Honda Recalls 2012 Accord, 2012 Crosstour, 2011-2012 Ridgeline

Honda has issued two recalls today -- one for the 2012 Accord and 2012 Crosstour, and another for the 2011-2012 Ridgeline. 

The 2012 Accord and Crosstour recall is the most worrisome of the two. According to a bulletinfrom the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Accords and Crosstours from the 2012 model year may have been built with a faulty inflator for the side-curtain airbag on the passenger's side. As a result, those airbags may not deploy during a crash, seriously increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Thankfully, the size of this recall is fairly small, including only 347 units to date. (Given the popularity of the Accord, the recall could've been much larger a few months down the road.) Hondaexpects to notify owners of affected vehicles about the recall by next Friday, February 10. At that time, they'll be able to take their vehicles to a Honda dealer, who will inspect the airbag system and replace inflators as necessary, free of charge.

If you have questions about the 2012 Accord and Crosstour recall, we encourage you to ring Honda Customer Service at 800-999-1009, or call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall campaign #12V030000.

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The 2011-2012 Ridgeline recall centers around the Ridgeline's spare tire, which has come withinaccurate inflation information on the attached placard. If owners use the spare tire and it's improperly inflated, the tire could fail, leading to an accident. Approximately 206 Ridgelines are included in this recall.

Honda has already begun sending out notices to Ridgeline owners, so if you have one of the recalled vehicles in your garage, you should receive something in the mail very soon. At that time, you can take your Ridgeline to a Honda dealer, who will amend or replace the tire information placard free of charge. 

Should you have additional questions about the Ridgeline recall, call Honda Customer Service at 800-999-1009, or ring up the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall campaign#12V025000.

2012 Jaguar XJ - Review

Jaguar's come a long way from its baroque recent past. Starting with the 2007 XJ and proceeding with the 2009 XF, its cars transformed from museum pieces into striking works of art. The big XJ sedan underwent the change in life in 2011, and this year it's back in all its glory.

The formerly frumpy XJ is now all about chic, and it's clear the do-or-die ethos inside Jaguar was the only thing that could have brought us the stunning, sexy XJ. Part Aston and part XF, the biggest Jaguar is now its boldest offering, with a prominent mesh grille, and a roofline that looks as strong and delicate as an arched bridge. Some of the details win, and some elude us: the blacked-out rear roof pillar should be brushed aluminum, which is what the XJ is made of. And the rear end is so elemental, it's almost understyled, with long, thin taillamps draped down the decklid in a fussy, arty way. Inside, the XJ's Hollywood all the way, with bubbly air vents, a pop-up transmission controller and wide panels of wood trim on concave door panels. It distills lots of current Jaguar themes, but sometimes the materials don't hold up as well to the touch as they do to the eyes.

With a six-speed automatic delivering power from a V-8 engine, with or without supercharging, the rear-drive XJ has a lightness and a dynamic edge compared to its rivals, mostly stemming from the actual light weight of its aluminum architecture. We're entertained as hell by its demeanor, even if it's the base 385-horsepower V-8 in the XJ and XJL. Throw on the supercharger, and let the good times whine to 470 hp or even 510 hp in the Supersport, and we're all in. The base car cuts down 0-60 mph runs in 5.4 seconds; with the supercharged 470-hp engine, it's down to 4.9 seconds. The Supersport nails them flat at 4.7 seconds. All versions are limited to a top speed of 155 mph, but new Sport and Speed packs with new aero tweaks are allowed to venture up to 174 mph, where you'll find unlimited Audis and BMWs and Benzes, not coincidentally.

That aluminum structure builds in a deft handling edge that's purer than in some other luxury cars. The XJ lacks some of the endless electronic modulations that bedevil some German sedans, though there are sport buttons for both the electronic shocks and the engine/transmission/steering combination. The Brit's better for it, as the XJ has more predictable reflexes, without the wild handling tangents of its competition.Big ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock, brake drying and good pedal feel match the XJ's crisp new feel, and Z-rated tires of up to 20 inches stick tenaciously. The long-storied ride isolation of Jaguar is history, replaced by an athletic, taut feel.

Even the XJ's seats play a role in that feel, and so does the daring roofline. Together, the physical closeness of the XJ's interior makes it feel more sporting. The seats are firmer and flatter, with more adjustments and heating and ventilation, but there's less head and leg room in front and, especially, in back. It's tight at the knees on either side of the front console, but leg room is lavish, especially on long-wheelbase cars. The sunroof slims down headroom in front, and in back, the XJ really isn't comfortable for adults six feet tall or more. Trunk space is the largest in the class, but smaller than the bin in the Ford Taurus.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the new sedan. The new car also sports six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, as before. There's a blind-spot alert system built into each XJ, and adaptive cruise control is option. A rearview camera is standard.

