Honda expands CPO program to older vehicles

Used car buying

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

The used car market is a tough place to be right now, as new vehicle shortages have driven big demand and big price increases across the board. Finding deals is harder than ever, and many models are being sold for nearly what it'd cost to buy them new. Certified pre-owned (CPO) cars can be a good alternative to new cars, and may be worth paying the price if you're desperate. Honda is looking to sweeten the deal by extending its CPO programto older vehicles. Called HondaTrue Used and Acura Precision Used, the program should attract younger buyers and people with stricter budgets.

Honda CPONo. 18 - Honda Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

It's important to note that Honda isn't slapping a 100,000-mile warranty onto a ten-year old car. The updated program includes coverage for 100 days or 5,000 miles on cars up to ten years old. That's a drop in the bucket compared to Honda's and Acura's traditional CPO vehicles, which get a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That said, the older cars still get a 112-point inspection. Parts are replaced or repaired as necessary before the sale.

Honda CPO2015 Honda Civic Sedan & Coupe Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

The move looks like a great one for buyers, who will get the opportunity to shop for older cars that still offer some degree of warranty coverage. Older models are less expensive but can be less reliable, so the addition of a manufacturer's backing makes buyers more comfortable and opens up more options to ease inventory shortages.

Related Articles Around the Web
Honda

Modified 2022 Honda Passport competes in rally events

Off-road racing

Honda recently announced a line of off-road-oriented trims and packages for its vehicles. Called TrailSport, the trim brings rugged appearance upgrades to the Honda Passport and will eventually offer more performance upgrades for other vehicles in the automaker's catalog. To further prove its mettle in the off-road space, Honda built a 2022 Passport rally truck to compete in the American Rally Association race series. The truck debuted over the weekend in Michigan and had a reasonably successful run for its first time out.

2022 Honda PassportTwo Honda engineers handled driving duties.Honda

Importantly, the Passport's drivetrain and suspension were left untouched for the rally. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6, nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and suspension in the rally vehicle are the same components that you or I would see if we bought a new Passport today. Honda did add a transmission fluid cooler, but even then, it's the unit that everyday buyers can get with the available towing package. The SUV's interior was stripped and modified for safety and performance.

2022 Honda PassportHonda is pushing deeper into the off-road with its TrailSport trims.Honda

Honda did upgrade the Passport's wheels and tires for the event by fitting 17-inch BRAID Winrace T rally wheels and Maxxis RAZR M/T or A/T tires. The automaker also made modifications to the SUV's underside with custom 1/8-inch thick aluminum oil pan and rear differential skid plates. High-density panels protect the fuel tank and other sensitive components, while Carbontech XP12 brake pads and high-temp racing brake fluid slow things down.

2022 Honda PassportThe Passport's interior had to be stripped and modified for the event.Honda

The ARA National and Regional Championship Series events feature modified street vehicles that travel at speeds well in excess of 100 mph. The courses include gravel, dirt, mud, and snow, and cover hundreds of miles. The Honda Passport rally vehicle was first driven by two Honda engineers and ran in the top ten out of 42 teams. Honda says that a tire de-bead eventually slowed the team, leading to a delayed finish.

Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

The average new car price is $40,000, here's the best ones you can get for that money

Buying Advice

New car prices keep going up so it was only a matter of time before the average new car price hit the $40,000 threshold. New quarterly analysis by Edmunds showed that the average amount borrowed for a new car in the fourth quarter of 2020 was $35,373. Buyers put an average of $4,734 down on top of that, which makes the average new car price $40,107.

Paying around $40,000 is a sweet spot in the market. It gets buyers into lower cost luxury and premium models as well as most of the mass market offerings. AutomotiveMap has put together a list of the best vehicles you can get for around the $40,000 mark.

2021 Acura TLX

2021 Acura TLX Advance

Photo courtesy of Acura

Price: $37,500
The Acura TLX debuted as a completely redesigned car for the 2021 model year bringing with it a new sportiness and fresh styling outside and in. The TLX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its cabin is quite nice - decked out in leatherette upholstery with 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, two USB ports, a 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen, seven-inch driver information display, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto make up just some of the items on the standard features list.

