Despite what you may have heard, learning to drive a car isn’t like learning to ride a bike. Yes, they both require proper instruction and practice – however, a car weights a bit more and will destroy the things that you crash into. That is why teenagers learning how to drive are a hazard all in themselves. Luckily for parents of new drivers can learn some tips from their favorite used car dealer near Sunnyvale.

Remember the old rule of keeping your hands at “10 and 2?” That method has become a thing of the past, according to James Solomon, a program development and training director for the Itasca, IL-based National Safety Council’s defensive driving courses. Solomon says that “the better position is 9 and 3, which gives you a full 180-degree turn of the wheel.” Typically parents are familiar with the old rule, but they should welcome new discoveries if it means their teen has better control of the vehicle.

Another tip that may seem obvious to parents is to help choose a safe vehicle for their teens. It’s important to put safety first when your child is trying to master the art of operating a motor vehicle. “Teens should be in vehicles that do the best job of protecting them if a crash happens, that don’t encourage risky driving, and that don’t have difficult handling characteristics that can lead to rollovers,” says Russ Rader, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Parents shopping our inventory will definitely benefit from a new or used Honda Accord, which comes packed with favorable safety features that will reassure the nerves of worried parents. For more information about other safe vehicles in our showroom, or to learn more tips about preparing your teenager for the open road, stop on by and consult one of our sales team members.

Not everyone can afford a brand new vehicle. If you’re shopping for a preowned model for your next vehicle purchase, then join the not-so-exclusive club. Many consumers are browsing the inventories of used car dealers in Fremont, and can definitely find a reliable model at an affordable price. But how can you master this art of car shopping? How can you be sure that your used car wont let you down? 

Luckily for nervous car shoppers, Tom and Ray Magliozzi share some advice as to how to pick a winner out of the crowd. “Their list, named the “Top 10 warning signs that you shouldn’t buy a used car,” lays out some tips that all drivers should keep in mind when shopping for a used car. Some of them may surprise you.

The first tip that the Magliozzi brothers share is to be sure you have access to accurate repair records. If there are no repair records, then chances are it hasn’t been taken care of very well. When it comes to shopping for a new or used Honda Civic, it’s okay to be skeptical. In contrast, if the seller has a hefty set of records along while showcasing the car in question, you can bet that it’s been thoroughly cared for.

Another factor to consider is bumps and bruises. If you can clearly tell that the model has been abused and/or neglected, you should probably stay away. We all know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – although, if a person doesn’t care about the exterior, he or she may not care about the interior either.

There necessary precautions to take when shopping for any type of vehicle, but for the full list of what to avoid, visit the Chicago Tribune’s website. And then stop by your favorite car dealer, Capitol Honda.

Most consumers might describe their perfect vehicle as affordable, safe, and fuel-efficient – and yes, good looks are nice too. But what vehicles have all of these qualities at the same time? Cars.com editor Rick Popely has compiled a list of the safest and sleekest-looking cars on the U.S. market – not to mention equipped with green technology. 

Fremont Honda fans will be excited to learn that the Honda CR-Z made the cut. But then again, we shouldn’t be surprised, should we? The designers at Honda intelligently styled the CR-Z to have a sportier appearance, while the engineers enabled an athletic driving experience for the owner.

So what does the 2012 Honda CR-Z have to offer? What makes this sleek and safe model tick? Since Popely approved the model for his list, let’s stay on topic. Safety features include side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, electronic stability system with traction control and active head restraints.

Don’t fret readers – we wont leave out the fun stuff. As far as performance equipment is concerned, the CR-Z uses a relatively simple system that puts an electric motor paired with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine. This combination enables the CR-Z to produce 122 horsepower and achieve a fuel economy of 31 city/37 hwy mpg.

Shoppers and Honda fans will be relieved to find a model that doesn’t sacrifice style for safety – according to Rick Popely, anyway. If you still aren’t sure if 2012 CR-Z is the model for you, then pay a visit to Capitol Honda to learn more information or test drive the model for yourself.

