Can Honda get its mojo back?

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  • victor23victor23 Member Posts: 201
    I think this car will age nicely...Looks better than the new Camry overall... Like it even better than the new Fusion

    Yes, it will. It is not flashy, with clean "classic" lines. Very inoffensive, for better or for worse. It is not easy to look worse than a new Camry, the worst, probably, Camry of all. Not that it is particularly ugly, but the lack of effort, passion and attention on the part of its designers is too much apparent. Everything screams: "Budget, rental, unloved, also-run". No midsize car deserves this. Difficult to disagree with Motor Trend on that. Fusion... first pictures were exciting, but now it looks too chubby to me. Still waiting what are they going to screw up with new Mazda. (Looks like they already did.)
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,022
    I like the new Mazda 6 better than the Fusion actually...and we're quite impressed with our Mazda 3s as it passes 113k very soon. Still runs great and screwed together very tightly with no squeaks or rattles. We've never ever had a car with this many miles but the wife just doesn't want to let it go. The a/c unit is acting up again but still blowing cold. So I'd buy another Mazda product based on how well our current one is holding up.

    I think the new Accord and Mazda 6 will both do very well in the market...better than either the Camry or Fusion once people drive 'em.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • serenity185serenity185 Member Posts: 22
    If the new Accord is anything to go by, it does seem like Honda is getting it together. The reviews for the Accord have been pretty positive, and the efficiency of the packaging reminds me of older Hondas that weren't huge on the outside but had plenty of room on the inside. The only cars I'd cross shop it with are the new Altima and upcoming Mazda 6.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,022
    Hopefully, the redo of the '13 Civic will address some of the current problems going on. Making it a bit more like a mini Accord isn't such a bad thing...look how well Hyundai is doing with the Elantra. Hopefully Toyota will do the same with the Corolla, that car absolutely needs something serious to happen to it...reliable is great but it lacks any sense of style or fun! Personally, I hope they nail it this time with the Civic!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Here it is!

    2013 Honda Civic to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show With More Youthful and Premium Styling

    I think the changes are great, but it's the interior that has drawn the most criticisms...
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,814
    Not a bad looking car. But honestly, I don't have a problem with the curent Civic, although I'll admit I haven't looked at one closely. There's a lady at work who has a 2012, and she's happy with it. I've seen it in the parking lot, and I don't have a problem with it.

    When it comes to compact cars, who's considered to be the "winner", these days, anyway? The Civic has drawn a lot of flak, but I swear the Corolla doesn't seem to have advanced all the much in at least a decade. The Nissan Sentra seems to have fallen to "also-ran" status, but my friend's grandmother recently bought a used 2010 model. I sat in it the other day, and it seemed to be a nice car.

    I guess cars have gotten so good in general these days that even if you end up picking the "loser", you still end up with a decent car.
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Ya, there are a couple of owners here at work, and none of them have anything bad to say. I do think the revisions are well done, but the rumor is the 2-tiered dash has been deleted for a more traditional setup which will make a lot of the naysayers happy.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 51,460
    the Acura ILX is basically the same platform, and it has a normal dash. Looks quite a bit different.

    I kind of liked the dash myself. The main reason I did not buy one back in 2006 (got an Accord instead) was because I hated the seats!

    My daughter (just about to get her full license) likes them. One of her friends got a few year old couple recently, and it is nice.

    most likely, if I had to replace my volvo (which is about to become "her" car most of the time) I would look hard for a 2006+ generation Civic for her.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,022
    Don't like the rear much but the front is very nice. The rear looks too much like the 2012 Accord with the lights...think the Acura version is nicer all around. I do like my two tiered dash as it's quite easy to read and everything I need is right where it should be. Mine should be around for a long time as I'm just about to hit the 35k mark this week.

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2012
    The earthquake may not be a damaging as Hyundai and Kia shooting themselves in the foot by messing up their EPA mpg testing.

    “People bought into the whole program: cool-looking cars that also offered great value, including high fuel economy,” Caldwell said. “Now it turns out that one part of that formula wasn’t true.”

