2009 Honda FCX Clarity
The FCX Clarity highlights Honda's progress with Hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles. The second generation FCX has grown in size from a small hatchback to a large stylish sedan suitable for family use. Improvements to the fuel cell technology have increased the operating efficiency of the model.
2009 Honda Fit
The second generation Fit is longer and wider, but retains the same useful interior, light weight and high fuel efficiency.
2009 Honda Pilot
The second-generation pilot is larger and more distinctively styled than its predecessor was. The Pilot has grown longer by about 3 inches, wider by 1 inch and taller by 1 inch. The increased size has only added about 100 lbs of curb weight. The increased length has added some badly needed legroom to the second and third row seating with increases of 1.1 inches and 1.9 inches. However, headroom, shoulder room and hip room are virtually the same or reduced. There are 3 cubic feet more storage capacity behind the third row, more if the in-floor storage compartment is in use. Storage capacity is about the same with the third or second row seating folded. The displacement of the V6 is unchanged, but the engine now produces 250-bhp and 253 lb-ft of torque up slightly. Fuel economy has increased across the board. The Pilot is now rated at 17/23 for FWD models and 16/22 for AWD models.
2009 Honda Civic Coupe
The Honda Civic wears a revised front bumper and grille. The revised cloth interior features new materials and patterns. Stability control becomes standard on EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models.
2009 Honda Civic Sedan
The Honda Civic wears a revised front bumper and grille. The revised cloth interior features new materials and patterns. Stability control becomes standard on EX-L, Hybrid, and Si models.
2009 Honda Element
The Element was restyled in the front for 2009. A flatter hood and new front fenders with squared wheel well arches complement the more prominent grille and headlamps. The front fenders are now body colored and made of sheet metal on all models; however, the rear fenders are still composite. The updated interior features new center consoles (EX), a new overhead console (EX), and upgraded seat fabrics.
2009 Honda Odyssey
The power tailgate becomes standard on EX-L models.
Although the ascendancy of Toyota has been a big story, Honda has been quietly enjoying success on a lineup that has half as many models as Toyota. Honda's solid reputation for quality, high resale values, and fuel efficiency has earned the trust of buyers in just about every key segment in the industry. Honda's Fit, new CR-V and Civic are all selling strongly, and the Odyssey minivan is the benchmark for its class.
Few will see one of the most significant new Honda models, the FCX Clarity, a second-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle from Honda. Unlike its predecessor, the Clarity is a functional midsize sedan with dramatically increased range and driveability. Honda leases the Clarity to a couple hundred select customers worldwide.
As one of the vehicles that defined the segment, the Honda Pilot SUV enters its second generation for 2009, wearing more distinctive styling and larger proportions. With its newfound size, the Pilot has increased legroom in the second and third row in addition to increasing cargo volume. Despite the larger exterior dimensions, the Pilot earns a respectable 16/22 EPA rating for AWD models.
The Fit hatchback was a bit of an experiment when Honda brought it to the US market. Sales have been so strong that the second generation Fit was brought to market a little earlier than expected to meet demand. The new Fit is longer, wider, and a little sleeker, but retains all of the characteristics buyers love.
The Honda Civic has enjoyed strong sales this year, as buyers have sought fuel efficient cars to deal with elevated gas prices. The 2009 models receive minor styling updates to the front end, and new cloth and equipment changes on the inside.
Honda will turn its attention to hybrid vehicles with the introduction of a Prius-fighting dedicated hybrid model.
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