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Honda Civic

Honda Tosses Three Models

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The car model carnage continues.

The Honda Civic Coupe is on its way out.

Automotive manufacturers have been dropping car models left and right as consumers continue to show a preference for utility vehicles and trucks. Through 2020, the American Honda Motor Co, Inc., has largely escaped the carnage, but that’s about to end. Indeed, there are three car models slated for cancellation, including one nameplate that will soon be gone altogether. Automotive News [subscription required] broke this story last Friday.

Honda Shuffles Its Product Line

The first model slated for cancellation is the Fit, Honda’s subcompact and smallest model. Introduced in 2007 and slotted beneath the Civic, the Fit recaptured much of the size and thriftiness of the original Civic. This four-door hatchback has served the brand well and has also undergone several updates. An all-new Fit is already in place in markets across the world, but the United States will not get one. Consequently, Fit production in Mexico will end. Honda will now expand production of its tiniest crossover, the HR-V.

Honda’s first car model for the U.S. market was the Civic, launched in 1973. It was small, fuel-efficient, and reliable, traits that soon made it one of America’s most popular cars. The Civic line has grown and changed body styles since, with a coupe, sedan, and hatchback comprising its model line. This three-prong approach has worked well for Honda in a segment where few competitors offer anything besides a sedan. Unfortunately, the coupe won’t see the 2021 model year, as Honda says it will stay with the sedan and hatchback. However, there is good news: an all-new Civic is on the way next year.

Honda’s largest car model and a strong volume driver like the Civic is its midsize Accord sedan. This vehicle is stylish, roomy, and loaded with tech features. Arguably, it is the best model in its segment. It is also one of the few cars still offering a manual transmission, as its Sport model delivered one with a choice of 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines. That six-speed manual, though, had a very tiny take rate. As such, it also won’t see the 2021 model year. In effect, Honda shuts the door on midsize models with manual gearboxes, following the Toyota Camry and Mazda6 which did so several years back.

Honda Looks Ahead

By adjusting its product line, Honda follows the vast majority of other manufacturers by cutting car models. But there are some exceptions as Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia hold the line.

As a matter of fact, with the Fit gone, the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio will have one less competitor to battle. The Ford Fiesta is already gone, while the Chevrolet Sonic is also in its final year. Some manufacturers, such as Fiat Chrysler don’t offer a subcompact, although the Fiat 500 is small enough to occupy the “micro” segment.

Just as Honda cancels some models, it is doubling down on others. For instance, beginning in 2021, the Honda Pilot features a 9-speed automatic transmission across the entire trim line. Gone is the base six-speed automatic that seemed out of place.

Civic Type R Limited Edition

We’ll soon see the Civic Type R Limited Edition, a performance model limited to just 600 models. Offered exclusively in a Phoenix Yellow patina with gloss-black accents, this hot Honda features 20-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels set within Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, a Honda LogR Datalogger System, and recalibrated steering for enhanced control and improved feedback.

What’s significant about the latest Type R is that it is 46 pounds lighter, which should help it win back the Nürburgring Nordschleife laurels it lost to the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R in 2019 for the fastest time of any front-wheel-drive model in the world. The revised Honda will continue with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which carries a 306 horsepower and 295 pound-foot of torque rating. Power travels to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

See Also — Honda CR-V: Is This the Best Small Crossover?

Photo copyright American Honda.

History of the Honda Civic

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The first-generation Honda Civic, a right-hand hatchback.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

A casual look at the automotive landscape over the past half-century and you will see how the Japanese automakers have penetrated the US market to become the automotive powerhouses that they are known as today.

From humble beginnings in the late 1950s to its market strength today, companies such as Honda, Toyota and Nissan have introduced dozens of models, including some that are the industry’s best sellers. Honda itself has achieved great respect in America for introducing fuel-efficient and high-quality small cars including the Civic.

Originally a subcompact model, the Civic has grown into a compact line with near midsize interior room, a vehicle that is also built in America.

American Honda History

Years before Honda began selling automobiles in the United States, this Japanese manufacturer established a U.S. subsidiary, American Honda Motor Co. in 1959. The company established its headquarters in Los Angeles and immediately began to market its line of motorcycles. By the mid-1960s it was an established leader, adding trail bikes to reach a younger audience.

In 1969, Honda introduced its first car, the N600, to the Hawaiian market and then to three western states, including California. Originally sold through motorcycle dealerships, Honda realized that Americans preferred shopping for cars through car dealerships, something it began to do in 1973 as the Honda Civic went on sale.

The fourth-generation Civic was sold from 1987 to 1991.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

First-Generation Honda Civic

Honda’s entrance into the US car market was perfect timing. When the Honda Civic, its first widely available model went on sale, America was experiencing the first of two gas shortages that sent up fuel prices and had consumers looking at smaller, fuel-efficient cars. The Honda Civic was an all-new model, replacing the Honda 1300 it had sold in Japan.

The original Honda Civic was introduced in 1972 as a 1973 model, that vehicle was available as a coupe, a three-door hatchback, and a five-door hatchback. The first-generation Honda Civic featured an 1169 cc engine and had power disc brakes, reclining front bucket seats, and an AM/FM radio, equipment not offered or costing customers extra in competing, mostly American models. Immediately, Honda established a reputation for providing value, laying the foundation for model and brand success.

Winning New Customers

Honda’s success with the Civic can be attributed to several things including delivering a high-quality vehicle at a competitive price. Three years after the Civic was introduced, Honda stretched the hatchback’s wheelbase and created the Accord. Both models fueled Honda’s ascendancy and enabled this Japanese automaker to conserve costs by interchanging many parts between the two models.

