Monday, May 19, 2008

Accord Wins Coupe Comparison

The editors at Motor Trend (April 2008 issue) conducted a comparison of three popular 2008 V-6 front-wheel drive coupes: Honda Accord EX-L, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and Nissan Altima 3.5 SE. First place went to the Accord Coupe EX-L.

Here's what Motor Trend's editors had to say about each of the vehicles tested: (For the complete story, go to MotorTrend.com.)

Third Place: Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
Pros:
Shortest braking distance 60-0 mph (118 feet).
Second fastest 0-60 mph (Tied – 5.8 seconds).
Second best lateral acceleration (Tied – 0.87 g).
Second fastest Motor Trend figure eight (26.9 seconds @ 0.65 g).
Most torque (260 lb-ft).
Most cargo volume (15.7 cubic feet).
Most aggressive look.
Cons:
Slowest passing, 45-65 mph (2.8 seconds).
Slowest quarter mile (Tied – 14.3 seconds @ 100.6 mph).
Least horsepower (263).
Heaviest (3,547 pounds).
Worst observed fuel economy (16.3 mpg).
Highest CO2 emissions (1.00 lb/mile).
Recommended fuel (premium).
Highest as-tested price ($29,175).
"Crude in this company and showing its age."
"Unexpected [steering] wheel movements…upset the chassis badly."
"If Mitsubishi could find a way to trade torque steer for steering feel, this could be a real winner."
"The Eclipse is almost completely, well, eclipsed by the Altima and Accord at the track."

Second Place: Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE
Pros:
Second most torque (258 lb-ft).
Second fastest 0-60 mph (Tied – 5.8 seconds).
Second shortest braking distance 60-0 mph (Tied – 127 feet).
Second best lateral acceleration (Tied – 0.87 g).
Second best observed fuel economy (17.1 mpg).
Most horsepower (270).
Lightest (3,253 pounds).
"Great lines, excellent steering, and robust engine."
"Balanced attack of power and handling."
"Probably the best steering of the group, though it's a bit light."
Cons:
Slowest Motor Trend figure eight (27.2 seconds @ 0.64 g).
Slowest quarter mile (Tied – 14.3 seconds @ 101.7 mph).
Least cargo volume (7.4 cubic feet).
Recommended fuel (premium).
Standard all-season tires are smaller and narrower than the competition's and lack grip.

First Place: Honda Accord Coupe EX-L
Pros:
Fastest 0-60 mph (5.7 seconds).
Fastest passing, 45-65 mph (2.5 seconds).
Fastest quarter mile (14.0 seconds @ 102.5 mph).
Best lateral acceleration (0.88 g).
Fastest Motor Trend figure eight (26.7 seconds @ 0.67 g).
Best observed fuel economy (17.3 mpg).
Second shortest braking distance 60-0 mph (Tied – 127 feet).
Second most horsepower (268).
Second largest cargo volume (11.9 cubic feet).
Second lowest CO2 emissions (0.98 lb/mile).
Recommended fuel (regular).
Lowest as-tested price ($28,945).
"All this extra length [8.4 inches longer than Altima; 11.2 inches longer than Eclipse] contributes to a much more open and airy interior…rear seat room is impressive in this five-seater."
"The Honda's materials and fit and finish are luxurious in comparison with the others."
Reviewer note: "The Accord's V-6 is just phenomenal."
"The engine's quick reactions and auditory assault let you know when you are driving it hard."
Cons:
Least torque (248).
"Button-crazy dash."

Summary
"Slick body, screaming engine, taut chassis, and room for five. This [Accord Coupe] is what a real sport coupe looks like these days."

Thursday, May 8, 2008

May Customer Comments.....

IT IS A GOOD PLACE TO GO. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, CHRIS RICE, IS EXCELLENT. HE IS A GOOD GUY AND HAS EXCELLENT PERSONALITY. NO MATTER WHAT PROBLEM COMES UP, HE KEEPS HIS ATTITUDE AT A HIGH LEVEL.

I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH EVERYTHING THEY DID. I WAS TREATED WELL.

The Dealership Has Always Been Very Helpful Anytime I Have Had To Use Their Services.

Great Dealership, Great Service, Great People.

There Isn’t One Part Of The Visit From The Initial Sale To Servicing That Isn’t Pleasant And Hassle Free.

CUSTOMER STATED HER SALESPERSON GARY THORNBURG WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL, DETAILED WITH THE INFORMATION AND MADE THE WHOLE LEASE EXPERIENCE VERY EASY FOR HER.

CUSTOMER STATED FREDDY THE FINANCE MANAGER WAS GREAT AND WONDERFUL.

CUSTOMER STATED THE FINANCE MGR WAS VERY HELPFUL.

CUSTOMER STATED REGARDING OTHER DLR STAFF, THE FINANCE MANAGER, WAS GOOD AND RATED A FIVE.

HE SAID THE FINANCE MANAGER WAS FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL. CUSTOMER STATED HE AND HIS WIFE WERE REALLY HAPPY WITH THEIR EXPERIENCE.

CUSTOMER STATED PETE MCCLEAVE, WAS GREAT.

I CALLED RIGHT AT THE LAST MINUTE AND THEY TOOK ME IN. WITHIN 20 MINUTES, THEY HAD MY CAR DONE. THEY WERE EXCELLENT.

CUSTOMER STATED REGARDING OTHER DLR STAFF, THE FINANCE MANAGER WHO WORKED WITH HIM, WAS GREAT AND ANOTHER FINANCE PERSON, GLEN GILBERT WHO HE DID NOT SEE, WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO GET FINANCE FOR HIM AND BOTH WERE FANTASTIC. HE SAID HE HAS ALREADY RECOMMENDED OTHERS.

CUSTOMER STATED EVERYONE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL. HIS PURCHASE WAS FUN, QUICK AND EASY.

CUSTOMER STATED WAYNE AND FREDDY, THE FINANCE MGR, WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND SHE ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM.

THEY TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM QUICKLY. THEY WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL. I DID NOT HAVE TO WAIT AT ALL.

THE LADY I DEALT WITH WAS VERY GOOD.

IT WAS EXCELLENT. THEY WERE VERY GOOD.

I like the Service at Honda Cars of Rock Hill because they really help me out when I call about anything-- Very Helpful.

CUSTOMER STATED EVERYONE AT THE DLR WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL.

I GET GREAT SERVICE FROM THEM. THEY TAKE TIME TO EXPLAIN THINGS TO ME. IF THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WRONG, THEY TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT I ABSOLUTELY NEED IT DONE. THEY WERE VERY OPEN AND HONEST WITH ME ON EVERYTHING.

I WENT IN A LITTLE EARLY AND THEY TOOK MY CAR AHEAD OF TIME. I WAS OUT OF THERE ALMOST AT THE TIME THAT THEY HAD BEEN SUPPOSED TO BEGIN. THEY DID REALLY WELL.

IT IS EXCELLENT MOSTLY BECAUSE OF CHRIS RICE WHO IS OUR SERVICE PROVIDER AND WHO ALWAYS TAKES GOOD CARE OF US.