The 2012 Jaguar XJ comes in four versions: base 385-hp trim, in either short- or long-wheelbase bodies; with a supercharger, 470 hp, and a long wheelbase; and as an XJ Supersport, with 510 horsepower and a $3000 surcharge if you want to supersize into the long-wheelbase version. All cars come with a panoramic sunroof; an AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/HD/Sirius/30GB hard drive audio system; USB connectivity and Bluetooth stereo audio; a navigation system with voice control; and automatic climate control. The XJL versions add a four-zone climate control; all cars get ventilated front and heated rear seats, while massaging front seats and ventilated rear seats are standard or available on all versions. We'd demand the thrillingly clear 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins audiophile system, but wonder if its bass is enough for today's listeners. Best of all the features--and standard--is Jaguar's service plan, which pays for everything except gas and tires for the first five years or 50,000 miles of use.

2012 Jaguar XJ - Review

Jaguar's come a long way from its baroque recent past. Starting with the 2007 XJ and proceeding with the 2009 XF, its cars transformed from museum pieces into striking works of art. The big XJ sedan underwent the change in life in 2011, and this year it's back in all its glory.

The formerly frumpy XJ is now all about chic, and it's clear the do-or-die ethos inside Jaguar was the only thing that could have brought us the stunning, sexy XJ. Part Aston and part XF, the biggest Jaguar is now its boldest offering, with a prominent mesh grille, and a roofline that looks as strong and delicate as an arched bridge. Some of the details win, and some elude us: the blacked-out rear roof pillar should be brushed aluminum, which is what the XJ is made of. And the rear end is so elemental, it's almost understyled, with long, thin taillamps draped down the decklid in a fussy, arty way. Inside, the XJ's Hollywood all the way, with bubbly air vents, a pop-up transmission controller and wide panels of wood trim on concave door panels. It distills lots of current Jaguar themes, but sometimes the materials don't hold up as well to the touch as they do to the eyes.

With a six-speed automatic delivering power from a V-8 engine, with or without supercharging, the rear-drive XJ has a lightness and a dynamic edge compared to its rivals, mostly stemming from the actual light weight of its aluminum architecture. We're entertained as hell by its demeanor, even if it's the base 385-horsepower V-8 in the XJ and XJL. Throw on the supercharger, and let the good times whine to 470 hp or even 510 hp in the Supersport, and we're all in. The base car cuts down 0-60 mph runs in 5.4 seconds; with the supercharged 470-hp engine, it's down to 4.9 seconds. The Supersport nails them flat at 4.7 seconds. All versions are limited to a top speed of 155 mph, but new Sport and Speed packs with new aero tweaks are allowed to venture up to 174 mph, where you'll find unlimited Audis and BMWs and Benzes, not coincidentally.

That aluminum structure builds in a deft handling edge that's purer than in some other luxury cars. The XJ lacks some of the endless electronic modulations that bedevil some German sedans, though there are sport buttons for both the electronic shocks and the engine/transmission/steering combination. The Brit's better for it, as the XJ has more predictable reflexes, without the wild handling tangents of its competition.Big ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock, brake drying and good pedal feel match the XJ's crisp new feel, and Z-rated tires of up to 20 inches stick tenaciously. The long-storied ride isolation of Jaguar is history, replaced by an athletic, taut feel.

Even the XJ's seats play a role in that feel, and so does the daring roofline. Together, the physical closeness of the XJ's interior makes it feel more sporting. The seats are firmer and flatter, with more adjustments and heating and ventilation, but there's less head and leg room in front and, especially, in back. It's tight at the knees on either side of the front console, but leg room is lavish, especially on long-wheelbase cars. The sunroof slims down headroom in front, and in back, the XJ really isn't comfortable for adults six feet tall or more. Trunk space is the largest in the class, but smaller than the bin in the Ford Taurus.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the new sedan. The new car also sports six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, as before. There's a blind-spot alert system built into each XJ, and adaptive cruise control is option. A rearview camera is standard.