Honda’s strategy with the Civic also included updating this vehicle frequently with product cycles as short as four years where six years was the industry norm. This allowed Honda to set the pace among small car producers and win new customers to the brand.

The seventh-generation Civic was offered from 2000 to 2005.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

The second-generation model was introduced in 1979, coming in larger and with a 1335 cc engine. It offered a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission, something only its Japanese competitors offered.

Honda continued to build up and out the Civic line, through the 1980s and 1990s, adding different body styles including wagon and two-seat variants. In 1996 a natural gas model was introduced.

Modern Honda Civics

By 2000, the Honda Civic had completed its sixth generation, with a newly refreshed seventh=generation model released just before the turn of the millennium. That vehicle was sold in coupe and sedan configurations with a special Si three-door hatchback also available. It also marked the beginning of the Civic’s move from a subcompact to a compact model, following the Accord’s earlier move to a midsize model from a compact.

The seventh-generation Honda Civic also welcomed its first hybrid model, outfitted with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and paired with a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid was rated at 38 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

Honda began stretching out the model generations for the Civic beginning with the seventh-generation edition, taking five years before the eighth-generation model was introduced. By then, the Honda brand was adding new models including its first pickup truck and a midsize crossover model.

The tenth-generation Civic includes a sporty coupe.

The eighth-generation model, introduced in 2005, assigned the coupe and sedan to one platform and the hatchback to a different platform. Throughout the 2000s the Honda Civic maintained its status as one of the top 10 best-selling cars in the country, typically competing with the Toyota Corolla as the top-selling compact.

In 2011, with the introduction of the ninth-generation model, Honda continued to offer gasoline and natural gas models, and also brought back the Civic Hybrid it had discontinued briefly a few years earlier. In 2015, Honda rolled out the tenth-generation Civic, available in sedan, coupe, five-door hatchback, Si trims, and Type-R models.

Tuners and Modifiers

Through the years, the Honda Civic has won numerous awards including Car of the Year recognition from Road & Track, Motor Trend and Automobile magazines. It has also been recognized as a top tuner car, a category that describes vehicles that are fun to drive and modify, according to Popular Mechanics.

Mugen Motorworks, a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary, has long been at the forefront of tuning Honda engines including those that power the Civic. Civic fans are known for swapping out their original engines for higher-displacement Honda engines in a bid to compete with the Volkswagen GTI, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution, the Scion tC, and other models.

More than four decades have passed since the Honda Civic took to America’s roadways. This model has grown and evolved through the years, but it hasn’t lost its status as having one of the best resale values of any car on the road.

See Also — Specifications of a 2013 Honda Civic Coupe

America’s Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2017

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New vehicle sales dip slightly in 2017.

Ford F-150 Raptor
America’s top-selling model in Raptor guise.

US passenger vehicle sales fell by 1.8 percent in 2017, the first year-over-year loss in seven years. However, the drop was modest and certainly wasn’t a surprise. In 2017, 17,230,436 new sales were recorded, down from a record 17,550,394 in 2016.

Light trucks, composed of pickup trucks and SUVs, dominated as sales rose by 4.3 percent to 10,897,511 units. On the other hand, car sales continued to fall, dropping 10.9 percent to 6,332,925 units. Clearly, consumer preference is with trucks, which now account for nearly two-thirds of new vehicle sales. The following is our Auto Trends breakdown of the top 10 selling passenger vehicles in America in 2017 with statistics compiled by Good Car Bad Car.

America’s Top 10: 2017 Calendar Year

1. Ford F-Series — For the 41st consecutive year, the F-Series is the best-selling truck and vehicle in America, led by the F-150. Notably, sales climbed by 9.3 percent finishing at 896,764 units sold. Further, add in Canadian and Mexican numbers and total sales topped one million units.

2. Chevrolet Silverado — Ford’s lock on the top spot seems assured for many, many years as Silverado sales finished a distant second at 585,864 units. That’s a difference of more than 310,000 vehicles. Even when accounting for the twin GMC Sierra’s 217,943 units sold, Ford easily makes more full-size pickup trucks than GM. We’ll see a new Silverado and Sierra this year, with a sizable sales increase likely to follow.

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport
Nissan’s Rogue now includes this smaller Rogue Sport model.

3. Ram 1500/2500/3500 — Ram’s full-size pickup truck topped the half-century mark for the first time on 500,723 units sold. Fiat Chrysler’s bestseller hasn’t been updated since 2011, but a new model is on the way and should likely help sales continue to grow in 2018.

4. Toyota RAV4 — Toyota’s best-selling model for the past two decades was the Camry sedan, but in 2017 those sales came in flat despite the release of a new model. Taking the top spot is the compact RAV4 crossover with 407,594 units sold for an increase of 15.7 percent.

5. Nissan Rogue — Hot on the heels of the RAV4 was the Nissan Rogue, registering an even stronger increase based on Rogue and Rogue Sport models. Indeed, for 2017, Nissan sold 403,465 units, reflecting a whopping 22.3-percent increase. Furthermore, this was the first time any Nissan model passed the 400,000 unit sales mark.

6. Toyota Camry — For 2017, the Toyota Camry remains America’s best-selling car with sales of 387,081 units. That’s down just 0.4 percent. Here, much credit must be given to the all-new 2018 model, which narrowed those losses considerably.

2018 Toyota Camry
The 2018 Toyota Camry marks the start of a new generation.

7. Honda CR-V — Three models account for the majority of Honda sales. For 2017, the CR-V took over the top spot, edging out the Civic by 609 units. On sales of 377,895 units, the CR-V posted a respectable 5.8-percent gain for the year.

8. Honda Civic — The Honda Civic was one of just a few car models registering a year-over-year gain in 2017 with 377,286 units sold. Specifically, the Civic recorded a 2.8-percent sales increase for the year.

