Honda will focus on its engines, says its new president!

Will they build a V8? Or will they continue to use the economy as an excuse?

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 10:01:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

The combustion engine is still one of the greatest invention. But I wander if there is a new direction that engineers could take instead.

— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 10:20:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Maybe the fact that he's a Chassis Engineer they will start offering more RWD platforms.

— DexDiamonds (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 10:25:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Their 5 speed automatic gearbox has to DIE! That is the Honda Achilles heal! How can a company make the best manual gearboxes ever of all time but "compliantly suck" with their auto slushboxes?

— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 11:05:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

The V6s are nice engines, but they need to start looking into incorporating DI.

As for Acura, they really REALLY need to get some additional V8 power. And the V6 could use some help in their lineup as their numbers are sliding away from the competition big time.

Work on some performance models, not just a Mugen body kit with some springs and dampers, but some actual performance. I know there is an Si, but how about an Sport version of the Accord. I wouldn't mind seeing Honda also take the TSX (euro Accord), and make it a new model in the Honda lineup. You have a Civic, then the full size Accord. There is no smaller sedan in the lineup to fill the gap as the Accord has grown to outrageous proportions. Something a little more Ford Fusion-ish.

The I4s are not bad, but man they are buzzy in the larger mobiles. Add a little more to them to get them smoother maybe.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 12:53:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Other than DI, what else gives you better MPG and more torque (therefore, horsepower)?
If Honda doesn't do it or work hard on it, Honda will be the one automaker w/o DI in near future. Even Ford already has DI in their 3.5L/3.7L Duratec plus Eco-boost, not to mention Audi has had it for a few years now.
As with any new tech, it maybe problematic in the beginning, but eventually tech will mature as material and design improve.

— ceric (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 1:22:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The problem with Honda transmission?
My 78K miles 2001 Odyssey has transmission failure. I did maintenance as required.
Yet, it failed. There is the problem you asked for.
It maybe OK for GM, but not acceptable for Honda.
Why Honda insists on making their own tranny is beyond me.
Not all auto-makers make every parts in-house.
BMW, for example, does not do auto-tranny.

— ceric (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 1:27:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Stumpy, Don't be bitter because GM is bankrupt.

— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 2:00:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Gm tranny's on the new Tahoo have issues. My grandpa melted his Gm Tranny in his 2001 2500 silverado and got rid of it for a Ford F-250.

Honda Tranny's were recalled like 2 times on the Acura TL a few generations ago.

The Ridgeline's really hampered on toeing because of the auto gearbox and FWD design that only sends power to the rear wheels after the front starts to slip...then it is only going to send maybe 35-40% of the power to the back.

Honda's Auto's are only 5 speeds other companies use 6 7 or 8 speed automatics.

Honda is a good company their newer 5 speads are more reliable because they beefed the bejuses out of them for the 3.7 litter motor, but alas 5 gears is yestertech!

— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 2:38:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Explain to us why Honda should design and now install a 9 speed transmission.

— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 2:52:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Invisible...Explain to us why you are not logical..they should be competitive...they are not! So Explain to US why you act like a deusche?

— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 3:38:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

The article is somewhat incorrect. Honda used Rover and Isuzu diesel engines in earlier European models but the current Accord i-CTDi uses a Honda designed engine. The one intended for use in North American vehicles is said to have been a different engine.

— tango (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2009 5:29:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Honda cars have been the most overrated cars on the planet for years . I have been around cars mechanically fo yaers and they are nothing special trust me. The thing they are good at is marketing and people are suckers!!

— rawbux (View Profile)

Posted on 6/25/2009 12:29:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Might I suggest they come out with a better hybrid drivetrain. Toyota is going to rock them in the new few years.

RWD platform would be good. Don't need a V8 if they can make a V6 just as powerful. Won't satisfy the know-nothing enthusiasts but let results do the talking.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/25/2009 12:54:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

My first, last and only Honda was a 2002 Civic EX Coupe. The engine burned 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. If I did the normal oil change of 3,000 miles I would have no oil in my engine. And by todays standards on cars that can go 5k, 7k, 10k between changes, that is ludicrous. I sold the car and walked away. I may only have a Matrix AWD now but this car feels 100x more solid and well put together, things fit tighter and quality feels nicer. That being said, the 1.7L VTec was a nightmare for me so I left never to return.

Of course my case is rare and a personal opinion. But back to the DI reply, DI has been around actually since the 20's. But currently it offers higher mpg and more power. My biggest gripe with Honda is there styling at the moment though. Between both Acura and Honda. Acura we all know the issue with their designs, but Honda needs to do something. From the hideous toaster Element, and the outdate Ridgeline, the new Pilot cannot be differed from a Nissan Pathfinder and the Accord has grown to monumental proportions. I just feel Honda is so stuck on basics and offer nothing overly appealing.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 6/25/2009 10:18:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1