The 2012 Jaguar XJ comes in four versions: base 385-hp trim, in either short- or long-wheelbase bodies; with a supercharger, 470 hp, and a long wheelbase; and as an XJ Supersport, with 510 horsepower and a $3000 surcharge if you want to supersize into the long-wheelbase version. All cars come with a panoramic sunroof; an AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/HD/Sirius/30GB hard drive audio system; USB connectivity and Bluetooth stereo audio; a navigation system with voice control; and automatic climate control. The XJL versions add a four-zone climate control; all cars get ventilated front and heated rear seats, while massaging front seats and ventilated rear seats are standard or available on all versions. We'd demand the thrillingly clear 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins audiophile system, but wonder if its bass is enough for today's listeners. Best of all the features--and standard--is Jaguar's service plan, which pays for everything except gas and tires for the first five years or 50,000 miles of use.

2012 Hyundai Equus - Review

Hyundai's Equus sedan is in its second year of irritating the likes of Lexus and Infiniti. A luxury sedan with all the credibility of an LS 460 or an M37, the Equus can also go toe to toe with the large luxury sedans from Germany in features and finishes--while undercutting them by thousands on its pricetag. The Equus may not deliver the prestige or the handling of the best vehicles in its class, but it's a striking bargain for those who don't mind a more softly sprung luxury sedan, or a great deal.

The Equus doesn't have the daring styling that the younger, cheaper Hyundai Sonata and Elantra share. It's more a mishmash of familiar cues, from cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS. The distinctiveness of other Hyundais is muted here: it's a car designed for different priorities, aimed more at pleasing Korean executives in the home market than winning over new North Americans to the Hyundai fold. It's still a fine-looking car, with an upswept tail and tapered side glass, and a maturity that follows through in the cabin. Inside its vault doors, the Equus is very much a convincing luxury car, with more Lexus and Mercedes cues interwoven with its own themes--like the winged metallic trim that surrounds the dash vents, and is echoed in the Equus' logo on its hood and on its LCD touchscreen during start-up mode.

In its first year on sale, the U.S. Equus shared a powertrain with the smaller Genesis sedan. For 2012, the bigger Hyundai V-8 is standard on all Equus sedans, while it's offered on just one Genesis trim level. The 5.0-liter V-8 is rated at 429 horsepower in the Equus, and with 376 pound-feet of torque as well, the Equus bests the LS 460 and the Benz S550 in output. It's teamed with a new eight-speed automatic that only adds to the heady rush of power that shaves a tick or two off the Equus' mid-six-second 0-60 mph times. The new engine also sounds a bit richer, with a more mellow and rounder exhaust note. The old Equus never really strained to deliver power, but what luxury-car shopper will turn down 44 extra horsepower? Fuel economy does dip slightly with the new drivetrain to 15/23 mpg--and when it comes down to the standard measure of ultra-luxury sedans, the Equus' controlled ride and sweet steering are well shy of the marks set by the latest BMW 7er and Benz S-Class, even the Infiniti M37, though to us, it's a toss-up as to whether the Equus handles better than the Lexus LS.

Inside, the Equus gives up little ground on features or room. Front passengers face a dash slathered in leather and birch or walnut trim, framing a big LCD screen that displays audio and navigation functions; a knob-style controlled, like iDrive and COMAND, dials up different radio stations, ambient temperatures, or destinations. Back-seat drivers get the best treatment: there's an airline-style right passenger seat that reclines on some versions, and it comes with an extendable footrest--but the Equus doesn't quite have enough spread-out leg room to extend the footrest far enough. Our Equus is actually the short-wheelbase version, and Hyundai hasn't confirmed we'll ever get the long-wheelbase version. The same seat can have Shiatsu-style massage functions as well, so you'll probably get over the tight toe room--but the passenger on the left side will be out of luck, as the features aren't offered on that chair.

Other luxury features on the Equus include standard Lexicon audio; adaptive cruise control; ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery. A lane-departure warning system is a new option this year: it sounds an alert when the Equus crosses lanes for more than a second, and tugs the seatbelt when the car crosses over for more than three seconds. Other safety features like Bluetooth and a rearview camera are included for free.

Also free is the Equus' white-glove service. Instead of visiting a dealer, owners can simply schedule a pick-up and loaner car through a mobile app. In the first year of sales, Hyundai gave out free Apple iPads to owners; the 2012 models get a full paper owner's manual instead. We'll take the lavish treatment over a free tablet over the Equus' lifetime, thanks--and we'd definitely consider a sub-$60,000 Equus if the Lexus LS topped our new-car shopping list, because the new big Hyundai is a plush, credible four-door that brings ultra-luxury amenities down to the semi-well-heeled masses.

2012 Hyundai Equus - Review

Hyundai's Equus sedan is in its second year of irritating the likes of Lexus and Infiniti. A luxury sedan with all the credibility of an LS 460 or an M37, the Equus can also go toe to toe with the large luxury sedans from Germany in features and finishes--while undercutting them by thousands on its pricetag. The Equus may not deliver the prestige or the handling of the best vehicles in its class, but it's a striking bargain for those who don't mind a more softly sprung luxury sedan, or a great deal.