9. Toyota Corolla — Sales of the compact Corolla finished at 329,196 units, down 13 percent. The Corolla swapped places with the Civic as sales fell by nearly 50,000 units.

10. Honda Accord — Unlike the Civic, Accord sales fell in 2017 to 322,655, registering a 6.5-percent drop. Like the Camry, the Accord is also new and that fact may help sales stabilize in 2018.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Pacifica sales enable Fiat Chrysler to dominate the shrinking minivan segment.

2017 Auto Trends, Looking Ahead to 2018

Other changes of note in 2017 included the continued demise of the once popular minivan segment. Notably, overall sales dropped below 500,000 units as most of the big players registered declines. The Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Pacifica accounted for nearly half of all sales, however. Also, the Nissan Quest exited the market.

Two brands continue to stand out above the pack. Subaru sales pushed the brand ahead of Kia and just behind Hyundai, as the Japanese automaker has seen sales increase for 73 consecutive months. Audi continues to take a bigger chunk of the luxury market, although Mercedes-Benz remains the top-selling premium marque in America. Audi’s sales streak reached 98 consecutive months of month-over-month gains in December.

Looking ahead, we see Jeep sales rebounding in 2018, largely on the strength of new Wrangler and updated Cherokee models. Moreover, if Tesla gets its manufacturing act together, Model 3 production might help overall sales increase by as much as four times what they currently are. Look for additional collaboration between manufacturers this year. We’ll see a new factory open in South Carolina (Volvo) with Toyota-Mazda announcing the location of their much-anticipated manufacturing plant for either Alabama or North Carolina.

See Also — Rogue Sport Delivers a Difference for Nissan

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

America’s 10 Best-Selling Passenger Vehicles

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A look at the year-to-date best-sellers through June 2017.

2017 Ford Super Duty
The Ford Super Duty is all-new for 2017 and is a
significant contributor to overall Ford F-Series sales.

The US auto market is slowing down and will most likely finish below 2016’s peak numbers. Still, somewhere between 16.8 and 17 million new passenger vehicles will likely sell as the books close in early January — that’s still an impressive range.

To that end, let’s take a look at America’s current crop of the 10 best-selling cars, trucks, and SUVs, with statistics supplied by GOOD CAR BAD CAR and confirmed by the manufacturers.

1. Ford F Series (429,860) —- Ford’s full-size pickup trucks are right where you expect them to be: on top. Indeed, for four consecutive decades the F-150 and similar models have led the pickup truck sales pack. In many years, this truck has been the best-selling passenger vehicle, bar none. Year-to-date (YTD) sales are up 8.8 percent for a model last redesigned in 2015 (2017 for Super Duty models).

2. Chevrolet Silverado (262,940) —- The Chevy Silverado has long been in second place behind the Ford F-150. However, in some years the Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin outsell Ford, allowing GM to claim the full-size truck crown. This year, sales are down 3.9 percent for a model last overhauled in 2014. A new model is about two years away and it can’t come soon enough as Ram may move ahead of Chevrolet for the first time.

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue and this Rogue Sport combine to deliver
strong sales for this aspiring model line.

3. Ram Pickup (250,443) -— That the three top selling models in the US market are full-size pickup trucks may surprise some, but given how strong this segment is, the hold these three have isn’t. What is surprising is that Ram sales are up 7 percent, demonstrating that demand for a model redesigned in 2009 and renamed in 2011 continues unabated. A new model is due out in 2019.

4. Nissan Rogue (195,689) -— The biggest gainer this year among the top models is the Nissan Rogue. Now comprised of Rogue and a smaller Rogue Sport model, sales are up a whopping 31.4 percent. Redesigned in 2014, the Nissan Rogue continues to harness insatiable demand for small SUVs and they’re doing it with just one powertrain choice — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

5. Honda CR-V (187,726) —- Honda’s Accord and Civic models have long delivered a 1-2 punch for the automaker, but since CR-V sales began to surge five years ago, it’s now a 1-2-3 hit from Honda. The CR-V is now in the top position, benefiting from a 17.7 percent sales surge YTD. Helping matters is a 2017 overhaul, what makes this model one of the newest in the small SUV segment.

6. Toyota RAV4 (184,766) —- Like Honda, Toyota has also enjoyed a 1-2-3 punch. Like Honda, the compact RAV4 SUV has leaped the Camry and Corolla, and is now Toyota’s top-selling model. Up 11.4 percent YTD, the RAV4 is one of three compact SUVs that may outsell the Camry this year, the perennial best-selling car in America for most of the past two decades.

2018 Toyota RAV4
An all-new Toyota Camry debuts this summer. Will it be enough for this midsize sedan
to reclaim its top perch once again this year?

7. Toyota Camry (176,897) — Whoa! Toyota Camry sales are down 11.4 percent YTD and that doesn’t bode well for America’s top-selling car. Consumer tastes have shifted and cars are getting hammered. But there is hope — an all-new Camry is in production and some type of rebound is certain to follow. Whether that’ll be enough to close the near 20,000-unit gap between the Camry and the top-selling Rogue is not knowable.

8. Toyota Corolla (176,527) —- The Corolla was last overhauled in 2014. But like the Camry, sales are taking a hit, falling 7.7 percent so far this year. Unlike the Camry, a new model isn’t waiting in the wings. At least not this year.

9. Honda Civic (175,763) —- Honda shook the small car market in 2016 when a larger and more dazzling Civic made its debut. But sales are down 7.4 percent YTD as a once forgiving market reveals a harsh reality: even handsome cars can’t keep up with SUVs.

