Topic: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour AWD; Day 1

[Shnak]

The one thing I don't like about this vehicle is the price; I understand that it comes fully-loaded and everything, but canadians rarely opt for the top of the line trim on any model, including the Accord... what makes Honda think that selling the Crosstour only in top-of-the-line trim a good idea?

I would be way more interested in a 4-cyl version of this with equipment similar to a base Accord for 25-$26k... I like the format, raised seating position, higher ground clearance, seems to have ample space for passengers and decent cargo, especially with fold-flat seats.

But I'm not interested in this one the same way I'm not interested in a top-of-the-line $33k Accord. Just too much money.

[Wheelboy]

It's as bad as the beak-face Acura TL - of which I have the good looking '02 version.  Then there's that Aztec back end.  Is being able to see out the back too much to ask?  Why should "style" come before function?  And WHY do they keep cramming the leather arse-freezers down our throats? 

I'm off to see a VW Golf TDI wagon - cloth HEATED seats (showing you can have your cake and eat it), rearward visibility, true economy, decent looks and 5k less money.  Oh but I'll miss the lift out bin.

[Shnak]

I'm off to see a VW Golf TDI wagon - cloth HEATED seats (showing you can have your cake and eat it), rearward visibility, true economy, decent looks and 5k less money.  Oh but I'll miss the lift out bin.

I get that any excuse is good to and moan about the Crosstour, but that just doesn't make sense... no one expects 'true economy' out of a raised V6 Accord with AWD... I really don't see both of these cars competiting directly, but whatever.

[Wheelboy]

I'm off to see a VW Golf TDI wagon - cloth HEATED seats (showing you can have your cake and eat it), rearward visibility, true economy, decent looks and 5k less money.  Oh but I'll miss the lift out bin.

I get that any excuse is good to and moan about the Crosstour, but that just doesn't make sense... no one expects 'true economy' out of a raised V6 Accord with AWD... I really don't see both of these cars competiting directly, but whatever.

I WANT an Honda product as I've had 4 Accords and 1 Acura but Honda is going out of their way (IMO) to make that not happen.  Honda is paying lip-service to economy with the cylinder cut-outs - otherwise why would they do it?  And where is the 4 cyl option?  I won't even bother asking for a diesel.  In my house ANY vehicle that has some utility space (above 25-30k anyway) is in competition whether you see them competing or not.

The VW TDI has the same torque (260-ish lb ft) as my TL-S but with a 50% fuel cost savings (diesel cost versus premium, 50+mpg versus 36).  That firmly puts it in competion with anything out there - for me anyway.

[Jaeger]

It's a great car.  North Americans just don't get hatches. .

I get hatches.  Crossover-hatches, not so much.

Fugly, barf-inducing crossover hatches, even less. 

[Mozeby]

Why would you buy this ugly 2nd Gen. Aztec when you could get the slightly less blind inducing Toyota Venza for about the same price?

[DrJay]

 

Hmm one would think there are easier ways for Honda to commit corporate suicide... thankfully they have some breathing room to make some mistakes ... again .... The funny thing is in spite of the tremendously ugly, half baked abortion exterior styling, the interior is indeed quite nice and functional but what was even funnier was the salespersons complete embarrasement at having to show it.

Hmm good point about the Venza

[Feds]

Do you guys hear that sound?  That faint whirring coming from somewhere near Wisconsin? 

It's 1000 AMC employees spinning in their graves, wondering how they could have been 25 years too early to market.

[Snowdog]

It's a great car.  North Americans just don't get hatches. .

Canadians actually do get hatches. It's just US Americans that don't.

But Canadians generally like smaller more efficient hatches. Hey Honda, where is my Civic Hatch?

This car can't seem to decide what it is. The looks I could tolerate, but it is too heavy/big/inefficient and expensive to interest me.

[Shnak]

All I'm saying is that if someone's main priority is fuel econonmy, you wouldn't even look at a heavy V6 mid-almost-full-sized hatch with sporty aspirations. That's why Golf TDI vs Crosstour is an odd comparison to me.

And Venza is more of a minivan than a sporty hatch, both in design and in aspirations, especially knowing Toyota's expertise in boring and senseless driving dynamics... I kind of fail to see the comparison again.