    Hyundai and Kia’s growth came as Honda struggled with poor reviews for models including its 2012 Civic and worked to restore assembly operations in 2011 following natural disasters in Asia that cut parts supplies.

    “The timing is beautiful for Honda,” said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, in a phone interview. “They’d been seen as falling behind in fuel efficiency, not keeping up with Hyundai and others.’”

    Hyundai Fuel-Economy Flap Seen as Turned Tables for Honda (BusinessWeek)

    Other automakers will benefit but none so much as Honda.
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Civic taking a commanding lead for November by almost 7500 units

    Also looks like the Civic was #3 for monthly sales of everything, only missing the Silverado by about 600 units!

    Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in November 2012
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,364
    IIHS Ratings
    Rated good:
    -- Honda Accord, four-door
    -- Suzuki Kizashi

    Rated acceptable:
    -- Ford Fusion
    -- Honda Accord, two-door
    -- Kia Optima
    -- Nissan Altima, four-door
    -- Nissan Maxima
    -- Subaru Legacy
    -- Subaru Outback
    -- Dodge Avenger
    -- Chrysler 200, four-door
    -- Mazda 6
    -- Volkswagen Passat

    Rated marginal:
    -- Hyundai Sonata
    -- Chevrolet Malibu
    -- Volkswagen Jetta sedan

    Rated poor:
    -- Toyota Camry
    -- Toyota Prius v

    Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20121220/OEM11/121219849#ixzz2FacNoTlN
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,364
    Video and full story at link:

    http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr122012.html

    "The Accord sedan shows how safety belts and airbags work together to provide exemplary protection. The dummy stayed engaged with the Accord's front airbag, and the steering wheel remained relatively stable because there was only moderate intrusion into the occupant compartment. That meant that the driver airbag was in the right position to cushion the dummy's head and chest. The side curtain airbag extended far enough forward to prevent the dummy's head from hitting interior components."

    "Toyota falls short

    Shoppers looking for a midprice family car will recognize some perennial bestsellers on the TOP
    SAFETY PICK+ winners' list, including the Accord, Altima and Fusion.

    One nameplate they won't find is Toyota. The Camry, which is the top-selling midsize car in the United States, and the Prius v, a 4-door hybrid wagon, earn poor ratings for small overlap protection and are the worst performers of the midsize group. The Camry was redesigned for 2012, and the Prius v was an all-new model for 2012.

    The Camry and Prius v illustrate what can go wrong in a small overlap crash...

    In the Camry, the force of the impact shoved the front wheel back into the footwell, bending the windshield pillar and pushing the parking brake pedal and the left outer edge of the instrument panel rearward into the driver's survival space. Likewise, there was significant intrusion in the Prius v, along with high forces on the dummy's legs and feet. The Prius v is the only car in the midsize test group to earn a poor rating for hip and thigh protection.

    The Camry's driver airbag and side curtain airbag deployed, but the steering wheel moved so far to the right that the dummy's head made only minimal contact with the front airbag. The side curtain airbag didn't extend far enough forward to help prevent the dummy's head from hitting the instrument panel. In the Prius v, the side curtain airbag deployed too late in the crash to offer protection.

    "Toyota engineers have a lot of work to do to match the performance of their competitors," Lund says.
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,364
    edited December 2012
    names the Accord their best rated midsize sedan. A few quotes:

    "....The new Accord is roomy, nice to drive, well equipped, and very fuel efficient.

    Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, when matched with the smooth continuously variable transmission, squeezes out an excellent 30 mpg overall and 40 on the highway. That’s as good as a tiny Honda Fit and better than most compact cars. The 3.5-liter  V6 is super-smooth and quite powerful, snapping off a 6.3-second 0-to-60 mph time that is competitive with some sports cars. And its 26 mpg overall is among the best in its class.

    Inside, you are treated to one of the best driving positions available, comfortable seats, and terrific visibility. All Accords have a standard backup camera, rare among family sedans. Uplevel models include advanced safety features seldom found in this category, including forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, and Honda’s new Lane Watch blind-spot camera system....