10. Honda Accord (160,091) — The only car to challenge the Toyota Camry in recent years has been the Honda Accord. Like the Camry, sales are down YTD and to the tune of 5.5 percent. Also, like the Camry, a new model arrives this year, bringing with it the possibility of a sales rebound before the year closes out.

2016 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is the best-selling luxury vehicle, but it doesn’t crack the
top 50 among all models. (Photo copyright Lexus)

Best of the Rest

The current top 10 may change before the year draws to an end. The Ford Escape occupies eleventh place, just 4,000 units behind the Accord. The twelfth through fifteenth positions include the Nissan Altima, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Equinox, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Of these four, the all-new Equinox has the best chance of moving up as the year winds down.

See Also — YTD: The Five Best Selling Midsize Models

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Premium Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra Limited

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Hyundai’s compact sedan turns another chapter.

2017 Hyundai Elantra
2017 Hyundai Elantra.

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is all new, a compact sedan introduced in the early 1990s. Now in its sixth generation, the front-wheel drive Elantra continues to push the envelope in a competitive segment, by offering premium touches for this mainstream model.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai prices the 2017 Elantra from $17,150 and that’s $100 less than the 2016 model. As of publication, you can get the Elantra in SE ($17,150), Eco ($20,650), and Limited ($22,350) trims. The Sport edition arrives later, a model Hyundai says will be better suited to take on the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. No word yet on whether Hyundai will bring back its special Value edition.

For my weekly driver, a Hyundai Elantra Limited edition was supplied, a fully-loaded sedan with a sticker price of $27,710. Yes, small cars now come with bigger prices, especially when you choose one optioned with all the bells and whistles previously not offered in this segment.

Beyond the $22,350 base price, said test model was outfitted with a tech package ($2,500), a $1,900 Ultimate package, and with $125 carpeted floor mats. We’ll look at these two packages later.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

Size Differences Minimal, Design Changes Maximized

The size differences between fifth- and sixth-generation models are nearly negligible. Both models sit on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, although the new model is nearly an inch longer overall. The width of the 2017 editions comes in a full inch wider and its height is 0.2 inches taller.

The most noticeable changes to the exterior can be found in the front fascia as the new model has a one-piece trapezoidal grille instead of the previous small upper grille and the large lower grille. The current expression now parallels that of the midsize Sonata sedan and includes new headlamps with LED daytime running lights and updated embrasures housing the stacked jeweled LED fog lamps.

Sharp creases along the hood as well as on the profile supply this model with definition. Hyundai relaxed the previously flared wheel wells, effectively providing the Elantra with an enhanced formal presentation. From the rear, the 2017 Elantra features a trunk lip spoiler, wraparound combination lamps, and reflectors.

Make Room for Five

Inside, room is for five. The expected bucket seats are up front and a 60-40 split-folding bench seat is in the rear. Cloth seats are standard; the Limited edition features leather seats. A power driver’s seat with lumbar support is standard across the model line.

As for the driver’s perspective, the cabin is sensibly ordered with switches and other controls located on the door, on the lower dash to the left of the steering wheel, and on the face of the steering wheel. The instrument panel is composed of two analog displays — tachometer and speedometer — with a digital driver’s information center between the two.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai orders the center console by placing the color display at the top and flanking it with the air vents. Beneath that are knobs and switches for controlling the audio system, followed by climate control. At the base of the console is a covered storage area, large enough to hold your smartphone. You’ll find USB and auxiliary ports as well as a 12-volt outlet inside.

Splitting the front seats is the transmission stick, two cup holders, and an armrest/storage compartment with a USB outlet. All four doors come with drink holders and storage compartments. Two additional cup holders can be found in the rear seat’s center fold down compartment.

Standard and Added Equipment

The 2017 Elantra comes well equipped, at least when you move beyond the base model. That base edition equipped with a manual transmission has 15-inch steel covered wheels, keyless entry, power accessories, a tilt and telescopic steering column, air conditioning, and map lights. Beyond the base package, you can upgrade to get Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera with guidelines, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, heated outside mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Upgrades in some models translate into standard equipment in the Limited edition. This means the test model was outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirror turn signal indicators, chrome trim, LED taillights, Hyundai Blue Link telematics, and dual USB charging.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

I mentioned earlier a $2,500 tech package. Here, you get an 8-inch color display, an 8-speaker Infinity audio system, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The $1,900 Ultimate package brings in HID headlights with dynamic bending light technology, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, lane keep assist, and an integrated memory system for the driver’s seat and the side mirrors. By the way, those side mirrors tilt down when you shift into reverse, a nifty safety feature typically found only on luxury models.

Beyond the $125 carpeted floor mats, other accessories available include a first aid kit, a trunk cargo net, wheel locks, rear bumper appliqué, an interior light kit, and an automatic dimming mirror with HomeLink and Blue Link.

Two Engine Choices, a Third is on the Way

Gone is the previous 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. In its place is a 2.0-liter, four cylinder making 147 horsepower and 132 foot-pounds of torque; a sportier version of the same was previously offered. You can still get a 6-speed manual transmission if you want one, but it’s available with the base edition only. Otherwise, a 6-speed automatic is your sole choice in the SE and Limited editions.

The all-new Eco model brings in a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 128 horsepower and 156 foot-pounds of torque and pairs it with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. As for the upcoming 2017 Elantra Sport, word has it that it will be powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, one specially tuned to shine in the segment.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

Take this sedan on the road and you will find the engine optimized for fuel economy, not for power. Hyundai does considerably well in the fuel economy department and typically offers one model with the power credentials to go with it. The SE, Eco, and Limited are not it — you’ll need to turn your eyes to the Sport when it arrives later this year.

