Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Honda SUVs Like The
Honda SUV's Like The Honda CR-V Can Be Traced Back To The Honda Civic Platform by: Steven Johnston
One of the most popular Honda SUV’s on the market is the Honda CR-V, which is considered to be what is called a ‘crossover’ SUV. This Honda SUV is a car that has an SUV or sport utility vehicle look but is assembled on a more economical construction. The Honda SUV, CR-V, was ‘copied’ from the extremely popular Honda Civic in order to meet a growing demand for a SUV made by Honda. The letters CR-V stand for “comfortable runabout vehicle” and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The very first Honda SUV that was planned ‘in house’ by Honda was the CR-V in 1996. While there was considerable uncertainty as to whether or not this type of Honda SUV could sell as well as it’s forerunner, the Honda Passport, the CR-V was introduced to the US market in 1997. The CR-V has consistently maintained exceptional sales ever since.
The first CR-V was designed and produced from 1996 through 1998 known as the LX model trim. Attractive features included rear-folding seats, a picnic table stored in the rear floor and plastic covered front and rear bumpers as well as fender wells. The next model CR-V was on the market from 1998 to 2001 and didn’t change the body style but increased the engine power from the original and was changed to an engine that produces 146-horse power and additional torsion. The beauty of this increase was that it did not affect the fuel consumption or price of the car.
The next line of Honda CR-V’s was from 2002 through 2005 and the build of this Honda SUV was given a complete restyling based on the most recent Civic model. The new CR-V was also given a more powerful engine with 106-horse power and increased torsion. This new engine still offered the same fuel economy as the previous Honda CR-V models. This Honda SUV was awarded the Car and Driver magazine’s award for best small SUV of 2002 and 2003.
In 2005, the CR-V received only a minor model change with 16-inch wheels instead of 15 inch, which has been on the earlier models. The taillights were also changes from the color amber to red and white. The 2005 CR-V was also equipped with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags. While the next CR-V model has not yet been unveiled, many are guessing that the new model will have more power in addition to the option of having an onboard navigation system.
Make sure you check out the exciting new 2006 Honda CR-V at Honda dealers now!
One of the most popular Honda SUV’s on the market is the Honda CR-V, which is considered to be what is called a ‘crossover’ SUV. This Honda SUV is a car that has an SUV or sport utility vehicle look but is assembled on a more economical construction. The Honda SUV, CR-V, was ‘copied’ from the extremely popular Honda Civic in order to meet a growing demand for a SUV made by Honda. The letters CR-V stand for “comfortable runabout vehicle” and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The very first Honda SUV that was planned ‘in house’ by Honda was the CR-V in 1996. While there was considerable uncertainty as to whether or not this type of Honda SUV could sell as well as it’s forerunner, the Honda Passport, the CR-V was introduced to the US market in 1997. The CR-V has consistently maintained exceptional sales ever since.
The first CR-V was designed and produced from 1996 through 1998 known as the LX model trim. Attractive features included rear-folding seats, a picnic table stored in the rear floor and plastic covered front and rear bumpers as well as fender wells. The next model CR-V was on the market from 1998 to 2001 and didn’t change the body style but increased the engine power from the original and was changed to an engine that produces 146-horse power and additional torsion. The beauty of this increase was that it did not affect the fuel consumption or price of the car.
The next line of Honda CR-V’s was from 2002 through 2005 and the build of this Honda SUV was given a complete restyling based on the most recent Civic model. The new CR-V was also given a more powerful engine with 106-horse power and increased torsion. This new engine still offered the same fuel economy as the previous Honda CR-V models. This Honda SUV was awarded the Car and Driver magazine’s award for best small SUV of 2002 and 2003.
In 2005, the CR-V received only a minor model change with 16-inch wheels instead of 15 inch, which has been on the earlier models. The taillights were also changes from the color amber to red and white. The 2005 CR-V was also equipped with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags. While the next CR-V model has not yet been unveiled, many are guessing that the new model will have more power in addition to the option of having an onboard navigation system.
Make sure you check out the exciting new 2006 Honda CR-V at Honda dealers now!
Planning A Car Audio
Planning A Car Audio System Installation by: Will Reece
With such a wide range of components and gadget on the market for car audio systems, the big question is "Where do I start?"
First you must decide what exactly you wish to do. If you are wanting to build a car audio system for a daily driver (the car you drive back and forth to work) with good sounds, but you are not interested in competing, a system can easily be put together for under $1000. However, if you are looking for the all-out bass monster, be prepared to drop in some big bucks into your system.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a car audio system is planning. Get an idea of where you are going to place components, subwoofers, amplifiers, and power distribution. A lot of headache can be avoided with the proper planning!!
