The 4th of July is just around the corner! How would you decorate your vehicle before riding in one of our city's celebrated parades?

Come see what Edmunds.com correspondent Alistair Weaver has to say about the Acura MDX! Pricing, fuel economy, and safety are just a few of the subjects he discusses!

Make sure your car is running smoothly this summer, and take advantage of this great offer while it lasts!

Indie Rock Band Metric Headlines New Campaign for All-new 2013 Acura ILX

Acura is collaborating with Indie rock band Metric as part of the marketing campaign developed to support the debut of the 2013 Acura ILX, the all-new compact luxury sedan that serves as the gateway to the Acura brand.  Built around Metric, whose evocative tracks have been featured in several popular TV programs and films, Acura has planned an extensive experiential marketing and digital program to reach Gen Y customers who are now entering the luxury automotive marketplace.

"This first-of-its-kind Acura integration allows the brand to meaningfully engage with a band that is recognizable and favored among Gen Y," said Acura Brand Manager Susie Rossick. "This unique program gives us a unique opportunity to tap into the interests of this younger audience and introduce the all-new ILX as the gateway to the Acura brand."

Working in collaboration with the music and creative marketing firm Mirrored Media, the program with Metric kicks off in mid-June closely following the on-sale of the ILX and to celebrate Metric's highly anticipated new album, Synthetica.

Acura also will work with radio stations nationwide to present five major-market, invite-only Metric concerts from June through September, which will feature a visually stunning, state-of-the-art projection mapping art installation using the ILX as the focal point. Images will be projected onto the windows of the ILX and will appear to be happening inside the vehicle. Select Acura owners will be invited to these concerts taking place in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York,

Philadelphia and San Francisco and will receive the unique opportunity to hear Metric perform their new album live before anyone else. Concertgoers also will have access to an exclusive Metric track after checking in to Foursquare or Dropp.

Fans will get access to exclusive content and sweepstakes on Acura and Metric's Facebook pages:

• A second exclusive Metric track
• Exclusive videos from the invite-only concerts and the national tour
• "Very Important Passenger" sweepstakes—fans can win a unique concert experience for two including a meet-and-greet with the band and ILX shuttle service
• Sweepstakes opportunity to win an all-new ILX

"The collaboration between Metric and Acura was a refreshing change from the typical corporate approach," said Metric Manager Mathieu Drouin. "Together, we created an organic music alignment which benefits both parties, but in particular the fans. It's a win-win."

Sleek and sporty, the Acura ILX features three powertrain options including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid. With a starting price of $25,900, the ILX offers remarkable value on a luxury scale with robust feature content and premium appeal. Standard features include a Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, Pandora® internet radio interface, SMS text message, power moonroof and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

Courtesy of Acura Media Newsroom

Acura Ranked Sixth in J.D. Power 2012 Initial Quality Survey

While Acura’s PP100(problems per 100 vehicles) score improved in J.D. Power’s 2012 Initial Quality Survey, overall ranking slips to sixth place. Acura was bumped three spots from last year’s survey, by improvements from Jaguar, Porsche and Cadillac. Still, Acura remains near the top of the 34 brands ranked with its PP100 well above the industry average.

The Acura TL and the Acura RDX were ranked as a Top Three Model in the Entry Premium Car and Entry Premium Crossover/SUV segments respectively. Receiving a Silver Plant Assembly Line Quality Award was Honda’s Marysville facility which produces the Acura TL, Acura RDX and Honda Accord.

“The Initial Quality Study, now in its 26th year, serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better models and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown throughout the years to be an excellent initial indicator of long-term durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories: design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.” -  J.D. Power and Associates

Courtesy of Acura Connected

Grab your leash and get out the door! Did you know today is the 14th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day? Did anyone bring their furry friend into the office?

Check out the latest Acura ILX commercial!

Come see what Cars.com has to say about the 2013 Acura ILX!

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Come see what Cars.com has to say about the 2013 Acura ILX!

