8 replies to this topic

[Madkore]

Honda's Return to Engineering

"In recent years, Honda's "car guys," the engineers that built the automotive upstart into a powerhouse, were overshadowed by the "bean counters," financial executives more willing to cut corners on vehicle content to shore up margins, insiders say."

[zakats]

Thank god! I just finished reading the article in its entirety and am hopeful for the future.

[gustav129]

Nice, I can't wait.

[bigboi407]

Thank god! I just finished reading the article in its entirety and am hopeful for the future.

^ x2 id always been wondering when honda would rethink what theyre doing, imho theyve lost their touch for quite some time, i hope they come out with something Good, id like to see them come out with something the size of a 70s CVCC or like the 600 coupe, but thats just me... i like the older hondas over the new ones, the newest model honda i would consider is an EK and thats as new as id go

[EuphoricBlue]

^ x2 id always been wondering when honda would rethink what theyre doing, imho theyve lost their touch for quite some time, i hope they come out with something Good, id like to see them come out with something the size of a 70s CVCC or like the 600 coupe, but thats just me... i like the older hondas over the new ones, the newest model honda i would consider is an EK and thats as new as id go

Yeah, I wouldn't hold my breath for that. The Smart is about as small as you can go with today's safety.

That being said, the 1G is a similar size and mass to a smart. Honda should have easily been able to produce a fun car to compete with the smart.

[hondaguy72]

The fit isn't too bad a car, but the L15 motor is just not what the doctor ordered. Not sure why they don't make that little motor scream. The Accord is fine, but not good enough for what we've all come to expect. Hopefully they will get it right in the next few years or I may have to buy a Hyundai. Most of their cars now have direct injection and some even turbocharged. Where did Honda's sporting spirit go?

[E-AT_me]

the fit really is a great car and is great fun to sport around in through some back roads. just have to rev it.

i'm intrigued at the new civics as Consumer Reports did a test on them and actually got 47mpg highway with an automatic LX. i really like the way the Si looks, too. much better than the previous generation.

yes, i agree that the bean counters have been directing what honda has been doing for a while, but to be honest, the company needed it. with the state of the economy they had to play it safe so they could maximize profits. now may be the time that they are able push that aside, but for the last few years it really has been the best idea.

[Old School REX]

the fit really is a great car and is great fun to sport around in through some back roads. just have to rev it.

i'm intrigued at the new civics as Consumer Reports did a test on them and actually got 47mpg highway with an automatic LX. i really like the way the Si looks, too. much better than the previous generation.

yes, i agree that the bean counters have been directing what honda has been doing for a while, but to be honest, the company needed it. with the state of the economy they had to play it safe so they could maximize profits. now may be the time that they are able push that aside, but for the last few years it really has been the best idea.

See, I agree with this.... I don't think Honda has made too much of a mistake in the past few years. I think we Americans have unrealistic expectations. Now that things are turning around, I hope that we can expect more. But cutting back has always been an area of expertise for Honda. Only problem? Lately they have been cutting back in the wrong departments of production. Think of our cars.... Our interiors are about as cheap and plastic like as they come. BUT they have genius advanced (for their time) engineering in the motors. And to save weight, they incorporate some old school suspension tricks.

Today? You get cheap-o interiors with textbook "cheap car" suspension that'll ride OK, and a motor that is not very inspiring or cutting edge.... (I'm speaking specifically of the non-Si model Civics)

I hope for the absolute best for Honda's future.

[E-AT_me]

sadly, i kind of disagree. i looked at a 2012 civic DX yesterday. yes, it has no options. no radio, no AC. but it does still have a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. also, it has a height adjustable drivers' seat. and the dash? pure awesome. the speedo is right below the windshield, completely in your line of sight. i was actually really impressed with the features it did have. yes, it's uninspiring as far as driving impressions go, but the quality is definitely honda and i still see plenty of innovation. i am seriously considering one.