Does Honda have any plans for considerable expansion of its offerings?


I know the truck is coming. But what about a bigger truck? (I've read about Toyota's plans for this - out in 06, I believe.)


What about something small and sporty? I like the Si - but it isn't doing all that well.


Maybe a sedan larger than the Accord - but not wearing the Acura name, so it's more affordable. (Kind of like an Avalon.)


I'm not knocking Honda. And I don't have Toyota on-the-brain. It just seems like if Honda had more vehicles in different segments, then they'd be sellling more.



What do you guys think?

And how about a V8?!

Honda City and Jazz/Fit is supposed to be coming over, both smaller than the Civic. Better looking too I might add. Keep dreaming about the V8...if the RL doesn't have it, I don't think anything else will lol

hahaha, put the V8 ino the cr-v...won't have any probs moving that thing then... :lmao:

Originally posted by BenjiBoy650
City and Jazz/Fit


City Jazzfest?! I love New Orleans! :blah:




I'm not familiar with either, but I took a looksy over on Google. It looks like they'll be Scion competitors?


Google Jazz images: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&q=honda+jazz


Google Fit images: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&q=honda+fit

Originally posted by BenjiBoy650
Keep dreaming about the V8


I'm not holding my breath for a Honda V8.


But I do think Honda needs to offer one.

A V8 in the Pilot & Ody would be terrific!

of they were to offer a v8, it definitely won't be in the ody (FWD still, i believe), but the pilot i could see...or maybe the mdx...

Originally posted by Coil99
City Jazzfest?! I love New Orleans! :blah:




I'm not familiar with either, but I took a looksy over on Google. It looks like they'll be Scion competitors?


Google Jazz images: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&q=honda+jazz


Google Fit images: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&q=honda+fit

Yup you could call it Scion competitors. What about the City? Ya like the City? I like it, it looks like a BMW 745i :D

So why would a V8 be a problem in a front wheel drive? It's been done before.

They have the technology to have 100 hp per liter now, so just think how many bananas you could haul with a V8 Pilot!

It won't happen during the oil "crisis" but maybe in the future.....

I think a V8 would be too heavy and too torquey for a FWD car. Plus you would never shoehorn a good enough tranny into it.

They don't have to be sideways! If they can update the trannies & all to go from 4 to 6, why can't they go 6 to 8?

I think it CAN be done.... will they? Is a whole 'nother question!

I'll just keep dreamin'


:D

of they were to offer a v8, it definitely won't be in the ody (FWD still, i believe), but the pilot i could see...or maybe the mdx...


Or the RL.

Mmmmmmmm that would be yummy... Acura RL V8 with SH-AWD :)

I still want an Accord sedan with the V-6 and a manual trannie!

As long as we're wishing out loud, I'm still hoping for a Honda deisel powered CRV with 5spd manual.

"Originally posted by Coil99
City Jazzfest?! I love New Orleans! "

This is the last weekend of the Fest, today is rainy, bummer.

Honda Accord Hybrid with TL engine + 30HP electric motor + 6-speed manual :nuts:

Acura TSX-R with 250+HP, variant of the K24 with 8000RPM redline. A V6 would just be way too easy to do for Honda :thmsup:

Bring back the Integra Type-R!!!!!!! The RSX-S looks so mundane :thumbsdow

i think honda needs to redesign the civic so it competes better with cars like the scion and mazda 3. the current civic design is has been around for like 5 years now.

I personally think that Honda needs to not only redesign the civic, but add some of the other items it reserves for Acura - I'm talking about HID headlights, handsfreelink, memory seats.

Nissan and Toyota have HID's available for the non-luxury line. Heck, Chrysler has bluetooth available in Dodge cars.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Honda, but I think that saving these things for Acura only is a bit short sighted.

I don't think there was any problem with Honda's marketing methods.. The underlying principle of a company is to make lots of $$$$. I was seriously considered getting a TSX before I ended up with the Accord just because it has a manual transmission and HID's. I ended up not getting the TSX because of the sky high price:equipment levels. The Acura dealership wouldn't budge from MSRP even though the car came out for more than a year... If they offered HID's on the Accord, then I wouldn't even consider the TSX. Honda obviously would make more money off of me if I got the TSX. By Honda not offering certain equipment on the Honda line, they are trying to push you towards the Acura line or the next trim level (ie. LX to EX to get the sunroof). The higher you're willing to go, the more money Honda can make.

