Honda Dominates the Competition at the IndyCar Race

We are proud to announce that Honda took 1st – 5th place at the IndyCar Race last weekend in Detroit! With hard work, and motivation from our fans, Honda drivers dominated the competition out on the race tracks.

Here are our Honda drivers’ ranking:

  1. Simon Pagenaud
  2. James Jakes
  3. Mike Conway
  4. Scott Dixon
  5. Dario Franchitti

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Fans and spectators showed up to cheer on their favorite drivers and team. See what the Honda drivers and fans have to say about the IndyCar Race experience!

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson Team Up for Honda Civic Tour

DOWN: Kelly Clarkson
Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson will team up for the late summer/early fall Honda Civic Tour, it was announced Monday. Promoted by Live Nation, the 2013 Honda Civic Tour kicks off on Aug. 1 in St. Louis and runs through Oct. 5.

Maroon 5 is billed as the headlining act on this year’s run, with American Idol season one winner Clarkson serving as a “special guest.” Rozzi Crane, Tony Lucca and PJ Mortonwill each be opening for the pop superstars on select dates.

Both Maroon 5 and Clarkson were highly active on the Hot 100 in 2012: the pop-rock quintet’s fourth studio album, Overexposed, included the top five smashes “Payphone” and “One More Night,” while Clarkson’s “Stronger” singles “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and “Dark Side” were followed late last year by “Catch My Breath,” from her Greatest Hits: Chapter One compilation. Last month, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine returned to The Voice as a coach, while Clarkson announced a new Greatest Hits single, “People Like Us.”

The 2013 Honda Civic Tour is the 12th iteration of the annual trek, which was headlined by Linkin Park and Incubus in 2012. General tickets will go on sale Saturday.

Here are the dates for the 2013 Honda Civic Tour:

August 1: St. Louis, MO (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis)
August 3:  Indianapolis, IN (Klipsch Music Center)
August 4: Cincinnati, OH (Riverbend Music Center)
August 6: Pittsburgh, PA (First Niagara Pavilion)
August 7: Camden, NJ (Susquehanna Bank Center)
August 9: Mansfield, MA (Comcast Center)
August 10: Holmdel, NJ (PNC Bank Arts Center)
August 11: Wantagh, NY (Nikon at Jones Beach Theater)
August 25: Chicago, IL (First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre)
August 26: Cleveland, OH (Blossom Music Center)
August 28: Detroit, MI (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
August 31: Hartford, CT (Comcast Theatre)
September 1: Scranton, PA (Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain)
September 4: Darien, NY (Darien Lake Performing Arts Center)
September 5: Saratoga Springs, NY (Saratoga Performing Arts Center)
September 7: Bristow, VA (Jiffy Lube Live)
September 8: Virginia Beach, VA (Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach)
September 10: Raleigh, NC (Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek)
September 11: Charlotte, NC (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte)
September 13: Tampa, FL (Live Nation Amphitheater)
September 14: West Palm Beach, FL (Cruzan Amphitheatre)
September 16: Atlanta, GA (Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood)
September 18: Austin, TX (Austin360 Amphitheater)
September 19: Houston, TX (The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion)
September 22: Dallas, TX (GEXA Energy Pavilion)
September 24: Denver, CO (Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre)
September 27: Portland, OR (Sleep Country Amphitheater)
September 28: George, WA (Gorge Amphitheatre)
October 1: Marysville, CA (Sleep Train Amphitheatre)
October 2: Mountain View, CA (Shoreline Amphitheatre)
October 5: San Diego, CA (Sleep Train Amphitheatre)

Originally Posted By: The Hollywood Reporter

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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Zipcar adds Honda Fit EVs to Los Angeles fleet

Honda Fit EV

The Honda Fit EV is making a star turn among the car-sharing set, now that Zipcar has added the model to its Los Angeles fleet.

Specifically, the car-sharing leader is including Fit EVs in its Hollywood-area fleet. Zipcar users can rent the car starting at $8.75 an hour. The Fit EV has an 82-mile single-charge range and an economy rating of 118 miles per gallon equivalent. Fit EV leasing began in California last summer. Check out Zipcar’s press release below.

This is the third city to get the Fit EV in its Zipcar fleet. Last September, Zipcar said it would make Honda Fit EVs available to its San Francisco customers, with a starting rate of $8 an hour. And the company added Fit EVs to its Portland, Oregon, fleet in late April.

Originally Posted by AutoBlogGreen

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Raises the Bar

Honda Accord Plug-in

Honda Accord Plug-In is the latest and greatest in the Honda lineup with some very impressive specs that should alleviate most people’s concerns about owning a plug-in.

For example, some people worry about having to leave the car plugged in all day in order to take it for a short drive. The Honda Accord Plug-in only takes 3 hours to completely charge on a 120-volt outlet and only 1 hour on a 240-volt outlet.  Consumers also worry about the range of a plug-in vehicle (no one wants to go for a drive and run out of a charge), but the Honda Accord Plug-in can go almost 600 miles!