Many of us love Honda for many reasons – whether it’s the fuel efficiency or affordability, Milpitas Honda Civic owners can attest that the Japanese automaker is a top competitor in automotive market. In fact, the writers at Autoweek raved about a recently tested model, and sales team members at Fremont used car dealers are thrilled that they have more proof that  Honda offers a ride range of noteworthy products. 

Behold the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite (try saying that three times fast), the minivan that parents will be excited to be seen in. The group of editors/test drivers at Autoweek had nothing but good things to say about the model: “We love the smooth but controlled ride, ample and comfortable seating and cavernous cargo area revealed when the third-row seats are stowed,” just to name a few.

Milpitas Honda Civic shoppers are undoubtedly attracted to fuel efficiency, but we promise the Eco mode will win them over. When drivers choose to drive in Eco mode, some cylinders are shut down under cruising or light-load conditions.

New and used car dealers like Capitol Honda are excited to show off the interior after Autoweek praised the wide-screen video monitor for back-seat passengers, the display in the center dash, and ample door pockets and bins for easy and convenient storage.

After just three short months with the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, the editors all agreed that the model packs a “smooth ride, lack of body lean in turns and ability to absorb rough roads without jostling occupants.” Whatever floats your boat, the bottom line is that this minivan is worth a gander. Sales team members are eagerly waiting to assist you.

One day I would like to own a vehicle equipped with green technology. We all deserve our own dream car, but for me, I just want something that helps the fight against the gas pump and is environment-friendly. I’m sure Fremont Honda shoppers know all about the popular Civic hybrid, but now Sunnyvale used car shoppers will have an additional option to choose from: the 2013 Honda Fit EV. 

Hatchbacks may not be the sexiest design on the market, but exterior style wont matter once you see how much money you save on gas after a week of commuting. This is Honda’s all-electric version of the loveable Fit, and Greg Migliore of Autoweek generously shared his thoughts after a test drive.

New and used car shoppers should know that the Fit EV is powered by a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and runs in three modes: eco, normal and sport. With an estimated 76-mile range, I bet the model looks attractive to anyone who learns more about the power of all-electric vehicles.

If you’re not very familiar with this sort of technology, no worries – you’re not alone. New things can be scary, and not everyone is as car-savvy as they would like to be. But have no fear, Fremont Honda shoppers. Sales team members are available to answer any questions and remove any reservations you may have about switching to green technology.

Migliore says that the electric powertrain is quiet, with an efficient and smooth transmission. One test drive was all it took to win him over: “Do I want it? Surprisingly, yes . . . it is a lot of fun to drive in some circumstances, and when you delete the raspy four-cylinder for a silky electric powertrain, suddenly enthusiasts and green-car junkies alike have reason to check it out.”

If Migliore was convinced by just one test drive, imagine how you could feel after checking out the Fit EV in person. Gas prices are quite stubborn these days, but the engineers at Honda want to help the battle against the pump. How nice of them – take advantage of it!

A lot of success in sales is attributed to a solid marketing campaign as well as a reliable and affordable product. But how can car companies rest assured that they are doing everything they can? How can automakers determine if their word is really reaching their target audience? While traditional shoppers travel all over the area to consult sales team members at Fremont used car dealers, consumers shopping for new and used Honda Elements in Santa Clara search online to compare their model choices. 

A very credible source of information is Kelley Blue Book, the automotive information company that also happens to track new-car shopper activity by brand on its kbb.com website. Now this makes sense. What better way to see what the most popular models or brands are than to see how many people actually search for them online? The results are in, and new and used Honda Element shoppers will be happy with the outcome.

Honda was among the top five auto brands that attracted the most interest by shoppers using the Internet for research in 2011. Considering how many of us use the Internet for almost anything these days, it’s a true accomplishment that so many online searchers have Honda on their mind. According to the tracked activity on kbb.com, Honda posted a 12.8-percent share. Furthermore, three of the top five most researched vehicles were produced by none other than Honda: the Civic, the Accord, and the CR-V. Surprised?

