Can you provide more info on the Mexican made Accord.
QC doesn't just depends on company set forth values, but rather on its employees exhibiting those values through their product quality.
My first (06 Accord) was made in Mexico. It had a VIN that started with 3. It ran so well and was so reliable (0 major issue) in over 99k miles. Granted, I did something unnecessary, changed wheels a few times and had to deal with abnormal tire wear, balancing, alignment etc. But none of this I faulted on Honda. The only thing that sucked about that car was the crappy stock battery. It didn’t last very long, and I couldn’t start several times on the old battery out in the cold. The car was fine again when I changed the battery though, and as I said, it was near perfect. I cannot imagine anything made in Japan being much better.
Also, I don’t disagree. I have no doubt that Japanese workers have strong work ethics. Zero doubt on that. Having said that, I have the same faith in the Mexican workers that were working on making my Accord. Honda wouldn’t just hire anybody off the street without any skills or willingness to learn either. I believe there’s a stringent selection process, then they would have to be trained even after selection. What I’m saying is, a company with emphasis / high expectation on quality will make sure each stage of the production process, from labor force hiring, part/material selection, choice of suppliers, quality of facilities etc. is set up such that the end goal - having a quality finished product- is met. Of course, I didn’t necessarily always sing the same tune before my car was totaled, or having six other Hondas made in USA (4 being Accords), total major issues - 0. Now, I’ve learned to appreciate the quality of the car (Honda Accord) no matter where it is made or who made it.
I honestly don’t care where something is made as long as it is made well.
I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Honda and always will. Anything I put a wrench to I get emotionally attached and I’ve found anything with a big H on it is surprisingly a joy to work on. When I was in Japan oddly enough the vessel had the Honda motorcycle wing painted on it… still don’t know what that was about as the ship had changed countries dozens of times in the last 2 years and was a mess from neglect but she was still a brute (I know nothing of seafaring vessel manufacturing or specs etc etc). Most of the vehicles we transported oddly enough were Ford from Japan which kinda made my mind melt (guilty previous Mazda 3 owner, it was reliable… that’s all I have to say. Oh! And it had this sweet feature on the cluster that was a quick switch to preset dash light dimming. And it was all red for the lights… easy on the eyes and you could turn it down so low it was practically off.. or just hit your preset button). I had an sl2 that was phenomenal, an Olds cutlass supreme 2 door that was spectacular,A Jetta that I should have killed years ago when I was younger that is still out driving around under someone else and an impala that was just so sweet.
Sure. Fair enough. I have appreciation for Japanese made quality too. But for the right company (Honda is included, of course), it isn’t THAT much better. At least, it shouldn’t be.
Ah, I see why you brought in Ford there. Sneaky eh? Well, let’s leave Ford out of discussion, ok? My parents had a few domestic brands in our family (Mercury, Chevy etc) early on too. Let’s just say, we were learning to be patriotic. I believe some still buy them for the very reason. Nothing wrong with that. They do make some good cars too, but let’s just say, as a whole, the levels of focus on build quality between the US companies and Japanese companies aren’t quite the same, although this gap is probably closing.
My younger sister also has a Mazda3. A nice little car. 2010 S Sport. Made in Japan. It’s 12 years old and approaching 150k, mostly trouble free miles. Yet, it still needed some maintenance / repairs in the last few years. Nothing out of ordinary. But nothing the Accords made in US or elsewhere can’t match.
No way will I ever walk into a Honda dealership looking for a new ride…. But I’ll definitely be looking to swipe yours when you do.
Ok…