For the basic system, lets look at some of the components needed.
Let's first start with the head unit (CD player). Obviously you are going to want a nice head unit. If you start with a good quality cd player, and choose to upgrade your sound system in the future, purchase a head unit that will grow with you. Some of the features you may want to keep in mind are:
1. CD changer controls
2. XM / Sirius controls (if you decide to add Satellite radio in the future)
3. Dual RCA outputs (carries signal to the amplifiers)
4. Pause button (important for competing)
5. Detachable face, or other security devices
6. High voltage line driver - this will send the sound signal at a higher voltage to your amplifier/s reducing noise and improving overall sound quality.
After you have chosen your head unit, you will want to make a decision on amplifiers and subwoofers. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A $30 subwoofer will be as big as a $300 subwoofer, but the capacities of each will differ greatly. Look at the power handling of each subwoofer and decide accordingly. You will want subwoofers will work with your amplifier/s (see compatibility).
You must also keep in mind the available space in your vehicle. Are you willing to give up your entire cargo area? How many subwoofers will fit? Decide on the size. Sizes will vary from 8" up to 18", some are square (Kicker), but most are round. Also keep in mind the resistance (ohms) of the subwoofer and make sure they are compatible with your amplifier/s (see compatibility). The subwoofer decision will also have an effect on the enclosure you decide to build or buy. For the basic system, I would recommend purchasing a pre-fabricated subwoofer enclosure. This will save you a bit of money and headache (especially if you end up building it two or three times!!). Make sure you take accurate measurement of your cargo area before building or buying an enclosure!!
Other components may be needed depending on the type of system you are building and how elaborate you want your sound to be. For the competition vehicle, figure on upgrading your alternator, adding a battery to your system (maybe more), running high quality RCA cables, power cables, ground cables, and speaker cable. You may need to add a capacitor to provide your amplifier with a reservoir of power for bigger hits from the subs. You may need an electronic crossover, an equalizer, replacement factory speakers, an amplifier for your mid-range and tweeters, additional speakers within your vehicle for staging, etc.
With such a wide range of components and gadget on the market for car audio systems, the big question is "Where do I start?"
First you must decide what exactly you wish to do. If you are wanting to build a car audio system for a daily driver (the car you drive back and forth to work) with good sounds, but you are not interested in competing, a system can easily be put together for under $1000. However, if you are looking for the all-out bass monster, be prepared to drop in some big bucks into your system.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a car audio system is planning. Get an idea of where you are going to place components, subwoofers, amplifiers, and power distribution. A lot of headache can be avoided with the proper planning!!
For the basic system, lets look at some of the components needed.
Let's first start with the head unit (CD player). Obviously you are going to want a nice head unit. If you start with a good quality cd player, and choose to upgrade your sound system in the future, purchase a head unit that will grow with you. Some of the features you may want to keep in mind are:
1. CD changer controls
2. XM / Sirius controls (if you decide to add Satellite radio in the future)
3. Dual RCA outputs (carries signal to the amplifiers)
4. Pause button (important for competing)
5. Detachable face, or other security devices
6. High voltage line driver - this will send the sound signal at a higher voltage to your amplifier/s reducing noise and improving overall sound quality.
After you have chosen your head unit, you will want to make a decision on amplifiers and subwoofers. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A $30 subwoofer will be as big as a $300 subwoofer, but the capacities of each will differ greatly. Look at the power handling of each subwoofer and decide accordingly. You will want subwoofers will work with your amplifier/s (see compatibility).
You must also keep in mind the available space in your vehicle. Are you willing to give up your entire cargo area? How many subwoofers will fit? Decide on the size. Sizes will vary from 8" up to 18", some are square (Kicker), but most are round. Also keep in mind the resistance (ohms) of the subwoofer and make sure they are compatible with your amplifier/s (see compatibility). The subwoofer decision will also have an effect on the enclosure you decide to build or buy. For the basic system, I would recommend purchasing a pre-fabricated subwoofer enclosure. This will save you a bit of money and headache (especially if you end up building it two or three times!!). Make sure you take accurate measurement of your cargo area before building or buying an enclosure!!
Other components may be needed depending on the type of system you are building and how elaborate you want your sound to be. For the competition vehicle, figure on upgrading your alternator, adding a battery to your system (maybe more), running high quality RCA cables, power cables, ground cables, and speaker cable. You may need to add a capacitor to provide your amplifier with a reservoir of power for bigger hits from the subs. You may need an electronic crossover, an equalizer, replacement factory speakers, an amplifier for your mid-range and tweeters, additional speakers within your vehicle for staging, etc.