Now that the Civic lineup is getting more and more upscale, they need a replacement for it in the low $10k range. Hence the consideration for selling the Jazz/Fit in the states. From the direction the company is going, I don't see an Avalon equivalent produced by Honda. Instead, I see Honda sending the Accord further upscale and porking it out to near Avalon sizes to compete with both the Camry and Avalon at the same time. Can you believe the '96-2000 civics are nearly identical in size to the 3rd gen Accords?

Forgot to add. Above all the marketing schemes, they are still able to keep 95% of all their customers happy enough to come back and buy Honda again after their model gets outdated. There will always be the 5% that's never satisfied until they find the perfect car. It doesn't use any gas, requires no maintenance, runs forever and is comfortable and performs like a race car! In other words, it doesn't exist. :D

I'd like to see Honda Airwave brought to US.

If it was here when I was buying a car few weeks ago, I'd probably get that instead of the Accord. I dig it.

http://world.honda.com/news/2005/4050407.html

I would much rather see the Stream in the USA. I've seen this car in person and it is beautiful and just as practical with more power than the Airwave. Same for the Mitsubishi Grandis and the Toyota Wish. I've seen all these cars in person and they're absolutely stunning IMHO

http://www.honda.co.jp/auto-lineup/stream/photo-lib/image/photo02.jpg
http://herosgarage.hp.infoseek.co.jp/jpg/wish1.jpg
http://www.motorweb.no/artikler/tester/mitsubishi/2005_01_22_grandis/2005_01_22_grandis_02.jpg
http://www.carenthusiast.com/mitsubishi/mitsubishi_grandis2004_35.jpg

Hey Benji...Here's Mazda's version.

http://www.autointell-news.com/News-2004/August-2004/August-2004-4/Mazda5.jpeg

I've seen the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5, I really like it. It's coming out in the next month or two, I'm excited to see it. If it drives nice and is real comfy my parents just might go for it. My dad has been wanting a van but my mom doesn't want that big a car because it won't fit in the garage. This might be the perfect compromise.

http://www.reaction-image.net/albums/N4TECguy/Mazda5Frt.sized.jpg
http://www.reaction-image.net/albums/N4TECguy/Mazda5Rear.sized.jpg

FYI: In case anyone's interested, there is a section dedicated to the Premacy/Mazda5 (http://www.mpvclub.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=27) at MPVClub.com.

FYI: In case anyone's interested, there is a section dedicated to the Premacy/Mazda5 (http://www.mpvclub.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=27) at MPVClub.com.

I know that this is no Mazda discussion, but I did a bunch of research on Mazda 5 and decided it is not for me, hence the Accord. Its kind of weird as they are 2 different vehicle classes, but I really do not NEED the seating for 6, it would be nice to have. The reasons why I decided Mazda 5 is not for me:

- comes with same 2.3 L engine that is in Mazda 3i and Mazda 6i; it's MPG is pretty bad (read over on Mazda boards, its not good, drinks like a modern V6) on those vehicles, and Mazda 5 is heavier than both I think

- comes with 4 speed Auto transmission - that's just lame in this day and age for a new release car

- Mazda is just not serious with it; they did not have it at Dallas Auto show a month ago and seemed surprised that I even asked about it. They said "We have one and it went to Canada". I was like "What do you mean YOU HAVE ONE???" :dunno: Later on a member of Mazda board said that they had it displayed on the car show in Canada but would not even open the doors!! I think Mazda already gave up on it before it got going.

Price is a pretty nice point on it though. Do realize though that it is sharing the frame with Mazda 3, so it is not big really. It's smaller than MPV. They are all going to be made in Japan though.

I know that this is no Mazda discussion, but I did a bunch of research on Mazda 5 and decided it is not for me, hence the Accord. Its kind of weird as they are 2 different vehicle classes, but I really do not NEED the seating for 6, it would be nice to have. The reasons why I decided Mazda 5 is not for me:

- comes with same 2.3 L engine that is in Mazda 3i and Mazda 6i; it's MPG is pretty bad (read over on Mazda boards, its not good, drinks like a modern V6) on those vehicles, and Mazda 5 is heavier than both I think

- comes with 4 speed Auto transmission - that's just lame in this day and age for a new release car

- Mazda is just not serious with it; they did not have it at Dallas Auto show a month ago and seemed surprised that I even asked about it. They said "We have one and it went to Canada". I was like "What do you mean YOU HAVE ONE???" :dunno: Later on a member of Mazda board said that they had it displayed on the car show in Canada but would not even open the doors!! I think Mazda already gave up on it before it got going.

