On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover the big hit to Stellantis’ earnings, Toyota’s changes at the top as well as its new EV, plus the decline of new car sales last month. We also review the 2026 Honda Prelude and more. Give us a listen!
Honda
Honda Set to Roll S+ Shift Out Across its Hybrid Line-Up
Honda’s sixth-generation Prelude is just rolling into U.S. showrooms and one of its more intriguing features is the new S+ Shift which is designed to “simulate a performance transmission experience.” Expect to see the system start rolling out across the rest of the Honda line-up starting later this year.
January Vehicle Sales Held Strong Despite Winter Weather’s Worst
The severe winter weather blanketing the U.S from Texas to Maine failed to slow new vehicle sales in January, with Asian automakers, in particular, reporting gains for the month. More from Headlight.News.
Consumer Reports Names its Top 10 Picks – and They’re All Electrified
Consumer Reports released its annual Top 10 Picks in New Cars, Trucks and SUVs and potential buyers might notice a theme running through them, all of the choices either a hybrid – or available as one – or an EV. Separately, the non-profit announced its first-ever “Safety Verdict,” ranking 29 automotive brands on a variety of factors. Who came out on top? Some surprises here, as well, reports Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2026 Honda Pilot – Focusing on What Matters to Family Buyers
When Honda rolled out an all-new version of the Pilot a few years back it became the automaker’s largest and most powerful SUV ever. What is it doing for an encore as it rolls out a mid-cycle refresh with the 2026 Honda Pilot? Check out the Headlight.News review to find out.
Honda, DriveOhio Team Up to Proactively Spot, Repair Road Problems
A pilot program partnering Honda and DriveOhio aims to catch small problems on the state’s roads and repair them before they get big using crowdsourced information. Headlight.News has more on the prototype Honda Proactive Roadway Maintenance System.
Are Automakers Done With the Super Bowl?
In an era when broadcast television seems to be losing its grip, the Super Bowl remains an example of traditional “appointment TV,” something millions of Americans clear their calendars for. And automakers responded by investing millions of dollars to air lavishly produced commercials. That was especially true in the auto industry. Yet, the industry seems to be growing wary and there’ll be only a handful of brands staking a presence during the broadcast of Super Bowl LX, reports Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2026 Honda Prelude is the Sporty Coupe We’ve Been Waiting Ford
It’s been a long wait – 25 years, to be precise – but if you’re one of those loyal fans who’ve long been hoping for the return of the Honda Prelude the good news is that it’s back and finally rolling into U.S. dealer showrooms. Was it worth lighting a candle for? Headlight.News has this review.
Dodge, Ford Hyundai Take Home Trophies as North American Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle Winners Revealed
The Dodge Charger, Ford Maverick Lobo and Hyundai Palisade were the big winners Wednesday as a panel of 50 jurors announced their choices for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Headlight.News has more.
Honda Wants to “Revolutionize” the Small RV Market with its New Base Station
It’s small enough to fit in your garage but big enough to sleep four and keep everyone comfortable wherever you park it for the night. Honda says its new Base Station Prototype is flexible, affordable and could “revolutionize” the towable RV market.
Six Potentially Overlooked 2025 Models That Could be Good Deals in 2026
With 2026 models now starring in showrooms all around the country, this is a good time to pick up a deal on a “leftover” 2025. Here are six great choices you might not have considered that are well worth well giving a shot. Check out what you can get at Headlight.News.
Recalls Soared in 2025 – and These Brands Topped the List
Tens of millions of American motorists were told to bring their vehicles in for repairs last year as recalls surged to near-record levels. In fact, Ford ordered more safety service actions than any other automaker in history in 2025. But other brands, some traditional known for quality and reliability, including Toyota and Honda, also racked up the recall notices for problems ranging from faulty backup cameras to failing engines and transmissions. Here are the 10 brands with the highest recall counts in 2025.