WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, Aug. 9 /CNW/ - Honda Civic, Canada's best-selling passenger car for the past nine consecutive years, ranked highest for compact cars in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study(TM). The U.S.-based survey, conducted between January and April 2007, measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2004 model year) vehicles. "The Honda Civic highlights the benefit of dependability for Canadian compact car buyers," said Jim Miller, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "The Civic also exemplifies the 'Honda Benefit' for Canadians by providing cars that offer optimum safety and fuel-efficiency with fun-to-drive character. Also ranking highest in dependability in the study was the Honda S2000 in the Compact Premium Sporty Car category. Last month Honda captured four model segment awards in J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Honda's four segment-leading models were CR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey and Fit (in a tie). The APEAL study measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, as well as how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.

Honda is the world's preeminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With 130 manufacturing facilities in 29 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline and Civic, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario. A new, third plant in Alliston, with the capacity to produce up to 200,000 efficient 4-cylinder engines annually, is scheduled to open in 2008.

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