That said, the 2017 Elantra provides sufficient power as you move away from a dead stop. If you floor it and expect a huge burst of power in return, you’ll be disappointed. Nevertheless, this sedan moves down the road with precision and you won’t fear being overtaken by a fast approaching semi. Steering and handling is fairly uninvolved.

Hyundai does supply drive mode select — normal, eco, and sport — what allows you to adjust the engine and steering inputs. With the former, you’ll notice longer shift times between gears. With the latter, a certain “heaviness” is experienced in the steering.

One problem not apparent is torque steer — this sedan stays the course at all times. As for braking, it is firm to the touch with only minimal brake fade noted.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

Parting Thoughts

As for considering the Hyundai Elantra, you can’t go wrong with having it on your list. The standard 5-year, 60,000-mile new car warranty is the best in the industry as is the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. These warranties were rolled out when consumer perceptions were still behind the tremendous improvements Hyundai had been making in quality and reliability throughout the 1990s and 2000s. That Hyundai hasn’t curtailed its warranties means extra value and security for the buyer.

When it comes to choosing your Elantra, consider your basic package and build it from there. The biggest challenge to the Elantra may not come so much from the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and other competitors, but through the value proposition afforded by the midsize Sonata. Indeed, you can come away with a well-equipped Sonata for under $26,000, which is lower than the Elantra Limited, while also offering a roomier interior and equivalent fuel economy.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

  • Sticker price from $22,350
  • Price as tested: $27,710
  • Seats 5
  • 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine
  • 147 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM
  • 132 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,500 RPM
  • 3.19 inches bore by 3.82 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 12.5-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
  • Length: 179.9 inches
  • Width: 70.9 inches
  • Height: 56.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: 95.8 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 14.4 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: Not Recommended
  • EPA: 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 14 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 2,767 to 2,857 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+ (2016)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Montgomery, Alabama

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

US Auto Trends: First Half 2016

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Is the US automotive market at its peak?

Jaguar F-PACE
Jaguar’s first-ever SUV is pacing the brand.

The dust has settled following June’s US auto sales manufacturer reports, giving analysts ample fodder to examine the current auto trends. As you probably already know, light truck and utility vehicle sales are up, while car sales are down.

Yet, there are some models bucking the trend and there is a very good chance the perennial car category leading Toyota Camry may lose its top spot this year as car shoppers pursue the all-new Honda Civic. The Ford F-150 continues to dominate truck sales, while the Toyota RAV4 is now the best-selling utility vehicle in America.

Let’s examine the top auto trends for the first half of 2016:

1. Chevrolet’s controversial F-150 attack ad isn’t working. Late this spring, Chevrolet launched its most aggressive attack ad against the Ford F-150 we’ve seen in years. Advertisements show both the F-150 and Silverado trucks lined side-by-side as rocks and later a toolbox were dropped in each bed. The aluminum-based F-150 suffered serious damage, while the steel-based Silverado held up. In June, F-Series sales rose by 28.6 percent while Silverado sales fell 3.7 percent. Through the first half of the year, the F-Series is enjoying double-digit growth. Not so for the Silverado, as sales are off 0.8 percent for the year. Consumers appear to be ignoring the Chevrolet ad.

Cadillac XT5.

Two new models are lifting the Cadillac brand.

2. New Cadillac models are on sale, reviving the brand. Cadillac has a pair of new models to show for it: the XT5 crossover and the CT6 sedan. The Cadillac XT5 is the replacement for the SRX, while the CT6 is the all-new flagship for GM’s luxury brand. As expected, sales of the XT5 are running strong and have already helped the Cadillac brand reverse course. Brand sales are still down through the first half of 2016 (9.5 percent), but the new models may go far in helping Cadillac regain lost market share.

3. Buy a car, save a great deal of money. Car sales continue to fall, dropping 11 percent in June alone. Shoppers have made it clear they prefer utility vehicles and pickup trucks over coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons. Unless you are absolutely set on a certain body style, you may be overlooking some tremendous deals on cars. Even before incentives are considered, the smallest utility vehicles start around $20,000 and that’s about $5,000 more than the smallest cars. But that’s only part of the story — many models such as the Ford Fiesta offer cash back in addition to 0 percent financing. Choose a slow selling model such as the Hyundai Elantra, a compact sedan, and you may qualify for $2,750 in discounts for a car priced from $17,250.

4. Jaguar and Land Rover are a force to be reckoned with. The UK’s twin Jaguar and Land Rover brands are on fire, lighting up sales and at a pace far ahead of the competition. Combined sales are up 18.7 percent through June with the Jaguar brand up 40.3 percent alone. Two new models, the XE sedan, and the first-ever SUV — the F-PACE — are unleashing the cat. Land Rover has long outsold Jaguar by 4-to-1 in the US, but the greater momentum is with this traditional car brand. Don’t be surprised if the F-PACE is followed quickly by a second SUV, slotting in above the current one. Other manufacturers need to take notice: the two quintessential British brands are winning new customers and often at their expense.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe.

5. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury pack. Among luxury makes, three brands are constantly vying for top honors: BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. All three have taken the top crown in recent years, but this year Mercedes-Benz is pulling away from the pack. Mercedes’ sales are flat through June 2016 as it has sold just 39 more cars to date than last year. The luxury segment is getting slapped as car shoppers turn away from cars and to utility vehicles. Still, sales are slipping over last year. BMW sales are down 9 percent and the brand has sold nearly 25,000 fewer vehicles to date than Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is also down (4.6 percent), but with just 2,000 fewer sales than BMW. Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Audi, Infiniti, and Volvo are among the luxury brands gaining market share.

