Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

Okay, so what is still on your list? Or have you not even started yet? Christmas is 3 days away, so you deadline-pushers (that would include me), stop despairing. These quick tips can help you survive another holiday season and elate your friends and family as well.

1. Do your online shopping TODAY. If it’s important to you that people on your gift list have actual items in their hands by Dec. 25, then today’s the day to start clicking for two-day shipping, if available. Many online retailers promise to deliver presents by Christmas Day if you place your order by Dec. 21-22 using two-day shipping, there are still some lenient retailers will continue to guarantee on-time delivery if you use overnight shipping by noon Pacific time on Dec. 22. You can quickly check the shipping sections of stores’ Web sites to find out which deadlines you’ll have to hit.

2. Buy tangible, plastic gift cards. Stop by Honda Mall of Georgia and pick up a gift certificate for a nice accessory, oil change, tire rotation, car detail, etc. Most local businesses offer them, so you have plenty of opportunities to look thoughtful by tailoring your gift-card purchases to certain individuals. Just be sure to read the fine print before you buy. Some cards might have expiration dates and fees, particularly those bearing the logos of major credit card companies. Our gift cards do not have any hidden fees. If you’re not comfortable just handing over a card, wrap it inside a mug or put it in the arms of a small stuffed animal.

3. Send electronic gift certificates or gift cards. Another option is an online gift certificate that gets sent out via e-mail. Many retailers offer them, and their convenience to you is unparalleled – so long as you feel reasonably comfortable that your recipient won’t mistake your electronic gift for spam. Some retailers allow the certificates to be used only on their Web sites, not in their stores, so make sure the person on the receiving end is comfortable shopping online. You’ll often have until around noon on Dec. 24 to order the e-gift cards and guarantee their timely arrival.

4. Shop on Dec. 24. Most non-procrastinating types relax on Christmas Eve day – meaning traffic at the malls should be thinner then. Of course, this approach only will work for presents you can give in person locally, not for gifts that need to be mailed.

5. Think food and drinks. Consider “splurges” that your loved ones might not get for themselves – and that also won’t require you to step foot into a crowded mall. Some ideas: nice bottles of booze and liqueur; a case of wine; caviar; prosciutto; gourmet cheeses; fine chocolate; premium olive oils; hard-to-find hot sauces.

6. Give the gift of yourself. For a gift that’s both personal and easy to execute on a deadline, create “coupons” for services you can provide in the weeks to come. You can give coupons for an amazing multi-course meal, babysitting services, pet-care services, massages, Web site building, car repairs, painting and other handyman services around the home. Just be careful not to over-promise; you’re sure to be remembered for giving a “gift” and failing to deliver on it. Or maybe a coupon for someone to go pick out their very own Honda (You know Happy Honda Days is going on?!)

7. Opt for practical ideas. You can get large quantities of items your recipients are sure to use, such as art supplies for art lovers, prepaid calling cards for friends who travel a lot, or specialized emergency kits. For someone with chronic car problems, give them a gift certificate for a Honda emergency kit, a flashlight, gas can, jumper cables, flares and a membership to AAA.

8. Donate to charity in someone else’s name. Through the nonprofit Charity Checks, you can order a check in any dollar amount, then let your recipient select a charity from among 800,000 in the United States. Go to http://www.charitychecks.us/ or call toll-free 1-800-854-5601. (Once again, if you want your gift to show up by Christmas Day, it’s best to place your order by Dec. 21. You might be able to get away with waiting until Dec. 22 to order, so long as you’re willing to pony up for overnight delivery.)

Don’t despair, just get creative and there are lots of ways to bring holiday cheer! Honda Mall of Georgia is here to help! Stop by and we can help you put together a gift that will knock your Honda fan’s sock off!

Read What Our Customers Had to Say…

At Honda Mall of Georgia, we believe the customer is #1. Here’s what one of our customers had to say about their experience with us.

While I realize that you probably send one to all new car purchasers, this is my third car to purchase from this dealership. The 2001 and 2004 Honda CRV's were purchased from Lanier Honda and have received all of their "checkups" and service at your dealership. I have been very pleased with the service I have received (although $3,000 for a new air conditioner for the 2001--ouch) and was happy to successfully negotiate the purchase of the Odyssey. I LOVE it and plan to drive it for many years to come and enjoy every mile!

I wanted to let you know how much I was impressed with the salesman, sales manager and finance manager who did the final paperwork. They were all very personable and professional. While they wanted to sell me a car I did not feel pressured or made to feel like I needed to take my brother with me to make sure I wasn't talked down to as I was at another car dealership when trying to buy one car. Needless to say I didn't purchase a car there!

