GOT HONDA ? DCH HONDA of LEMON GROVE DOES ! plus 0.9% for memorial day !!

GOT HONDA ? DCH HONDA of LEMON GROVE DOES ! plus 0.9% for memorial day !!

18 Easy Ways to Green Up Your Vehicle

Those who want to do their part for the environment can make subtle changes now to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

1. Make sure vehicle tires are properly inflated and maintained. According to experts, if every driver in the United States properly maintained their tires, the country could quite possibly save approximately three billion gallons of gas each year.
2. Observe all speed limits.
3. Avoid sudden stops and starts.
4. Don’t use the air conditioning unless you absolutely have to.
5. Consider using a sun reflector when parked they keep the temperature inside the vehicle cooler.
6. Don’t let your vehicle idle any more than necessary.
7. Be certain your vehicle is well maintained and it gets proper tune-ups and service when needed. A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50 percent.
8. Replace your fuel filter regularly.
9. Use the right grade oil for your vehicle and change it regularly. Clean oil reduces wear on moving parts.
10. You can improve gas mileage by replacing the air filter regularly.
11. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk; extra weight means less fuel economy.
12. If possible, walk instead of drive, take city transportation, ride a bike or car-pool.
13. Take advantage of Park & Ride if it’s available in your area. This is where you drive to a designated parking garage or public parking area and then use city transportation to reach your destination.
14. Note if your vehicle can already use E-85 fuel. Many older vehicles are already equipped to use this type of fuel. Check out the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition website to find out if your vehicle can use this flex fuel alternative.
15. Use the web or phone to shop.
16. Consider using video conferencing.
17. Use Google maps, Triple A or something similar so you can plot and plan out your trips, which will help you to know exactly where you’re going and you’ll use less gas trying to find your way around town.
18. Learn about hypermiling. Try it for a week and note your results. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Courtesy of carsforgirls.com

www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com
www.dchlg.com

2012 Civic hybrid vs. 2012 Prius hybrid

Over most of the last decade, there has been one benchmark when it comes to automotive fuel efficiency: the Toyota Prius. Its reputation is so strong, in fact, that Toyota decided to create an entire family of Prius vehicles, beginning this year with the Prius V.

Since 1999, Honda has been producing its own line of hybrids. Its first, the Insight, was a fuel economy champ itself. But no Honda hybrid since has been able to match the Prius. That may change with the new 2012 Civic Hybrid, which is closer than ever to becoming "Honda's Prius."

To find out how Honda's latest stacks up against Toyota, we devised a two-day, two-route, 550-mile test to challenge the two fuel economy all-stars. One route covered the city streets to approximate a week's worth of commuting; the other was an all-highway blast to replicate a road trip. We filled up both cars for each route at the same pump, at the same gas station. Can the Prius hold onto its top spot as the reining fuel economy champ?


The Specs

Toyota uses a pair of electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to join them, mounted to the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. This system allows the Prius to use several combinations of electric and/or gasoline power—including an all-electric mode. There's even an EV switch that locks the Prius in battery mode until the range of the 6.5 amp hour nickel-metal hydride pack is used up. Toyota delivers a total system horsepower of 134.

Honda's system, meanwhile, is very similar to the last Civic Hybrid and the current Insight. The electric motor sits in between the CVT and the gasoline engine. So, unlike the Prius, the gas engine in the Civic must always turn—when in electric cruise mode, the gas engine essentially freewheels. The Civic's four cylinder has grown to 1.5-liters from 1.3-liters. And when combined with the new, more powerful 23 hp electric motor, it delivers 110 system horsepower. But the big news is the lighter and more powerful 4.5 amp hour lithium-ion battery pack (still mounted behind the rear seats).

The Prius can become expensive quickly as you add options like the self-parking system. It's not uncommon to see a fully loaded Prius sticker for close to $35,000. The new Civic Hybrid doesn't offer these options, so it is generally much less expensive. We opted to test a $24,369 Toyota Prius 2 model against a $27,500 Civic Hybrid Nav model.