I’ve owned a Civic before, and my mother drives an Accord – so yes, I can see exactly why consumers would be so interested in that selection. Fuel efficiency and value alone won me over, and my mother’s current Accord proves that Honda is always improving. The CR-V offers more cargo capacity for Honda lovers who need the extra space.

I may be a bit biased, but it’s hard to turn a Honda down considering so many others are considering it for their next vehicle purchase. Sales team members at Fremont used car dealers are happy to hear that the Japanese automaker attracts consumers, and hope this will result in more visits to the showroom floors.

When you go on your car hunting journey, what do you rely on for information? Milpitas new car shoppers may try to stay-up-date on reviews of fellow consumers, while others insist on reading those by industry analysts and critics. On the other hand, consumer preferences can greatly influence their research methods as well. If consumers browsing the inventories of Fremont used car dealers seek a long-lasting model for their daily commute, then they will be most interested in  Forbes magazine’s latest list: “Cars that can run for over 200,000 miles.” 

Given the downturn in the economy, a long-lasting vehicle sounds very appealing to all consumers. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to find a model that you don’t have to replace for years on end? Milpitas new car shoppers need a vehicle they can rely on, and according to the editorial team at Forbes, the 2012 Honda Fit and 2012 Honda CR-V are those models.

Let’s take a look at the 2012 Fit. Test drivers adore the subcompact for exceptional gas mileage and nimble handling. The magazine’s editors described the Fit as a “perfect car for the times – it’s reasonably priced, is fun to drive and it’s 1.5L four-cylinder engine gets stellar fuel economy. It’s roomier on the inside than its diminutive exterior might otherwise indicate, with a tall-roofed hatchback design that maximizes both rear-seat headroom and cargo space.” So if you’re skeptical about the cargo space due to the tiny exterior, Forbes insists that you will be pleasantly surprised.

As far as the 2012 CR-V is concerned, the magazine reassures Honda fans that even though the 2012 design is slightly changed, the model remains as reliable as ever: “It’s 2.4L four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission will carry over, though the new model will be more stylish and received assorted upgrades.” Many automakers agree that sometimes consumers get bored of the same old choices time and time again. A new design appears to be just the right touch for the new model year.

So whether you’re in need of a powerful model, a spacious interior, or a fresh new look, a visit to new and used car dealers is much needed. Sales team members and the editors at Forbes magazine are confident that the 2012 Fit nor the 2012 CR-V will disappoint you.

It doesn’t matter if its food, clothes, electronics, or cars – consumers love the option of choosing. Milpitas new car shoppers love having lots of items to choose from, and companies are more than happy to put in the extra work to make their customers happy. Take Honda, for example. While the Japanese automaker has been able to satisfy consumers without much difficulty, they have to stay ahead of the competition by giving Fremont Honda shoppers more features to drool over. 

What could Honda possibly be working on – or rather, have already revealed to the public? While used and new car shoppers here in the U.S. would have no way of knowing (unless they stay up-to-date with the auto world), spectators at the Tokyo Motor Show were lucky enough to witness five new engines that the car company showed off last month.

Not only is Honda offering a new lineup of four- and six-cylinder engines, but we will also see a handful of continuously variable transmissions from the automaker as well. But don’t rush to Fremont Honda dealers just yet, Honda fans – you will not get to pick and choose from the upcoming releases just yet. However, you can keep a look out over the next two years to see what the new equipment can do.

The new “Earth Dreams Technology” engine lineup will have direct injection and double overhead cams. Furthermore, the base four-cylinder engine will have a twin-cam setup. But Honda doesn’t stop there. Fans and consumers can also expect to see their favorite models revamped for New Year releases. Chief Engineer with Honda R&D, Keiji Ohtsu, also reveals that some midcycle revisions could get the new engines before a model gets completely redesigned.