I will not hesitate to recommend both Jim as the salesperson and Honda Mall of Georgia as the dealership to anyone I know who is looking for a new Honda. And, believe me, I don't make recommendations lightly or give praise where it isn't due.

Thanks again and please convey my thanks to your staff for their help in purchasing my new Odyssey.

Vickie R. Ezell

Come by and see us. We can help you make a qualified decision on your next new Honda. We want to help!

Happy Holidays! From your friends at Honda Mall of Georgia

Highest Rating in Revised U.S. Crash Tests - The Accord

Honda Accord received the best possible safety rating among 2011 model-year passenger cars tested for crashes under new U.S. evaluation standards, edging ahead of Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. sedans.

The mid-size Accord, Honda’s top-selling U.S. model, got an overall five-star rating, according to results posted on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

Of 40 models tested so far, six rated five stars overall. Accord is the first to get five stars in each of three crash categories tested by NHTSA.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said last month that the ratings are aimed at boosting overall safety and ensuring the results more accurately reflect the crashworthiness of new cars and light trucks. Changes include the use of female crash- test dummies for the first time, along with male versions, to collect data about injuries to the chest, head, neck and legs.

The 2011 Accord sedan received five stars on side and frontal crashes and rollovers, according to NHTSA.

Come in for a test drive and experience the Accord for yourself at Honda Mall of Georgia. We have great special offers online:

2011 Honda Accord LX Sdn

$260 per month

Zero Due at Lease Signing

2011 Honda CR-V Serves Up SUV Versatility with Style and Refinement

Honda officially unveiled the CR-V in October. The 2011 Honda CR-V provides a versatile and accommodating crossover SUV package with space for up to five passengers and a versatile cargo area for utility. The CR-V also provides fuel economy and refined, comfortable handling similar to a mid-size sedan.


A new model for 2011, the CR-V SE (Special Edition), adds to the standard features of the CR-V LX with alloy wheels (replaces styled-steel wheels), a 160-watt AM/FM/6-disc changer with six speakers (up from a single-disc CD and four speakers), steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear privacy glass. The previous, 2010 model-year CR-V received a wide range of enhancements including sharpened styling, additional features on certain trim levels, higher fuel economy ratings, and increased power.

A dynamic forward cabin, a two-tiered grille and a distinctive side profile express the CR-V's emphasis on upscale style and design. Compact on the outside yet large on the inside, the interior provides a maximum passenger volume of 103.8 cu-ft. (CR-V LX), plus an accommodating cargo volume of 35.7 cu-ft. behind the rear seats. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generates 180 horsepower (hp) and 161 lb-ft of torque. City/highway/combined EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings1 are 21/28/24 miles per gallon (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27/23 mpg on models equipped with Real Time™ 4WD.
The CR-V's interior emphasizes functionality and style. The front row storage areas are designed to accommodate items such as a handbag between the seats. For comfort, there are driver's and front passenger's center-folding armrests. A center console replaces the retractable center tray table on the CR-V EX-L with navigation.


Standard safety equipment includes: the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The CR-V's unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (58 percent) to save weight and create a high-rigidity body structure, which significantly contributes to the vehicle's ride quality, fuel efficiency and safety performance. The suspension is comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension. The high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer a comfortable and engaging driving experience for a crossover SUV. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for a quieter cabin.

Last but not the least is the super CR-V EX-L, marching a step ahead of the CR-V EX trim with leather-trimmed seats and armrests, body colored side mirrors and door handles, heated front seats, an USB Audio Interface , XM Radio, and autoon/off headlights.



Also offered are a number of color options styling the various models. To name a few are Opal Sage Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl, Taffeta White, Glacier Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Tango Red Pearl and so on. The owners may also match the interiors with the body color from three options available as Ivory, Black or Gray.

Visit Honda and experience the CR-V. The starting MSRP 2011 Honda CR-V is $21,695. Check out our specials online and come in for a test drive to see the ingenuity yourself at Honda Mall of Georgia.

2011 Honda Civic Delivers Value, Efficiency and Luxury

The 2011 Honda Civic lineup is the coolest so far and spans a wide range with technologically advanced Civic Sedan and Coupe models, a Civic Hybrid, a high-performance Civic Si and a Civic GX model that runs exclusively on natural gas.

A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 players and more. Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and fun-to-drive handling performance with its fully independent suspension.
Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission.

The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. The Civic EX-L, Civic Si and Civic Hybrid include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, as standard safety content.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player. The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. The system includes Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a wireless telephone interface that works with compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic DX-VP and above trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the DX-VP and LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3- and WMA-formatted CDs. A USB Audio Interface is standard on the Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models, providing integration for a compatible MP3 player or a USB flash drive loaded with compatible music files.

Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The audio display provides CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).

Come on in for test drive and experience the performance and innovation yourself. We at Honda Mall of Georgia can show you want the 2011 Civic line-up can offer you.

Honda Mall of Georgia is the leading Honda dealer in Buford, GA. Your satisfaction is our goal!

Call our friendly staff today to learn about our latest Honda specials, demo a car, get details on any vehicle, request a brochure, discuss your trade-in or even talk financing on your next car. We are here to help you. Call us today at 877-891-3532.

Honda Remains Top of Green

Honda has won its fifth consecutive “greenest automaker” award from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Honda won by a single point over Toyota and Hyundai, which tied for second in the Union’s ranking of the eight largest automakers. In ranking the “greenness” of the companies — which account for 92 percent of cars sold in the United States — the Union examined the average per-mile smog pollution and greenhouse gas emissions of each automaker’s entire fleet.

“It was a photo finish, but Honda is still the champ,” Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer in the Union’s clean vehicles program, said. “Toyota was poised to take the lead but stalled in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s fleet saw dramatic efficiency improvements, pushing the company into a title contender spot.”

As usual, American automakers brought up the rear. This is the fifth time since 1998 that the Union has ranked the biggest automakers. In compiling the “Automaker Rankings 2010,” the number crunchers at the Union examined the per-mile smog and greenhouse gas emissions of each companies’ 2008 lineup, the latest year for which full data were available.

Each company is ranked against the industry average of all eight companies combined. The average CO2 emissions of the eight automakers was 429 grams per mile. The average emissions of nitrogen oxides and non-methane organic gases — two major smog-forming emissions — was 0.147 grams per mile. The industry average was assigned a score of 100, and each automaker was ranked against that.

Honda finished with an overall score of 86, meaning its fleet is 14 percent less polluting than the industry average. Toyota and Hyundai followed with 87 points. Volkswagen was fourth with 90, while Nissan came in at 93.

“As with the past four awards, we accept this fifth honor as both recognition of our success and a challenge for the future,” John Mendel, executive VP of American Honda Motor Co. said in a statement. “We continue to accelerate our efforts to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions that contribute to global climate change.”

One interesting point to emerge from the data is an automaker can offer a full line of vehicles — from compacts to SUVs, as Honda and Toyota do — and still offer an eco-friendlier lineup. That pretty much kills the argument that cranking out nothing but econoboxes is the only way to be “green.”

Honda Mall of Georgia is so proud to part of a leading brand that not only thinks about safety and performance, but also our environment.

Service is Our Utmost Priority

At Honda Mall of Georgia, we strive to deliver top customer service. It doesn't end when the sale is closed. We consider that just the beginning. You are part of the Honda Mall of Georgia family. We want to take care of you for a lifetime.

Mike Gill is a new customer and he was so obliged to share his experience. Mike, we appreciate it!

We are so proud of our team, especially Martha and Donna.

Dear Honda Mall of Georgia,
This is to bring a matter to your attention that I believe merits your time in reading it, and possibly bringing it to your employees attention if you are so inclined. I am about to take possession of a 2011 Ridgeline from Honda Mall of Georgia, and there are two specific individuals who have played a major role in bringing this about. Martha in Sales and Donna in your Service Department have both made a very positive impression on me, and I believe they have a direct impact on the success of your dealership.

To be perfectly honest, I had a lower priced package offered to me by one of your local competitors, but I feel totally comfortable in the purchase choice I have made. Employees such as Martha and Donna instill a firm belief that the Mall of Georgia Honda is the most reputable place to do business, and as a direct result your customers (such as myself) tell their friends and family to be sure to give you a fair shot concerning their next automobile purchase. I commend you for having employees such as these representing your dealership,

Thank you,

Mike Gill

Advantages of Leasing your next vehicle.

Although not for every prospective buyer, vehicle leasing can offer certain advantages and be an very attractive alternative to a traditional purchase. You must consider a few important factors and make sure a lease would be beneficial to you. What are the advantages?

Lower Monthly Payments
Because you only pay for the portion of the car or truck that you actually use, (the "depreciation"), your monthly payments are 30%-60% lower than for a purchase loan for the same car and same term.

More Car, More Often
Since your monthly payments are lower, you can obtain more car for the same money and drive a new vehicle every two to four years, depending on the term length you choose.

Less Maintenance Hassles
Most people like to lease for a term that coincides with the length of the manufacturer's warranty coverage so that if something goes wrong with the car, the repairs are always automatically covered. You may also be able to purchase prepaid maintenance plans at a significant savings which cover all planned maintenance such as oil changes, etc.