Honda Top of Best U.S. Cars List

The conclusion of a recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports that looks at the reliability, performance, fuel economy, comfort, interior fit and finish, and ergonomics of 262 vehicles recently tested and overall the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda. Only two automakers, Honda and Subaru, earned the distinction of having all of the models tested make the Recommended list. Since CR hasn't yet tested the redesigned Subaru Impreza and WRX, Honda is the only automaker whose entire model lineup is currently recommended.

Honda, with an overall score of 78, is followed closely by Toyota (75) and Subaru (72). BMW, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen are tied at 71, after rounding.

Honda earned the top score in the analysis because it builds very reliable cars that perform very well. Its average test score is only slightly under Volkswagen's and Mercedes-Benz's. And Honda is the only automaker to earn an excellent overall reliability Rating.

But not all of Honda's models lead their class in test Ratings. The redesigned Honda CR-V SUV, for example, can't quite match the top-ranked Toyota RAV4. The Accord was edged out by the Nissan Altima. The Honda Odyssey minivan scored slightly lower than the Toyota Sienna. And some of Honda's upscale Acura models trail their Lexus counterparts from Toyota. But Honda's strength is its consistency; its vehicles typically rate near the top of their categories.

For the full article, click here.

Gas Data for my 2005 Acura TSX 5AT

I'm a pretty scientific person. I like collecting data and analyzing it. For about a year and a half, I have been collecting my gas data. How much I pay, how many miles per gallon (mpg) I get, simple cost per mile, and etc. Well, today I'm going to present you with my results.

The following data was collected from July 26, 2006 to Dec. 22, 2007. My favorite gas station is Chevron. I filled up 30 times at a Chevron. Shell is in second place, but I don't like going there because of the one time I got "ripped" off by them. I used Shell 6 times in the last year and a half. 76 is third place, but I didn't fill up with 76 once for the past year and a half. All the other stations I don't care for too much: Exxon (3 times), Mobile (0 times), and etc.

Side Note: TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is the premier standard for gasoline performance. Six of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance.

Of the 39 times I filled up, all were premium (91) grade except for 9 times when I used just plus (89) grade. I would only put in plus when gas prices are outrageous, otherwise I would put in the recommended premium. Therefore, I used premium grade gas 77% of the time and plus grade 23% of the time. I wouldn't use premium at all if I had a choice, but my Acura TSX "requires" premium, even says so on the gas cap cover. =P

Price/Gallon:
Most expensive = $3.60 (Premium) on May 17, 2007 @ Chevron
Least expensive = $2.56 (Premium) on Oct 30, 2006 @ Exxon
Average = $3.14



Miles/Gallon:
Most: 23.91 miles/gallon
Least: 20.32 miles/gallon
Average: 22.15 miles/gallon



Simple Cost per Mile (price/gallon divided by miles/gallon):
Most expensive: $0.17
Least expensive: $0.11
Average: $0.14

Most miles on a tank before refilling: 310 miles (with about 4.052 gallons before complete empty). So ideally, I could get 20.32 * 4.052 = 82.34 miles + 310 miles for a grand total of 392.34 miles. Average miles on a tank before I refill = 268.60.

Comments: I have not doubt in my mind that my car can get 30+ mpg cruising on an empty highway, problem is I'm rarely doing that (gotta take a road trip in my car one of these days ;) ). The automatic Acura TSX is rated for at least 30+ mpg on the freeway, but every time I'm on the freeway, I'm stuck in morning rush hour traffic... or evening rush hour traffic. As you can probably understand by now, sitting still on the freeway won't get me more mileage than sitting still in the city. Sitting still anywhere results in ZERO mpg! These are my real life gas results.

There were a couple instances throughout the past year and a half where I got some Speed Racer spirit inside of me and pushed my car hard, may it be using the tiptronic shift or not. Usually when using the tiptronic, I'm pushing the car extra hard, revving towards redline and into the VTEC range. Enjoying driving like this results in very poor gas mileage.

After reading this USA Today article, I don't feel as bad putting in 89 instead of 91... maybe I'll start doing that more often this year. But if I really think about it, that will only save me at most about $200 a year, which isn't all that much. Skimming on gas to save $200 a year on something that I use everyday and hope to still use 10 years from now isn't so logical.

2005 Acura TSX Performance Specs:

Engine: 2.4 liters in-line 4 cylinder VTEC engine with double overhead cam, four valves per cylinder, and multi-point injection fuel system.

Power: 200 HP SAE @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 166 ft lb @ 4,500 rpm

Recommended Fuel: Premium unleaded fuel 91

EPA Fuel Economy: highway (mpg) - 31 / city (mpg) - 22

Fuel Tank Size: 17.2 gallons

For the full specs on the 2005 Acura TSX

Here is a thread at Acurazine.com discussing driver's real world mileage for the Acura TSX.

Acura Dealers Treat Customers Well

Acura dealerships ranked highest in the newly released 2007 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index(SM) Auto Industry Study, an industry-first study that measures how consumers are treated when shopping for a new car, SUV or truck. The survey covered the customer service regardless of whether or not the perspective buyer actually purchased a vehicle. The independent study evaluated and benchmarked shopping experiences at 1,592 mdealerships nationwide, representing all major brands. Following Acura were Land Rover, Saturn, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Nissan,and nineteen other brands at or above the industry average. Twelve brands finished below industry average.

Acura dealers were ranked consistently among the top brands for most of the 50+ sales process aspects evaluated by the study, and ranked first for giving prospects compelling reasons to buy from their specific dealership. Other brands led the industry in different areas. For example, Land Rover salespeople were most likely to provide a "walk-around" showcasing product features and benefits, and were also most likely to offer a brochure. Saturn salespeople were most likely to offer a test drive, and to provide compelling reasons to buy now. Jaguar salespeople were most likely to mention financing options. Lexus salespeople nearly always -- 98% of the time -- asked for contact information. BMW salespeople were most likely to appear responsible for setting the sales price themselves.

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