    In the final tally, the four-cylinder Accord jumped 10 points in our Ratings to take over the top spot among entry-level sedans...

    Based on its history, we expect above-average reliability for the Accord.

    The Accord is one of the more agile family sedans, with subdued body lean and decent steering feedback....

    Honda has finally solved the Accord’s longtime problem with road noise; road and wind noise are nicely muted....

    The CVT is smooth, quick, and unobtrusive, marking a new benchmark for that type of transmission. You’d be hard pressed to tell that it isn’t a conventional automatic, high praise indeed....

    Drivers will find plenty of space in the cabin. The cloth front seats are wide and supportive, although the LX model lacks power seats and lumbar adjustment. The powered leather seats provide better support and more adjustments and have two-position seat memory, a unique feature in this class. The rear has a supportive bench that’s comfortable for two adults but tight for three.

    Fit and finish is generally very good....

    The Accord’s gauges are a model of clarity, and most controls are easy to use....

    All Accords come with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, a nice touch....

    The trunk is large and nicely trimmed...."
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 51,460
    based on all the glowing reports on the new Accord, and how well received the refreshed Civic is (and based on sales) I would say they are doing just fine. And the CRV sells like hotcakes too. Even the Odyssey, as ugly as it is, moves units.

    That is a solid base of core vehicles, though they could use some freshening with the niche ones (like the Fit).

    I surprised myself by replacing a Honda with an Acura (Odyssey to RDX) recently. I thought as my fleet turned over, I would be done with the brand (I did replace my Accord with a Volvo for my daughter to use). I did buy an older Integra last week as a spare runabout car, but I don't think that revisiting 2000 counts as getting Mojo back.

    actually though, it is a glimpse into what Honda/Acura used to be. Relatively simple, incredibly well made, light and nimble. And the quality of the interior materials blows away a new model.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I hear the Fit gets its update next year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they introduced an SI trim line for the Fit? THAT would bring back a little of the mojo for me....

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,022
    Just saw the back end of what appears to be a 2013 Civic LX and all I can say is wow! I thought it was a Lexus until I focused on the word Civic. With the new Accord and now this, I think Honda has finally found it's way back. Very impressive looking!!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Looks like Honda's goal of making up the lost sales from the tsunami was successful to say the least.

    Up 24%, for the year, an additional 275k units over last year. Even Acura managed to capture another 32 thousand units this year over last. With a new MDX coming, things look good for 2013.

    We'll see how the RLX does...
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,644
    For the RLX, I predict at least 500% more than the 2 per month that have sold in the past year :shades:
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    It'll be interesting to see how the RLX compares with the competition. I'd guess the 2014 TLX will be a slightly smaller and less expensive RLX. Both models, but especially the TLX, will be critical for Acura.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,644
    edited January 2013
    TL seems to be the non-CUV bread and butter for the brand, it has to succeed.

    RL/RLX...current one has virtually disappeared the past few years. New one looks quite boring styling-wise, maybe they aren't depending on it.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    The previous three generations of the TL were very competitive. While they weren't outstanding in any particular area, they were good overall, and were excellent values. The current generation, by contrast, is a styling disaster in my eyes, and just an okay value. I'm hoping that Acura can restore the TL to its former standing in the near-luxury segment.

    I used to think that RWD and a V8 option would be required to compete well in the luxury market, but Acura was wise not to invest in the latter. As for RWD, Audi seems to be doing just fine with FWD architecture.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,644
    No V8 is fine, but some styling differentiation is needed. That's the RL/RLX's problem - invisbile. TL can get away with being a fancy Accord, but can the RLX get away with being a really fancy Accord, now that the mid lux segment is so competitive? Might be a reason the brand doesn't really exist outside of NA and maybe China.

    TL really needs a styling redo. Even de-beaked, it is not a pretty car. Such a dramatic change from the prior model, which had very clean styling.