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Happy Summer Solstice! Today is one of the longest days of the year, and a perfect day for car shopping. So come on down to Paragon Acura to test drive some cool cars!

2013 Acura RDX A rebel with a clue

It appears Acura's RDX didn't get the engine memo.

The industry trend these days is to downsize the cylinder count for better fuel economy and then bolt on a turbocharger for power. The 2013 RDX is having none of it.

Doing exactly the opposite, this tony compact crossover for 2013 employs a new, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 that elbows from the engine bay the 2.3-liter turbo four that's powered every RDX, front- or all-wheel drive, since its debut in 2007.

But this all-new 2013 edition exhibits righteousness with its rebelliousness.

Despite a politically incorrect 52-percent increase in displacement, which increases power by 33 horses, the new six pack enhances overall fuel economy by nearly 10 percent compared to the outgoing four-banger. For that, thank such engineering tweaks as seamless cylinder shut-down in relaxed cruising and a new six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the former five-cog unit.

The result is an RDX the EPA rates in front-drive trim at 20 city/28 hwy/23 combined, compared to 19/24/21 for the outgoing four-cylinder model. For the record, in 350 miles, predominantly — though not exclusively — on the interstate, we got 27 mpg in our front-driver.

With more power and better fuel economy, most folks won't find much to squawk about. The only hand-wringing likely to be evident over this new RDX will come from fans of the original who'll miss its boy-racer demeanor and performance-oriented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

As part of its new engineering regimen, RDX jettisons its SH-AWD hardware in favor of the simpler and lighter four-corner traction system employed by its more humble corporate cousin, the Honda CR-V.

While the ultra-sophisticated SH-AWD was capable of passing torque around like grandmas pass around photos of grandkids, this new system simply shifts up to 50 percent of the power to the rear if the front wheels start slipping. Simple, but effective.

On the road, RDX, you might say, feels more adult than its zippy turbo-four predecessor. Only wind noise at the A-pillar in our front-driver detracted from the good vibes. RDX feels enthusiastic off the line, and accelerates smartly at-speed.

Room is good up front in well bolstered seats, while rear-seat room is remarkable. A six-footer can sit behind a six-footer, even though this 2013 model increases exterior dimensions by just an inch or less all around, save a 1.4-inch stretch of the wheelbase.

The cargo hold is generous by segment standards, but the folded seats don't offer anything like a flat floor. Handy, however, are a pair of levers in the cargo bay that drop the spring-loaded rear seats.

Boasting more formal styling, RDX offers a host of technologies, including Active Sound Control, which uses audio waves to reduce cabin noise, Pandora internet radio, SMS text messaging, keyless access, three-view rear camera and an optional Tech Pkg. that includes surround-sound audio, AcuraLink communication, navigation with voice recognition, real-time weather and traffic and a 60-gig hard drive with 15 gigs for music storage.

Maturing with age, the new RDX starts at $35,215, a $1,425 increase over 2012.

Courtesy of StlToday.com

Acura ZDX challenges traditional thinking

So, the kids have moved out and although you still want the new car to seat five and offer good utility features, it’s also time to get something special, something with distinctive styling that’s also more luxurious and sporty. The, made-in-Canada, Acura ZDX was made expressly for you.

On its MDX utility platform, Acura grafted a sleek 4-door coupe body that challenges traditional thinking of what’s a coupe, a sports sedan or a utility vehicle. Yes, the Acura ZDX steers a different and distinctive path, but it’s not completely alone.

In recent years we’ve also seen new entries from BMW, Infiniti and this year Range Rover. Sooner, rather than later, the maturing baby boomer with more discretionary income is expected to splurge on sharp new wheels, even if the recession has put a bit of a damper on the marketing master plan.

Being based on a utility vehicle, the ZDX can easily handle the rigours of a rough road trip to the cottage or any “off-the-beaten-path” destination. Yet, it also offers a sporty drive when unleashed on a paved road.

Powering the ZDX is a responsive 300-horsepower, 3.7-litre VTEC V6 engine that’s mated to 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters at the steering wheel. Selecting the transmission’s “S” mode provides a more dynamic shift pattern and double-shifts can be made with the paddles.