Editor's Note: Acura doesn't sell the TLX in a variety of trim levels. Instead, buyers choose the TLX then can add on packages to get what they want. The model described here has no package add-ons. Pictured: 2021 Acura TLX Advance

2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn

2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Price: $39,490
Configure the 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn with two-wheel drive, a crew cab, and 5'7" box to get one of the best trucks at the price point. It comes standard with Ram's tried and true 3.6-liter V6 engine, which provides a good amount of power. Cloth seating for six passengers and a five-inch infotainment screen is standard as well.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Price: $32,660
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands trim is the most off-road capable version of the SUV, and it's no slouch. The model is powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, off-road suspension, advanced four-wheel drive with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit, a Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. modes, metal bash plates, Trail Control, a 180-degree front camera with washer, front tow hooks, and rubberized flooring. The SUV rides on 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 28.5-inch all-terrain tires.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX

Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

Price: $36,590
The new-for-2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid comes in just two trim levels: S and EX. The upgraded EX model gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg and has 227 total system horsepower. The features list for the Sorento Hybrid EX is long and includes a power liftgate, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charger. It also comes with a host of safety and driver assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance assist.

2021 Genesis G70 2.0T

2021 Genesis G70Photo courtesy of Genesis Motors

Price: $36,000
The Genesis G70 is a sports sedan you probably haven't seen that much on roads near you, but you should. They should be everywhere. For under $40,000, buyers can get their hands on a rear-wheel drive G70 2.0T with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has the buyer's choice of gray or black leatherette upholstery.

2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL

2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Price: $39,470
The Ridgeline might not be a typical truck in the looks category, but for the 2021 model year the Honda has gotten some aesthetic beef thanks to a design refresh. The truck continues to have a trunk in its bed and now comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assist technologies. Power comes from the truck's 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.The Ridgeline is most noted for its refined and comfortable interior that's more SUV-like than truck-like. For 2021, that has only improved. The RTL grade (Ridgeline Sport is shown above) is a step up from the base model.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Touring

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Price: $39,995
The Chrysler Pacifica is presently the best minivan you can buy. Its Hybrid version (shown above in the Pinnacle grade) adds plug-in electric capability to the equation offering over 30 miles of gasoline-free driving per charge and running like a typical hybrid when the battery has been depleted or the van needs some extra oomph. With the Pacifica Hybrid Touring buyers get their choice of a number of included paint colors, 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with gray pockets wrapped in all-season tires, premium cloth bucket seats in black or cognac, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touch screen.

2021 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX Advance

Photo courtesy of Acura

Price: $38,400
Acura sells gobs of RDXs and it's really no mystery as to why. The SUV is fun to drive, has abundant cargo space, and is easy on the eyes. Add in the comfortable seats that offer plenty of space, and the RDX turns into one of the best family haulers out there, empty nest or not. The 2021 RDX rides on standard 19-inch glitter silver wheels, gets its power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 272 horsepower, and has a host of infotainment features like a nine-speaker audio system, two USB ports, HD Radio, a 10.2-inch infotainment system touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Buyers ca opt for all-wheel drive, which puts the vehicle just a tick over the $40,000 mark.

Editor's Note: Acura doesn't sell the RDX in a variety of trim levels. Instead, buyers choose the RDX then can add on packages to get what they want. The model described here has no package add-ons. Shown: 2019 Acura RDX Advance

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

Price: $35,300
Not only does the fanciest and most tech-forward Hyundai Sonata Hybrid you can buy get 47 mpg, it also has a solar roof. It also doesn't lack oomph, with 192 horsepower from its propulsion system at the ready. The car has a 12.3-inch fully-digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. It also sports plenty of head- and legroom, cargo space, and forward visibility. Pricing for the sedan includes checking nearly every option box, which is standard for the Limited model.

2021 Kia Telluride EX

2020 Kia Telluride

Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

Price: $37,590
Kia is selling the Telluride like gangbusters and it's not hard to see why. The three-row SUV comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that supplies plenty of power. Its roster of standard features on the EX trim level includes a power liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, wireless smartphone charging, six USB ports, leather-trimmed seats, and more. Add all-wheel drive for just $2,000 more.

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda gives 2020 Ridgeline a new transmission, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

New Model News

Honda is giving the Ridgeline a host of important updates for the 2020 model year including added safety technology, a new standard transmission, a narrowed trim lineup, fresh tailgate functionality, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For 2020, Honda will offer the Ridgeline in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition. It has a starting price of $33,9001 (excluding $1,095 destination and handling).

2020 Honda RidgelineHonda has given the Ridgeline standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 2020 model year.Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The truck has gotten few exterior tweaks at the front aside from available LED headlights, but its tailgate now features remote locking. The truck's rear doors open wider to make ingress and egress easier.

