Checkered Blog by Checkered Flag is the automotive play place in Hampton Roads Virginia

Meet Checkered Flag Honda's Kenya "Kenny" Haynes

CB: What do you do here at Checkered Flag Honda?
Kenny: I'm a lot attendant.

CB: What does being the lot attendant involve?
Kenny: Well, a lot of moving cars around the dealership (laughs). And once cars are sold, I bring them over to the prep and detailing departments, so that they're prepared for customers to take them home.

CB: How long have you worked here?
Kenny: It's been about three years, going on four now.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?
Kenny: I've lived here in Virginia Beach since '95. I'm originally from New York. It's different up there. Lots and lots of people, and the city really NEVER goes to sleep. I have family there, so I still visit sometimes.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Kenny: Artwork. I like designing stuff. I'd like to own my own business one day customizing designs, graphic work for cars. I also go bowling. My average is about 180. Oh, and I like roller skating.

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Kenny: A mixture of things, R&B and Jazz.  I've also got a lot of Quincy Jones songs.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Kenny: Lake View Terrace. Have you seen it? I liked it. Definitely a different kind of role for Samuel L. Jackson. I've been a fan of his since the very first movie he did for Spike Lee.

CB: When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
Kenny: Something that had to do with sports. I guess a  track runner. I still like to run now.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Kenny: I'd say a camera because with it you could freeze certain moments in your life. You know like sort of capture your own history.

CB: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
Kenny: Thailand. I hear it's really nice there. I have a lot of friends in the military who have been there and they say there's a lot of tourist spots to check out and the food is great.      

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Kenny: It's definitely a family oriented dealership and there's a high standard of professionalism here. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that I get to drive new cars every day. My friends always tell me how lucky I am cuz I get to do that (laughs).

2009 Honda Gets New Styling Update & Trims

I noticed a truckload of fresh 2009 Honda Civics being delivered at Checkered Flag Honda yesterday. I stopped in to talk with Vernon Belford, a sales and leasing consultant, about their new arrivals. Everyone's familiar with the Civic. It's one of the best-selling cars out on the market (recently it's become the most popular of the Honda lineup). Honda intends to keep the Civic popular as ever in 2009 by giving it some styling updates and adding two new sedan trims.

The mid-cycle update for the 2009 Civic brings subtle changes. Why mess with a car that's already proven to be a big hit? Vernon pointed out the restyled honeycomb grille and front bumper, which he says gives the Civic a more confident look (not that we think the Civic lacked any confidence before). The back end receives revised taillights and a shiny new chrome trim piece. Also for EX, EX-L and Si trims, new alloy wheel designs are added. 

Inside, Civic models come enhanced with more technology-friendly features. Civics equipped with navigation capabilities now feature a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink interface. Higher end trim levels also gain an USB audio interface for a MP3 player. Across all models, a two-tier instrument panel conveniently displays all the information you need (speed, temperature, and fuel).

Additionally, updated interior cloth material and pattern options are available. For the luxury conscious, Civics can now be tailored with leather and heated seats (available on EX-L model).

The 2009 Civic carries over powerterrains from the previous 2008 model, a 1.8-liter SOCH i-VTEC engine with 140 hp. It still offers up great fuel efficiency with a rating of 36 miles on the highway, and 25 in the city.

A host of safety features come standard: Advance Compatibility engineering body structure; a protective system of airbags (side curtain, driver's and front passenger's side, dual stage, and dual-threshold); active front head restraints; ABS and electronic brake distribution; and more. See here for the full list of features.

Cost wise, you're getting even more value and options with the introduction of two new trim levels for the sedan: DX-VP and LX-S. In addition the standard features found on the base DX, the DX-VP (standing for "Value Package"), priced at $15,405 for manual and $16,205 for automatic, comes equipped with an air conditioning and air-filtration system, and a 160-Watt AM/FM/CD audio system.

The mid-range LX-S (starting at $17,955) receives all the conveniences from the LX, and adds on alloy wheels, exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher.

Come see the new 2009 Civic at Checkered Flag Honda, 6541 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Have you really looked at the 2009 Honda Pilot?

The new Honda Pilot has been here, and it is nice!  Honda listened to previous Pilot owners with this redesign, and the previous Pilot owners are cheering this home run!

Christine can tell you more:

A Perfect "Fit" at Checkered Flag Honda

The redesigned 2009 Honda Fit has made its home at Checkered Flag Honda! Vernon Belford, a sales and leasing consultant, says there's been a lot of anticipation for the new edgier Fit, and one has already been bought in the few days since its arrival.

