Above is true but it required a crash improvement for the Civic from the 2010-2012 models which were basically panned by the automotive press as a step backward in size, fit and finish, quality of materials, and overall design. The Civic got cheapened, no doubt partly due to the recent recession but gave the consumer much less than they were used to getting with a Honda Civic. Since the newest ones, they've righted that ship, but, aside from cost considerations, what possessed them to decontent and cheapen a good car?
Wow -- quite the tap dancing there, but even so, you're stepping on your own feet.
First you said the current Civic -- that would be 2013 -- is no different than the 2007 model you drove, then you give us an inaccurate review of the changes Honda made prior to the current model. The model that "took a step backward" was the 2012 model, NOT the 2010 and 2011 models, which were part of the eighth generation.
What possessed Honda to cheapen out the 2012 model? Probably the same thing that made Volkswagen cheapen out its Jetta in 2011 -- something called the global financial crisis. But Honda did a virtually unprecedented reversal of its design, even though the 2012 model was selling well.
Get the facts straight before you tell us how wrong we all are, okay?
I stand corrected, the model year that was panned was the introductory year of 2012 of the ninth generation Civic's although they did go on sale in April 2011 after their unveiling at the NY Auto Show.
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110420/NEWYORK/110429997
That Honda had to redesign the model in time for the 2013 model year was a real acknowledgement that its 2012 model was big step backwards in what the US buying public wanted.
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111031/CARNEWS/111039993
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120206/CARNEWS/120209930
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/honda-warns-dealers-to-clear-out-2012-civic-stock-2013-emergenc/
"The Japanese automaker has been stung by widespread criticism for the 2012 Civic range's lackluster dynamics, lessened interior quality, noise levels, low feature count and uninspiring design – perceived shortcomings exacerbated by the industry's hyper-competitive compact car segment. Among the critics, the Civic was given poor marks in a review by this site as well as influential institute Consumer Reports, which went so far as to remove the Civic from its coveted Recommended list. In fact, CR editors labeled the 2012 Civic a "car to avoid" in August."
Most automotive and consumer reviews in the US just didn't much like the car and what Honda did with it. When Consumer Reviews took it off their recommended list, I suspect plenty of folks at Honda were concerned.
From the same Edmunds.com website you cited:
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/
"Current Honda Civic
Although only redesigned a year ago, the Honda Civic was significantly refreshed again this year to address many of the new car's shortcomings and missteps. Chiefly, Honda has improved interior quality and design and added more standard features. It has also spruced up the car's exterior styling and retuned the suspension and steering for better handling. The Civic's crash-worthiness is also improved. The result is a car once again among the class leaders."
"Used Honda Civic Models
The current, ninth-generation Honda Civic was technically introduced for 2012, but a significant overhaul for 2013 means the first model year is substantially different and less desirable. The main problem was essentially that it seemed like barely an upgrade over the car it replaced (or worse), while other cars in the segment were making giant leaps forward. The biggest difference can be seen in the generic styling and subpar cabin quality. In the used market, we would avoid the 2012 Civic.
Prior to the current generation, Honda sold the eighth-generation Civic from 2006 through 2011. It'll be the most common used Civic you'll probably come across, and overall it should be a great pick for a used small car."
Every car company has made mistakes and suffered missteps. Honda is no different although its general track record is very good.
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/?ps=used
"Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers."
As for sales, yes, the 2012 Civic did eventually sell well, especially after Jan 2012 as the economy picked up a bit. But everyone must remember that sales, like the domestics did in the lean years, were being pushed by incentives that made pricing more the catalyst for sales.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/02/us-honda-idUSTRE82100M20120302
"John Mendel, Honda's U.S. sales chief, has argued fallout from Consumer Reports' poor review has been minimal, pointing to the Civic's segment-leading sales in recent months. For the first two months of 2012, Civic's U.S. sales were up 45 percent.
But industry research firm TrueCar.com says incentives on the Civic have more than
quintupled since its debut last April to almost $1,900 per car in January, suggesting sales are being driven by attractive deals."
Interestingly, the above article provides some rather candid discussion on Honda's part about how they lost track and focus Engineering vs. Bean Counter-wise and how and why the 2012 Civic came to be - some bad decisions all the way up to the CEO. (see previously mentioned Autoweek article) "Honda was in the midst of redesigning the Civic when the global economy imploded in 2009. Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito stopped the redesign in its tracks, approved shortening the wheelbase and reducing content to appeal to budget-conscious consumers."
By the way,
you have confused my post with botrytis' comments on the mid 2000's Civics. I made no such comments.
:screwy:
UGLY!
I really cannot imagine that a Prius is any worse than my Fiesta in New England winter conditions... although I must disclose that one did get stuck last winter on the (unpaved) road on which our NH house is located (and had to be towed out). That said, I really wouldn't try that road at certain times of the year in the Fiesta!
