Car Guide and Inspiration Quickie Used Car Review - Honda City (2009-2014)-Cars Blogging

2009-2014 Honda City

The Good: Huge interior space, reliable

The Bad: Rev demanding 1.3

The Say: High levels of quality trickled down to a sub-compact package.

Go For: 1.5 E
Avoid: 1.3 A

Price Range: P340,000-P550,000
Our Rating: ****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda City (2009-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda City

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2009-2011
2012-2014

Vehicle Overview
Launched in 2009, the fifth generation Honda City got more sophisticated and more better by offering fresh VTEC engines and a larger cabin. The previous model's i-DSI engine and rear folding bench was dropped for all models. A far cry from the hatchback models that were only previously available outside the Philippines during the 80s and even from the Civic EF based model during the 90s.

While the exterior dimensions increased a little, the story tells you it has a larger cabin and trunk space than before, explaining why the 60/40 fold rear seats were dropped. Similar to its rival, 1.5 models are easily distinguished by its side mirror signal repeaters than the 1.3 which don't get these.

Honda's VTEC technology is now used for both engines here, which gave the 1.3 and 1.5 more power and torque than before. The 1.3 is too smallish that you need to rev hard to attain decent acceleration, while the 1.5 can motivate the vehicle without any drama. Handling is something Honda typical and would bring you to your destination without any trouble. Unlike the previous model, the 1.5 is strictly automatic.

As we said earlier that the interior had grew up in size, especially that passengers have unobstructed view outside. Another plus point is the high quality interior, which is a breath of fresh air in this category.

What Should I Get
In 2009, the City was originally available in three variants that includes the A, S, and E. Choosing the A (which was dropped in the 2012 update) gives you the 99hp 1.3 engine plus all power amenities, MP3 capability with CD, and ABS brakes. Going for the S adds alloy wheels, dual airbags, alarm, keyless entry, and auxilary and USB function. The E adds the 118hp 1.5 engine, chrome door handles, and side mirror signal repeaters. An ECO mode and steering wheel audio controls for January 2012 and up models. April 2013 saw the launch of two spin-off models of the E that included the EL that gets leather seats while the ENC gets stability control and 60/40 fold rear seats. Modulo body kits were an added option for 1.3 S and 1.5 E models beginning December 2012.

How Much Would It Cost Me
Maintaining one is in the range of its rivals and there is no CVT to worry about. Fuel consumption is average for the class although the 1.3 automatic tends to rob power due to the rev friendly engine. Problem spots of this vehicle include a weak alternator, the starter system which makes starting the engine difficult especially when the vehicle is shut down for a short time, and minor squeaks which can pop out. Different recalls were issued for the City which involved a spring that causes friction resulting to stalling or engine failure (for 1.5 models assembled between 2009 to April 2010, issued last February 2011) and suspected defect in the driver side airbag's deflator (2009 to 2011 assembled models issued last September 2015 and 2012 to 2014 assembled models issued last March 2016).

Car Guide and Inspiration Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls Select City, CR-V, and Jazz-Cars Blogging

If the two recalls last year which involved nearly every car in Honda's line-up built from 2003 to 2011 due to a suspected defect in the driver's airbag inflator, this time the recall had now included 2012 to 2013 Jazz hatchbacks, 2012 to 2014 City sedans, and 2011 CR-V sport utility vehicles. This voluntary preventive measure campaign aims to remedy this problem before things may arise.

Although no related incidents were reported in the Philippines, this campaign ensures the safety of the owners and to avoid any untoward incidents in the future. Replacement and repair of the affected part will take only one hour free of charge to the customer. Affected owners are advised to contact
their nearest Honda dealer to schedule an appointment.

To check if your vehicle is affected, you may check the vehicle identification number at http://hondaphil.com/news/honda-cars-calls-for-the-owners-of-the-select-2011-2014-jazz-city-and-cr-v-for-preventive-measure-campaign/

To check at other vehicle recalls, go to our comprehensive recall alert page.

Car Guide and Inspiration Recall Alert - Mitsubishi and Honda Recalls-Cars Blogging

With Honda and Mitsubishi issuing vehicle recalls within a span of days, it would be better if they would be published together in one article. The recalls involve Mitsubishi Lancer EX and Evolution models and Honda City and Jazz units for various issues.

MITSUBISHI

A safety inspection campaign was announced for the Lancer Evolution and Lancer EX (those with the 2.0 engines), in which the Mitsubishi Electronic Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS) electronic control unit that are suspected to have improperly manufactured parts which may cause the headlights to turn off and/or the windshield wiper not to operate when the vehicle is in use.

The recall involves six units of 2009 to 2010 Lancer Evolution and 1,825 units of 2009 to 2011 Lancer EX and Ralliart (all 2.0 models) and will take an hour for the inspection and replacement procedure. This fix will not involve any charge for affected customers.

Although no incidents were reported, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation was directed by the Japan HQ for this recall.

To see if your unit is affected, you may check out your vehicle identification number at http://www.mmpc.ph/latestnews/lancer-safety-campaign.html

HONDA

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. had issued a recall for 2,500 units comprising of 2014 to 2015 Honda City and Jazz models for an update which involves the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. This software update will help prevent high stress and for the drive pulley shaft not to be broken so wheel lock wouldn't happen.

The fix costs free and will take 30 minutes. Affected customers are advised to contact their Honda dealer for details.

To check at other vehicle recalls, go to our comprehensive recall alert page.

Car Guide and Inspiration Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls Civic, City, Jazz, and CR-V-Cars Blogging

Last month, Honda had issued a recall involving Accords and Pilots in which it was a preventive measure to avoid any future incident related to a suspected defect in the airbag deflator of the driver side airbag. Now, this preventive measure done voluntarily had also expanded to selected 2007 to 2011 CR-V, 2006 and 2009 to 2012 Jazz, 2006 to 2011 Civic, 2003 to 2011 City, and 2011 to 2012 Insight (2 of them are included, we had no clue who are the owners here). With this involving thousands of units, owners read this one carefully.

Similar to last time's recall, this one involved more popular and mainstream Honda models and with the saying goes that prevention is better than cure, the Japanese brand will make a remedy before things get worse.

Although no incidents related to this issue had been reported yet, Honda's announcement is part of their efforts to ensure the safety of their customers and encourages to bring their units to their nearest dealers for repairs that will take an hour and it is free of charge.

Repairs had started last September 14, 2015, with affected owners being requested to contact their nearest Honda dealership.

To check if your vehicle is affected, you may check the vehicle identification number at http://hondaphil.com/news/preventive-measure-campaign/

To check at other vehicle recalls, go to our comprehensive recall alert page.