I’m sure I’m not the only driver who dreads the trip to the gas pump every now and then. Lucky for us, fuel efficiency is becoming such a hot trend that companies are focusing production plans on this feature. Not only will some of the new engines save money at the pump, but also at the dealership. Interested consumers are very encouraged to visit their favorite Honda dealership in order to obtain more details about upcoming releases. Patient onlookers can simply wait to find out specifics over the next couple of years.

When Milpitas used car shoppers go on their car hunting journey, they have several factors in mind. Some may only want to know about safety, while others may be chasing the latest entertainment features. But what about the interior? After all, don’t we spend most of our time inside the vehicle, not on the outside? How the inside of a car looks and feels is very important to many consumers, as it should be. 

Whatever tickles a customer’s fancy, car companies have to deliver, and Fremont Honda owners have always been able to count on the Japanese automaker for safety, reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency, just to name a few. Now Honda fans can rely on the car brand for a great interior – one of the best, as a matter of fact. The Honda Odyssey Elite was included in Ward’s Auto’s “10 Best Interiors” list.

“Auto makers are so focused on the smallest details that it’s hard to find a bad interior these days,” states Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. “Still, some are better than others, and we’re recognizing the best of the best.” Fremont Honda fans will be excited and proud to learn that a Honda model made the cut.

The editors at Ward’s Autos online have approved of the Honda Odyssey Elite, which is sure to attract parents and consumers in need of a minivan. According to the editorial team, “Minivans don’t get nearly enough respect, but the Honda Odyssey Touring Elite deserves all the accolades we can cram into its generous cargo compartment and 10 cupholders.”

The model is perfectly suited to pacify multiple children under the age of six – at the same time – for any distance of travel. The designers at Honda have intelligently equipped premium features such as two-tier storage bins in the front doors, a “cool box” refrigerator below the center stack and a third row that is comfortable for adults and easily accessible.

New and used car shoppers will not be able to resist driving the Odyssey off of the dealership lot once they get behind the wheel for a test drive. If you’re looking for a fully capable vehicle that has as much going on inside as it does outside, then the Odyssey Elite is the car for you.

Automobile fans and consumers in Los Angeles are having a field day – or should I say, field week – as the 2011 L.A. Auto Show takes place and welcomes such individuals to browse the showroom floor. Now of course, Fremont used car shoppers can surely take a road trip to Los Angeles to see dozens of noteworthy models in one location. And why wouldn’t they? I’m sure that Sunnyvale used Honda Element shoppers are making their way to Los Angeles this week to personally examine what Honda has to offer at this year’s event. 

One of Honda’s proudest showcases at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show is the 2012 Honda CR-V. It seems as if parents are getting younger these days, along with an increased need in fuel efficiency despite cargo capability. Honda has taken notice of this trend and has redesigned the CR-V crossover for the newest generation of consumers.

As far as dimensions are concerned, the 2012 CR-V is shorter in height and overall length. Remarkably enough, the designers at Honda have managed to offer more interior room for passengers and storage, despite the shrink in exterior size. How did they pull this off? By moving the windshield forward and by lowering the cargo floor, new and used Honda Element shoppers will be impressed by the amount of space that the 2012 CR-V provides.

Unfortunately, Fremont used car shoppers cannot test drive any of the models they see on the showroom floor at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. However, the engineers at Honda reassure consumers that the CR-V has improved aerodynamics, less weight and engine friction reduction. What does this mean for interested consumers? Improved fuel efficiency, of course. Thanks to these seemingly small changes, the model gains a couple of miles per gallon in fuel economy. No complaints there.

Honda is happy to provide consumers with factors that they find important when it comes to searching for a vehicle. Akio Tonomura, CR-V large project leader, acknowledges the needs of the consumer when it comes to the production line – more specifically, fuel efficiency: “People want something more economical and environmentally sensitive, but people’s true wants and needs haven’t changed.”

Honda officials and sales team members are confident that consumers and Honda fans will see an improvement in the overall redesign of the 2012 CR-V. While auto show attendees won’t be able to test drive the model at the event, they are encouraged to visit their favorite Honda dealer as soon as possible to complete the experience.