Another comforting fact is that the Honda Accord Plug-In is, well, still an Accord with all of the dependability, technology and comforts you expect from an Accord.

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An All-New Honda Urban SUV Concept Takes the Stage

Honda Urban SUV concept

An all-new Honda concept vehicle made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show 2013 (NAIAS) in Detroit. The concept hints at a dynamic, fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational styling and next-generation connectivity. Its clean character lines are complemented by hidden rear door handles, giving the SUV a coupe-like presence.

The new concept is shorter than the CR-V, making it an ideal size for both city streets and mountain roads. It’s poised to join the Honda light-truck lineup, with the Honda-original center-tank layout and a configurable Magic Seat® for a host of cargo and passenger options.

This vehicle is slated to launch in Japan later this year, with expansion to the U.S. market in 2014.

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2013 Honda Accord Sedan is a Top Performer in Aggressive New IIHS Test Earning TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating

2013 Honda Accord Sedan is a Top Performer in Aggressive New IIHS Test Earning TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating
American Honda leads industry with three TOP SAFETY PICK+ rated vehicles; 16 American Honda models named TOP SAFETY PICK
TORRANCE, Calif. December 20, 2012
McGrath Honda Accord 2013 Accord Coupe Exterior Driver Side front

The all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan was one of two midsize sedans to earn an overall GOOD rating in the aggressive, new small overlap frontal crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Under the more stringent testing guidelines by the IIHS, the new small overlap frontal crash test—sometimes called a “narrow offset” test—is designed to replicate what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole. Additionally, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are among the first vehicles in the industry to earn the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS.

McGrath Honda Accord 2013 Accord Coupe Scenic Road 2

As a manufacturer, American Honda leads the industry with three TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles which include the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe and 2013 Acura TL. Additionally, thirteen 2013 model year American Honda vehicles earned TOP SAFETY PICK status: Honda Civic Sedan; Fit; Crosstour; CR-V; CR-Z; Insight; Pilot; Odyssey; and Ridgeline; plus the Acura ILX,TSX, MDX and RDX. All models earned the top rating of GOOD in all four rating areas by the IIHS, including the more rigorous roof-strength test.

“The all-new 2013 Honda Accord lineup offers a distinct advantage among mainstream competitors in its class by achieving the highest possible rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+,” said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. “As one of the industry safety leaders with eleven 2013 Honda models and five 2013 Acura models achieving TOP SAFETY PICK status, American Honda offers a well-rounded lineup of vehicles that are not only fuel efficient and fun-to-drive, but that also offer top safety ratings.”

McGrath Honda Accord 2013 Accord Coupe Exterior Headlight

Beginning with the 2013 Honda Accord, Honda is applying the second generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™ II) body structure to its models. This reinforced front frame structure provides further enhanced frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique crashes. The result of these efforts provides the capability for the Accord Sedan to achieve a GOOD rating in the new IIHS small overlap frontal testing.

The new IIHS test is more challenging, as it requires additional vehicle cabin structure and front structure outboard of the main frame rails—the primary energy absorbing structure. Through the re-engineering of the vehicle structure, Honda has incorporated enhancements that minimize the possible adverse effects on handling and ride comfort, fuel efficiency and overall body vibration, while increasing the safety performance of the vehicle for its passengers.

McGrath Honda Accord 2013 Accord Coupe Dash

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and a driver’s side airbag. All 2013 Honda and Acura models earning recognition from the IIHS, with the exception of the Ridgeline, utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is rooted in Honda’s goal to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company’s leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline.

2013 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICK+:

Honda                 
Honda Accord Coupe
Honda Accord Sedan
Acura 
Acura TL

2013 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICKS:

Honda                 
Honda Fit
Honda Crosstour
Honda Civic Sedan
Honda CR-Z
Honda CR-V
Honda Insight
Honda Pilot
Honda Odyssey
Honda Ridgeline
Acura 
Acura ILX
Acura TSX Sedan
Acura MDX
Acura RDX

Source ( Honda )

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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New Cloud-Based HondaLink™ Connected Car System Helps Drivers Put Away Their Phones

McGrath Honda of Elgin is looking forward to our drivers having access to favorite media while in their Honda vehicles.

HondaLink™ provides first-ever OEM application of Aha™, delivering robust digital content via preset smartphone app.

Honda today unveiled HondaLink™, a new in-vehicle connectivity system that will debut this fall on the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord. Featuring the first automotive OEM application of Aha™ by Harman, HondaLink will provide a personalized experience connecting drivers to thousands of cloud-based news,information and media feeds from around the world, using an intuitive, audio-system based interface.

“HondaLink will enable customers to put away their phone and still stay connected to the people, music and media they love,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. “By creating an intuitive and customizable user interface, HondaLink allows drivers to access digital content as easily as choosing a radio station.”

