Honda Is Cool Again: Everyone’s Noticing.

Issue #165

Honda is cool again? We break down how the Japanese automaker has reinvented itself and could become a threat to many out there.

Market News

• Ford will likely scrap the F-150 Lightning after calling it “the second Model T moment.”

• Kia is desperate to sell cars. Are you interested in 23% off MSRP?

• Ford’s CEO thinks Apple CarPlay Ultra is in too deep when it comes to handling your car. Here’s more. 

• Toyota can barely keep up with demand for its cars. Here’s why it’s good and bad. 

• Tesla’s future is crucial if Elon Musk wants to earn a trillion dollars. Here’s why. 

Safety and Recalls

• Toyota recalls 1 million cars, including Subaru and Lexus models, due to camera issues. 

• Toyota has another recall as 127,000 Tundras could have self-destructing engines. Here’s what we mean. 

• A particular wheel could detach from 406,000 Honda Civics. Here’s more. 

Car Culture

• I’ve just heard of the Ford Torino King Cobra, and its story is fascinating. Here it is. 

• These two Subaru models just aren’t selling, but why?

• This French brand tried to take on Ferrari. Of course, it failed, but its models were fascinating. 

• Mazda has created an engine that could potentially have no emissions. Here’s how it works. 

• Watch out, BMW M3 and C63 AMG! Hyundai is coming. Yes, Hyundai. Here’s more. 

Video Of The Week

Watch as Donut Media tears down an entirely new Ineos Grenadier to find out what makes it so good.

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In The Know

Honda Is Cool Again: Everyone’s Noticing. 

There was a time, back in the late 80s and early 90s, when Honda was the fun option: small, sporty cars that packed a punch and didn’t hurt your wallet. Plus, they were incredibly reliable, as this article remembers. 

(Raise your hand if you had an original CRX!)

Then came the 2000s, when Honda transitioned into an old-folks’ brand, even with the Civic SI. Some generations felt more like a car for a midlife crisis than a sporty, practical car.

This article lists all of them, from worst to best. 

The reality is that, up until recently, all of Honda’s models were reliable but boring. Now, things are changing, and the plan should concern other automakers. 

Everyone is celebrating the return of the Prelude. It’s a compact sports car that’s so well adjusted, it glides through the corners. This review calls the Prelude “delicious,” which is something you always want as a trait. 

However, Honda is revolutionizing its view of the American consumer, and it began long before the Prelude. 

The Japanese automaker has focused on creating technology that makes every one of its cars, from the cheap to the expensive, fun and a joy to drive. 

After all, that’s what the brand needed. If you hear the words “Honda Civic Hybrid,” you don’t think of fun, but that’s precisely what the new one feels like. Some even consider it an automatic Si. 

Honda isn’t slowing down as it has created a new frame technology that makes cars both bendy and rigid. It makes for great cornering, but also rigidity when the car needs it. 

That’s something that caught my attention because this new platform will also be under the Pilot, which will make it extremely fun to drive. It should complement Honda’s new identity, Trail Sport. 

Even there, they’re making great moves. The American buyer who wants a sporty, rugged off-roader now has an option that’s also reliable. The equation has worked so well that 80% of the Passports sold were Trail Sport options. 

Seeing the success, as this article explains, motivated Honda to make more of them, and with plenty more attitude. 

But here’s the fascinating thing. Honda isn’t slowing, and it’s only focused on rugged SUVs and trucks. It’s also a realistic brand. While the US isn’t pushing EVs forward, other markets are, and Honda wants to lead the way. It’s there that it plans to take over with a $35,000 option for everyone. 

This article explains the company’s goal. 

Lately, Japanese brands such as Mazda and Toyota have dominated headlines. Mazda is the sleeper/high-quality option, and Toyota is beating Ford in sales.

After Honda’s ugly breakup with Nissan, it took a step back, but now, we understand why.

Honda’s future is exciting.