6 Biggest Honda Missteps
The big H is a brand that has come through time and time again with innovations to not only the automotive world but technology also. However, there were some things along the way that make us scratch our heads in wonderment?
1. Honda Insight
While this was the first hybrid on US roads, it did not fare well when it came to sales and other components. The interior was lackluster and even the fuel economy suffered over and over through different models. It simply couldn't compare to the 50 mpg that one gets from a Toyota Prius. Toyota also beat the manufacturer on an 18:0 ratio in sales. When they came out with the 4 door Insight, it gained some better features and interior but suffered at the expense of fuel economy.
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2. Honda CR-V
Meant to be a crossover SUV, this vehicle simply couldn't climb. A European version of the vehicle in 4WD configuration simply couldn't pass the hill climb test and proved all of the work was being done by the front axle. What's worse is that the system was so bad that when the vehicle made it over the rollers, it would spin tires continuously and the vehicle eventually started to roll backward.
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3. ASIMO
While production of a robot is a remarkable point of success, this was a huge point of failure for Honda. The small robot seemed to be capable of basic maneuvers but on the grand scale, was much clumsier than anticipated. This could spell danger and catastrophe for anyone around it. Here's the little robot taking a nasty spill on stage in front of unsympathetic journalists.
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4. Airbags Recall
While some of the other mentions are bad, this is probably one of the worst. A Japanese airbag manufacturer supplied Honda with airbags that turned out to be faulty. The results included shards of metal flying out and severely injuring and/or killing occupants in collisions. The NHTSA have been inconclusive in their tests to understand the cause of the airbag ruptures. Some tests proved that conditions of long exposure to high heat or absolute humidity had adverse effects on older model Honda's with airbags.
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5. Honda Stage
Today, it's not uncommon for businesses to have several media outlets. One of them primarily being a website that attracts fans and customers and potential leads. In 2015, Honda paired their site up with YouTube channel in hopes to gain a better following to their brand. Unfortunately, this effort was nothing more than white noise.
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6. Killing off Great Cars
There comes a time in the life of a car company where you have to make the tough decisions that sometimes involve sending a car off to great beyond. In the case of the cars at Honda, we feel that some of these cars shuffled off their mortal coils way too early. These cars are the Honda Prelude that was an attainable car that served as not only many enthusiasts first car, but also a sacrificial lamb for all of ours mistakes as we fine tuned our driving skills. The S2000 that was the rebuttal to Mazda and the many accolades of the Miata. The car is rumored to return but we all know that seeing is believing. Finally, the NSX. Many were shocked when the car was discontinued in the early 2000's but rejoiced when it was finally announced that it would be returning. Although priced way out of many people's grasp, we eagerly anticipate the day when depreciation has brought the giant killer down enough to be enjoyed by those who don't want king's ransom in yearly salary.
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