Charting The Changes: 2009 Honda Vehicle Changes

Here is the full list of model year 2009 Honda changes...

The most significant news for Honda in the 2009 model year includes the introduction of an all-new Pilot in May and an all-new Fit in October, along with significant enhancements and styling changes to the Civic, Element and Ridgeline. The FCX Clarity begins leasing in July.

2009 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord was all-new for 2008 and continues unchanged for the 2009 model year. All horsepower and torque ratings for 2009 V-6 models have been revised.

2009 Honda Civic
Available with a diverse lineup of powertrains, the Civic embraces traditional gasoline, hybrid, and natural gas technologies like no other vehicle in the world. For 2009, all Civic models receive freshened exterior styling with enhancements inside and out that include new colors and the introduction of available tech-friendly features like Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a USB Audio Interface (available, Civic EX and above). An exclusively-equipped Civic LX-S includes alloy wheels, black sport cloth-trimmed seating surfaces, rear decklid spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher. The Civic DX Sedan becomes available in a Value Package (VP) that adds A/C and an audio system. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is added to the Civic EX-L and the Civic Hybrid, plus the Civic Hybrid gains the availability of leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats and heated side mirrors. New features include:

2009 Honda CR-V
As the best selling SUV in the country, the popular CR-V retains identical features and specifications for the 2009 model year vehicle as three new colors become available.

2009 Honda Element
The Element receives a major update for 2009 with significant exterior styling changes while also adding new and improved interior features. Additional details will be released in the fall.

2009 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit debuts as an entirely redesigned model for the 2009 model year. New features and specifications include:

2009 Honda Odyssey
The 2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L and Odyssey Touring (equipped with the i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management as standard equipment) have revised horsepower and torque ratings of 244 horsepower and 245 lb-ft. of torque (previously 241 horsepower and 242 lb-ft. of torque). The 2009 Honda Odyssey LX and EX (equipped with VTEC V-6 engine) retain the same rating as 2008 with 244 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 Odyssey EX-L receives a power tailgate; EX-L with Navigation and the DVD Rear Entertainment System add Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (same as 2008 Touring). All other features and colors remain unchanged from the 2008 model year. Of minor note, the Odyssey Touring emblem has a new appearance (revised font). Changes for 2009 include:

2009 Honda Pilot
Completely redesigned for 2009, the Honda Pilot offers an authentic SUV exterior design while further enhancing on-road refinement and increasing interior functionality. A modern, stylish and spacious interior provides room for up to eight passengers while also providing more space behind the third row for items as large as a mid-size cooler or a folded stroller. New standard engineering features on all models include a more-powerful, 250 horsepower, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with the latest generation of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) that works in 6-cylinder mode for performance and 3- or 4-cylinder mode for fuel efficiency. Additional new standard equipment includes a Class III trailer hitch, hill start assist, larger 17-inch wheels and tires (+1-inch) and a lift-up glass hatch as part of the tailgate. New interior features include a tilt and telescopic steering column, enhanced audio systems and much more. The Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System is available on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring. The new Pilot Touring edition introduces upscale features that include a power tailgate, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a USB Audio Interface. Remote entry, power windows, power locks and cruise control are standard on all models. New and updated features include:

2009 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline has proven itself as one of the most innovative members of the half-ton pickup truck segment with its In-Bed Trunk™ and fully-independent suspension. As part of its confident truck credentials, the Ridgeline is one of only a few half-ton trucks with four-wheel drive that are recommended to haul a half-ton of cargo in the bed with two passengers inside. Plus, its refined suspension design and highly-rigid unit body construction contribute to comfortable and engaging road dynamics – a rarity in the pickup world. For 2009, the Ridgeline undergoes a significant makeover with bolder exterior styling, new and updated interior features, and an enhanced engine design. The 250 horsepower 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine receives three more horsepower and a broader torque band at lower RPMs primarily through the addition of a new camshaft profile and higher-flowing dual-stage intake manifold. Revised transmission gear ratios are engineered to take advantage of the additional engine torque for more responsive acceleration during normal driving or while towing. A tow hitch becomes standard equipment on every 2009 model to accommodate the pickup’s 5,000-pound towing capability and includes a 7-pin wiring harness on the Ridgeline RTS and RTL. Inside styling updates include revised three-dimensional-style gauges, a new steering wheel design, and enhanced HVAC, audio, cruise and headlight controls. New technology-friendly features include the addition of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink on the Ridgeline RTL equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline RTL, MP3/auxiliary input jack on the Ridgeline RTS and above, and the audio systems become MP3/WMA compatible. New safety features include active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights.

2009 Honda S2000 The 2009 Honda S2000 and S2000 CR remain identical to the 2008 models. On-sale 9/2008

Honda FCX Clarity
Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in summer 2008. The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency – and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle – the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.