The normal torque bias for Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is to the rear wheels, which gives it a sportier handling feel. Up to 90 per cent of torque can instantly be transferred to the front wheels when needed. A torque-vectoring feature kicks in while cornering or accelerating and can re-direct up to 100 per cent of axle torque to either rear wheel, which further enhances the ZDX’s handling dynamics.

Introduced in 2010, the ZDX now comes with a Technology package that was originally an option. This adds perforated Milano leather upholstery, a navigation system with voice recognition, eight-inch LED colour display, a rear-view camera, headlamp washers, a 10 speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phone service and keyless access plus push-button ignition.

The Looks

The ZDX was created by Acura’s Design Studio in California and based on original sketches by Michelle Christensen.

The coupe-like appearance of the ZDX is pulled off by enlarging the front doors and concealing the rear door handles in the window frame. The styling lines are the sharpest of any Acura and a unique stamping process called “deep-draw” was necessary to fabricate the rear quarter panels.

The upper cabin is tapered to the rear (from an overhead view) and the all-glass, sharply raked roof tops a curvaceous body with boldly flared fenders that give the back-end a wide, muscular look. Acura’s signature “floating” grille is surrounded by a honeycomb-design air opening.

High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are standard and Canadian models, which also come with heated windshield washers and heated rear seats. A glass panel in the rear hatch helps improve rear visibility and to compensate for the smaller size rear doors they open extra wide.

Access to the back seats is still limited and it’s a “mind your head” entry, a price you pay for sexy styling.

The Drive

After settling in behind the steering wheel, the sheer size of the sweeping dashboard design becomes even more apparent. Part of that may be because the seating position is lower than in a conventional utility vehicle and gives the driver a more car-like driving experience. A power-operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel is another bit of standard luxury and it also has an easy entry/exit feature. Those drivers who like to see the end of the hood while driving, however, may be disappointed and driver rear vision, even with the secondary lower back window, is also somewhat restricted. The ZDX is a fairly heavy vehicle that weighs in at 2007 kilograms (4,427 pounds) and comes with a superb and appropriately named Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This allows the ZDX to almost magically find grip in treacherous corners and was most impressive in the extremely wet weather conditions experienced during my time at the wheel. The 3.7-litre V6 engine is a silky smooth power provider that has very good torque in the mid to upper end of its speed range. It can propel the ZDX to 100 kilometres per hour in about seven seconds. On the down side, city fuel consumption numbers are on the high side and it likes premium fuel.

Safety

The ZDX achieved top five-star ratings in crash tests performed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a four-star rollover rating. An electronic stability system called Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard and it also comes with airbag rollover protection, hill start assist and active front seat head restraints.

Inside

A double cockpit design dash layout comes with sophisticated hand-stitched (a first for Acura) leather panels that flow into the doors and centre console. The instrument panel is completely blank until the ignition is switched on and then the electroluminescent gauges appear in an impressive choreographed display. While seating is provided for up to five, the ZDX was conceived as a personal escape vehicle for two adults. It’s a design that’s clearly focused on pampering the front seat occupants and it also allows them to bring along considerably more cargo than a conventional coupe allows.

A power operated (open/close) rear liftgate is standard. The cargo area is fully carpeted and additional storage can be found in a large under-floor compartment. Removable side panels also allow golf bags to fit crosswise.

The Score

A sporty coupe with utility benefits, the Acura ZDX just may be the car you always wanted, but didn’t know it.

Courtesy of TheProvince.com

Tyson had the opportunity to attend the ILX line-off ceremony in Indiana where he watched the very first Acura ILX's come down the assembly line.

Take a look at this stylish Acura MDX! It can be all yours, so stop by Paragon Acura today!

Click Here for Details!