The Equus doesn't have the daring styling that the younger, cheaper Hyundai Sonata and Elantra share. It's more a mishmash of familiar cues, from cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS. The distinctiveness of other Hyundais is muted here: it's a car designed for different priorities, aimed more at pleasing Korean executives in the home market than winning over new North Americans to the Hyundai fold. It's still a fine-looking car, with an upswept tail and tapered side glass, and a maturity that follows through in the cabin. Inside its vault doors, the Equus is very much a convincing luxury car, with more Lexus and Mercedes cues interwoven with its own themes--like the winged metallic trim that surrounds the dash vents, and is echoed in the Equus' logo on its hood and on its LCD touchscreen during start-up mode.

In its first year on sale, the U.S. Equus shared a powertrain with the smaller Genesis sedan. For 2012, the bigger Hyundai V-8 is standard on all Equus sedans, while it's offered on just one Genesis trim level. The 5.0-liter V-8 is rated at 429 horsepower in the Equus, and with 376 pound-feet of torque as well, the Equus bests the LS 460 and the Benz S550 in output. It's teamed with a new eight-speed automatic that only adds to the heady rush of power that shaves a tick or two off the Equus' mid-six-second 0-60 mph times. The new engine also sounds a bit richer, with a more mellow and rounder exhaust note. The old Equus never really strained to deliver power, but what luxury-car shopper will turn down 44 extra horsepower? Fuel economy does dip slightly with the new drivetrain to 15/23 mpg--and when it comes down to the standard measure of ultra-luxury sedans, the Equus' controlled ride and sweet steering are well shy of the marks set by the latest BMW 7er and Benz S-Class, even the Infiniti M37, though to us, it's a toss-up as to whether the Equus handles better than the Lexus LS.

Inside, the Equus gives up little ground on features or room. Front passengers face a dash slathered in leather and birch or walnut trim, framing a big LCD screen that displays audio and navigation functions; a knob-style controlled, like iDrive and COMAND, dials up different radio stations, ambient temperatures, or destinations. Back-seat drivers get the best treatment: there's an airline-style right passenger seat that reclines on some versions, and it comes with an extendable footrest--but the Equus doesn't quite have enough spread-out leg room to extend the footrest far enough. Our Equus is actually the short-wheelbase version, and Hyundai hasn't confirmed we'll ever get the long-wheelbase version. The same seat can have Shiatsu-style massage functions as well, so you'll probably get over the tight toe room--but the passenger on the left side will be out of luck, as the features aren't offered on that chair.

Other luxury features on the Equus include standard Lexicon audio; adaptive cruise control; ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery. A lane-departure warning system is a new option this year: it sounds an alert when the Equus crosses lanes for more than a second, and tugs the seatbelt when the car crosses over for more than three seconds. Other safety features like Bluetooth and a rearview camera are included for free.

Also free is the Equus' white-glove service. Instead of visiting a dealer, owners can simply schedule a pick-up and loaner car through a mobile app. In the first year of sales, Hyundai gave out free Apple iPads to owners; the 2012 models get a full paper owner's manual instead. We'll take the lavish treatment over a free tablet over the Equus' lifetime, thanks--and we'd definitely consider a sub-$60,000 Equus if the Lexus LS topped our new-car shopping list, because the new big Hyundai is a plush, credible four-door that brings ultra-luxury amenities down to the semi-well-heeled masses.

2012 BMW 1-Series - Review

BMW's smallest offering in the U.S., the 1-Series, carries forward into 2012 with a few tech upgrades but otherwise unchanged fundamentals, including its pair of engines and trims. That's not a bad thing, however, as the 1-Series continues to be one of the most impressive entry-level luxury sports cars on the road. 

Technically, there are three 1-Series offerings right now, including the 2012 128i, the 2012 135i, and the 1-Series M Coupe. The M Coupe, however is nominally a 2011 model, despite just going on sale in the last few months. 

Both of the non-M models share similar styling, and are available in coupe and convertible form. The styling is crisp and clean, with the 135i showing a little more sport and aggression in its basic configuration, but the overall impact of the 1-Series' look has a tendency to fall into love-it or hate-it classification for many. Inside, the 1-Series can be a bit drab, with a functional but simple dash and center stack, a predominantly black finish in base trim, and perhaps more plastic than you'd expect in a luxury car, but upgrades and custom elements can change this--for a price.