The Ridgeline continues to be powered by Honda's 3.5-liter V6 engine, which will now be mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Two-wheel drive is standard on Sport and RTL trims, which have available all-wheel drive. Ridgeline RTL-E and Black Edition grades get standard all-wheel drive.

Honda's Display Audio system now comes standard and includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in addition to an 8-inch touch screen. An eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and ambient interior lighting are also available.

2020 Honda RidgelineThe Ridgeline's tailgate now has remote functionality.Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The automaker has added a standard suite of safety and driver assistance technologies to the Ridgeline for the new model year including a collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline goes on sale at dealerships in the U.S. on December 16.

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Does CR-V Hybrid mean an electrified Odyssey, Pilot on the way?

Electric Vehicles

Earlier this year, the 2020 Honda CR-V made its debut with a new powertrain variant. Dubbed the CR-V Hybrid, the model will likely be able to go around 500 miles between fill ups, when optioned in its lightest variant in optimal driving conditions.

With the addition of the CR-V Hybrid and Honda's recent commitment to electrify two-thirds of its global automobile unit sales by 2030, it's reasonable to assume that the clock is ticking on electrified versions of two of the company's most popular U.S. models, the Odyssey and Pilot.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid red back rear tailgate trunkHonda has introduced the CR-V Hybrid for the 2020 model year.Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

With electrification, there are a few ways for manufacturers to go. There's a more traditional hybrid, with a battery attached to one to four motors that uses mostly gasoline in combination with an electric power boost. There is also a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain, which allows customers to plug in their car's battery to an outlet and receive electric power to be used instead of gasoline while allowing the customer to retain their gasoline fuel tank for use for when the electric power runs out, or to supplement power availability at high speed.

Many futurists see PHEVs as being a good next step for buyers looking to have the best of the EV and gasoline-powered world.

"AutoPacific's data suggest that Odyssey customers would really respond to a plug-in hybrid powertrain," said Kim. "Our 2019 New Vehicle Satisfaction data show that 41 percent of 2019 Odyssey owners are willing to consider a plug-in hybrid powertrain next time, compared to just 24 percent of all new vehicle buyers this year. Honda has long had a reputation for powertrain efficiency and innovation, so a high-tech fuel efficient PHEV powertrain for Odyssey could make for an excellent brand fit."

2019 Honda PilotPlace your bets on Honda offering electrified powertrain options for the Pilot and Odyssey in the not too distant future. Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Honda builds the Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline beside each other at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama. The current Pilot generation was launched first, in 2016. It underwent a facelift for the 2019 model year. The Ridgeline was re-introduced in 2017 and the current Odyssey generation debuted in 2018. Passport was added back to the Honda lineup in 2019.

Consumers are likely about three years away from seeing a redesigned Pilot and even further from a redesigned Odyssey, but could be closer to seeing new powertrain choices introduced as the company pushes hard to that 2030 goal. This would be a similar formula to what Honda has done with the CR-V, which had its current model introduced in 2017 and got a refresh this year.

"We are expecting a mid-cycle refresh for [Odyssey in] the 2021 model year," said Ed Kim, Vice President, Insights, AutoPaciifc. "We think the PHEV powertrain is likely to come out with the mid-cycle change, so a fall 2020 introduction wouldn't be impossible."

The Pilot and Ridgeline have a flat load floor that sits relatively high off the ground. This type of setup allows for slightly easier electrification design, because the battery pack can be situated along the bottom of the vehicle. However, the Odyssey only has 4.5-inches of ground clearance which, on the surface, seems like an impediment.

"A minivan actually makes really good sense for implementing a plug-in powertrain," said Kim. "Due to the lower sliding door tracks, the floor is a bit higher, and that leaves room under the floor for batteries. This is exactly what Chrysler did with the Pacifica Hybrid, mounting its batteries where its Stow-n-Go second row seats would normally go under the floor. It's easy to imagine Honda doing something similar with Odyssey; like the Pacifica, Honda should be able to incorporate a battery pack under the floor in a way that doesn't impede on interior space. And, in a minivan, interior space is of course extremely important."

Chrysler already sells a PHEV version of the Pacifica, the Pacifica Hybrid, so it makes sense that Honda would be exploring electrified versions of its minivan.Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc

There are significant fuel-saving and quickness advantages to driving hybrid or PHEV vehicle. Honda says that the 2020 CR-V Hybrid, "brings quicker off-the-line performance and is anticipated to achieve a 50 percent higher city fuel economy rating than the non-hybrid CR-V." These advantages are likely to carry over into any future Honda vehicle development.