Price is a pretty nice point on it though. Do realize though that it is sharing the frame with Mazda 3, so it is not big really. It's smaller than MPV. They are all going to be made in Japan though.

It's definitely not the car that Mazda dealers wanted. MPV was selling badly due to small engine and small size...now they're going even smaller on both counts? Yeah, sounds great for the dealers, here come the incentives :)

Whatever happened to station wagons in the US?

Are they being killed off by minivans and SUV's?

I'd like to see the Accord station wagon here. I'd have probably bought one.

I'm seeing a comeback for station wagons in the US... except they are calling them sport wagons. Also hatchbacks are beginning to be more widely accepted.. but they're called 5-doors or 3-doors. Apparently those two styles of cars don't sell well unless they' look like a sedan or has some sort of "sport" designation attached to the name. (WRX sport wagon).. Mazda3 5-door with sport shift or something along those line.. :dunno:

Sorry for going off-topic into Mazdas again. For those interested, apparently the Mz5 has arrived in CA. See link:
http://homepage.mac.com/trancefusion/Mazda3/PhotoAlbum46.html

The MZ5 is a pretty interesting vehicle... It's kinda like a micro-van! Sorta like the Mitsubishi Expo from way back when.. "The van that drives like a car" :D

jintegra...Thanks for the fotos. We're mostly car people and are interested in all things automotive, so unless the mods object, fire away.

And there's always the off-topic area.

I'm not holding my breath for a Honda V8.


But I do think Honda needs to offer one.

They do see it Here (http://racing.honda.com/about/engine.aspx) you just have to pony up some serious cash for a car to put it in!!! :yes: :yes: :biggrin:

I1 :D

Sorry for going off-topic into Mazdas again. For those interested, apparently the Mz5 has arrived in CA. See link:
http://homepage.mac.com/trancefusion/Mazda3/PhotoAlbum46.html

Nice link :thmsup: :thmsup:

I cannot complain about my PV 4yrs old and no issues.

I1 :)

I really like that new Mazda5, especially now seeing it in different colors.

A review (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050623.wxwhmazda23/BNStory/specialMegawheels/) of the Mz5 in the Globe&Mail today.

Mazda steps outside the box
By RICHARD RUSSELL

Thursday, June 23, 2005 Updated at 11:45 AM EDT

Globe and Mail Update

In the continual search for an edge, Mazda is bringing the Mazda5 to Canada. Smaller than a minivan and taller than a station wagon, it defies categorization. With three rows of seats and a price tag of $20,000 to $25,000 the competitive set narrows even further.

This is a company not afraid to step outside the box and Canadians appreciate that. Mazda enjoys almost twice the market share here as it has in the rest of the world and its products routinely win best-in-class recognition in the annual Canadian Car of the Year awards run by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

The Mazda5 is unique to North America, arriving at Mazda stores this month. In Asia and Europe, it will appear as the second-generation Premecy. Mazda refers to it as an MAV (Multi-Activity Vehicle) and while I deplore yet another acronym, it's hard to argue with that tag, although crossover might also suit.

The Mazda5 is based on the same Mazda-developed platform that serves as the base for the Volvo S40 and V50, some European Ford products and one of Canada's favourite cars, the Mazda3.

The drive train is straight from the Mazda3 with a 2.3-litre four cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The suspension, brakes and the most critical beneath-the-skin bits will also be very familiar to your local Mazda technician.

But it's the body that breaks new ground. This type of vehicle is immensely popular in Europe and Asia where crowded roads and conditions require compact vehicles offering space and versatility.

The Mazda5 has a three rows of seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. There are separate buckets in the first two rows -- all of which recline and move fore and aft on tracks. The third row is a compact bench that offers a surprising amount of space -- a pair of average-sized adults can actually fit.

The ability to flip, fold and otherwise configure the space aft of the first row allows you to design your own people/cargo space. The second-row seats do not fold into the floor but flop down perfectly flat at the tug of a lever without having to remove the head restraints.