Comfort inside the 1-Series is generally good, though the back seat is very tight for adults. The front seats are well-bolstered and offer fair head and leg room, though some may find the seats too well-bolstered. Controls can be over-abundant and confusing, but once learned, BMW's system makes logical--if not intuitive--sense. Storage space in the cabin is somewhat limited, but the trunk is decently sized.

Power is never short in the 1-Series, with the 128i generating 230 horsepower from its naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. The 135i adds a twin-scroll turbocharger to boost power to 300 horsepower. The 1-Series M Coupe outranks both, with sizzling performance from its two turbos and 335 horsepower. Both of the standard 1-Series models are fun, quick cars, with sharp reflexes balanced against good ride quality. An optional M Sport package can sharpen both the appearance and the handling. The 128i is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, while the 135i can be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch in place of the automatic. 

Features abound in the 1-Series, a BMW strong suit that's in full effect here despite the entry-level positioning. From BMW's iDrive infotainment system to high-end leather and wood interior upgrades, parking sensors to heated seats and steering wheel, there's something for almost everyone, particularly lovers of luxury. Many options are available a la carte, but some are grouped into packages; one thing to be aware of is that the 128i's $30,000 base price can quickly rocket into the mid-$40,000 range or higher with extensive upgrades. 

Safety is no sweat for the 1-Series, though the NHTSA and IIHS haven't rated the 2012 model. Standard safety equipment includes: advanced front and side airbags for driver and passenger; front and rear head protection systems; pre-tensioning safety belts; anti-lock brakes; a crash sensor that shuts off fuel flow, kills the engine, and unlocks the doors; and a computer system that integrates deployment of both active and passive safety systems when it senses a crash. Optional safety extras include an anti-theft alarm system, rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, automatic high-beams, and BMW Assist roadside assistance services.

2012 BMW 1-Series - Review

BMW's smallest offering in the U.S., the 1-Series, carries forward into 2012 with a few tech upgrades but otherwise unchanged fundamentals, including its pair of engines and trims. That's not a bad thing, however, as the 1-Series continues to be one of the most impressive entry-level luxury sports cars on the road. 

Technically, there are three 1-Series offerings right now, including the 2012 128i, the 2012 135i, and the 1-Series M Coupe. The M Coupe, however is nominally a 2011 model, despite just going on sale in the last few months. 

Both of the non-M models share similar styling, and are available in coupe and convertible form. The styling is crisp and clean, with the 135i showing a little more sport and aggression in its basic configuration, but the overall impact of the 1-Series' look has a tendency to fall into love-it or hate-it classification for many. Inside, the 1-Series can be a bit drab, with a functional but simple dash and center stack, a predominantly black finish in base trim, and perhaps more plastic than you'd expect in a luxury car, but upgrades and custom elements can change this--for a price.

Comfort inside the 1-Series is generally good, though the back seat is very tight for adults. The front seats are well-bolstered and offer fair head and leg room, though some may find the seats too well-bolstered. Controls can be over-abundant and confusing, but once learned, BMW's system makes logical--if not intuitive--sense. Storage space in the cabin is somewhat limited, but the trunk is decently sized.

Power is never short in the 1-Series, with the 128i generating 230 horsepower from its naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. The 135i adds a twin-scroll turbocharger to boost power to 300 horsepower. The 1-Series M Coupe outranks both, with sizzling performance from its two turbos and 335 horsepower. Both of the standard 1-Series models are fun, quick cars, with sharp reflexes balanced against good ride quality. An optional M Sport package can sharpen both the appearance and the handling. The 128i is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, while the 135i can be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch in place of the automatic. 

Features abound in the 1-Series, a BMW strong suit that's in full effect here despite the entry-level positioning. From BMW's iDrive infotainment system to high-end leather and wood interior upgrades, parking sensors to heated seats and steering wheel, there's something for almost everyone, particularly lovers of luxury. Many options are available a la carte, but some are grouped into packages; one thing to be aware of is that the 128i's $30,000 base price can quickly rocket into the mid-$40,000 range or higher with extensive upgrades. 

Safety is no sweat for the 1-Series, though the NHTSA and IIHS haven't rated the 2012 model. Standard safety equipment includes: advanced front and side airbags for driver and passenger; front and rear head protection systems; pre-tensioning safety belts; anti-lock brakes; a crash sensor that shuts off fuel flow, kills the engine, and unlocks the doors; and a computer system that integrates deployment of both active and passive safety systems when it senses a crash. Optional safety extras include an anti-theft alarm system, rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, automatic high-beams, and BMW Assist roadside assistance services.