6. We’re seeing signs of plateauing. Automakers love to paint rosy pictures and offer upbeat predictions. They have to, otherwise shareholders will take them to task. After bottoming out in 2009, US auto sales have risen year over year since. It isn’t common to see sales rise constantly from one year to the next for more than five years. Sales are up 1.1 percent through June, so we’re on pace for our seventh consecutive year of increases. Still, there are troubling signs out there as brands such as Mazda, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Mini are down year to date. Toyota may be the most surprising of the four as it adjusts to decreased demand for its bread-and-butter Camry as well as for its hybrids. Are we seeing the first signs of a recession in this election year? You need to go back eight years to September 2008 for when markets began to slide.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The Toyota RAV4 is now the best-selling utility vehicle in the US.

The Race to Year’s End

To finish in positive territory this year, automakers must count on two things: 1), the financial markets remaining stable, and 2), consumer interest staying strong. If the first becomes unstable, it will immediately affect the second. At the same time, consumers may delay their purchases if they even get a whiff of potential instability. This year’s election cycle is an important one and if the candidates stoke fear or instability, the markets will undoubtedly react.

Recent News — Are Pull-Ahead Lease Offers a Good Deal?

First three photos copyright the respective manufacturers; Toyota RAV4 photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

It’s a Buyers Market for Small Car Shoppers

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Some of the best deals are for small cars.

You might have your eye on that small SUV, but if you’re trading up from a compact car the incentives for small cars are very strong as we reach the heart of the spring selling season.

Consumers continue to shift their interest from cars to trucks and SUVs, and that means demand for the former has fallen, while interest in the latter is soaring. And if you know anything about the impact of supply and demand on prices, incentives follow the low-demand vehicles.

2016 Jeep Renegade.
2016 Jeep Renegade priced from $17,995.

Dodge Dart Discounted, Models Realigned

For example, sales of the 2016 Dodge Dart are down by about one-third year-over-year through the first three months of this year. Further, the entire segment is down by just over 5 percent and would be much worse off if Honda hadn’t updated the Civic. Notably, Civic sales are up 30.8 percent and have moved ahead of the previous category leader, the Toyota Corolla (down 7.1 percent).

To help move Dart sales, Dodge is doing a couple of things:

1. Incentives are strong, depending on region. Some models are marked down by up to $3,250. Low-rate financing is also available. Visit the Dodge website, enter your zip code, and check out the discounts in your area.

2. Three trim levels instead of five. Just past the halfway mark of the model year and the 2016 Dart now has two fewer trim levels. The three remaining trims were renamed and given engines to correspond to each level. Likewise, Dodge shuffled content, cut prices, and spread its package options across all three lines. All in all, the result should be a model better positioned to compete in a very tough segment.

2016 Honda HR-V.
2016 Honda HR-V priced from $19,125

Financing and Cash Back Incentives

Toyota incentives also vary by region. In my area (southeast USA), the current deal is 0 percent financing for up to 60 months or 0.9 percent financing for 72 months. But those incentives are better elsewhere, including in Los Angeles, where Toyota is offering $1,500 cash back or low-rate financing. Furthermore, attractive lease offers are in play as well.

Demand for small SUVs is up 6.3 percent year-to-date, a modest number. But the biggest gainers are found in the entry-level, subcompact SUV segment as those sales are up a whopping 78.7 percent. Of course, there are four new products in the mix and are driving sales. These are: the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, and the Mazda CX-3. The segment has expanded to accommodate the new models as customers shift their interest from small cars to SUVs.

Despite the strong sales, there are incentives on some of the smaller SUVs. At present, Jeep is offering 0 percent financing plus $1,000 cash back on 2016 Renegade models. The brand is also jockeying for market share, hence the discount.

Honda isn’t offering any special deals at the moment for the HR-V, but it is providing a lease deal on its hot-selling Civic. As for financing deals, Honda simply says “Please see your local Honda dealer for available offers.”

Incidentally, both segments offer comparable passenger and storage room, hence the comparison.

Dodge Dart.
2016 Dodge Dart priced from $16,995.

Sample Dodge Dart Savings

Using the Dodge build and price configurator, I spec’d out a mid-grade Aero model ($21,095). I then added the $1,250 6-speed automatic transmission and immediately that cost was fully offset by an “applied offer.” The net price came in at $22,090.

For a better deal, go to the next-level Dart GT and the discounts climb to $2,750 and the final price actually comes in lower at $20,340. You also get a larger and more powerful engine, while saving nearly $1,700 off the Aero price. With smart negotiating you can get the price down even lower, probably below $19,000.

Chevy v. Chevy Price Comparison

Of course, comparing models takes some theatrics, especially if the brand under consideration doesn’t offer both a subcompact SUV and a compact car such as Chevrolet and Honda do.

Chevrolet may offer the best example of the price differences between compact car (Cruze) and subcompact SUV (Trax). The 2016 Cruze is priced from $16,120 and the Trax starts out at $20,300.

With the Cruze, discounts of $1,000 and 1.9 percent financing apply to the LS Manual ($18,995) on up. Choose the Trax and you’ll get a $500 purchase bonus and you may qualify for 2.9 percent financing. Typically, you’ll pay about $4,000 more for a similarly-equipped Trax versus the Cruze. Add another $1,500 for all-wheel drive, available only with the Trax.

To sum up, similar-sized cars and SUVs offer significant price differences, especially after all incentives have been taken. If you really want an SUV, then by all means shop for one. But if you’re on the fence and money is a factor, bargaining down the price of a compact car can make a significant difference for your budget.

Sales figures courtesy of GoodCarBadCar.net.

Hot Wheels: Is Your Car More Likely to be Stolen?

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Car theft is on the decline, due to better security, including GPS tracking systems. For owners of older vehicles, those models remain targets, largely for the value of those separate parts.

