2013 North American International Auto Show

Slideshow of photos from Media Preview of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.  (All photos courtesy of NAIAS)

2013 Detroit Auto Show

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

DETROIT (Honda/PRNewswire) — Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda’s suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

Honda Expands Recall to Fix Airbag Problem

TORRANCE, CA (HONDA) -- Honda has expanded a previously announced recall of certain 2001 through 2003 model-year Honda and Acura vehicles to replace the driver's airbag inflator originally installed in approximately 273,000 additional vehicles sold in the U.S. Affected driver's airbag inflators may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality.

Separately, Honda has also determined that approximately 640 affected driver's airbag service parts were sold for installation in vehicles for collision repair or other vehicle service. Because Honda is unable to determine the specific vehicles that may have received the affected service parts through existing information, Honda will inspect an additional approximately 603,000 vehicles and replace those parts as necessary.

First Impressions: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

I'm reviewing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan this week.  It is not very grand. This would not be my choice for a personal vehicle. It has no style and no pizazz. Mini-vans aren't even cool soccer mom vehicles anymore with competition from much more expressive crossovers. Hmmm...

The Grand Caravan has a standard V-6 engine that produces anaemic acceleration.  When I say there is nothing remotely fun about driving this vehicle, please believe me.

It's signature feature is the famous "Stow 'n Go" rear seats which you can make quickly disappear into the floor to create substantial cargo space. Click here to see video demonstration.

I will say this-- the Grand Caravan is good basic transportation if you need room for family and cargo without spending a lot of money. The test model they sent me has no options and comes in under $24,000 including the destination charge.

Chrysler/Dodge pioneered the modern minivan in the early 1980's under the leadership of Lee Iacocca.  It now appears the company is trying to stay in a market that GM and Ford have left. And, I'm fairly confident that this bare bones test model would not stack up well against the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.  But, even with more creature comfort features, I still would not pick a minivan. Chalk it up to personal taste.