    I wonder what percentage of Audi sales are Quattro. I bet in the US, it is huge.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    edited January 2013
    Good points! Indeed, while the TL can get away with being a premium Accord, as the Lexus ES has proven, the RLX needs to be more.

    Acura seems to have recognized that it needs to differentiate its most premium sedan more from the Accord, because the RLX has moved more upscale, size and engineering wise, than the RL. "All-Wheel Steer" independently controls the toe angle of the rear wheels, and the all-wheel drive option will feature hybrid electric assist power to the rear wheels. It remains to be seen how significant these enhancements are in competitive comparisons.

    One of our cars is a '99 TL with 139,000 miles that's been satisfying and low maintenance. The latter characteristic has been a positive differentiator for a premium sedan, although our '07 A4, with 64,000, has been trouble free since the warranty expired. The engine was completely rebuilt under warranty, due to excessive oil consumption, but that problem was completely fixed. In addition, a leak in the back seat area (strange) was repaired, and the ignition switch was replaced under warranty. We've been very happy with our A4 since these things were taken care of, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.

    Audi has been making steady progress on quality, but from what I read it still doesn't equal Acura and Lexus. I'm willing to accept that in exchange for other attributes.

    The main reason we drive older cars is that we like the lower cost of ownership versus trading more frequently, and we don't worry as much about parking nicks and scratches. If they're more than minor, we get them repaired. Also, most of the new electronic features are of little value to us.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,644
    edited January 2013
    RL/RLX is in a tough spot in a way. Bigger and more expensive than C/3er/A4/IS etc, cheaper yet not nearly as prestigious as E/5er/A6/GS etc. IMO, TL competes with the lower line lux, so the RL needs to aim higher if it is to exist at all. New one is bigger and surely full of tech, but time will tell if the market buys it. It's really bland looking, and that will be a handicap.

    My neighbor has a TL, maybe 2007 model, the loaded Type S version with bodykit etc. Seems like a really nice car. The 2005+ RL seems like a used car bargain, too.

    Even as someone who likes German cars, aging Audis scare me, as historically they are much more troublesome than aging MB/BMW, and parts availability can be marginal for older models. I suspect the newest of the breed will fare better.

    I drive slightly older cars because I can't afford the cars I like when new (I have expensive tastes), and I don't like huge depreciation. I am also not completely addicted to the latest tech - although I would like a new car to have nav and modern lighting, I still enjoy simply having power windows and AC, and the xenons/nav on my E55 seem downright modern to me. I daily drove the fintail for several years, it conditioned me to lack of gadgets.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    I periodically evaluate at what age/mileage to trade the A4 Quattro. Maybe at 85,000 miles, about the time it'll need a new timing belt, is reasonable. That's just a guess, though. In the meantime I'm maintaining it as though it's a long termer. For example, I had the coolant flushed and replaced with Audi coolant, even though according to the Owners Manual it's supposed to be life-time. I'll soon do the same with the transmission fluid. I don't think any coolant or fluid is life-time. Have you done these things with your E55?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,644
    Yes, I have done coolant by the book, and transmission at about 45K. The E55 also claimed "lifetime" transmission fluid, but it is a high torque application, and there are instances of failure around 100-150K without fluid changes. Any automatic car should probably have that fluid changed every 50K or so no matter what the maker claims - cheap insurance.

    Funny, this is on topic in a way, with the rash of Honda transmission failures starting about a decade ago. Friend of mine lost the unit in his 03 Accord V6, at 70K - luckily he had an extended factory warranty.
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,364
    Honda has 3 of the top 7 selling vehicles in the US. Take out the pickups, and Honda has 3 of the top 4 selling non-truck vehicles for December.

    Ford F - Series PU 68,787
    Chevrolet Silverado PU 50,699
    Honda Civic 33,118
    Toyota Camry 31,407
    Dodge Ram PU 30,211
    Honda Accord 29,428
    Honda CR-V 25,733
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    Honda's 5-speed automatic, introduced for the 2000 model year in certain Acuras, and later in Hondas, was indeed problematic. The company was quite good about replacing bad transmissions, but they weren't good about coming clean with an explanation of what caused the problem, and exactly what the fix was. The company was also inconsistent regarding replacements. Some owners had more than one transmission replaced while others had to fight to get even one replaced.

