itsnottommy

Is there a singular generation of a car that changed the demographics of its buyers more than the C8 Corvette?

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 424 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Not really. More of a heavy refresh. Think the current Hyundai Sonata compared to the 2019-2023 model. New interior, front and rear end styling, wheels, maybe a couple powertrain revisions here and there, but still the same car.

Is there a singular generation of a car that changed the demographics of its buyers more than the C8 Corvette?

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 424 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

True. Worth noting though that Tesla doesn’t fit neatly into the discussion of generations because they’ve never produced a second generation of any model.

Is there a singular generation of a car that changed the demographics of its buyers more than the C8 Corvette?

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 424 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

2nd gen Prius. The original Prius was almost exclusively for nerds and tree huggers with a bit of extra cash to blow. It was an interesting idea, but it didn't have much mass appeal. The 2nd gen Prius was insanely successful among many different demographics. It showed the world that a hybrid can fit into anyone's life. The widespread popularity of that car changed the entire auto industry forever.

Ford’s Gas Mustang Sales Surged 40% While Its Mach-E Collapsed 50% This Year

Posted by Anchor_Aways@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 298 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Not really, but the name generates free publicity and Mach E owners get to say “I drive a Mustang.” If they made the exact same car but called it the Escape EV or whatever, its launch would’ve generated little to no buzz and everyone would’ve already forgotten about it. As stupid as it is, Ford was really smart to call it a Mustang.

Next-Gen Chevy Camaro To Offer More Than One Transmission Choice: Exclusive

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Coming from a fan, Honda is guilty of this too. Still Night Pearl is their Soul Red Crystal. With a few exceptions, every other paint color in their current lineup is pretty boring.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I’d absolutely love to see an S2000 revival too, but that car was much more expensive than a Miata and I’d expect the revival would be too. Just keeping up with inflation, a new S2000 would start somewhere around $60,000 today. The Prelude isn’t really trying to be a GR86, Civic Type R, Miata, or GR Corolla. It’s a different car for a different customer. I like it, I get why some people don’t. Probably a questionable choice in terms of Honda’s business, but I’m glad they made it. For its intended purpose I think it’ll make its niche group of buyers very happy.

All the Lights Came On: Our Kia K4’s Visit to Dealership Hell: “This Is Very, Very Bad”.

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 261 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

This is the thing that gets me with Kia and Hyundai. They always come *so close* to making a compelling car. Unconventional design, plenty of features, low prices. Then they ruin it by cheaping out on quality control every step of the way, from engineering to manufacturing to the dealer network. That’s how you get failing ICCUs with no real fix, power seats that can crush children, engines that spontaneously combust, and small QC issues leading to two-week ordeals with shitty service writers. I get why the cars are popular despite these issues. They’re the only brands doing affordable but compelling transportation. But they’ll never dethrone Toyota and Honda if they can’t consistently make good cars and provide good dealership experiences.

Next-Gen Chevy Camaro To Offer More Than One Transmission Choice: Exclusive

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments

Next-Gen Chevy Camaro To Offer More Than One Transmission Choice: Exclusive

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Best I can do is the all-new Fuck Yeah Murica Edition Camaro, available exclusively in extra-cost black paint with Star-Spangled Graphite stripes.

Next-Gen Chevy Camaro To Offer More Than One Transmission Choice: Exclusive

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Chevrolet is excited to announce that the new Camaro will be available in eight thrilling colors: black, dark gray, silver, primer gray, flat white, pearl white, maroon, and navy blue.

Next-Gen Chevy Camaro To Offer More Than One Transmission Choice: Exclusive

Posted by LongjumpingLock5875@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I wish the rumors weren't pointing to this being sedan only. IMO the Charger/Prelude liftback-disguised-as-coupe thing is the right move here.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

100% agreed. It's a beautiful car on a great chassis with an enormous parts bin. I love it how it is now, but they have so many ways to make this car appeal to more buyers by dropping in existing parts. I think they'd be stupid not to expand the lineup.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Good point. I agree that the weight, FWD, and no manual would definitely limit its chances against the twins if the Type R suspension was removed. Maybe its best chance in my imaginary base configuration would be targeting the Mini Cooper crowd (plus former Fiat 500 and VW Beetle buyers) who want something cute and stylish but don't care much about how it drives as long as it's somewhat "zippy." In which case, might as well just give it the standard Civic suspension/brakes to cut costs further and throw in a bunch of cute interior and exterior colors. That strays further from the historical ethos of the Prelude, but it's an easy marketing campaign. Agreed on the Type R Lite (Prelude Si? SiR?) as a higher-end performance variant if Honda doesn't want to do a real Type R. Sort of the JCW to the base model's standard Cooper. Pricing is difficult here, even as an owner I agree that the actual Prelude is a few grand overpriced. If it could magically be knocked down to the pre-tariff price of $38k, I think there's room for a style-focused model below that and a Type R lite above that.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

