Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson Team Up for Honda Civic Tour

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

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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

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.

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.”

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.

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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Elgin, IL 60123
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2013 Honda Accord

McGrath Honda of Elgin is proud to introduce the 2013 Honda Accord, the first model to utilize Honda’s new Earth Dreams engine technologies. The redesigned 2013 Accord gets a long list of upgrades and a big bump in fuel economy.

A long selection of engine and transmission options are available for 2013 Honda Accord, not to mention a choice of two body styles and an available plug-in hybrid. The new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder adds direct-injection and makes 185 hp and 6400 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an all-new CVT automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city, matching the segment-leading Altima, while highway mileage falls just short at 36 mpg. A combined, or average, fuel economy rating is 30-mpg.

An all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine for the first time combines Honda’s i-VTEC technology and cylinder deactivation, delivering a total of 278-hp at 6200 rpm and 252 lb-ft of torque at 4900 rpm. Available exclusively with a six-speed automatic in the sedan, in the Accord Coupe, the V6 engine can be paired with a six-speed manual. Fuel economy for the V6 is up, to 21 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for a combined 25 mpg, tying the other segment leaders, though all are behind some of the turbocharged 4-cylinder models currently on offer.

A third engine option, a plug-in hybrid, will mark the first use of the technology for Honda and signal a shift away from the brand.’s long outdated Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. Combining a lithium-ion battery pack, electric motor and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, total system output is rated at 196-hp and 226 lb-ft of torque with an electric-only range of 10 to 15 miles. One innovative feature of the system is that it allows the driver the option of choosing when to use the electric only portion.

In the styling department the new Accord has received a subtle update with a slightly more dramatic flat-fronted chrome grille and a chrome lower front splitter. Further helping to add some premium style to the new Accord are standard 16-inch aluminum wheels and chrome door handles. Out back a new taillight design is oddly reminiscent of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

Perhaps the biggest change to the overall look of the Accord is its smaller size, with a one-inch shorter wheelbase and the car 3.6-inches shorter in length overall. Despite the change in size, Honda has managed to keep interior room the same while increasing trunk space slightly.

Honda will continue to push the safety message with the all-new Accord and claims it will achieve top marks in every crash test and be the first non-premium model to achieve the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick Plus rating. Optional safety features include a lane departure warning system and forward collision alert, while standard on the mid-level EX trim will be the Honda exclusive Lane Watch system that uses a camera on the side of the car to display what is in your blind spot on the center screen.

That center-screen, an 8-inch unit, will come as standard equipment, as will Honda’s i-MID system, a back-up camera and an Econ button, which, when pressed, will dull throttle response to further improve fuel economy.

Upgrading to the new Sport trim adds 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power seat, fog lights, a leather steering wheel, dual exhaust a rear spoiler and paddle shifters. The volume EX trim adds the Lane Watch feature, keyless access with a push button ignition, a moonroof, 17-inch wheels and rear seat ventilation. Finally the EL-L delivers leather, heated seats, an upgraded audio system, forward collision alert and lane departure alert, with navigation optional. V6 models come only as an EX-L trim with leather, while a new top-trim Touring model adds adaptive cruise control and LED headlights.

Come to McGrath Honda of Elgin to test drive the new 2013 Honda Accord.

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

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Related articles

• Honda for your Teenager (mcgrathhondaelgin.wordpress.com)
• Honda’s Answer to High Gas Prices (mcgrathhondaelgin.wordpress.com)

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

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Related articles

• Honda for your Teenager (mcgrathhondaelgin.wordpress.com)
• Honda’s Answer to High Gas Prices (mcgrathhondaelgin.wordpress.com)

Child Car Seat Installation

When it comes to keeping your kids safe, don’t risk installing their seat incorrectly. Here are a few easy steps to installing the seat correctly.

Before you even think about putting it in the vehicle…

1. Read the manual.  Read both your vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat manual from the manufacturer. You’re not only looking for proper installation, but also information such as the weight and height limits for the seat.
2. If you are borrowing a car seat, or have bought one second-hand, be sure to check the seat carefully, and ask if it’s been in a vehicle during an accident. Make sure it has all the instructions and hardware, it has no discolored stress marks or cracks, the harness is not worn or torn, and it has a properly working buckle and latch. Also look for the sticker from the American National Standard Institute and expiration date. If the seat of over 7 years old, toss it. NEVER USE A SEAT IF IT HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
3. Choose the right seat. Car seats are made to fit children at different ages and heights. A baby under 20 lbs and under 1 year, should always travel in a rear-facing seat. Toddlers who weight between 20 – 40 lbs and are over the age of 1 should ride in a forward-facing seat. Pre-school kids between 20 – 80 lbs, and those shorter than 4.75 feet should use a booster seat until the age of 8.  All children under 13 should ride in the back seat.