The engineers have even incorporated a clever lever system to fold the seat belt receptacles out of the way when the seats are folded, yet put them back in place when the seat is raised. No more trying to locate the darn things after the seat has been folded.

Similar thoughtful touches abound throughout the interior. Obviously people with children, child seats and normal lifestyles were involved in the design.

The design team compiled a list of the 50 most common items carried in a passenger vehicle and made provision for them throughout, including a tray hidden below the rear compartment.

The third-row seats are easily raised without strain or having to reach in over a dirty rear bumper. The dual sliding side doors open wider than even the larger MPV for unlimited access to the second row and decent access to the third.

There are redundant controls for the standard sound system on the steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers activate at the first sign of moisture and adjust speed according to the amount. On the higher trim level, a small electric motor helps pull the sliding side doors snug.

It's a good thing the 5 gets the company's 2.3-litre four, found under the hood of a number of other Ford family products (remember that Ford controls Mazda). This is no sports car and with the four-speed automatic you'll call on all 157 horsepower more frequently than the lighter Mazda3. But there is adequate power for all but the most extreme conditions.

The five-speed manual version is also deserving of consideration. With an extra ratio you are rarely caught looking for a lower gear. The linkage is smooth and direct and the clutch action light and progressive.

The ride, with independent suspension all around, is more comfortable than the vehicle's dimensions would imply, absorbing major road blemishes with aplomb.

There is a slight amount of wind noise at 100 km/h-plus but nothing out of the ordinary.

Pushed hard into a corner, the 5 leans and under-steer is readily evident, but again, this is not a sports car. The steering is light at low speed but has plenty of heft and feedback as the needle climbs.

The Mazda5 comes in two trim levels, GS and GT. Both offer a pretty extensive list of standard equipment: four wheel disc brakes with ABS, power windows, locks and mirrors, tilt & telescope steering wheel, CD-player, remote keyless entry and alloy wheels.

The GT gets larger 17-inch wheels side and side curtain air bags, cruise, power moon roof and some trim and audio upgrades.

The only options available are automatic transmission and air conditioning with automatic climate control -- which add $1,000 and $1,100 respectively to the bottom line.

Young families or empty-nesters looking for versatility, affordability, quality and expectations of reliability have a new consideration for their shopping list. Don't bet against another Mazda success story and the creation of some competition.

rrussell@globeandmail.ca

Specifications

2006 Mazda5

Type: Five-door wagon/van

Price: $19,995 for GS; $22,795 for GT

Engine: 2.3-litre DOHC four cylinder

Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Output: 157 hp/148 lb-ft of torque

Fuel economy (litres/100 km): N/A

Alternatives: Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Ford Focus wagon (but they don't have a third row)

Like: Lots of room and versatility in a sporty and compact package

Don't like: Needs five- or six-speed automatic

I think honda really needs to build a real truck with a v8 option.

The Ridgeline just dosent cut it. But they are selling. Are they offering Ridgeline in other markets or is it a US only abortion?

Also they need a car larger than the Accord.

We would have bought a XL Avalon over a Accord but the Toyota dealers with the tude and pricing over MSRP unsold us the car. And the way they package them up with there stupid little adders that always seem to add 1k and of no use is insane.

Honda will be looking at some real trouble if they dont get this Acura and Honda thing straighten out. They keep stumping there toes. TSX looks like a Civic and is priced way to high. TL is a wonderful car but screws the peeps out of the good brakes if you want a auto. I might well have coughed up the cash for a TL Auto if it had the monster brakes on it. Not to mention the Acura dealers here function like the Toyota dealers. They make me feel like I need to go take a shower after being on there lots. The 300hp V6 in the RL is abit of a let down. For the money it should have been V8 rear wheel drive with trick awd stuff on the front end. Now if Honda where to offer the RL in V8 rear wheel drive, then there would be a base for a car larger than Accord and a motor for it also in front wheel drive. Acura sales would go up and so would Honda sales. Right now around here M45 is killing RL in sales. And the dealer is more friendly and willing to deal.

As for Mazda,,, Ford has basicly ruined them.