It's important to note that Honda designs its vehicles unlike most manufacturers, from the inside out. This means that customers are likely to see benefits from hybrid or PHEV powertrain adoption rather than the sacrifices, like the higher-riding rear seats and diminished cargo space, some automakers force consumers to make should they want to choose an alternative powertrain. However, hybrid and PHEV models tend to come at a higher price than traditional gasoline-powered models.

Currently, Honda sells the electrified Accord Hybrid, Insight, and Clarity in the U.S.

When contacted about this story, a spokesperson for Honda said, "We don't comment on future products."

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

Honda celebrates 60 years in the U.S. with 15 builds at SEMA (including one Chevy)

SEMA 2019

SUVs, trucks, and powersports machines are all on display as Honda stages its enthusiast-centric display at SEMA in a bid to show that the automaker is about more than just mundane mommy-centric mobility.

Here's what Honda has brought to SEMA this year.

1968 Honda S800 Coupe “Outlaw”

1968 Honda S800 Coupe \u201cOutlaw\u201d

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

Producer and actor Daniel Wu, most famous for playing Sunny in "Into the Badlands" built this custom 1968 Honda S800 Coupe "Outlaw". The vehicle is based on one of the first production cars Honda ever made. Instead of doing an engine swap, Wu had the original engine completely rebuilt, adding a custom exhaust system made by GReddy. There's a custom body kit by Pandem's Kei Miura that features custom flares, a custom air dam, and a 2-inch lower suspension.Its fender flares make the vehicle 4-inches wider and support widened wheels wrapped in Toyota R888R tires. The vehicle has a custom interior with red leather seating.

Proctor Racing Talon 1000R

Proctor Racing Talon 1000R
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

Proctor Race Group has given the Talon design and equipment touches that are meant to reflect Honda's racing routes. It as Sparco seats mounted with Jsport SXS aluminum seat mounts, Mastercraft cam-lock harnesses, a custom MPI Innovations steering wheel, KMC "Grenade" bead-lock wheels, 32-inch EFX Motohammer tires, Jsport SXS front and rear bumpers, a Jsport SXS intrusion bumper, and a strut-mounted spare tire carrier.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid “Do” Build by Jsport Performance Accessories

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid \u201cDo\u201d Build by Jsport Performance Accessories
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid "Do" was created for weekend warriors that need to everyday practicality that the CR-V offers but also the capability to get them to a trailhead with all their equipment. It features a 1.5-inch lift kit, side steps, and roof basket from Jsport, 17-inch KMC off-road wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires, and a Cannondale mountain bike mounted to the roof basket.

Ridgeline HFP Concept with Lifestyle Accessories

Ridgeline HFP Concept with Lifestyle Accessories

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

Honda Factory Performance is exploring a more rugged Ridgeline with this build, which features a lift, widened track, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch bronze-finished HFP alloy wheels. The truck's bed holds custom Fuji mountain bikes that are standing in Thule bed bike fork mounts. There's also a Thule Xsportser bed rack and Kukenam 3 tent on the Ridgeline.

City Slicker 2019 Super Cub 125

City Slicker 2019 Super Cub 125
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

Steady Garage built the City Slicker Super Club, chopping and shortening its front and rear fenders, and retrofitting the front suspension with aftermarket parts designed for the Honda Ruckus. It has custom hubs with three-piece front and rear wheels. It has a custom two-tone green and off-white paint job that was done by Midnight Garage/Advance Auto Group and custom seats by Rogelio's Auto Upholstery. It gets its deep, throaty roar from the Yoshimura Magnum GP exhaust system.

Heritage Chevy Truck with Vintage Cub and CB160

Heritage Chevy Truck with Vintage Cub and CB160
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

Honda has faithfully recreated a 1961 Chevrolet half-ton pickup that was used by American Honda Motor Co. Inc. shortly after the company opened for business in 1959. It's modeled after the one used in the 1961 photo that was originally in front of Honda's first office in Los Angeles. The truck features hand-painted lettering and period-correct trim. In the truck's bed are two motorcycles that played a big role in the creation of the company's U.S. presence, a 1965 Honda 50 and a 1965 Honda CB160.