It is legitimately fun to drive in a “slow car fast” way, even if this first implementation of the idea isn’t on Type R level yet. It’ll be even better with more power and a revised S+ mode.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

It’s all about seeing how you can make a hybrid fun to drive. Partially a fun challenge for the engineers, and partially a “prelude” to future sporty Hondas. Having driven one for a couple months now, IMO it’s a first draft of a very good idea. The Civic Type R is gonna have to go hybrid eventually if they want to sell it in global markets. It’s inevitable. Better to do the first draft in a niche car for weirdos than to put untested stuff into the legendary Type R right away. If they can get a hybrid system making closer to 300hp and work on S+ a bit more, I think it’ll make for a good CTR in the hybrid era. Obviously that will piss off the Type R purists and the “save the manuals” crowd. But hybrids are becoming a necessary move and the manual transmission is unfortunately going the way of the dodo. If this Prelude helps make the hybrid Type R as good as it possibly can be, it’s worth the investment.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

IIRC the Type R engine is actually quite a bit cheaper to build than the hybrid. Of course Honda would charge you more for a Prelude with that engine, so that just sounds like an easy way for them to make a bunch of money on this car.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I think the de-contented version would just aim to attack the higher-end BRZ and GR86 trim levels more directly. Not quite as engaging to drive as those are, but also much more comfortable and practical. I think there’s a customer for that, but then again I don’t work at Honda so I don’t know what their market research has told them. I actually had a 2.0T Accord before my Prelude. Absolutely phenomenal powertrain. It might need a bit more power to differentiate itself from the hybrid Prelude and justify the horrible gas mileage, but I definitely see your vision for a Prelude Si sort of thing with that engine. That would be an awesome car.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

The interior is *really* nice in the existing model. The only noticeable cost cutting measures are the backseats (which nobody really uses) and the manual front seats. All of the materials are great, build quality is phenomenal, and there are a bunch of special little touches. Tons of room to cut costs. I’ve actually kind of given a lot of thought to what an expanded Prelude lineup might look like. I think there should be a new base model just called the Prelude. Maybe Prelude Sport. Give it Civic Si suspension/brakes, fabric seat inserts, and less features (no Bose stereo, etc). The real cost issue with the Prelude is the Type R suspension and brakes, so the interior cost cutting might not have to be too severe once you remove those. The existing model should stick around and be called the Prelude GT. Maybe add power front seats. Nicer than the base model, handles far better, but you still have the same powertrain. Take the existing model, drop in the Type R powertrain, give it a big ass wing, and call it the Prelude Type R. Red exterior accents instead of blue, and a bright red interior with carbon fiber trim. It’s such a no brainer that I find it hard to believe Honda doesn’t have something like this in the works.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Essentially, yeah. They’d have to replace the standard Type R suspension parts with Civic Si parts to cut costs. Probably eliminate the unique interior stitching and materials, cut the Bose stereo, and give it a smaller screen just so you know you’re in the cheaper one. It wouldn’t be quite as nice to drive, but all of the Civics punch above their weight in terms of handling. I think there’s a customer for a hybrid Civic Si wrapped in a gorgeous coupe body for somewhere in the mid-30s.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Agreed. I took my Prelude to IKEA the other day and I was honestly surprised at just how much cargo space it has. It’s sort of a modern TT in the sense that it’s a FWD liftback coupe based on a compact hatch. Here’s hoping for an AWD performance variant at some point.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Hopefully some other brands are noticing Honda hitting their sales targets with a weird little premium car. Maybe I’m too optimistic, but I hope the Prelude will make other brands a bit more open to testing new ideas in smaller segments.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

