Is Civic VP good for Civic's reputation?

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Old Jul 22, 2004
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Is Civic VP good for Civic's reputation?

No offense to owners of Civic VPs, but I was wondering if the addition of the VP (Value Package) is good for the brand image of the Honda Civic or does it tend to cheapen the overall Civic image.

It seems like whenever a value package of a model comes out it means that the model is near discontinuation and it needs a final boost of sales to wrap up production. What comes to my mind is Chrysler Corp. with the Plymouth Horizon/Dodge Omni when it added an Omni "America" which was a base model with a few extras at a low price. This was about 2 years before the end of those models and everyone knew the end was coming for them and they were never that highly regarded in the first place.

And now comes this VP. It's seems the same as the Plymouth America, in other words Honda seems to be saying that everyone can have one, owning a Civic does not have to be any kind of privilege at all, in fact, we'll make it one of the cheapest cars on the road. But why would someone want to spend $19k for an EX when it is akin to a Value Package.

We still have the consumer mags saying the Civic is the tops or near tops in its segment, but with all these stylish compacts coming out and the humdrum Civics not changing, tires and all, is it really much to aspire to, to be a repeat Civic buyer?

Last edited by Roosbok; Jul 22, 2004 at 09:30 PM.
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Old Jul 22, 2004
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lets get real man. Its a freakin civic. Its an ECONOMY car. I got the VP because it was 1)cheap 2)got better gas mileage than the rest 4)BECAUSE it had no options. I hate power locks and windows, and I like changing gears for myself. I never wanted a sports car, just one that handled nicely stock and gave me great, reliable gas mileage when I have to drive to school and work everyday. If BMW comes out with a VP i'll be worried, but changing DX to VP doesnt get my feathers ruffled.
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Old Jul 23, 2004
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Originally Posted by Roosbok
No offense to owners of Civic VPs, but I was wondering if the addition of the VP (Value Package) is good for the brand image of the Honda Civic or does it tend to cheapen the overall Civic image.

It seems like whenever a value package of a model comes out it means that the model is near discontinuation and it needs a final boost of sales to wrap up production. What comes to my mind is Chrysler Corp. with the Plymouth Horizon/Dodge Omni when it added an Omni "America" which was a base model with a few extras at a low price. This was about 2 years before the end of those models and everyone knew the end was coming for them and they were never that highly regarded in the first place.

And now comes this VP. It's seems the same as the Plymouth America, in other words Honda seems to be saying that everyone can have one, owning a Civic does not have to be any kind of privilege at all, in fact, we'll make it one of the cheapest cars on the road. But why would someone want to spend $19k for an EX when it is akin to a Value Package.

We still have the consumer mags saying the Civic is the tops or near tops in its segment, but with all these stylish compacts coming out and the humdrum Civics not changing, tires and all, is it really much to aspire to, to be a repeat Civic buyer?

the VP is the same as DX. They are just changing the DX to VP.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Yeah, Civic is going bankrupt, since nobody buys their cars.

When driving down the road

Civic Accord Civic Civic Prelude Accord Mercedes Civic BMW Prelude Accord Accord
Civic Civic Civic Hummer BMW Accord Civic Accord Lexus Pinto Civic Prelude Accord
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by Roosbok
owning a Civic does not have to be any kind of privilege at all,
I cant remember the last time that tells me buying a Civic is a priveledge Do you really think that Civic makes up for your social standing? Where I come from, every time I drive on the street, I see Civic.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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wtf....don't ever forget that just having a car period is a privilege. Most people who buy their own cars will tell you that. Most people who get mommy and daddy to buy them a car have no clue what the difference between a right and a privilege is.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by Pharoh
wtf....don't ever forget that just having a car period is a privilege. Most people who buy their own cars will tell you that. Most people who get mommy and daddy to buy them a car have no clue what the difference between a right and a privilege is.
Well, I can tell you that it isnt a priveledge when I bought my last 4 cars. C'mon bro, dont even act like we're all that when we drive or own a car. Well, maybe I just dont see it that way. I must have a higher standard.

A priveledge is owning a BMW at least. But a Civic? Oh wait, its a priveledge for a HS kid to drive one...now I get it.

EDIT:

someone used the wrong word to explain the situation.

in other words Honda seems to be saying that everyone can have one, owning a Civic does not have to be any kind of privilege at all, in fact, we'll make it one of the cheapest cars on the road. But why would someone want to spend $19k for an EX when it is akin to a Value Package.
The word Priveledge used on the above quote was meant to differentiate affordability and not the 'actual' RIGHT to own or PRIVELEDGE rights.

Last edited by 518; Sep 3, 2004 at 03:13 PM.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by 518
Well, I can tell you that it isnt a priveledge when I bought my last 4 cars. C'mon bro, dont even act like we're all that when we drive or own a car. Well, maybe I just dont see it that way. I must have a higher standard.

A priveledge is owning a BMW at least. But a Civic? Oh wait, its a priveledge for a HS kid to drive one...now I get it.

EDIT:

someone used the wrong word to explain the situation.



The word Priveledge used on the above quote was meant to differentiate affordability and not the 'actual' RIGHT to own or PRIVELEDGE rights.