2019 CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

2019 CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

With this display, Honda expands the story of the CRF1000L Africa Twin to include a new family member, the CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. The new model is even more off-roading ready and comes equipped with features designed for camping including more off-road friendly tires and gear for sleeping under the stars.

Rally Passport

Rally Passport
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

This model was built by Honda R&D as a private, after-hours showcase of the off-roading potential of the 2019 Honda Passport. It is designed to compete in a stage rally competition in the Limited 4WD class of the American Rally Association. The vehicle placed second in its class and 12th overall out of 75 competitors in the Southern Ohio Forest Rally. Modifications made to the model for the rave include a roll cage and safety equipment, Maxxis RAZR MT Tires on Braid Wheels, Carbotech brake pads, front and rear skid plates, and a hand-operated hydraulic brake.

Honda Super Tuner Legends Series Winner: N600

Honda Super Tuner Legends Series Winner: N600
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

This head-turner was built by Dean Williams and is now owned by Stephen Mines. If features a Honda VFR 800cc V4 motorcycle engine under its hood, which drives the rear wheels on a modified Mazda MX-5 Miata suspension system. It has a 12,000 RPM redline and a deep growl coming from the exhaust. The hot rod came out on top at the Honda Super Tuner Legends Series competition this year.

2020 CR-V “Dream” Build by Jsport Performance Accessories

2020 CR-V \u201cDream\u201d Build by Jsport Performance Accessories
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

The "Dream" kicks it up a notch from the "Do." The model was designed for overlanding adventurers who don't need a high level of capability but still want a properly equipped vehicle for their journey. The mods list for the CR-V is extensive and includes a 1.5-inch lift kit, side steps, front bumper, rear tire gate, and Plateau modular roof rack from Jsport, 17-inch KMC off-road wheels with Nitto Ridge Grappler all-terrain tires, and a Roofnest Falcon clamshell-style rooftop tent. An organization cabinet and a slide-out refrigerator are located in the CR-V's cavernous cargo area.

Honda Tuning 2018 Civic Si Project by Super Street Magazine

Honda Tuning 2018 Civic Si Project by Super Street Magazine

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

This Civic Si was designed to test multiple aftermarket products and put the Civic Si through its performance paces. Modifications include an intake and intercooler kit, an ECU re-flash, complete front-to-rear exhaust system, a complete turbo kit with a new downpipe, lower-positioned seats with more pronounced thigh and side bolsters, an adjustable length and height shifter, and adjustable gas pedal spacer. All the mods are completely reversible.

Jeanneret Racing and Olson Kustom Works Civic Si Drift Car

Jeanneret Racing and Olson Kustom Works Civic Si Drift Car
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

The modifications to this Civic Si change it from sporty commuter to a full blown drift car. It has extensive chassis modifications that change it from a front-wheel drive car to a rear-wheel drive one and engine transformations that reorient the K24 engine and bring its ability up to a competition-spec 926 horsepower. Chassis, engine and body modifications to the Formula Drift vehicle were performed in-house in conjunction with Jeanneret Racing and Olson Kustom Works.

Super Street 2000 Civic Si Challenge Winner

Super Street 2000 Civic Si Challenge Winner
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

In 2000, this 1999 Honda Civic Si was modified by Super Street magazine then preserved by American Honda as a showpiece of early 21st century innovation. All of its modifications were completed with just a $10,000 budget. After winning, the Super Street Honda Civic Si was duplicated by Mattel as a 1:18-scale model.

2019 Monkey 125 “SARU with Love”

2019 Monkey 125 \u201cSARU with Love\u201d
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

This model, built by Arthur Yang, features a whopping 125 aftermarket enhancements including forged aluminum wheels, a titanium exhaust system, aluminum swing arm, CNC side-plate covers, and an Over Racing handlebar system. Over Racing has given the vehicle a refitted suspension using Ohilns components with a Chimera Engineering ram intake. There's also a Kitaco seat and an Asia-spec light conversion.

Custom CRF450L “Grey Area”

Custom CRF450L \u201cGrey Area\u201d
  

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company

If you've tuned in to see Honda Supercross and Motocross racer Cole Seely's vlogs, you know that he's outfitted this Custom CRF450L "Grey Area" with a number of modifications. Working with Bleach Design Werks, Seely added black Dubya wheels and Throttle Jockey helped design the vehicle's graphics. Its suspension has been upgraded for supercross duty.

Ad Placement 300x100
Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

View All Listings