This is the second generation for the popular subcompact. It's larger than the previous model, about 2.2 inches longer and 0.8 inches wider. Five passengers can cozily fit inside. It's versatile in offering different seating/cargo configurations: people mode; tall mode; utility mode; and long mode. Vernon says long mode in particular is useful for avid surfers. By folding down the front passenger and the right side rear seats, you can slide in your favorite surfboard. In fact, you can fit anything up to 7"9' long. For more information on the different modes, visit here.  

Powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, the Fit produces 117 hp. Five speed manual or five speed automatic transmission is available. Fuel efficiency wise, the Fit offers up spectacular numbers. It gets 35 miles on the highway and 28 city.

Two trim levels are available: base Fit and Fit Sport. Standard features on the Fit are: 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and four speakers; auxiliary audio input jack; power windows, mirrors, and door locks. Vernon says the audio system has a cool feature where you can program a personalized message on the radio screen to greet you each time you start up the vehicle.

The Sport adds on alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless entry and cruise control. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition featuring a 6.5-inch screen is an option.

The Fit comes enhanced with several safety upgrades including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology and Vehicle Stability Assist (on Sport models). Other standard safety features include: active head restraints; Anti-lock braking; and electronic brake distribution; and a protective system of airbags (front dual-stage, dual-threshold; front-side with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System; and side curtain).

MSRP for the Fit starts at $14,550 plus a destination and handling charge. The Fit Sport with its additional premium features starts at $16,060. If you're interested in seeing the Fit in person, visit Checkered Flag Honda, 6541 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Arriving Soon at Checkered Flag: the All-New 2009 Honda Fit

Just yesterday Honda announced details on the newly redesigned 2009 Fit. And today I heard from a dependable source at Checkered Flag Honda that the popular subcompact (over 2,000,000 sold globally in the last six years) will be making its showroom debut sometime next month. As soon as I receive more news on the Fit, I'll be sure to pass it along, but til then here's a preview.

The 2009 model comes as the second generation for the Fit. It's larger than the previous model, about 2.2 inches longer and 0.8 inches wider. Described as a "smart-sized" car, the Fit comfortably seats five passengers, and leaves plenty of room for all their gear. It's versatile in offering multiple seating and cargo configurations, especially with its improved 2nd-row Magic seat with one motion dive-down functionality.

It's equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 117 hp. Five speed manual or five speed automatic transmission is available. And although, the Fit has grown a bit, it still manages spectacular fuel efficiency. It has a EPA fuel economy of 35 miles on the highway and 28 city.

Two trim levels are offered: base Fit and Fit Sport. Standard features on the Fit are: AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers; MPR/WMA playback capability; Radio Data System (RDS); auxiliary audio input jack; power windows, mirrors, and door locks.

Step up to the Fit Sport and alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless entry and cruise control are added. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition featuring a 6.5-inch screen is an option on the Fit Sport.

The Fit comes enhanced with several safety upgrades including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology and Vehicle Stability Assist (on Sport models). Other standard safety features include: active head restraints; Anti-lock braking; and electronic brake distribution; and a protective system of airbags (front dual-stage, dual-threshold; front-side with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System; and side curtain).

MSRP for the Fit starts at $14,550 plus a destination and handling charge. The Fit Sport with its additional premium features starts at $16,060. For more information call (757) 490-1111 and ask to speak with the Checkered Flag Honda Sales team.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Honda Odyssey

Some of my fondest childhood memories took place in a minivan. My family would spend hours in our minivan traveling to different places. Of course back then gas cost less, so it was easy to load up the minivan for weekend road trips. Times have since changed, but when I realized that today's Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency was the Honda Odyssey, a bit of nostalgia set in.

The Odyssey has come a long way from the minivans I grew up with. It's a stylish and comfortable 8-passenger hauler that provides modern day conveniences. Car and Driver chose the Odyssey as its pick for Best Van in their "5Best" Trucks list.

Vernon Belford, a sales and leasing consultant at Checkered Flag Honda, ventured outside in this 90 degree weather wearing a very nice (and I'm sure also very hot) suit to show me the Odyssey.   Four trim levels are available: base LX (starting at $25,860), EX, EX-L, and the top of the line Touring. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 5-speed automatic transmission. Vernon says the Odyssey isn't the typical van because it rides more like a car.