Honda’s intuitive new HondaLink smartphone application allows owners to preset content on their phone. Once in the car, consumers can enjoy personalized content accessible via voice recognition, steering-wheel mounted controls and in-dash audio system controls. With a tethered smartphone serving as a conduit to a wealth of cloud-based media, HondaLink creates a unique, connected driving experience.

“Honda’s strategy is about leveraging the cloud to bring a wealth of new information and services to Honda owners,” said Charles Koch, American Honda manager of new business development. “This is the next evolution of the connected car and the connected customer.”

Through the Aha service, for example, HondaLink users can listen to Facebook and Twitter audio newsfeeds, podcasts from NPR, location-based personalized restaurant listings from Yelp!, and access internet music services such as Slacker. The service is free and instantly accessible from the cloud.

Aha delivers a user-friendly experience requiring infrequent smartphone software updates, with in-vehicle content and channel access updating simply and automatically throughout the vehicle life. And content available from HondaLink will grow as the system continues to expand its services for Honda owners. HondaLink will also incorporate Pandora internet radio and voice-to-text SMS text services with pre-programmed responses, which Honda introduced on the 2012 CR-V.

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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2013 Honda Fit

The award-winning Honda Fit returns for 2013 with a new exterior color and a host of awards and accolades that reinforce its leadership position in the competitive subcompact-car segment. After receiving extensive updates for 2012 – including an upgraded interior and additional new standard and available features – for 2013 the Fit returns with the introduction of the vibrant new Midnight Plum Pearl exterior paint, replacing the previous Orange Burst Metallic.

A multiple award-winner due to its class-leading safety scores, fuel economy, versatility, residual value and overall excellence, the Honda Fit has built a loyal following over six years and two generations. Now it enters the 2013 model year with more honors, including winning the “$16,000 Subcompact Shootout” competition by Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek that evaluated gas mileage, practicality, and user features and comfort.

The 2012 Honda Fit also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), received a 2012 Residual Value Award from ALG, topped J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS) for 2011 in its segment, and is a six-time Car and Driver magazine “10Best Cars” award winner.

If you’re interested in trying out the Honda Fit, stop by for a test drive… see what all the fuss is about!

P.S. Don’t forget about our “Name Your Price” event… name your price and we’ll do whatever it take… plus tax and plates.

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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Honda Mile Makers

One look at that odometer, and everyone knows there’s a story there. And stories to come. Miles to be traveled, memories to be made and tales to tell. Honda would love to hear your stories.  If your odometer has reached a notable milestone, there is a place to share your journey with others who have done the same.

So snap some photos of your most dependable road trip buddy, and when you get the chance to become a member, share your story — not every Honda travels 100,000 miles and beyond. So celebrate with us!

Here’s one extraordinary story of Million Mile Joe… Yup, Joe drove his 1990 Accord 1 million miles.

Joe drives an average of 62,500 miles a year… and for the last 14 years he’s been a claims adjuster in Maine, and he’s crossed Maine many, many, many times.  Joe used to work as an automotive technician for 18 years, which helped him to reach such a milestone, but let’s not forget that Honda has a reputation of building durable, reliable vehicles.

Joe took more than 661 photos of his odometer… “A Million Miles in 45 Seconds”


So if you and your Honda have a story to tell, please do. If you’d like to find the perfect Honda for your story, stop by the dealership, we’d love to play a role in this tale!

McGrath Honda of Elgin
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Elgin, IL 60123
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2012 Honda Odyssey

The 2012 Honda Odyssey has received the 2012 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Minivan. This is the sixth time the Odyssey has garnered the Drivers’ Choice Award from MotorWeek, with Honda’s benchmark minivan having won the award in back-to-back years in 1999/2000, 2005/2006 and now 2011/2012. MotorWeek looks at the factors mattering most to consumers – price, practicality, performance and fuel efficiency – when selecting the winner.

“When it comes to vacationing with lots of family and friends, and carrying all their belongings, we can’t think of a more comfortable way to do it than in the Honda Odyssey.  And that’s why it’s back again this year as our Best Minivan. Despite a new Nissan Quest and revamped Chrysler vans, we still prefer the Odyssey’s extra smooth ride, Accord-like handling, and cavernous cabin. But most of all, we love its class leading 28-MPG Highway fuel economy rating.” says MotorWeek.

Here are some of the facts: (visit us to learn more)

  • Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Automatic
  • Engine:  3.5L, V6, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC, 248-hp, 250 lbs/ft of torque,
  • Length/weight: 202.9 inches / 4337 – 4560 lbs
  • Wheelbase: 118.1 inches
  • EPA fuel economy: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined (5 speed), 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined (6 speed)
  • Cargo capacity: 38.4 cubic feet (behind the 3rd row)

It has also earned a 5-Star overall safety rating from both NHTSA and is the Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, an achievement that no other currently tested minivan can match.

Stop by McGrath Honda of Elgin, take an Odyssey out for a test drive and see what all the fuss is about.

McGrath Honda of Elgin
2020 North Randall Road
Elgin, IL 60123
1-888-302-3541

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