    We dodged the bullet because our TL, which we bought new, has the older 4-speed. That transmission has generally been reliable. Mine has been trouble free. The 5-speed was introduced in the second year of the '99-'03 TL platform run.

    The '00s-'03s were the problematic ones. There was a high incidence of failure, but the majority didn't fail prematurely. Honda never disclosed the percentage of transmission failures. By the '04 model year the problem was pretty much solved.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 51,460
    one of the reasons I decided to get rid of my 2005 Odyssey a little early (75K on it I think) was not wanting to worry about the trans. Plus is was about to need some other stuff (tires, Tbelt). And of course, my wife was tired of having a minivan!

    Of course, I also have a 2000 3.2TL with the original tranny that has 167K on it, so what do I know!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    Your 2000 TL is in the majority of transmissions that didn't fail, but a significant minority of failures gave the '00s-'03s, especially, a bad reputation. Sorry to tell you, but your '05 Odyssey's transmission was probably okay. As for the timing belt, I believe it's good for 105K.

    Did you change the fluid in your TL's transmission, and, if so, at what intervals?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 51,460
    Timing belt is a years or miles deal, and it was up on years.

    I changed the fluid in the TL a year or so ago to be safe. not sure when or if it was changed prior to that. Most likely at around 105K, since my sister always did what the dealer said was due. So if it was on the maintenance schedule, probably when it was done!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,644
    I suspect the V6 put out more torque than the unit could handle, or the applications where it was used were too heavy - or maybe there was just a bad batch of a certain component. I've met more than one person who experienced a failure, esp in Odysseys.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    edited January 2013
    Could be any of those things. As far as I know Honda never came clean on the problem. Regardless, the problem went away by the '04 or '05 model year, and, as you know, now they have new CVT and 6-speed automatics.

    My take and experience with Honda/Acura, of which our family has owned several, is that they're not the most exciting choices, but they're solid, reliable and relatively low maintenance. I'd consider another TL if they sort out the styling, but I don't have any particular brand loyalty.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,022
    Yep...solid, reliable and low maintenance is exactly what my Civic is but just a tad on the boring side. Had a free coupon for a battery check, was there at 6:45 this morning and they plugged it in and the reading came back as "good"...bought in 4/10 so it's still good to go though I did have a starting issue last week. I have an Interstate model and it's pro-rated if it fails before 48 months I believe. But yes, this car doesn't ask for much to keep it going though I've already done the tranny fluid change, brake fluid change, and do oil changes once a year since I rarely drive more than 4k/year now, if that much. It's 6.5 years old now and probably due for the coolant to be changed but with only 35.4 on the clock, I was planning to wait another year or two.

    But I am getting a bit itchy for a new car actually. Seems silly really but that itch won't seem to go away. I'm trying to be strong here...but for how long I'm not sure!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-amp-technology/honda-35l-sohc-v-6

    http://wardsauto.com/site-files/wardsauto.com/files/imagecache/large_img/uploads- /2012/12/web-honda-35l-v6-10-be-specs.jpg

    "For delivering exemplary fuel economy and simultaneously pulling like a freight train at hard throttle, Honda’s improved 3.5L V-6 earns its fourth Ward’s 10 Best Engines trophy since 2005.

    We’ve always cherished this 60-degree titan as an unsung hero whose power easily surpasses the numbers on the spec sheet."
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    edited February 2013
    All-new 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Earns Highest Safety Ratings in Midsize Class

    The 2013 Accord Coupe is the only vehicle in its class to earn a NHTSA 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating with GOOD ratings in all test modes.

