[AJR]

I agree about the Accord's interior. I like it much better than the Malibu's interior. I'm not a super huge fan of the tail-end of the Accord sedan, but if I needed a sedan, I'd look at the Accord. I like the Accord coupe much, much better. I'm not much a fan of the Malibu's exterior or interior. I don't know what GM was thinking, but I think they missed the boat again on this car. Too bad.

As for Honda going down, well, I have a strange feeling about that. I used to be a big "Buy American" proponent. I could not stand Honda and Toyota, but you know what, I have changed my position on these 2 companies over the last few years. Let's face it, they have repeatedly outsmarted our Detroit companies by continually raising the quality bar (either real or perceived), they have added more life and detail to their cars, and now they are starting to add more power through alternative engineering (Lexus RX400h and Accord hybrid). Every time it seems Detroit is catching up, these two pull out ahead on new items of technology. I have become so impressed by the way these 2 companies handle their business that I would hate to see either companies go. They have done the work that a capitalistic society expects. They started off with nothing - no support, no dealership network, no image, etc.... but they worked their butts off to build vehicles that improve society. I would hate to see Honda get kicked out when other car companies that have been living off society's "well-fare" system for far too long get to stay.

And not only is Honda a car company, it also makes lawn mowers, ATVs, generators, air plane engines, and now even robots that aim to assist disabled people. Honda is always thinking about ways of improving society. I would hate to see that go away. Yes, I still back Detroit, but it becomes harder when I see Honda, Toyota and others continue to ousmart Detroit. Maybe these things aren't true or important, but Honda and Toyota sure seem to be winning the perception battle - which is another part of the battle plan.

 

[AJR]

Somebody above mentioned that this might be a slowing down period for Honda due to its old models. I agree with this analysis. At the end of this summer, Honda is suppose to introduce a new Odyssey minivan. The current one has been around for a while, but it has held up strong. Only the new Toyota Sienna was able to push the Odyssey around. From the rumors floating around the Net (and you know how those go), the next Odyssey will have 250 hp with a displacement on demand V-6 engine that is suppose to get 30+ mpg. From what I understand, the interior is suppose to be a knockout as well. I don't know what the exterior will look like, but I'm afraid of what it might look like. In any case, this minivan could regain its top spot in the minivan war. We'll see how Honda does on it. At least it will be a better effort than what Ford or GM did on their "new" minivans.

This fall we are suppose to see a hybrid Accord that rumors claim will see 270 hp and yet receive 35+ mpg. If so, and it is not too expensive, Honda could sell a boatload of these.

On top of that, there is suppose to be a new Civic coming up in a year or so, and then this new Honda Jazz compact car that if styled and sized right could rejuvenate Honda. And nobody knows how Honda's SUT will do in the market. Will it bomb? or will it succeed? People are already laughing at the prospect of this truck's future, but I don't think we should laugh at Honda too much anymore. It was still able to move the Element.

Honda's future isn't as solid as Toyota's, but Honda has a good shot remaining a vibrant player in this market. It has the support and image, now it needs to work on styling and performance.