Honda has announced a recall for 2007 and 2008 Odyssey minivans and Element crossovers. Over time, the braking systems VSA modulator can build up air and lead to a soft pedal feel and compromised braking performance.

It’s one of the best magazines on the market today and helps you decide on everything from cars to computers. Consumer Reports is that little unassuming publication that shows up once a month and guides us to the best products on the market. All tests are done independently so we get real opinions and not ones that are generated by sponsors.

Ok, this is kinda freakin’ me out because this is the second compact car I’m writing about today. First it was the Fiat 500 695 Tributo and now this. What you see before you is a 1972 Honda 600 and damn if it isn’t the smallest thing to roll past my eyeballs in quite some time. I found this little guy over at Hemmings and I’m simply amazed at what a compact package this is.

Honda will display the 3R-C concept vehicle prominently in their Geneva Motor Show booth. Could this be an indicator of things to come from the auto and motorcycle giant?

Powered by a battery electric drivetrain, Honda has yet to release information on performance, range, charge times or production intent. The concept features a retractable canopy that provides security when the vehicle is parked and doubles as a windshield when the vehicle is in motion.

Past attempts at three wheelers have met with limited success. The Campagna T-Rex sure looked like fun, but not at the $52,000 price of admission. Can-Am’s Spyder was more reasonably priced at around $20,000, but many saw it as a motorcycle with training wheels since it didn’t offer the practicality of an enclosed (or semi-enclosed) cockpit. The Reliant Robin never made it to this side of the pond, and most Brits will tell you that’s a good thing.

Three wheelers may never be the year-round commuter car of choice for those living in snow country, but may still represent a reasonable option for commuters in warmer climates. Make them affordable and entertaining enough to drive and you’ll sell them in northern states, too – that’s what winter time beater cars are for.

I’m all in favor of a 3R-C model line, and would love to see Honda produce both battery and gas powered versions. The low-drag body design would make even the gasoline versions incredibly fuel efficient, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the 3R-C without guilt. Offer a version with the new VFR1200 motor, build it at an MSRP under $20k and I bet you’ll move a boatload of inventory.

Source: Carscoop

Way back in 1983 Honda released a nifty little two-seater sport coupe called the CRX. It was sporty, fun and economical with a focus on the younger markets. I remember these cars from back in the day because one of my classmates had one when I was in college. It was a red 5-speed and damn if it wasn’t a little firecracker of a car to drive. I remember rowing through the gears and feeling like a road racer. The little 1.6 liter 4-banger was a really rev happy little sucker and even though we weren’t going that fast, it sure as hell felt like we were. It also returned outstanding fuel economy and was rated by the EPA at 41 city / 50 hwy mpg.

Honda’s CR-X was an epic car, especially in Si trim. Unfortunately for Honda, it was followed by the dismal DelSol, proof that even Honda can build a bad car now and then. Thus, when Honda first announced the new CR-Z, spiritual successor to the CR-X, it caught my attention.

Recalls, recalls, recalls… man, they’re everywhere aren’t they. Obviously Toyota has had the worst of it over the last few months, but now Honda? What the hell is going on? These two automotive giants are the ones that set the standards for quality and reliability in this country and forced our own American manufacturers to play catch-up.

Now it seems that the tides have turned. All of this recall action makes me wonder – is the American Government pressuring foreign automakers to release recalls in a more public manner? By law, if a recall is issued it must be made public by the manufacture of the product… this is on any product, not just automobiles. In the wake of all the bad press US automakers have been getting in the last year I can’t help but wonder if the US Government isn’t using Toyota’s recalls as a platform to enhance the reputation of our own domestic manufactures. Sounds feasible right? I’d be very curious to know your opinions on this.

By the way, if you are concerned that your vehicle may have an issue or be part of a recall, you can find out at Safecar.gov. Just click the link, insert your automotive information and you’re good to go.

Shopping for a used Honda? Own a 2001 or 2002 Honda or Acura? Read on, because the automaker has announced a recall of 438,000 vehicles to replace a potentially faulty airbag deflator. In a worse case scenario, the deflator can shatter during an air bag deployment, increasing the driver’s risk for injury. One fatality and eleven injuries have been documented in the United States.

Vehicles recalled are 2001 and 2002 model year Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, and Pilot. Also recalled are 2002 Acura TL and CL models.

I want to preface this list by saying that there were many factors going into the reasons as to why each one of these cars made the cut. Some of you will agree with my choices and others will not. You see, when I do a list like this I don’t just go with who’s got the highest hp numbers, or which is the best car from 60-0. I try to be objective and look at things like, everyday usage, price, reliability, performance and roominess. I look at these cars from the vantage point of using them as an everyday driver, which means 24/7/365. Yes, some will be pricey and deservedly so and others will be more budget oriented. So, now that you know the parameters, lets get down to business.

While cruising around on the internet, I came across this little posting over at CarEnvy. First, take a look at how small a Honda N-360 is. Yes, it is packed inside a Toyota Hiace Van, comparable to a GM savanna Van here in the US.

However, when it hits the Dyno, the little engine that could virtually roars to life. All this from just 345 CCs.

Source: CarEnvy.ca