My ideal two car garage would be a small sports car like a BRZ and an economical hybrid like a Prius. Owning two cars isn’t in the cards for me right now, so I wanted the best of both worlds. That was a completely unrealistic idea before the Prelude came out. IMO the Prelude does a really good job of splitting the difference between a BRZ and a Prius without making major compromises. It’s a coupe with great handling, decent power, and beautiful design, with the practicality and efficiency of a hybrid liftback. The interior is light years ahead of the BRZ and Prius in every way (as it should be for the price). I also think it looks better than anything else in either segment, but that’s completely subjective. That being said, it’s definitely not for everyone. The lack of a manual transmission is obviously a dealbreaker for plenty of people. Acceleration feels better than it sounds on paper, but a bit more power couldn’t hurt. I’m 100% satisfied with my Prelude but I totally get why this weird car only really appeals to a small group of people.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I think they’ll definitely hit their sales targets for the first year or two. It’s a great car and I think more people will be open to it once they can actually get behind the wheel. I doubt they’ll rename it since the Prelude name holds so much value. I do agree though that they’ll probably find a way to cut the price, likely by adding a more affordable base model in addition to the current fully loaded model.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Yeah, none of these articles mention that Honda is targeting about 300 Preludes sold per month. The so-called weak sales are actually right on track. I doubt they even have the capacity to build many more Preludes.

Honda's April sales climbed as the Accord surged and the Prelude posted its strongest month since returning to showrooms

Posted by Redeemed_Expert9694@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 132 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Curious to see how long the Prelude’s sales momentum lasts. I’ve been loving mine so far but it’s definitely a niche product. I wonder if they’ll finally release a base model once the small handful of people who want a Prelude at this price point have already bought one.

The New Audi Q4 Loses Buttons And Adds A Passenger Screen

Posted by Anchor_Aways@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 137 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I wonder what the next one will be after passenger screens go away. Hopefully not AI chatbots, although it looks like that’s where the industry might be going.

Do ya'll just like... give your kids guns?

Posted by _Sophie_0@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 103 comments

To Stay on trend, is 200 HP enough to have fun in a car?

Posted by GamingWithAle@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 326 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

My car makes exactly 200hp and it’s plenty fun. It’s all about handling for me. If you’re chasing numbers on a spec sheet, no amount of horsepower will ever be enough.

Repaint car versus buying a new one?

Posted by ToothUnfair6383@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 37 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

If a stranger’s opinion on the internet means anything to you, I think there’s a certain beauty to a well-loved car that’s showing signs of its age. It’s like an aluminum suitcase covered in dents. Some would consider that an aesthetic flaw. You can choose to view it as proof that the car is built to last, has seen all sorts of fun journeys over the past 15 years, and will be around to see many more.

How do you guys not get bored sometimes?

Posted by Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 246 comments

Report: The Chevy Camaro Is Coming Back, and Will Share a Platform with Buick and Cadillac Sedans

Posted by BobSapp@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 412 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

From what I understand the euro conversion is pretty easy too. All of the panels and doors are the same as the euro version, the cladding is just stuck on with adhesive. If you can find a donor car, all you need is a new front bumper and side skirts.

Who are the beat Car Review Youtubers?

Posted by nihalahmd@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 84 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Sarah-N-Tuned. She knows her shit. Cheap economy cars get the same treatment as high-performance / luxury cars. Plus her reviews are genuinely entertaining.

Slate Auto Wants Crank Windows to Be Its Calling Card: "It’s a signal of what it means to drive a Slate”

Posted by HawtGarbage918@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 500 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I think they know nobody wants hand crank windows. It’s the same thing established automakers do, create an ultra-base trim level that nobody really wants just so they can advertise a lower starting price. Once your attention is piqued by “starting at only $XX,XXX” it’s easy for automakers to move you up the pricing ladder with trim levels and packages. The main difference here is that Slate is *only* building these ultra-base models and having customers pay for upgrades after the fact.

Do you still get physical mail in your mailbox?

Posted by Standard_Plant_8709@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1085 comments

Are we pro or against on teslas?

Posted by Few-Dance-855@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 33 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Even ignoring the political side of things, they're expensive cars with uncomfortable interiors, no physical controls, and terrible build quality. Not my style at all. If you really want an electric SUV, look at an Equinox EV. Chevy dealers are selling them brand new for insanely low prices. In my area I'm seeing a fully loaded Equinox EV with hands-free driving, panoramic sunroof, and leatherette seats for $39k-40k. For reference, that's about the same price as a base Model Y with cloth seats, hubcaps, and no sunroof.

What is America’s “posh people” accent?

Posted by alyhasnohead@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1943 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

This, plus a General American accent instead of a local accent. I grew up in the Midwest and intentionally dropped my accent shortly after I moved away for college. It blew me away how quickly people started to take me seriously once I didn’t sound like an “uneducated” stereotype.

What’s the most reliable car from an unreliable manufacturer?

Posted by Flat_Sink_4410@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 552 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Nissan Frontier. Many of its components date back to the previous generation, which was in production from 2004 to 2021. When so many other new trucks are having serious powertrain issues, there’s something to be said for Nissan’s “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality.

