This year, a range of Japanese brands are cleaning up and taking the top spots on the Consumer Reports and Auto Reliability Survey. Toyota’s three brands - Scion, Toyota, and Lexus - swept the top spots. When it comes to car reliability, no manufacturer can compare to Toyota. The Toyota Prius C earned Consumer Reports’ top overall score.

The Toyota brands were followed by Mazda, Subaru, Honda, and Acura - all Japanese brands. Of the 90 Japanese models reflected in the Consumer Reports Survey, 86 scored average or better, with 35 earning the highest rating.

Of European cars, Audi is by far taking the lead, moving up 18 spots from last year into eighth place. This makes Audi the most reliable European make and the top non-Japanese brand.

Wondering about domestic brands? While they aren’t topping the list this year, there are some U.S. brands that are standing out. Cadillac is currently the top U.S. brand, moving up 14 spots from last year. The CTS Coupe was rated the most reliable domestic car. Several other GM brands moved up in ranking as well, including Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.

Next time you are in the market for a new vehicle, make sure you check out the latest Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey for a complete vehicle ranking.

On September 19th we saw the release of the totally re-designed Honda Accord. If you are looking to get some bang for your buck, the buck stops here. Honda has literally added thousands of dollars worth of features and technologies to its base model while only increasing the price by about $200 (depending on the model you choose).  You can expect your new Accord to cost $21,860 for the base model and up to $33,430 for the high-end Accord Touring model.  

Honda has taken itself to the next level, completely rebuilding the Accord- from the ground up. Not only does it have a new sleek look, but the technology it packs is competitive and impressive. You will find that every new Accord comes standard with alloy wheels, rearview camera, expanded view driver’s mirror, Pandora Internet Radio® capability, USB/iPod ®integration, Bluetooth®, AM/FM/CD audio, SMS text message function, and dual-zone auto climate control.

If that’s not enough to get you into this car, let’s talk fuel efficiency. Not only is this car fun to drive, but it is leading in its class on fuel efficiency. The 4 cylinder Accord rocks an impressive 27/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy rating. That doesn’t impress you? Well, how about the 6 cylinder model, which is rated the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the midsize sedan V-6 class. You are looking at a city/highway/combined fuel efficiency rating of 21/34/25.

Still looking for more options? The 2013 Accord offers other impressive technologies such as the all-new HondaLink™ system which allows you to stay connected to your phone, social media, and music- so you can put your phone away. We are also seeing the all-new Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot monitoring system debut in the Accord.  Switching lanes make you a little nervous? Not any more, with a camera integrated in the passenger side mirror and using the 8 inch color display screen, you can see everything coming your way.

For a family friendly and gas efficient car loaded with the latest technologies, we think the new Accord is quite the value!

Performance? Check. Entertainment? Check. Style? Check. Minivan? Check.

The 2012 Honda Odyssey might just be the perfect fit for your family road trip. From comfort to performance, the Odyssey makes a strong case to be 2012’s hottest family car.

Let’s start with what’s under the hood. The Odyssey’s surprisingly powerful 247-hp, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine will make many drivers think they’re driving a sports car rather than a minivan. The Odyssey handles extremely well through even the tightest turns and is rated at almost 30 MPG on the highway. The Touring and Touring Elite Odyssey come with a six-speed automatic transmission while the rest get a five-speed automatic.

The body design of the Odyssey is unlike most minivans, too. We think it actually looks cool. Not just “soccer mom cool” either. Real cool. The front and back of the Odyssey borrow many design features from other Honda models such as the Accord, but the side is unlike any other vehicle on the road. From afar, the Odyssey shares some design basics with other cars in its class, but, up close and personal, the Odyssey is ahead of its time. An arched roofline and “lightning bolt” hump around the rear window make the Odyssey stand out.

Inside, the Odyssey just keeps getting better. It contains enough features to make even the longest of road trips a breeze.  Touring Elite models come with a 650-watt sound system with 15 GB of available storage and a 16.2” ultra-wide-screen TV (that can be split down the middle to hopefully settle some movie disputes in the backseat). Not enough for you? Zagat-integrated Voice Navigation paired with a Blind Spot Information system (BSI) and a multi-angle rearview backup camera make driving the Odyssey a treat. The console also contains a “Cool Box” to keep snacks and drinks cold for your journey. The Odyssey is a high-tech living room on wheels.

The 2012 Honda Odyssey has what it takes under the hood, under the roof, and in the dash to get you where you want to go in comfort and style. Soccer mom or not, you’ll want to consider buying the 2012 Odyssey as your next road-trip ready vehicle.