The EPA rates the Prius at 51mpg city and 48 mpg on the highway, while the 2012 Civic Hybrid is rated at 44 mpg for both city and highway. But how do they handle real world testing?


The Highway Drive

Beginning in Santa Monica, we cruised up the California coast to U.S. Route 101 and pressed onward, north of Santa Maria. To even out any differences in driving style between PM's testers, we switched cars often and locked the cruise control at or below 70 mph whenever possible.

The Civic may have an all-new, more aerodynamic skin, but beneath it the chassis tuning feels quite similar to the last Civic Hybrid we tested. Actually, of any hybrid we've tested, this new Honda comes the closest to the ride quality of the Prius—partly because they ride on the same 196/65R15 Bridgestone Ecopia tires.

The Civic's new dash and display look much like the Prius's, except they are located in front of the driver's sight line and easier to read. The Prius's futuristic dash lets everyone know that you've got plenty of advanced tech onboard. But the fresh, modern dash and center console of the Civic is more inviting if you prefer a conventional car, which we do. Both cars are far from luxurious, however. Hard plastic covers most of the interior.

Slide into the backseats, and the two cars appear to have equal headroom. But there's a bit less legroom in the Honda, and its roofline requires that taller passengers duck as they exit the rear doors. In terms of cargo, the Civic's trunk holds 10.7 cubic feet—an increase from the previous model, but just half the capacity of the Prius.

After 354 highway miles, we decided that the Civic was the more comfortable of the two—the Prius feels a bit more susceptible to crosswind and generally produces more freeway noise. But when we filled both cars up at the end of the day, the Prius was the highway fuel economy champ, returning 51.4 mpg. The Civic delivered a very respectable 47.1 mpg.


The City Drive

The next day, we headed east and hit the streets. For this test, we'd drive an all-city route from Santa Monica to San Bernardino, and back. We never put a tire on a freeway and never exceeded 45 mph—a true test of city fuel economy.

On these roads, the Prius was nearly silent most of the time, creeping along in electric-only mode. The Civic always needed its gas motor to idle, but the smart and aggressive engine stop-start system would often cut power when we were coasting up to a light under light loads. As soon as the light turned green and our foot released the brake, the engine started quickly. And once under way, the Civic stays in electric mode longer than before.

On a few of the backroads near Glendora, the Civic was the more engaging partner. Neither car will be mistaken for a sport sedan, but spirited driving just feels more natural in the Honda.

After 198 miles and ten hours of traffic congestion, the Prius once again came out on top when we refueled back in Santa Monica. This time, the Toyota delivered 50.2 mpg to Honda's 43.7 mpg.


The Bottom Line

In out test, both hybrids exceeded their EPA ratings. Averaging our two loops, the Prius delivered 50.8 mpg while the Civic returned 45.4 mpg. The Prius remains the unequivocal hybrid fuel economy king, but the Civic is closing the gap.

If gasoline prices continue to rise much beyond today's $4 per gallon national average, both Toyota and Honda should see sales of these two hybrids skyrocket. But if we could have just one of these cars to drive every day, our pick would be the slightly-more-fun Honda.




credit ben stewart polpular mechanics

www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com
www.dchlg.com

SADD Car Wash - Saturday May 7 2011

What a great SADD car wash event at the DCH Honda of Lemon Grove -

We would like to thank the Helix High chapter SADD for allowing us to host the event. We @DCHLG applaude them for all their hard work !

What a great success had by all along with a lot of fun !




please dont text and drive

DCH - teen safe driving program

www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com

www.dchlg.com

DCH Auto Group Supports 2011 National Youth Traffic Safety Month

Auto Retailer and its Dealerships will be working with local high schools and communities to raise awareness about teen safe driving
SOUTH AMBOY, N.J., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DCH Auto Group is calling attention to teen driving safety this May as part of National Youth Traffic Safety Month. Throughout May, all DCH Auto Group Dealerships in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and California will be holding and sponsoring events to raise awareness about how to keep young drivers safe on our roads and highways.

