With 2012 models starting to appear on dealer lots, it’s nice to see Honda tackling some of the negative points brought up with 2011′s variant. Most notably, the cutting down of too much bulky plastic. Backing up a 2011 Insight can be strenuous on one’s neck – as the hybrid was slammed for massive blind spots.

With a slight adjustment in rear design, much of the obtuse angles have been eliminated.

Other changes include modifications to the front grille. Note differences in 2011′s front end (above) vs. 2012′s (below).

Insight holds a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, along with electric motor attached to a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gas end generates 88 horsepower with 88 lb-ft of torque. The electric adds in 13 horses and 58 lb-ft. Maximum output is 98 horsepower and 123 lb-ft.

One thing that has not changed about Insight is pricing. Honda’s hybrid is still one of the most affordable ‘green’ cars on the market:

2011 Insight Specs/Pricing:
40 / 43 MPG
Sedan, Hybrid
MSRP: $18,200

2012 Insight Specs/Pricing:
41 / 44 MPG
Sedan, Hybrid
MSRP: $18,350

Callum W. is a freelance blogger and writer. He contributes to many online periodicals, ranging in topics, and submits regularly to our sister-site: automopedia.org.

Source: Hybridcars.com

Honda first dropped their all new CNG Honda GX, modeled after the all new Civic sedan, to dealers in Oklahoma. Why in OK? The state has a hefty tax credit available to buyers of alternative fuel.

Honda’s GX is expected to sport an MSRP around $26,000, but with tax credits from $3,000-4,000 to upwards of $7,000 one can be yours for around $19,000.

“These credits benefit our state because they allow us to use local resources to help reduce our country’s dependence on dangerous foreign oil. They are also clearly serving their intended purpose as an economic incentive for Oklahomans and Oklahoma businesses to make the switch to CNG-powered vehicles,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.

The state’s natural gas production and refueling infrastructure was the reason Honda selected Oklahoma as the fourth market to retail the cars; after California, New York and Utah.

Driving a Civic GX is the same as a gasoline-powered Civic: a Kevlar tank contains the natural gas and the car has received a five-star safety rating. Highway mileage ratings top off at the 36 miles per gasoline gallon equivalent, which cost about $1.39 “a gallon” at a public station and even less from a home filling station.

The U.S.-built Civic GX is the only factory-equipped compressed natural gas vehicle that does not have a gasoline tank. Access to fuel is often a concern for potential car buyers, but much like electric recharge stations Natural Gas ports may soon be added to rest areas nationwide.

Honda Civic GX debuted as a concept back in 2005, with popularity growing steadily since then.

Metropolitans usually run on a 49-50cc engine with a single cylinder. They make a perfect city vehicle – you can fit two, you don;t have to pay for parking, and they’re surprisingly difficult to steal. Best of all, you can pick one up for (usually) under $2,000!

Check out more at Honda’s Powersport website.

What makes the Insight a bit better than the Green Loving Prius? Perhaps it’s Honda’s detail to quality, their vehicle’s estimated 40 to 50 miles per gallon range? Wait, we know, it’s the rumored $18,500 starting price. Good luck competing with that ‘yota.

Inside, the Ridgeline has everything you would expect in a Honda, from technology to comfort. With easy seating for 5, the Ridgeline is trimmed with leather seats and the driver’s seat comes with an 8-way power adjuster. With Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, you’ll never have to worry about directions on the open road, and if more cargo room is ever needed, the power sliding rear cabin window and 60/40 foldable rear seats are there to help. For the rugged soul with a love for music, the Ridgeline has 160-watts of power, a 6-disk in-dash CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, MP3/Aux Input Jack and an astounding 7 speakers plus subwoofer.

It’s plain to see that this rugged truck has it all, from technology to comfort to incredible power and versatility, and is a must test-drive if you’re searching for a new truck in 2008.

For the courageous who like to take on life’s challenges, the Element offers functionality that can be found no where else. With its clamshell tailgate and its side cargo doors, the Element can provide the perfect spot to hang out and socialize with friends at a day on the beach or a tranquil resting place overlooking a magnificent view after a long climb. As an added bonus, the 2008 Honda Element allows your to lift off the removable skylight to take a breather, or simply stand up and enjoy the beauty around you, wherever you may roam.