The EX-L and Touring engines include Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). This is the same fuel saving system that's found on another Honda Unsung Hero we've featured before, the Pilot. Just to refresh your memory, the VCM manages fuel consumption by allowing the V6 engine to automatically deactivate and reactivate cylinders depending on what it needs. It lets the vehicle run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders, which means better fuel economy. The Odyssey gets 23 highway miles, and 16 city. On its 21 gallon tank, you can get over 480 highway miles.

Seating for 8 is the obvious highlight on the Odyssey. Vernon demonstrated the different ways you can utilize the 2nd row "magic seat." It allows for either 3 passenger bench seating, or can be removed for extra cargo/storage space. The Odyssey has a whopping 15 beverage holders! Standard features include: dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone automatic climate control on EX, EX-L and Touring); tilt and telescope steering wheel; power windows and door locks; and keyless entry.

A number of available options would come in handy for a family that's always on the go. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and 8-inch screen, and the Honda DVD Entertainment System are a few that standout. Check out the full list here.

As one would expect in a family-geared vehicle, the Odyssey comes with loads of safety features. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA); anti-lock brakes with brake assist; Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure; active front seat head restraints; and daytime running lights all come standard. Also, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS); and three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor are included to protect every Odyssey occupant.

See the very family-friendly Odyssey at Checkered Flag Honda, 6541 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Honda Pilot

Some of the wittiest commercials I've seen have been for the Honda Pilot. If you haven't seen them, I suggest a visit to the Honda website. You'll get a good chuckle or two. The one titled "Ballooning" had me rolling the first time I saw it. So...you're probably wondering, the Pilot is a mid-size SUV, and those three letters typically don't associate with great mpg. Well it comes as a welcome surprise (to me too), but the Pilot does meet the criteria as an Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency.

The 2009 model is the second edition of the Pilot (it debuted summer of '02). Carl Dyson, a sales representative at Checkered Flag Honda, says the newer version brings more features, more power, and better fuel economy. Out of all the Unsung Heroes we've featured so far, the Pilot sticks out as one of the larger vehicles on the list. Carl says that although gas prices have caused many drivers to sway away from larger SUV's, smaller vehicles don't fit all lifestyles. That's where the  Pilot comes in as a great alternative.

Four trim styles are offered: base LX (starting at $27,595), EX, EX-L, and top-of-the-line Touring. The Pilot comes equipped with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine producing 250 horsepower. All models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system is a key feature on the Pilot and it's designed to help improve fuel efficiency, without giving up the abilities of a powerful engine. Carl explains that the VCM manages fuel consumption and allows the V6 engine to automatically deactivate and reactivate cylinders depending on what it needs. With VCM the Pilot is able to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders. You can get the V6 power when accelerating or climbing, but you also have the efficiency of a smaller engine for everyday cruising. The 2WD is rated at 17/23 mpg city/highway, and 16/22 for the 4WD. The Pilot's 20 gallon tank can get around 460 highway miles.

The Pilot offers 3 rows of seating for 8 passengers, which makes it perfect for families. It's outfitted with a ton of family-friendly features too such as: 60/40 split flat-folding seats for optimized cargo space; beverage holders in all 3 rows (12 total!); 12-volt power outlets (in the front, 2nd-row, and cargo areas); flip up rear glass hatch; and standard integrated tow hitch. An AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 speakers and subwoofer is also standard. If you need more to keep the family entertained and happy, the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System is an option on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring.

Standard safety equipment includes: Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure; Dual-Stage, Dual Threshold Front Airbags (SRS); Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor; Tire Pressure Monitoring System and more. Also a rearview mirror with rearview camera display is a highlight on the EX-L. For extra child passenger protection, the Pilot boasts four Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions. That's more than any other SUV in the segment.

To check out the Pilot in person, visit the Checkered Flag Honda sales team at  6541 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Checkered Flag Honda's Famous Faces

Did you see The Virginian Pilot today? Well, if not grab a copy. For weeks now, we here at the Checkered Blog have had fuel efficiency on our minds, especially with our Unsung Heroes series. It seems that the Pilot does too, and guess what...in article today they featured members of the Checkered Flag Honda sales team! Check out the pictures below. Cheers to Checkered Flag Honda new car sales manager Paul Sudo and salesman John Hall! You guys look great. Visit these famous faces at Checkered Flag Honda, 6541 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk or call (757) 490-1111.