But then again, I suppose something's wrong with me because I've always really liked the look of the Aztec... what turned me off was its crappy Pontiac interior and terrible underpinnings (engine & drivetrain). I've always liked its pratical format & size and distinctive look. I suppose I like 'different'. Which is why I can appreciate the Crosstour (different than everything else Honda offers) while being indifferent towards the Venza because it's basically a squished down Sienna, just like the Pacifica was a squished down Town&Country...

[Wheelboy]

where is my Civic Hatch?

Of which they would sell a boat-load.  Economy, utility, price - what's not to like?  

[Greg B.]

where is my Civic Hatch?

Of which they would sell a boat-load.  Economy, utility, price - what's not to like?  

The lack of profit for Soichiro's boys at the price they would have to charge in order to sell any.

[Dean]

As an owner of a used AWD V6 Chrysler Pacifica Touring I look at this vehicle with interest as my reasons for choosing the Pacifica included - space for 6, AWD and 3,500 lb towing capacity. And frankly I like the looks of my Pacifica much more than this Honda.

I'd put this up against a Venza for comparison for value - but for looks I'd go with the Venza - at least the exterior. As for the pricing of the Honda it seems acceptable to me - remembering that it's Acura twin (the ZDX) is priced much higher albeit with more options and more power.

As for reasons why people are choosing these 'crossovers' instead of minivans or SUV's is mainly for the 'drive'. I've driven a minivan for 10 years and these 'crossovers' feel more solid, secure and comfortable on the family road trip than any van or SUV.

[Eric Green]

It's not just that it is an ugly, contrived thing. It is that Honda makes an absolutely outstanding Accord Tourer/"estate" for Europe. So good, in fact, that Transport Canada had a diesel/5-speed example on display at its stand at the Toronto Auto Show a few years ago. But we get this hideous thing.

/I know, apparently Acura will be bringing in the Yurpean estate, but it will be >$10K too expensive due to the Acura "prestige" and needless gizmos

[Wheelboy]

Honda makes an absolutely outstanding Accord Tourer/"estate" for Europe. So good, in fact, that Transport Canada had a diesel/5-speed example on display at its stand at the Toronto Auto Show a few years ago.

I've seen pics and I'd buy that - especially with the diesel.

apparently Acura will be bringing in the Yurpean estate, but it will be >$10K too expensive due to the Acura "prestige" and needless gizmos

I read that and thought the same thing.

[DrJay]

where is my Civic Hatch?

Of which they would sell a boat-load.  Economy, utility, price - what's not to like?  

The lack of profit for Soichiro's boys at the price they would have to charge in order to sell any.

There is a Civic Hatch.... It's called a Hyundai Accent

I have a suspicion that the Crosstour is Hondas way of giving us the finger....

[Ontariodriver]

I love this Vehicle It looks great. Like a big angry get of the way shark. The Bonnet seems really long. Apparently is suppose to appear to the over 50's B/C they will really appreciate the utility of this crossover, That's the spin I heard from motoring 2010.

[oldscool]

Well, this vehicle does bring out strong feelings in a lot of folks...It must not be aimed at their demographics. I'm guessing it's aimed at a somewhat more mature age group, perhaps more the Buick crowd, a crowd that would not usually frequent online blogs. Although it doesn't float my boat either, you have to respect the fact that it will appeal to a certain age group, as I've seen a few on the road already. There is an old saying in the car business...."There's an ass for every seat". Think about it, and how that saying may apply here. The back end reminds me of the first Toyota Supra, around 1980.

[Snowdog]

There is a Civic Hatch.... It's called a Hyundai Accent

I realize you are Hyundai fan, but seriously, the Accent isn't in the same class as the civic.  In CR testing, the accent MT scores the lowest rating of subcompacts with manual transmission, while the Civic manual transmission scores the highest of the compact class. With auto transmission the Civic is second in class, the Accent rises from the bottom to mid pack, because of the inclusion of the Smart/Aveo/yaris and other penalty box cars. The accent is something you buy when you can't afford more and that is about it.

[Blueprint]

Frankly, Honda sould have looked at the Venza's sales record: in the US, the four-cylinder take rate is 50% !!  Imagine what the figure is for the Canadian market !!

The base Venza fits the Canadian buyer mucch better than the Crosstour : 4-cyl. and base price below 30k$.

I don't get why would anyone needing utility would pick this over a similarly-priced Odyssey, and you can't even answer "styling" 

Honda even gave up on the manual tranny in all Accord sedans but the base one.  They are the new Buick after all.