Honda Threatened by the Rise of the Koreans
If there is one Japanese company that can lay claim to having a reputation for innovation and advanced engineering, it is Honda . It is a reputation built over more than 30 years, starting from the first generation of the Civic in the ‘70s and continuing throughout the years with novelties such as VTEC, the futuristic first generation Insight hybrid back in 1999, the S2000s high-revving 120HP-per-liter engine, the first practical supercar, the NSX – and the list goes on. However, something seems to have changed, and not for the better. In the USA, the Civic enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a reliable, frugal and well-made car. But when the new Civic sedan and coupe made their debut at the New York Motor Show last April, pundits were less than impressed. Then came the Consumer Reports test , and all hell broke loose. While the Civics predecessors had often been Consumer Reports’ highest rated small sedans as well as "Top Picks" in five of the last 10 years...