    Not surprising, Accord has been a top safety pick for generations. :shades:
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 51,460
    I assume that is the 3.5l V6 in my 2013 RDX? If so, it really is a sweet engine.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Pretty much. The J-series has been around since the late 90's IIRC so the one in your RDX should be a derivative of it. I had one in my 03' MDX and it was perfect for the application, a V8 was not necessary. :shades:

    BTW, those RDX's are becoming quite popular here in New England. I see them quite frequently and have spotted the full color pallette. Basque Red is my fave so far.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Sorry, couldn't resist. :blush:

    Honda Odyssey: The minivan with its own vacuum (adn.com)

    Can't really see this driving many sales though.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,022
    Pulled up next to a new Accord in burgandy at a stop light today and it was beautiful, absolutely stunning! It's the right size vehicle for a family and from what I've read, pretty fuel efficient to boot. My buddy's wife just bought a Sport version in this color and she just loves it, who wouldn't! They paid around $24k he said which seems to be a lot of value for the $. Just wish the wife would go that route but I know it's way to big. But Honda has really hit a home run here and I predict they're gonna sell a bunch of these puppies and maybe even surpass the Camry as the best selling mid sized vehicle in the U S. Will have to test drive one eventually to see how really good it is. Just wish the Civic was a 2/3 Accord as I'd push the wife hard to get one but right now, the Civic isn't as good. The Lexus IS is more what I'd consider a smaller Accord like vehicle.

    Kudos to Honda for doing a spectacular job with this new Accord as I didn't like the last generation too much even though it was popular. This new model just has "it" and I know it will sell briskly!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Some of the other boards that I've visited have been applauding this. The only disappointments I've read is you have to buy the top trim level to get it and many would have liked to see the "Lane Watch" system like the new Accord has.

    I think it will bump sales a few points myself. :D
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited March 2013
    I'm seeing a lot of positive vibes too, like this tweet from an Edmunds editor at the show: "vacuum = no brainer. Can't believe this awesome feature didn't hit the minivan market earlier. @kellytoepke".

    Personally, I think I'd rather just have a power port back there (probably has a couple already). A 120v one would be nice. That said, I've often used a whisk broom on camping trips to keep the detritus in the rear on my van down under an inch deep so a built in Shop Vac could work. :-)

    Just can't see it being a deal breaker for someone comparing it to a Sienna.

    My snarky side wonders if it could vacuum up the kink on the side of the van. :shades:

    2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite Cleans Up 2013 New York Auto Show
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    They should take that vacuum and suck out the side profile design. It's fugly, disjointed and needs a re-do sooner, not later.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Current odd styling on sides of Ody is less noticeable in dark colors. Burgundy/maroon helps to mask the weird lines.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600
    edited April 2013
    The new RLX got a negative review in the Wall Street Journal. Among the comments, it said the RLX, Acura's flagship sedan, is little more than a larger, heavily contented Accord. While adapting Honda's FWD architecture to a car with E-Class and 5-Series fighting pretensions saved money, the result is a car that doesn't accomplish its mission, in the reviewer's opinion. Further, it's not even an effective competitor to the A-6 Quattro. Was Dan Neil, the WSJ reviewer, too hard on the RLX?

    Incidentally, Consumers Reports rated the 2013 A-6 best-in-class; better than the E-Class or 5-Series.

    Are you listening , Lincoln?

    It should be mentioned that the RLX will be available with AWD later this year. The AWD version will also have more power. I hope the WSJ tests that model too, to see whether that will make the RLX more competitive with its German rivals. And, let's not forget Cadillac, which just introduced an all-new, larger CTS to take on the Germans.
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,364
    edited April 2013
    Just bought one of the new Accords, and we love it so far.

    Very nice improvements over our 2008 EXL navi in most areas. I still love the 08 because it's a manual, which is what i prefer.

    One of the biggest changes is that the Accord is now a quiet car on the road. Road noise has always been a weak spot for the Accord, and that's now gone.

    I'd say Honda's mojo is definitely back.
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2024 Subaru Outback (wife's), 2018 Honda CR-V EX (offspring)
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Congrats! Haven't seen too many in red.
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    In the latest MT "Alphabet Soup" battle, the Acura comes out on top.

    link title

    Gives me hope for the new RLX.
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