Time to install the seat…

1. Anchor the car seat. All vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002 are equipped with the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) and lower anchorage bars for securing the seat. Then properly thread the seat belt or UAS through the child car seat, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Apply a lot of pressure. Kneel on the child seat to push it into the vehicle’s seat. Use your muscles to tighten the seat belt or UAS. Then grab the seat and try to move it side to side, don’t go easy on it either because you want to make sure it won’t move if you have an accident. It shouldn’t sway more than an inch in any direction.
3. Tighten the straps on your child. Check the tension on all straps – they should be tight enough so you can only fit one finger between the child and the straps.  All straps should lie flat against the child’s body and the chest clip should be positioned at armpit level. If your child whines don’t give in and loosen the straps – the result could be deadly in a collision.

If you are still unsure of how to correctly install your child’s safety seat, or you want someone to double-check your work, you can take it to a child car seat inspection station.  Certified technicians will inspect your child car seat, usually free of charge – and show you how to correctly install and use it. Follow the link provided to find one near you. http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

One last thing… you may want to put a blanket or towel under the child seat to protect your vehicle’s seats from spills, crumbs and whatever else your child may throw its way!

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

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

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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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Best Family Cars for 2012

Parents and Edmunds.com, the leading online resource for car buyers, revealed their list of the Best Family Cars for 2012. For the fifth consecutive year, car experts from both organizations scrutinized hundreds of vehicles focusing on safety and reliability as top priorities. Each car was also judged on performance, interior, exterior and family friendly features. Every car on the list is equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control and a minimum of six air bags.

In addition to test-driving, analyzing, and comparing prices and features, Parents and Edmunds.com consulted parents who own and drive these vehicles every day.

Honda had 3 of the 15 vehicles on the list:

1. High Mileage Cars – Honda Civic Hybrid
2. Crossovers – Honda CR-V
3. Large Vehicles – Honda Odyssey

Picking a set of wheels is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make. That’s why this list favored vehicles that get great mileage and represent the premier value in their class. They paid close attention to kid-friendly features while also keeping in mind that a smooth, stylish ride makes everyone happy.

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

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Honda’s Answer to High Gas Prices

The 2013 Honda Fit EV tops all other Electric Vehicle offerings in efficiency ratings, providing the most mileage for your electric dollar.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 2013 Honda Fit EV at a mile-per-gallon-equivalency rating of 118 MPGe, the highest fuel-efficiency rating ever given by the EPA. But wait, it gets better… with an unprecedented low consumption rating of just 29 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles and low EPA rated annual fuel cost of $500, the fun-to-drive 2013 Honda Fit EV can help consumers get more miles for each charging dollar.

“Just as important as the industry-leading fuel-efficiency and fast recharging time, as a Honda, the 2013 Fit EV will be an absolute kick to drive,” said Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office.

It’ll be a few years before we see them cruising around the streets of Illinois, but we do have fuel efficient options available to you now:

• Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan: mpg 44 city / 44 hwy / 44 combined
• Honda Insight Hybrid: mpg 41 city / 44 hwy / 42 combined
• Honda CR-Z: mpg 35 city / 39 hwy / 37 combined
• Honda Civic Natural Gas: 2012 Green Car of the Year, mpg 27 city / 38 hwy / 31 combined (available in limited markets for now)
• Honda FCX Clarity: zero-emission, fuel cell electric vehicle (available in limited markets for now)
• Honda Civic: partial zero-emission vehicle, mpg 28 city / 39 hwy / 32 combined
• Honda Fit: ultra-low-emission vehicle, mpg 27-28 city/33-35 hwy/29-31 combined

So if you’re looking for an environmentally responsible car that fits your budget and your lifestyle, visit McGrath Honda of Elgin, we’ve got plenty of options for you.

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

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Honda Loves Racing

To bring attention to a deep rooted affiliation with ‘fast’ and competitive, Honda’s marketing agency has developed a campaign to promote their involvement with IZOD IndyCar®.  The campaign also helps promote the INDY 500.

The “Fastest Seat in Sports” sweepstakes gives race enthusiasts the opportunity to win a ride in the IZOD IndyCar® two-seater driven by Andretti at one of 12 races for the 2012 IndyCar® season.  For the first time, this year’s sweepstakes prizes include rides in the Indy 500 and two international races in Brazil and China.

A 60-second version will first air during the Indy 500, and a 30-second version began airing April 1 to promote the sweepstakes.

Will you be watching the 96th Running of The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race this Sunday May 27?

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

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