03-27-2015, 04:49 AM
I think their motorcycles are superb. There is a bit too much plastic on their current gen stuff, admittedly, but fit and finish is still great and they do produce the most stout and reliable bikes I've come across. I can say the same for the generators and small engine stuff. However, I do not favor Honda cars whatsoever. No offense to people who have them, but Honda technology is severely dated. I heard an interview on NPR with a Honda rep and he said the reason Honda does so well is because they don't chase after being number 1. They stay content with being 3rd or 4th and produce a "winning formula". In the auto line, that means heavily recycled technology. The Honda Ridgeline "truck" is my favorite example. You see, this isn't a truck... It's a Honda Odyssey minivan. Yup. A FWD minivan with RWD just 'added on' (Full time AWD, *NO* frame). Engine is transverse and a pain to work on. What's more is Honda falls behind in economy due to lack of direct injection and LACK OF A 6 SPEED AUTO!!! Really?! They have a CVT, but only in hybrid trim last I heard. Chrysler, GM, and Toyota all have production 8 speed autos and literally everyone else has 6 speeds. But again... "Winning formula"... The 5 speed works and their engines are largely unchanged because they do work. Keep up with timing belt changes and regular maintenance and you should be fine. But the world is moving faster than Honda desires to go. The next few years will be big for Honda. Either good or bad...