Honda developed the Crosstour because many men think the traditional SUVs as a woman's vehicle.  Men wanted something more car-like that could transport golf clubs, suitcases, and big dogs.  

I often get customers who love the Accord but ask about an Accord hatch back or they want something a bit bigger.  When I introduce these customers to the Crosstour, they fall in love. 

The standard engine in the 2014 Honda Crosstour is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 192 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. A 278-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is optional, and is paired with a six-speed automatic. The four-cylinder model gets an EPA-estimated 22/31 mpg city/highway.

Available Trims for the 2014 Honda Crosstour SUV

	Transmission	MSRP	Engine	City/Hwy MPG
EX	5 speed automatic	$27,380	192-hp / 2.4L 4-cyl	22/31
EX V6	6 speed automatic	$31,040	278-hp / 3.5L 6-cyl	20/30
EX-L	5 speed automatic	$31,065	192-hp / 2.4L 4-cyl	22/31
EX-L V6	6 speed automatic	$33,690	278-hp / 3.5L 6-cyl	20/30

The Crosstour is available in a all wheel drive version.

Here is a very good introduction video to the Honda Crosstour:

The Honda Crosstour is ideal for people who have a lot of hobbies, deal, have a lots of hobbies, love the outdoors, like a bit of performance in their driving and still want to be practical.  The best thing is that the Crosstour is probably going to be readily available on the dealer's lot so it is going to be easier to make a deal on the Crosstour than faster moving vehicles.   

I believe that the Crosstour is the practical enthusiasts car.   One more thing, the V6 AWD version can tow 1,500 pounds.

Please feel free to contact me to see the Crosstour in person and take a test drive.

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions

Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey has been the top rated mini-van almost from its first introduction.   What has really set the Honda Odyssey apart what is innovative third row that allows it to carry seven comfortably.  The third row folds flat when not needed to provide particularly generous cargo space.

The Odyssey is available in several different trims with a variety of options.   All customers wind up with the highly praised.  The Honda Odyssey can do 0 to 60 is 7.9 seconds which is quite impressive for a mini-van.   It has has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds   The engine 3.5 liter is rated at 248 horse power which translates to 250 ft-lp of torque. The Odyssey was redesigned in 2011 but was refreshed this year.  One of the most significant changes is the addition of a 6 speed automatic transmission.  This increases the MPG to 28 MPG highway and 19 MPG city.   When one considers the fact that this is a vehicle capable of transporting seven people, the cost efficiency of moving people is one of the highest in the industry.



Here is a very good video review for the Touring Elite which is the "top-of-the line".   Click the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u9V0tDmPic#t=214

In Northern Virginia, the Odyssey is one of the best selling vehicles at our dealership.   Units sell out quickly.   I actually sell more Odyssey's than any other vehicle.   Our dealership does offer Certified Used Honda Odysseys.   These can be a very good buy because they do come with Honda's extended warranty.

The Odyssey is admittedly an expensive vehicle.   When one considers buying a vehicle in this price range, reliability has to be a very important consideration.   Consumer Union highly rates the Honda Odyssey for reliability.   The following link lists out reliability of the Honda Odyssey by year.  This should be very useful if you do consider a used Odyssey. You can use this website to check out the reliability for other vehicles.

http://www.truedelta.com/Honda-Odyssey/reliability-113

The Honda Odyssey is one of those Honda vehicles where Honda is absolutely top of the heap.   Honda always ranks best for reliability, comfort, safety and resale value.   Sometime there are comparisons where the competition might have slightly better MPG or speed.   When it comes to the mini-van segment, the Honda Odyssey is the best in class.   Here is a very good source to learn about the mini-van segment:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Honda_Odyssey/

The Honda Odyssey starts at just under $29,000.  The top of the line Touring model can go for $46,000.   All versions come with the same wonderful 3.5 liter engine so the ride and efficiency for all models will be about the same.

Remember that this is a vehicle that is designed to take your kids from kindergarten to college.  This is one of those vehicles that never stops being practical.  Once the kids are in college, the Odyssey can tow a boat or RV around.   I love selling Odysseys because I know that the people who buy them will use them for many years.   Come on in or write me and I will help you find the model that is right for you.

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions

2014 Honda Accord

Buying a car is almost always about compromises.  The compromises can be about fuel economy, money, sportiness and many of other factors.   People who buy the Honda Fit are buying one of the most practical cars available.  It has lots of space, great fuel economy and great price.   Moving up to the Civic, you get a quieter car with more horsepower and generally more luxury. 

The Honda Accord is one of those cars where you don't have to compromise.  The Honda Accord is large enough to transport four people very comfortably and five people as comfortably as any mid-size car.

The Honda Accord gets the best mileage of any car in its class.   It is available as a four door and as a coupe.   The Honda Accord offers the choice of a powerful four cylinder or even more powerful five cylinder engine.   The base Honda Accord starts at about $22,000.00 with a manual transmission and $23,000 with a CVT.   I am always surprised just how close the Honda Accord is priced compared to the Honda Civic.


The Honda Accord gets an impressive 27 MPG in the City and 36 MPG on the Highway.  The Hybrid version gets an astonishing 50 MPG in the City and 45 MPG on the highway.