We bought a new 91 Merc. Tracer. At 60k the joints in the A/C lines let go. The orings failed in the Ford type oring and spring retain joints. Ford/Mazda knew they had a problem with service bulletins and stuff,,, but no recall. So we traded that Tracer in on a 92 Olds Delta 88. I really like big cars for trips. But parts feel off it driving it home and things never got any better. It went down hill something awful. The car single handly confirmed GM sucks!! So during the Olds time I bought a new Ford Festiva. It was the best Mazda/Ford we have ever owned. And why may you ask?? Cause Ford didnt Ford it out. it was all econobox Mazda. We have also had 99 Escort. Over all a good car for the wife,,, but I hated it. Wifes new Accord replaces it. It was uncomfy,,, tons of road noise and no power to speak of. And have had problems with the emmision system. So the check engine light has stayed on the last 120k :) Ford has brought out that 500 and its a good enough looking car. But look into it farther it has the sucky 3.0 V6 that is junk and way under powered by todays standards. Its just awful. Saw owner of Ford dealer here the other day. He acted upset when he saw the Accord :) I just told him Ford needs to stick to Mustangs and Trucks cause they cant do any thing else right. Hes your buddy as long has he and Ford are having there way with you. That brings me to the current Ranger we own. Its been plagued with little problems from day one. Crack in a cab weld seam and a poor repair. The 5MT is the worst shifting tranny Ive ever seen. Drive line slop. Poor MPG, And the paints fell off it on the bed. That pissed me off so bad I kicked it and vowed to never own another car with american name plate on it. In its favor it still rides good and has no rattles or bad noises in the cab and it is comfy for a small truck. One just sees mopre and more of Ford in Mazda's in they way of cheaping them up and how they package there model lines up. Its a shame. Ive always like Mazda and was real glad to the the RX come back out. And its a sweety and looks awsome. Why cant Honda build a Coupe that looks as good as that one? But Ive had to take it off my possible buy list cause I know I will find the under cover Fordism.

Ive read this thread and have enjoyed it alot. I just wanted to weigh in with my thoughts

psy

My GF's sister's (practically) brand new Mazda6 lost its A/C last week. Her car only has 2500 miles on it! I didn't know the A/C can fail so soon. :dunno:

My GF's sister's (practically) brand new Mazda6 lost its A/C last week. Her car only has 2500 miles on it! I didn't know the A/C can fail so soon. :dunno:

The Mazad6 has poor reliability. She should have bought the Mazda3 or even better, the Accord. :thmsup:

It was an impulse buy for her... :dunno: She pretty much went to 1 dealership and bought on the same day that she decided to look into buying a new car. I'm kinda glad that she bought that car because I probably would've bought the same one if she didn't. :thmsup:

The Mazad6 has poor reliability. She should have bought the Mazda3 or even better, the Accord. :thmsup:

Mazda 3 uses the same engine...it blows up without notice too :)

My GF's sister's (practically) brand new Mazda6 lost its A/C last week. Her car only has 2500 miles on it! I didn't know the A/C can fail so soon. :dunno:

I bet you dig deep enough theres a fordism in the failure of the a/c. ford is ruining mazda.

Sometimes you wonder if American makes are more reliable, then they could sell more, learn from experience and then make more reliable cars.. It's kind of like the analogy where you need job experience to gain job experience. If you've got nothing to begin with, then you'll get nothing. That's where the American car manufacturers are right now. They just need to find that one opportunity to get back a bigger market share. At least some of them are reaching out for help.. (ie. older Corollas and Geo/Chevy Prisms are basically the same car. So is the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix... Saturn Vue (2004+) has a Honda made V6, etc.) Maybe one of these days, they will consistently match the reliability of imports. Until then, I'm still anti-domestic like many of you are.

I agree with psyshack that Ford is ruining Mazda, but the collective Ford companies are actually helping Ford make a better product. The European Focus, Volvo V40/ S40, and Mazda3 are essentially the same car. They're built on the same platforms. The only difference is their target audience, style, and engines. It's kinda like how Lamborghini is helping VW make a statement with the Phaeton but it's doing nothing for VW's reliability. :D

Definitely if Americans made better cars consistently, their market share would be through the roof. To be honest, I much prefer the American sedans - especially the older generation Bonnevilles. I also really love their trucks and some of their new ideas - PT Cruiser Turbo/Neon SRT-4, SSR, GTO, Mustang, even the Chrysler Vans I much prefer over the Odyssey. But reliability is such a huge downfall for them...I can't accept that, leaving my family stranded on a vacation. Been through it once in the middle of the Mojave in a Dodge van, never again.