May is an important time for teens to be focused on driving safety. With prom, graduation, and summer trips just ahead, the potential for traffic-related deaths and injuries that involve young drivers and passengers increases alarmingly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says traffic crashes are the leading killer of teens, with more than 5,000 dying annually. That's why DCH Auto Group and its partners, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), and numerous likeminded organizations across the country are raising awareness all month long to educate teens about safe driving habits.

DCH Auto Group dealerships and DCH-sponsored High School SADD Chapters will be holding events to educate teens about driving safety, including:

•DCH's BMW of Greenwich and Greenwich High School will be hosting a day of events on Friday, May 6. The day includes presentations from state and local police and local EMS members, the premier of a new student-made safe driving PSA and a safe driving presentation by DCH Auto Group's Director of Marketing Roy Bavaro.
•DCH Freehold Toyota in Freehold, NJ will host Howell High School's SADD Chapter and Manalapan High School's SADD Chapter on Saturday, May 14. Students will demonstrate to DCH customers the dangers of drunk driving.
•DCH Academy Honda team members will join Old Bridge High School students, Old Bridge, NJ, for several events the week of May 16, including holding a vehicle safety check clinic and provide vehicles to demonstrate how seat belts save lives.
•Freehold Township High School SADD in Freehold, NJ will be holding a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, May 19 to discuss the dangers of texting and driving.
•DCH Dealerships in Oxnard, CA and Ventura County SADD Chapters will be hosting a Car Racing Night at MB2 Raceway on Friday, May 20, providing a safe way to test driving skills. Proceeds will benefit area SADD Chapters. There will be raffles, music and safe driving information available.
•DCH Dealerships in Temecula, CA will be holding their annual talent competition on Saturday, May 21. The popular carnival-like event hosted by DCH Honda of Temecula, DCH Acura of Temecula and DCH Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Temecula along with SADD Chapters from Great Oak High School and Chapparel High School gives area residents the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain knowledge about safe driving issues.
•Team members from DCH Toyota of Simi Valley will be visiting Royal High School on Wednesday, May 25 to help the school's SADD Chapter demonstrate the importance of seatbelts.


DCH Auto Group is committed to helping teens drive safely with its Teen Safe Driving Program, an exclusive, long term, teen-focused, driving-safety community outreach program. The cornerstone of the program is the company's affiliation with SADD. DCH Auto Group is the exclusive automotive dealer sponsor of SADD in New Jersey, southern New York, Fairfield, Connecticut, and southern California, where the company owns and operates a wide array of car dealerships. DCH is also a member of The National Safety Council Coalition on Teen Driving. Through the company's involvement with this Coalition, DCH is working to raise awareness among parents of young drivers about the importance of the graduated drivers license, and the importance of parents playing an active part in their child's driver education.

About DCH Auto Group

Headquartered in South Amboy, NJ, DCH Auto Group comprises 27 auto dealerships in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Southern California from Oxnard to San Diego, featuring a full line of new and pre-owned vehicles. The company is highly invested in principles for success that value customers and employees. DCH Auto is committed to giving back to the communities in which its dealerships operate and employees and customers live. The company is dedicated to its teen safe driver program and is a sponsor of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). For more information, please visit http://www.dchauto.com/.

http://www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com/SADD.htm



http://www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com/
http://www.dchlg.com/

IL Track Tested: 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe
By Mike Magrath May 3, 2011

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. This is not the last gen, but rather the all-new 2012 Honda Civic Si.

For 2012 Honda expanded the stroke and bore of the old 2.0 so now the Civic Si displaces 2.4 liters and produces 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at "only" 4,300 rpm. That's 22 percent more torque than the outgoing car, arriving nearly 2,000 rpm sooner.

We walked away from a first drive of the 2012 Honda Civic Si pleased with the additional torque, and the handling was exactly what we expected from the Si. But that was on a Honda-prepped autocross course under careful supervision.

Now that we've got one on home turf, it's time to see what the 2012 Honda Civic Si will do in our performance tests...