Meet Checkered Flag Honda Customer Alma Rojas

This friendly mom and her very energetic 2 ½ year old toddler, Lorenzo, were playing in the kids zone at Checkered Flag Honda today, while her 2005 Accord was being serviced. Bringing in her car for maintenance was just one of the many things Alma has on her to-do-list before traveling to Puerto Rico to visit family. While Lorenzo kept busy with all the fun toys, Alma spent a few minutes chatting with the Checkered Blog.

CF: Where do you live in Hampton Roads?
Alma: Portsmouth. We come to Checkered Flag because the space is cozy, and this kids zone area is good for my son. There are toys and it is closed off, so he can scream as loud as he wants without bothering anyone (smiles).

CF: Aside from keeping up with Lorenzo, what else do you like to do?
Alma: I do a lot of reading, and a spend a lot of time at church. I love to go shopping! (Laughs) Unfortunately, I can not always do that.

CF: Where is your favorite place to eat?
Alma: Atlas Oyster in Pensacola, Florida. That was the best food I have ever had in my life. Around here...oh, Volcano Sushi. Their Bento Box is such a great deal. Anyone who has been there will know what I am talking about.

CF: What is in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Alma: (Laughs) Oh, gosh. I have a 6-Disc changer. Hmm, I have Hill Song, Israel and New Breed...Joyce Meyer is number 4, and then Reliant K and Sarah Groves are 5 and 6.

CF: What is the latest movie you have seen?
Alma: Prince Caspian and I loved it. I loved Narnia too.

CF: What pets do you have?
Alma: No pets. My son keeps me busy enough and taking care of a pet would be like having another kid (laughs). Maybe, we will get a goldfish because that is low maintenance.

CF: What is the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Alma: I was once in a band called Bachata Mambo. Bachata is a genre of music from the Dominican Republic. I sang.

CF: What is one invention you could not live without?
Alma: I am not going to say the microwave (laughs). But actually, it is probably the microwave. It is just so convenient. And can you imagine, without it Hot Pockets would take like 25 minutes in the oven!

CF: What is the best thing about being a Checkered Flag customer?
Alma: Customer service. From as soon as you walk in someone always greets you. The people at the counter are very nice, and they are flexible in working with you. Also there was one time, and I will not ever forget this...it was raining hard outside, and a Checkered Flag employee walked me and my son out to our car with an umbrella. The service is just really wonderful. You do not get that anywhere else.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency:

For the past two days, CheckeredChick and I have been "partying", but now it is time to continue on with our Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency series. I dropped by Checkered Flag Honda today and spent a few minutes talking with salesperson Dennis Anderson Sr. about our Unsung Hero for today, the Honda Accord.

Dennis has a long standing history with Checkered Flag. He has been with the company for 22 years! He is also a proud owner of a Honda Accord, and who better to speak with about a vehicle than someone who knows it personally. Dennis says the Accord for his family was a very a good buy.

Dennis is not alone in his sentiments about the Accord. Car and River named the 2008 Accord on its 10Best for the year list (the Accord has made an appearance on that list a record 22 times). It has also received Best Family Sedan from Motor Week and Sedan of the Year from Road and Travel Magazine. Just on the way to work this morning, I encountered three different Accords.

So what is it about the Accord that makes it so special? Dennis says that it is just one "super car". He says customers like the luxury feel of the Accord, but like the price even more. Starting price is $20,360.

The Accord has been around for decades now. The new 2008 redesign made it bigger than previous model years and has improved engine performance, but still manages great fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder Accord garners 31 highway miles, and 21 in the city. You can get close to 560 highway miles per tank with the Accord (the tank size is 18 gallons).

The Accord is available as a midsize coupe or sedan. There are several trims to choose from, ranging from the entry level LX model to the high end EX-L model. The LX model comes equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system; double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspension; air conditioning with air-filtration; and illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The EX-L model includes top of the line features like leather trimmed interior; optional navigation system; leather-wrapped steering wheel; heated front seats; passenger's seat with 4-way power adjustment; a dual-zone automatic climate control system; a 270-watt AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system; XM® Satellite Radio; and HomeLink® remote system.

The list of safety features on the Accord is a long one including: 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System; Driver and Front Passenger Active head restraints; Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure; Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS); Dual-Stage; Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS); Front Side Airbags with Passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and much more. Fore a full list visit here.

It is well known that the Accord is a great car, but its fuel efficiency may not be as well known. If you are interested in finding out more about the Accord, visit Dennis and the Honda sales team at Checkered Flag Honda, 6541 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach call (757) 490-1111.