The Honda Accord was redesigned in 2013.  There hasn't been any official news on the Honda Accord 2015 but it is unlikely there will be any major changes.  



As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions.   Drop by Honda of Chantilly and introduce yourself.  I want to make your next car purchase your best car buying experience ever. 

Bunmi

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions

Honda's Philosophy

Honda requires that their Sales professionals take a very comprehensive course about Honda, its products, technology and philosophy.   Part of the course suggested that we take time to go over Honda's philosophy with customers.   

Crafted by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, the Honda philosophy forms the basis for all of our corporate activities.

The founder's of Honda believed deeply that a company must bring about benefits to society. The major initiatives that drove Honda are:

• Environment
• Safety, and 
• Society.

The car that put Honda on the map in the United States what the Honda 

Honda introduced a car that was able to achieve 40 MPG back when 20 MPG was considered high efficiency.  Back then, the Volkswagen Beetle was one of the most popular small cars and it got about 20 to 25 MPG.  The Ford Pinto got from 25 to 33 MPG.  

While most other car companies claimed it would be impossible to meet new pollution standards, Honda was not waiting for government to set standards. Honda was working on ways to improve car pollution back in the 1960s.  Honda introduced the CVCC engine that was the first to meet the new stringent pollution standards without needing a catalytic converter.   

Honda cars are among the highest rated cars available in terms of safety.  When compared to other competitors, after considering all other factors, Honda cars are almost always rated highest for safety in their class.  

Honda works to develop technology that will benefit society.   Honda's research in robotics, best demonstrated by Honda's Asimo.  The technology has led to many medical advances to help humans with disabilities.

The following comes from Honda's website and outlines the Honda Philosophy.   When you come to see me about your next car, please remember that you are supporting a company that is based on positive philosophies to benefit all of society.

It comprises a set of values that are shared by all Group companies and their employees, where everyone at Honda work to realize this philosophy and regard it as not only words, but as the foundation of their actions and decisions. Specifically, it consists of fundamental beliefs in terms of respect for the individual and the Three Joys, the company principle, and management policies.

Company principle

Maintaining a global viewpoint, we are dedicated to supplying products of the highest quality yet at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction.

Fundamental beliefs

Respect for the individual

Initiative

Initiative means not to be bound by preconceived ideas, but think creatively and act on your own initiative and judgment, while understanding that you must take responsibility for the results of those actions.

Equality

Equality means to recognize and respect individual differences in one another and treat each other fairly. Our company is committed to this principle and to creating equal opportunities for each individual. An individual's race, sex, age, religion, national origin, educational background, social or economic status have no bearing on the individual's opportunities.

Trust

The relationship among associates at Honda should be based on mutual trust. Trust is created by recognizing each other as individuals, helping out where others are deficient, accepting help where we are deficient, sharing our knowledge, and making a sincere effort to fulfill our responsibilities.

The Three Joys

The joy of buying

The joy of buying is achieved through providing products and services that exceed the needs and expectations of each customer.

The joy of selling

The joy of selling occurs when those who are engaged in selling and servicing Honda products develop relationships with a customer based on mutual trust. Through this relationship, Honda associates, dealers and distributors experience pride and joy in satisfying the customer and in representing Honda to the customer.

The joy of creating

The joy of creating occurs when Honda associates and suppliers involved in the design, development, engineering and manufacturing of Honda products recognize a sense of joy in our customers and dealers. The joy of creating occurs when quality products exceed expectations and we experience pride in a job well done.

Management policies

• Proceed always with ambition and youthfulness.
• Respect sound theory, develop fresh ideas and make the most effective use of time.
• Enjoy your work, and encourage open communications.
• Strive constantly for a harmonious flow of work.
• Be ever mindful of the value of research and endeavor.

A contemporary hero is someone who brings the most happiness to the most people in society

Some people might think that business management is about devoting yourself to making money, but this is not true. What's more important is the kinds of preparations you can make in the near future for the coming era. I think these preparations determine whether or not you're running the company well. Honda overcame difficulties in pursuing the combustion principle that started with our participation in the TT Race, and finally succeeded, passing on our achievements in the next era. So we didn't waste all our hard work and the difficulties we faced were not for nothing. They say, "No pain, no gain" and "No pleasure without pain," right? As for the matter of fulfilling your social responsibility, I think it's a question that corporations naturally have to address. An automaker should develop cars that do not cause pollution, as part of its responsibilities as a member of society. It's something you do as a matter of course. But in the real world, we often come across people trying to avoid doing what they should. I suspect that such unreasonable and unnatural behavior turns into a cause of conflict in many cases. I hope Honda will continue to be a company properly fulfilling its social responsibilities and that each Honda associate will be a person fulfilling all the responsibilities required of him or her as a member of society. If we can keep up this effort, I believe we'll be able to achieve lasting growth as individuals and as a company. We talk of heroes, but I think contemporary heroes are a different breed from heroes in the old days. I believe a contemporary hero is someone who brings the most happiness to the most people in society. Anyhow, regardless of the age you live in, respect for the individual is something that should always be the top priority.
(1973 Honda Company News (No. 134) "Special Event for Honda's 25th Anniversary: Discussion with President: Point of Origin of the 25 years")

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
Get Directions