The interior of the Element is just as versatile as the exterior. The configurable seating and the adaptable cargo design allow you to take out, flip or fold down the rear seats, adding up to 64 different space options! The black, scratch-resistant utility floor and comfortable yet water resistant seat fabric add to the flexibility of the easy-to-clean Element, so you never have to worry about dirt, stains, sand, or pets! The added natural feeling of the easy-grip shifter and the easy to read analogue gauges make you feel more at home, and the MP3 aux jack for music portability is the final touch on the versatile dream machine that is the Element. If you haven’t had the pleasure of driving or owning one of these beauties, I’d highly recommend it. The 2008 Honda Element truly is today’s perfect vehicle for the adventurous on the move lifestyles that so many of us have.

With Variable Cylinder Management, the Honda Pilot optimizes fuel efficiency to the highest level possible. Technological advanced safety precautions have been equipped to the power of the Pilot as well, including the Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive System, which automatically engages if it detects a possible loss of front wheel drive traction. Also, with a 5 star safety rating and over 10 internal and external safety features, you can’t go wrong.

In addition to power and safety, technology and comfort are the name of the game for the all new 2008 Honda Pilot. With room for seven passengers, it comes with leather seating for extra comfort, DVD entertainment system, satellite navigation, rearview camera for backing up, and so much more. And, at the status of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, you get great mileage compared to the competitors. This year, test-drive the 2008 Honda Pilot. You won’t be disappointed.

The Drive-by-Wire throttle system allows for the driver to control the power delivery and ensure that there is a smooth acceleration. These two engine features combine allow the Honda Fit remarkable fuel efficiency- up to 34 highway mgp! For those who opt for the 5 speed automatic over the manual, the Fit hooks you up with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that give you even more control.

The interior comes with incredible audio features for music lovers, including 200 watts of power, an AM/FM/CD player, MP3/Windows Media Audio hookups, an MP3 AUX jack, and a whopping 6 speakers for ultimate sound. If you’re still concerned about the amount of cargo room in the 2008 Honda Fit, never fear. With 5 different configuration options available, you can get up to 41.9 cubic feet of extra space to fit all your stuff and up 7’10” lengthwise for those abnormally long items.

The inside of the Fit isn’t all fun and games, however. The Fit is equipped with a variety of safety features, 6 standard air bags throughout, and a 5-star crash test safety rating from the NHTSA. So, all in all, the new 2008 Honda fit really is the perfect combination of eye candy, versatility and safety.

The powerful look of the Odyssey is matched by the power under the hood. With a whopping 244-hp V-6 engine, it offers unmatched power by any of its competitors. It also has additional safety features that can mean all the difference in the world- including the Vehicle Stability Assist system with traction control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System to keep you in the know about your tires. The kicker, however, is the revolutionary Michelin PAX System which allows you to travel on a punctured tire for up to 125 miles at 50 mph. Inside, the list of safety features goes on. The Odyssey has earned a 5 star rating in frontal and side impact tests from the NHTSA, and with over 15 tried and tested safety features you can be sure the Odyssey is the best bet for your family.

Technology also is a huge feature in the 2008 Honda Odyssey. With Bluetooth HandsFreeLink Technology and the Satellite-Linked Navigation System you can concentrate on the road instead of your phone or a map. In addition, you also have access to the MP3/Aux jack and XM Satellite Radio. Comfort is in high priority with the new ’08 model, with passenger seat 4-way power adjustment and tri-zone climate control. In addition, you get the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch screen and an outlet that allows your kids to plug in their video games, laptop or other electronics that will keep them entertained for hours.

On top of the vast amounts of technology, the Odyssey accommodates you with cargo room for everything in your life, from pets, to beach accessories, to luggage for that long vacation. It features a 60/40 split that’s as versatile as your lifestyle, completing the perfection of the 2008 Honda Odyssey. So, if you’re looking for the safest, most technologically driven minivan on the market, I’d highly recommend test driving the new Odyssey. You won’t regret it.

ABS helps you maintain steering during hard stops, and technologically advanced Vehicle Stability Assist gives you that added stopping power and reassurance of safety. The stunningly vivid colors of the reinforced cockpit boost the ego of this little devil, but wait-that’s just the exterior.

Inside you’ll find comfort and innovation that only Honda can provide. With a electronically controlled soft-top you have easy access to the outside world on a sunny, warm day, and the leather seating grips you as you take off down the road, weather it be to work or simply on a pleasure cruise.

Cruise control and left handed audio system controls add to the seamless connection of you and the S2000, and even the racing spirit of this car has a 16-valve DOCH VTEC engine ensuring maximum fuel efficiency for both city and highway. For your summer ride of 2008 you have to test-drive the Honda S2000. You won’t regret it.