Car thieves continue to do their work despite a significant increase in security systems and GPS technologies that can help thwart or track stolen vehicles. However, it is the older models that are more routinely stolen either for a lack of security apparatus or due to the value of the parts once the vehicles have been dismembered.

Last week, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released its annual list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The yearly “Hot Wheels” report is based on data supplied to the NICB by law enforcement and includes state specific information based on make, model, and model year.

Help Me Honda

By far, the two most purloined vehicles were the Honda Accord (51,290) and the Honda Civic (43,936). These two models routinely finish atop the annual list and nothing changed in 2014, the year the report examines.

Honda Civic: hot wheels

A fifth generation Honda Civic. Source: Wikipedia

A pair of pickup trucks finished in third and fourth place, with the full-size Ford pickup (F Series) tallying 28,680 thefts to 23,196 for the competing Chevrolet Silverado. The Toyota Camry (14,605), Dodge (Ram) pickup (11,075), and the Dodge Caravan (10,483) took the next three spots.

The top 10 was rounded out by the Nissan Altima (9,109), Acura Integra (6,902), and the Nissan Maxima (6,586).

State Statistics Released

On a state level, the NICB hot wheels data revealed some startling information. For instance, more than half of all Accords and Civics stolen were hoisted in California. California is by far the most populous state, but it represents just one-eighth of America’s population.

California, like Arizona and Texas, had a disproportionate number of thefts, likely due to cars being taken to Mexico where recovery is nearly impossible.

Theft Trends by State

Although the two Honda models finished on top in many states, Auto Trends dug through the hot wheels data and found some interesting trends in other states.

Ford F-150: Hot Wheels

A circa 1995 Ford F-150. Source Wikipedia.

For example, the Ford F-150 was the top target of thieves in several states, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, West Virginia and Texas. The Chevrolet Silverado (and preceding full-size models) were tops in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

In Wisconsin, three Dodge models took the top three hot wheels positions — Caravan, Stratus and Intrepid. One model that hasn’t been produced in well over a decade, the Plymouth Voyager, accounted for 162 thefts. The greatest number of those models stolen were from the 1999 model year.

Hot Wheels: Easy Pickings

Most of the stolen models date to the 1990s with Accords, Camrys and Civics of that era especially desirable to thieves. However, advanced technologies are making it harder for thieves to steal cars, thus the number of newer vehicles stolen has been falling sharply.

2014 Toyota Camry: Hot Wheels

Among more recent models, the 2014 Toyota Camry
is a theft target. Source: Toyota.

Yet, thieves will grab a new car if they can. The NICB also tracked the top 10 2014 model year vehicles and found that 964 Ford F Series pickup trucks were stolen, followed by the Toyota Camry (869), Ford Fusion (819), the Chevrolet Impala (746) and the Nissan Altima (687).

Other 2014 models that were targeted in greater numbers included the Dodge Charger, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, and the Ford Focus. The NICB also included a scooter/moped made by the Taotao Industry Co. with the statistics, as some 592 units were stolen.

NICB: Layers of Protection

As always, the NICB urges Americans to use common sense in a bid to not be added to the hot wheels statistics. This means keeping vehicles locked and never leaving the keys in the ignition. Tracking, warning and immobilizing devices are also useful deterrents. Thieves may work hard to take your vehicle, but they’ll aim for the easiest targets too.

Meticulous Product Changes Propel Honda

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Help me Honda.

For much of the first two decades of Honda’s US marketing thrust, the brand relied on just three models and variants of the same for its business: Civic, Accord and Prelude. But by the late 1990s, Honda’s product line had doubled. Today, there are 10 lines of vehicles and more changes are in the offing. We’ll take a look at the most recent changes as well as what’s in store for the months and year ahead.

Honda HR-V

The all-new Honda HR-V is already a segment leader.

From Strength to Strength

No automaker is strong in every category, but if there is a weakness Honda finds a way to make the necessary improvements.

This year, Honda is releasing two all-new crossover utility vehicles. The Honda Pilot is its midsize SUV and has been completely redesigned for 2016. With room for up to eight, the Pilot now offers an available 9-speed automatic transmission paired with a direct-injected 3.5-liter, V-6 engine.

A new top-of-the-line Elite edition brings in LED headlights with automatic high beams and a blind spot indicator. All models provide a rearview camera, keyless entry and push-button start.

Honda’s strongest SUV is its CR-V, a compact model that is also the best seller in its class. Despite stiff competition from the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox and the Nissan Rogue, this model continues to outpace its competitors.

The CR-V theme has now been applied to an even smaller model known as the HR-V. Based on the subcompact Fit platform, the HR-V retails for under $20,000 and offers LED brake lights, heated side mirrors, roof rails and keyless entry is standard equipment. Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB audio interface are standard. The interior is roomy, seats five and fuel economy comes in at 35 mpg on the highway.

With the HR-V, CR-V and an all-new Pilot in the mix, Honda’s SUV offerings are solid. Indeed, in its first month of sales alone, Honda sold 6,381 HR-Vs, more than double the sales of the Nissan Juke.

Honda Civic

The Civic was Honda’s first automobile model sold in the US.

Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck

Clearly, the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck has not been a strong seller for this Japanese brand. It is sold in a market dominated by traditional, body-on-frame models such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and the GMC Canyon. That being said, Honda believes that there is a market for this truck .

The original Ridgeline was sold for nine model years from 2006 to 2014. That’s a long time to keep a model without presenting a new one. Instead of maintaining the old model, Honda canceled it while developing plans for a new Ridgeline, a vehicle expected to debut in Fall 2016 for the 2017 model year.