Best SUVs for the Bucks

America's definition of the SUV has changed over the past decade. Once upon a time, they were big, trucklike gas hogs that could go anywhere and do almost anything. Today, however, they have evolved into smaller, more carlike vehicles that go easier on gas, and consequently are better for the environment and softer on the wallet. Unfortunately, they are also slightly less capable. Regardless, the masses still refer to these new vehicles as SUVs, and they are one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments on the market. To help you get the best value on a new SUV, we've identified 10 that offer the best bang for your buck in terms of power, luxury, passenger and cargo space, reliability, cost of ownership and a whole lot more.

2013 Acura RDX

Some of the best SUVs on the market are the compact luxury crossovers. The Audi Q5, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK are all wonderful vehicles, but the Acura RDX is the best value of the bunch. With its 3.5-liter 273-horsepower V6 engine, the RDX offers more base power than the competition and delivers a premium, sporty driving experience. For a base price of $34,320, buyers get standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a multiview camera. Equipment for equipment, the RDX runs $3,000 to $6,000 less than the Audi and BMW. With its comfortable rear seat and roomy cargo area, the RDX is a fine alternative to a luxury midsize sedan, and without adding much, if any, cost.

 

Courtesy of MSN.com

5 Tips for Summer Car Maintenance

Winter driving can be tough on cars, with its icy roads and salt buildup. But summer has its hazards, too. The heat stresses the engine, wears down the tires and makes the car work harder to keep everything cool. Here are five steps to help your car make it through the summer.

1. Be kind to your engine.

Your engine gets hot very quickly in the summer. You can save a lot of trouble — and expense — by doing some routine checks to make sure it stays lubricated and cooled. Check the oil level and make sure the oil looks clean. If it doesn't, get an oil change. Sears will change it for less than $20. Also look for cracks in the hoses, which pump coolant from the radiator to the engine block.

2. Replace your fluids.

Many drivers don't think about fluids beyond their motor oil. But your car also has coolant for the engine in the radiator, and fluids for the transmission and brakes.

They're critical for keeping parts lubricated and preventing your engine from overheating. Over time, all of them lose their effectiveness and get dirty, with little metal parts floating in the liquid.

"Coolant starts to eat everything. It becomes like an acid," says Hisham Ebrahim, a mechanic at Fawzi's Westgate Auto Repair in Ann Arbor, Mich. Both low fluid levels and old fluid can damage the parts in your car.

If you follow your car's maintenance schedule, you shouldn't have to worry about fluid levels, which are often checked and replaced around 60,000 miles.

Ebrahim says it costs about $200 to $300 to flush out and replace all the fluids. That can be far less expensive than the alternative: An overheated engine or blown transmission.

3. Replace your windshield wipers.

Don't wait until you're caught in a summer downpour to find out your wipers aren't working well. Winter can take a toll on wipers, and it's a $25 fix to replace them. You can also get wiper refills — which just replace the worn rubber — for half the cost of new blades.

4. Switch out your tires and check the tread.

If you have winter tires, change them. The compounds used in winter tires are softer, which helps them grip better in ice and snow. But they also wear down more quickly in summer heat. You need plenty of tread in the summer, when sudden showers create slippery roads.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association suggests several ways to check the tread. Tires have built-in "wear bars," or narrow strips of rubber across the tires that appear when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch. If you can see wear bars, your tires need to be replaced.

You can also use the old penny trick: Stick a penny in the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.

Consider a tire rotation in the summer to make sure all your tires are getting equal wear. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, according to vehicle information site Edmunds.com. That can cost around $50, but prices vary widely.

5. Check your tire pressure.

Overinflated tires have less traction on rainy streets, while underinflated tires can bulge out, putting pressure on the sidewalls and making the tires more vulnerable to blowouts on hot roads. Check your tire pressure before you start driving, and make sure you're meeting the manufacturer's recommended level. You can buy a tire gauge for $5 or less, or a digital tire pressure gauge for $25, and keep it in the glove compartment.

 

Courtesy of MainStreet.com

A select group of consumers took a test drive under the sunny skies of beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona before the new RDX was available to the public. What did they have to say about it? Watch the video to find out.

Hey fans! Here is a Wednesday car care tip!