What kind of body is best for beginner driver?

Posted by piopi_66@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 110 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Since you’re a new driver, a coupe or convertible will probably have really high insurance rates. Sedans are good, I’d just avoid anything too big. Really the best balance for a new driver is a compact or subcompact hatchback. Something like a Civic hatch or a Honda Fit.

Is anyone else sick of the HP wars?

Posted by s4ltydog@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 294 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I hope that as EVs make horsepower cheap, people will stop caring so much. Even economy cars have more than enough horsepower to truly be enjoyable these days. I’m having plenty of fun with my 200hp hybrid.

Why do you guys like Japanese cars so much?

Posted by Robotschon@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 361 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Honda guy here. Most of their cars aren’t the fastest, but they always handle well. Exceptional build quality and reliability too. I also love that Honda occasionally makes an oddball product, knowing it probably won’t sell well, just because they feel like it. The new Prelude is a perfect example. In the past we’ve had the first-gen Insight, CR-Z, Element, CNG Civic, and first-gen Ridgeline. There’s tons of other weird stuff if you look at what they’ve made for other markets.

Frunk Off: Ford Mustang Mach-E Buyers Now Have To Pay Up If They Want A Front Trunk

Posted by plain_handle@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 136 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Fair point, but would it really function as a frunk without the weatherproof lining? I can imagine some customers putting their bag in the frunk on a rainy day and then being upset when their iPad or whatever gets wet. It's probably safer for Ford to just disable the entire frunk if they're cutting costs on the lining/latches/struts/etc.

‘Shockingly bad’: Nissan Leaf drivers voice anger over app shutdown

Posted by holyhesh@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 87 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

PSA not to buy a car because of its connected features. Especially if you plan on keeping it for more than a few years. Things like this are nice to have, but they’ll all inevitably be shut down at some point in the future. If you buy a specific car because you can turn on the heater from your phone or whatever, you’ll be left disappointed when that feature inevitably gets phased out.

Which American brands have severely declined in quality?

Posted by cityboi9000@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1374 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

The new Toyota trucks have taken a serious nosedive in reliability. Major engine issues in the Tundra and major transmission issues in the Tacoma. I’d avoid them for the time being.

Does the average American have a Motorcycle license as well?

Posted by LuckyCommittee4422@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 172 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

There are definitely people with multiple motorcycles too. They’re smaller and (generally) less expensive than cars so motorcycle enthusiasts can collect more of them.

Which American brands have severely declined in quality?

Posted by cityboi9000@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1374 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

GM is leading the Americans when it comes to EVs. Everyone talks about the discontinued F-150 Lightning and the failed Charger Daytona EV, but GM has quietly been making great EVs for a while now. Cadillac’s new EV models are genuinely phenomenal. Truly great luxury cars from an American brand while the Germans race to the bottom with tacky plasticky interiors. I never thought I’d see the day. The Equinox EV is a great alternative to a Tesla too. With dealer incentives, you can get a fully-loaded Equinox for the same price as a base Model Y with cloth seats.

There Are Too Many Hypercars

Posted by user289734@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 149 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

I can't bring myself to care either way. It's not for me at all, but I will also never be in the position to buy a hypercar. They're all 1000+ horsepower status symbols with stupid names and attention-seeking designs. It gets boring after a while. But it doesn't really affect me.

Which American brands have severely declined in quality?

Posted by cityboi9000@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1374 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

LA has its problems but it’s generally a safe city. It’s basically a bunch of suburbs combined into one sprawling city. So crime really depends on where you are. There are a handful of areas with pretty high crime rates, but my area (and most of the city) is relatively safe. I’ve seen an entire CVS being run by one person on a couple occasions. If there’s an issue with the self checkout machine, or if you’re buying something age restricted, you have to wait for the one worker to be done helping the other 3 customers in the store so you can check out.

Which American brands have severely declined in quality?

Posted by cityboi9000@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1374 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

Agreed. The workers do the best they can, but the stores are severely understaffed. I can only think of one good experience I've had at CVS in the past 5 years.

Which American brands have severely declined in quality?

Posted by cityboi9000@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 1374 comments

itsnottommy@reddit

American cars (and all cars in general) have gotten way better over the past few decades. Getting 100,000 problem-free miles out of an American car used to be a total anomaly. Now it's considered a disaster if a new car regularly has major issues before 100k. Japanese cars are generally still miles ahead when it comes to reliability, but something like a new Chevy Trax is a decent car at a decent price. An equivalent car in the 80s/90s would've been a tin can on wheels powered by hopes and dreams.