We don’t know a lot about the upcoming model other than that it will maintain its unibody construction. Spy photos shown here and teaser photos shown here demonstrate that the new truck will assume a more traditional look. It will retail for about $30,000, a starting price higher than its competitors, but in line with the more upmarket trim levels Chevrolet, Toyota and the others offer.

Honda CR-V

Along with Civic and Accord, the CR-V is a top seller for Honda.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Honda has long operated in Toyota’s shadow, especially where sales numbers and alternative fuel vehicles are concerned. The dominant Prius has put the squeeze on certain Honda products, including the Insight, a hybrid model canceled last year.

But the entire electric vehicle market is weak in the face of lower gas prices that are far below the historic highs we have seen in recent years. That means demand for some models remains too low to sustain them, thus Honda has canceled its Civic Hybrid and Civic compressed natural gas (CNG) models after the current model year.

Honda’s retreat in this segment is not a surrender. Instead, the automaker will concentrate its resources on maintaining its Accord Hybrid, although the plug-in version will not return for 2016. Its CR-Z hybrid will also stay around.

Upcoming New Models

The cancellation of two Civic models comes as the 10th generation Civic rolls out this fall. That new model will include its first ever turbo engine. Further, Honda says that it will achieve “…EPA highway fuel economy a few ticks above 40 miles per gallon.” That fact may not be significant right now, but it does put Honda in a strong place once fuel prices begin to rise.

Yet another Honda model is slated for a major overhaul. About the same time that a new Ridgeline makes is debut, the next generation Honda Odyssey will also roll out. Not much is known about this model, although rumors that it will share its platform with the Honda Pilot have been mentioned.

Honda Odyssey

A new Honda Odyssey is on its way.

Honda: Looking Ahead

Honda has long stood on its quality credentials to attract and retain customers. The automaker may not have the most exciting products on the market, but the company is well represented wherever it operates. Only Toyota matches Honda in most quality and reliability surveys, critical considerations for consumers who trust these brands to deliver the industry’s most dependable products.

See Also — Tiny Crossover Segment Set to Explode

Photos courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

Toyota Moving Forward With Scion Sub-Brand

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European Toyota Auris derived hatchback expected stateside.

Scion iM Concept.
The first teaser photo of an upcoming Scion concept.

Well, it seems like Toyota’s Scion sub-brand has some life left in it after all. Introduced more than a decade ago in a bid to help Toyota appeal to younger buyers, Scion initially bolstered sales, but has seen a sharp decline in recent years. This Generation Y marque has not kept up with changing consumer tastes and has been slow to introduce new models. That’s a recipe for declining sales, exacerbated further by giving Toyota dealers the option of not selling Scion products.

Not Killing Scion

With Scion on the ropes, Toyota could just as easily have killed off its niche player than to put in place plans to revive it. Toyota is going with the latter as it introduces a Scion iM concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show this November, a vehicle that could breathe fresh life into the brand. Toyota has shared very little about the concept, releasing a pair of teaser photos so far.

With so very little information to go on it is easy to make assumptions about a concept that most likely will become a production reality. Even so, that hasn’t stopped industry analysts from pointing to the Toyota Auris as the upcoming Scion product, a small hatchback based on the Corolla platform and sold in Europe. The Auris is recognized for its tight steering and sharp handling, due largely to its double wishbone suspension.

This second teaser shows more definition, including a sporty wheel.

Double Wishbone Suspension

A double wishbone suspension provides better wheel optimization through infinite adjustability, delivering low unsprung weight and improved negative camber. Considered by many as offering the best handling suspension design, you can find double wishbone suspensions on sports cars and in several compact models, including the Honda Civic. The system costs more than the usual MacPherson struts, but provides superior handling. For front-wheel drive models such as the Auris, that’s an edge driving enthusiasts demand.

Still, the Scion iM Concept must improve upon the Auris by delivering an exceptional model. The highly-respected British buying guide, WhatCar?, said of the Auris — “it’s pretty dull to drive.” The reviewers criticized its refinement, including the Auris’ cabin trim. They added: “The Toyota Auris is a decent car that should be painless to own. Unfortunately for Toyota, though, there are much, much better cars in this class.” Hopefully, the concept will point to a better car with corresponding improvements incorporated in the production model.

In Europe, Toyota sells the Auris with a standard 1.3-liter gasoline engine or optional 1.6-liter gasoline or 1.4-liter diesel engines. They also offer a hybrid version. Not one of those powertrain choices seems likely for the US. Instead, the Corolla’s current 1.8-liter four cylinder engine is a better choice, paired with a standard 6-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission. The hybrid is a slim possibility, but it won’t likely see the light of day as there has never been a Scion hybrid. So far, vehicle electrification has been reserved for the Toyota and Lexus brands only.

New Life for Scion

By bringing the Toyota Auris turned Scion iM to the US, Toyota would accomplish at least two things.

First, the new model would set the course for Scion’s revival. It might single-handedly burnish Scion’s image like no other model sold today.

Second, the iM could halt, even reverse, the departure of Toyota dealers not willing to carry Scion. If the model turns out to be a fairly decent performer as some contend that the Toyota Auris is, then no Toyota dealer would dare disappoint customers by saying, “We don’t sell Scion.” Toyota dealers that had dumped Scion might also beg headquarters to carry the sub-brand again, especially if additional new product follows.

Future Scion Plans

Beyond the iM, Toyota has other plans for Scion that may be announced within the next few months. Its iQ city car has been a poor seller with sales falling by nearly half year to date and may be cancelled. A rumored FR-S convertible may be given the green light or at least a turbocharged option for the sport coupe it builds with Subaru.

Related Reading

Scion is Back With Two New Models to Show For It

Replacement Models May Bolster Scion

Scion iA, iM Enter Toyota Showrooms

Scion FR-S: Attainable Fun!

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motors.