Don’t fill up if you see the tanker at the station. If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

Thank you to the author of this review for your kind words! Keep up the great work team!

Paragon Honda - (4.6) Star Review on DealerRater

• Just purchased a 2009 TL from Paragon Acura (at 48th & northern location in LI City.)We were in and out of the dealership with our new car in just 2.5 hrs. - Our salesman, Peter, was very friendly and helpful (and not pushy)- negotiations were SUPER easy & hassle-free. The price I paid was very fair for the car/condition (I got a great price by doing my research online and using autotrader - sticker and dealer-website prices were higher) and I got just slightly less than I wanted for trade-in, but still a fair price. We got approved for a great interest rate on financing with no hassle and were not pushed into buying extras, like additional warranties, etc. We were not charged ANY dealer or hidden fees and put no money down.
  Most of the staff were very pleasant and a few were very friendly to my 3 year old son wandering about while waiting.
  The ONLY negative I would say at all was that we called about half an hour ahead to confirm the exact car we were interested in seeing was on that lot and told yes, but then it wasn't when we got there - However the salesman went and picked it up for us and it only took about 10 mins (and they didn't try to sell us something else) so that wasnt really an issue.
  I would def recommend both Peter Pazmino and Paragon Acura to a friend. -Pumpkinbut

Now is the time to take advantage of our current lease special on 2013 Acura ILX models! Spectacular savings are just a pen stroke away!

Click Here for Details!

Acura NSX Concept In-Depth

The Back Story

Acura single-handedly rewrote the book on what exotic 2-seat sports cars should be when it introduced the NSX in 1990. Its lightweight aluminum construction and VTEC-equipped V-6 power were considered revolutionary at a time when similar mid-engine cars from Italy boasted V-8 and V-12 engines. Above all, the NSX was far easier to drive, much more dependable and didn’t require expensive maintenance. Aside from slight cosmetic changes and engine upgrades, the NSX enjoyed a pretty good run, ending production in 2005. That’s where the story gets interesting. Internal debates within Acura’s parent Honda raged on whether or not to build a V-8 or V-10 to reflect the company’s efforts in Formula 1. In 2007, it was announced that there would be a new V-10-powered NSX by 2010, but a year later then chairman Takeo Fukai cancelled it along with the F1 program, citing the poor economy. His successor, Takanobu Ito, revived the project and the NSX concept made its debut in January at the North American International Auto Show.

What Makes It Unique

Instead of being powered by a conventional V-10 engine, the NSX goes back to its roots in a way with a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V-6 driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The difference this time around is that it will also use hybrid technology to drive the front wheels and the system is essentially the latest generation of the company’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive that will be found on Acura sedans, but turned around to have the front axle driven by two electric motors mounted inboard in a single housing. By using torque vectoring, the NSX should have razor sharp turn-in. The V-6 is said to produce about 310 bhp, while the motors, which use a lithium-ion battery pack, generate an extra 100 hp for combined output of more than 400 hp. That should be good for 0–60 mph acceleration of about 3.0 sec. Like the original NSX, the new model will also use aluminum-intensive construction. Its footprint is tidy, riding on a 101.4-in. wheelbase and measuring 170.5 in. overall, while standing just 45.7 in. high and is 74.6 in. wide. The concept has 19 x 9-in. front and 20 x 10-in. rear wheels shod, respectively, with 255/35R-19 and 275/30R-20 tires.

Production Plans

Acura has announced that the new NSX will go on sale in 2014 and, in a novel twist, will actually be built in America, at a facility in Ohio as a way of offsetting the high value of the Japanese yen. Still, the NSX promises to be pricey, with a sticker upward of $100,000.

What’s Next

The return of the NSX means that both Honda and Acura are getting back in touch with their enthusiast roots and perhaps more sports cars are coming with an eco bent. At last fall’s Tokyo Motor Show, Honda displayed the EV-Ster, a pure electric 2-seater that could fill a void in the lineup left by the late S2000.

Courtesy of Road&Track.com