Vehicle: 2012 Honda Civic SI Coupe
Date Tested: 5-3-2011
Driver: Chris Walton

Specifications:
Drive Type: Transverse, front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,354
Redline (rpm): 7,100
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 201 @ 7,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 170 @ 4,300
Steering System: Electric-assist rack-and-pinion power steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent multilink, coil springs, lateral links, stabilizer bar
Tire Size (front): 215/45ZR17 (91W)
Tire Size (rear): 215/45ZR17 (91W)
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Pilot Exalto PE2
Tire Type: Summer performance
Wheel size: 17-by-7 inches front and rear
Wheel material (front/rear): Cast aluminum
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 2,845






Test Results:

Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 2.6 (2.9 with T/C on)
0-45 (sec): 4.6 (4.8 with T/C on)
0-60 (sec): 6.9 (7.1 with T/C on)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.6 (6.9 with T/C on)
0-75 (sec): 10.1 (10.2 with T/C on)
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 15.1 @ 93.1 (15.3 @ 93.1 with T/C on)

Braking
30-0 (ft): 29
60-0 (ft): 120

Handling
Slalom (mph): 67.3 (62.8 with T/C ON)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.86 (0.84 with T/C ON)

Sound
Db @ Idle: 43.1
Db @ Full Throttle: 80.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.4

RPM @ 70: 3,000

Comments

Acceleration: Power delivery is far more linear than previous 2.0L Si engine, but i-VTEC is still evident -- more audible than palpable, though. With trac off, it's tricky to launch with just-right wheelspin, but it can be done and subtracts about a half-second from time. It's difficult to hang revs at a desired rpm because the throttle is so sensitive and revs climb and drop with a millimeter of throttle travel. Shifter is still very good, but feels ike it has a longer throw than previous Si's.

Braking: Some initial pedal travel, then very firm thereafter. Not much initial bite. Zero ABS buzz, little tire squeal, but rear end gets light and wiggles side-to-side.

Handling: Skid pad: With ESC off, gently understeers all the way around. "Steering" with the throttle doesn't work -- no rotation possible. With ESC on, the system grabs a brake and keeps it just inside understeer. Steering weight is good -- not too heavy or light or electric-feeling. Slalom: With ESC off, the car is sensitive to entry speed and likes to rotate off-throttle. Best run was entry at just barely sub-limit, then barely adjust throttle for a tiny bit of rotation at each cone, then MASH the throttle at exit. It's a delicate technique, and there's probably +1 mph left, but this would be a "perfect" run. With ESC on, it's punishing to the slightest bit of tire howl or sliding -- hence slow.

Full test: 2006 Honda Civic Si Coupe

IL Track Tested: 2010 Honda Civic Si Sedan HFP

IL Track Tested: 2009 Honda Civic Si Sedan

www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com

www.dchlg.com

2012 Civic - NOW HERE !!

If you were counting down the days until you could build and price your very own 2012 Honda Civic, you can put away the fingers and toes. The Civic configurator is now online, and there are seven models and up to six different trim levels from which to choose.

Opt for the Civic Sedan and the base DX model comes in at $15,805 ($16,555 with $750 destination). That will net you a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a lot of standard safety equipment. The top of the line EX-L comes in at $23,455 ($24,205 with destination), and includes leather seats, navigation, USB, Bluetooth, heated front seats and more. The base Civic Coupe commands $200 less than the Sedan, with a starting MSRP of $15,605 ($16,355 with destination). Both the Coupe and Sedan are rated at 39 highway miles per gallon.

The Civic Si Sedan and Coupe are available for $23,155 and $22,955, respectively, complete with a 201 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder I-VTEC engine matched to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. Other standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heavily bolstered seats with red contrast stitching and a tachometer with rev-limit indicator. Summer tires will bring your total up $200, while the Si with navigation is an extra $2,000 $1,500 over the base price.

At the top of the Civic food chain (at least in terms of price) is the Hybrid edition, with a starting price of $24,800 with destination. Add leather and navigation and you're looking at an MSRP of $27,500. The Civic Hybrid is rated at 44 mpg in both city and highway driving.

Head over to the Honda website to price your own Civic. Only the GX Natural Gas Vehicle is off limits, as it won't be available until late 2011.

*UPDATE: Honda tells us the navigation system is a $1,500-option.

www.dchhondaoflemongrove.com

www.dchlg.com