Here at Avalon Honda, we’ve already taken you through Honda’s illuminating history, as we chronicled a small bicycle shop’s rise to becoming one of the most renowned auto manufacturers in the world. Although Honda has perhaps never achieved A-lister status in the world of entertainment, they've still made several notable detours to the silver screen throughout their remarkable odyssey. Here are five of the most memorable Honda appearances in the world of cinema: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) One of Honda’s earliest film cameos comes in 1982’s coming-of-age comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Throughout this teen classic, you can spot a 1976 Honda Accord. Though it gets less screen time than its American counterparts (a 1960 Buick LeSabre and 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 amongst them), the Accord’s inclusion was an early indicator that Honda was ready for its close-up. Pulp Fiction (1994) Vehicles have always been key components in the films of Quentin Tarantino. Michael Madsen’s 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille in 1992’s Reservoir Dogs became well known for its abundant trunk space. Then, Kurt Russell’s 1970 Chevy Nova served as the de facto star of 2007’s stunt-heavy Death Proof. The 1980 Honda Civic driven by Bruce Willis in Tarantino’s breakout hit Pulp Fiction is significant because it’s Tarantino’s version of an automotive recurring character. The Civic would also pop up in Pulp Fiction follow-up Jackie Brown, and again in 2004’s Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Of course, it also leaves an impression in Pulp Fiction – quite literally, in the case of Marsellus Wallace. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) Early 2000's Nicolas Cage vehicle Gone in 60 Seconds is overflowing with luxury cars, from Aston Martins to Bentleys to Mustangs. At first glance, it doesn’t seem to be Honda's kind of crowd. But a speedy Honda Civic Si arrives to stir up some chaos, challenging Giovanni Ribisi’s Porsche 911 in a race and ultimately drawing the attention of local law enforcement. The Fast and the Furious (2001) & 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) It’s hard to steal the spotlight in a film franchise that features as many absurd, dynamic vehicles as The Fast and the Furious. But the first car that ever appears in the franchise is a Honda Civic driven by Vin Diesel. Later, Tran's Honda S2000 is introduced. That car becomes a highlight of the now-omnipresent series' first entry, as well as its follow-up 2 Fast 2 Furious. Let’s be honest: Jesse here was doomed from the moment he underestimated the hundred grand under the hood of Tran’s S2000. The Road to Stardom Awaits In the past few decades, the line between film and television has increasingly blurred. Accord -ingly, Hondas have been more prevalent in the world of TV during this time. You can spot Hondas in hit programs such as The Walking Dead, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and most recently, in last year’s The Last of Us. At Avalon Honda, we have a starring role waiting for you in one of our new or used Honda vehicles. Come pay us a visit today and immerse yourself in a driving experience fit for a celebrity.
Turkey Day is nearly upon us, a time for food, family, and the endless struggle between the fourth quarter of the Cowboys game and tryptophan-induced drowsiness. It’s a season that calls for reflection, for renewed appreciation of the things that make life worthwhile. Whether you’re on your way to the Beach Plum Farmers Market or driving the family home from Grandma’s house, the constant travel of the holidays is a reminder that we should also be thankful for reliable vehicles. That's in large part because today's automobiles have much to be thankful for themselves. Thanks to a litany of modern features, driving today is safer and more comfortable than ever. Here’s a four-course meal of recent and semi-recent automotive innovations we should all give thanks to: Collision Avoidance Technology The invention of the airbag was a revolutionary step in automobile safety, providing a life-saving layer of protection in the event of an accident. But in today’s world, the priority has shifted to avoiding such incidents altogether. That's where collision avoidance systems, or CAS's, come in. The first (extremely rudimentary) rearview backup camera was introduced way back with the 1956 Buick Centurion, and today, that feature comes standard with most new vehicles. But automobile manufacturers' aspirations have evolved to incorporate comprehensive driver assist systems. These systems not only alert drivers to nearby vehicles but can also assume total autonomy of the vehicle's functions when a potential collision is detected. With CAS, it’s like you always have a co–pilot with you, and every day its presence saves lives. Mobile App Interconnectivity The world is more connected than ever, and your car is now a key part of that eternal web. Though Bluetooth connectivity and similar means of interfacing your phone to your vehicle have been around for over a decade, we’re currently seeing a surge in connected mobile apps. For many automakers, it’s become an elevated priority for their vehicles to connect with as many compatible apps as possible, making the transition from your home or office to your new Honda CR-V feel seamless. Assuming this trend persists, an updated version of this blog a decade from now may be more focused on what your vehicle can’t do. LED Headlights Since arriving on the scene in 2004, LED (short for “Light-Emitting Diode”) headlights have become the preferred choice of many manufacturers – specifically luxury brands. LED lights offer plenty of advantages over more traditional halogen and tungsten lights, including longer lifespans, increased visibility, and less electricity use. As a result, the cost of headlight maintenance significantly lowers thanks to LED. We may not have the capability to fully replicate daylight driving during our evening commutes just yet, but LED is illuminating the way forward regardless. EcoBoost Engines Every technological upgrade in the world is for nought if we don't have a world to begin with. Ford's EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine, was primarily designed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional engines. The goal was to deliver comparable power and torque while significantly enhancing fuel efficiency. Thanks to this eco-conscious approach, EcoBoost engines are able to achieve 20% improved fuel economy while emitting 15% less greenhouse emissions. As we peer deeper into our automotive future, electric vehicles and green-first options seem destined to become more ubiquitous. Less costly and more versatile than purely gas or diesel engines, EcoBoost engines should only continue to grow in popularity. The Rest is Gravy We have plenty to be thankful for here at Avalon Honda: our beautiful Cape May location, its vibrant community, and most of all, our loyal customers. As vehicular technology continues to evolve and expand, we remain committed to providing you with Honda’s newest models. Our entire inventory of new and used vehicles is like an elegant Thanksgiving spread – plentiful, variable, and there for your fulfillment. Bon Appétit, and have a tremendous holiday!
Spooky season is upon us, bringing cooler weather and the unfortunate reminder that your vehicle is susceptible to all sorts of Fall trickery. Dead batteries, obstructed windshields, deflated tires... these are just some of the horrors waiting to jump out at us by the time Halloween rolls around. Fortunately, we’ve got five easy tricks of our own that, together, add up to an inexpensive treat for your vehicle. Make Washing Your Vehicle into a Routine Activity It may seem pointless to wash your car after, say, a week’s worth of rain showers. But regularly cleaning your car provides more than just a cosmetic upgrade. Beyond damaging your car’s paint, dirt, grime, and other foreign substances can corrode the undercarriage. A constant cleaning schedule helps keep such unwanted materials from slipping through the cracks. Cosmetic maintenance shouldn’t be limited to the car’s exterior. Get under your hood and check your battery for any signs of corrosion. Inside the car, protect your floor mats with a protector spray or clear vinyl mat, as the buildup of too much muck could wear them out quickly. Vacuum your mats whenever possible, and if the situation gets too dire, give them a thorough wash with soapy water. Your passengers shouldn’t be afraid when they step into your car – leave that to the horror movies. Travel Lightly Whenever they’re not necessary for your trip, consider reducing the number of items you keep in your vehicle’s storage space. When you transport large, heavy items, you run the risk of reducing your gas mileage, and are putting an excess strain on your tire pressure. Be sure to always keep essentials on hand, including a first-aid kit, antifreeze, jumper cables, and a spare tire. But consider that the trunk of your car may not be the ideal storage space for your air conditioner all winter. Keep Hydrated Humans know the importance of constant hydration – even when our bladders are rebelling against the doctor-recommended eight glasses of water a day. Just as the human body needs fluids to sustain itself, your vehicle should never be left thirsty. Engine oil, power steering fluid, and coolant should all be checked and topped off once a month. It is also a good idea to check brake and transmission fluids at least twice a year. And make sure to keep your windshield washer fluid well supplied, especially if you’re embarking on a long trip or if the weather appears cumbersome. After all... Change Your Wiper Blades...pristine visibility should be front and foremost on the list of any automobile owner’s list of priorities. Low-maintenance summer days make us forget how abysmal your windshield’s condition can quickly become once winter weather settles in. The mixture of a sudden snow squall and ineffective wiper blades could be the deadly combination you didn’t realize you were unprepared for. As the weather starts to get cooler, your wiper blades could start gradually corroding – even if they are still performing well. Check the rubber strips on the blades and give them the occasional wiping. Remove branches, leaves, and other autumnal debris. In general, you should replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months – so why not make Halloween your annual reminder to do so? Schedule Your Car for Maintenance Sooner Than Later Much like checking every corner of a haunted house, there’s no such thing as being too safe when it comes to the health of your vehicle. Maintaining a regular service schedule is a must, but when your vehicle starts showing any signs of mischief this Halloween, don’t hesitate to make an impromptu appointment with our Service Department. From tires to windshield repair, Avalon Honda is here for all your Fall service needs. And for a treat of your own, stop by our recently renovated showroom today to explore our full inventory of new or used vehicles.