I've bought my last 6, what's your point? Mine is that we're fortunate to be in positions to buy things like cars regardless of cost or stature. I could be a lot less fortunate and be only able to afford a bus pass.

who cares if it's a BMW or a Yugo. It's a car and it's yours. You don't ride it every morning with 50 other people to work in the morning.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by Pharoh
I've bought my last 6, what's your point? Mine is that we're fortunate to be in positions to buy things like cars regardless of cost or stature. I could be a lot less fortunate and be only able to afford a bus pass.

who cares if it's a BMW or a Yugo. It's a car and it's yours. You don't ride it every morning with 50 other people to work in the morning.
My point? You still dont get it?

I just simply dont compare my lifestyle to those people who ride a bus. Like I said, my standard must be higher than you or other people. Im not rich or anything but I still dont consider driving a car a "WOW, you drive a Civic" stature.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by 518
My point? You still dont get it?

I just simply dont compare my lifestyle to those people who ride a bus. Like I said, my standard must be higher than you or other people. Im not rich or anything but I still dont consider driving a car a "WOW, you drive a Civic" stature.

I don't think driving a Civic is anything special...they're like azzholes, everyone has one. I guess I don't put much stock in what a person drives.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by Pharoh
I don't think driving a Civic is anything special...they're like azzholes, everyone has one. I guess I don't put much stock in what a person drives.
Im not sure if we have finally agreed of what I was trying to say. But I totally agree with you about Civic being owned by almost everyone.

If most people think that driving a Civic is something to really over-brag about it, then now I understand why I see these Civic drivers acting like they are on top of the world. "Dude! Its just a Civic, its not a 2004 740iL that you can brag about." But the opposite happens, the people who drives a luxury car are the ones who are humble.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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Originally Posted by 2K1Civic17"Gabe
Yeah, Civic is going bankrupt, since nobody buys their cars.

When driving down the road

Civic Accord Civic Civic Prelude Accord Mercedes Civic BMW Prelude Accord Accord
Civic Civic Civic Hummer BMW Accord Civic Accord Lexus Pinto Civic Prelude Accord

Hahahahahaha.... TRUE!!!
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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I own a VP. It has 4 wheels and a engine doesn't it? It just depends what you do with tha car that matters. I don't know if the VP has a rep but all I know is that is a DX. People who drive luxury cars, I don't know wha to tell them...and don't be stupid like my grand aunt who drives a 03 Mercedes Benz S500 which cost almost 100,000 dollar vehicle and lives in a shack. Tha woman doesn't know that her S500 drains a shiet load of gas and its too heavy...somehow, I'm tryin to get her stupid dumb **** back for using my great grandmother's care check for her own personal uses by ****in up her benz.
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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i am proud that i drive a civic. it's new, it looks nice, and its a reliable car. there are so many people who can't even afford a car. and then there are those who can only buy piece of **** used cars like a 1990 escort or something. if you drive a new civic, you are privelaged and you should be proud! like pharoh said, you could be less fortunate and have to take public transportation every day....not by choice that is!
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Old Sep 3, 2004
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My 02 Civic, even though an EX, is my FIRST NEW car. I have always driven used cars, and got a lot out of them. But honestly, I am proud to have a shiny new car for once, and not broke the bank for it.

I think the VP allows people an entry into a NICE new car at a low cost. You can do worse and buy a ford.
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Old Sep 4, 2004
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The EX owners are just mad cause were about a hundred pounds lighter =p

2004 EX Coupe - 2594 lbs
2004 VP Coupe - 2449 lbs
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Old Sep 4, 2004
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Naaaa..... At least I don't have to crawl over to the passenger seat to crank down the window to flirt with some girl.
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Old Sep 5, 2004
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Hey, the VP has allowed me the chance to resolve my negative equity problem with having my last car, a 2000 Focus ZX3. Within a year of payments i should have cleared my negative equity and would be able to sell the Civic VP and come out even.

So it's given me a new start to clear my debt and get what ever it is I really want.
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Old Sep 6, 2004
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Cool

Originally Posted by Got Boost???
The EX owners are just mad cause were about a hundred pounds lighter =p

2004 EX Coupe - 2594 lbs
2004 VP Coupe - 2449 lbs
i'm not mad at all. i bought the ex for the package deal at 50.00 above invoice . i love the car.

if you buy a vp..that's great. everyone buys different trim packages for specific reasons. as long as you're happy with it then its all good.
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Old Sep 6, 2004
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Originally Posted by PrecisnTec
Hey, the VP has allowed me the chance to resolve my negative equity problem with having my last car, a 2000 Focus ZX3. Within a year of payments i should have cleared my negative equity and would be able to sell the Civic VP and come out even.

So it's given me a new start to clear my debt and get what ever it is I really want.
Good point!

Besides, the Civic is really a nice and great looking car, no matter what trim level you choose.
Unless you are into drag racing, of course....

In the end, money talks.
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Old Sep 7, 2004
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I bought a vp because I needed to keep my payments low. I got my 04 in december 03 for $12K even.A brand new honda off the showroom floor for $12 grand!!!
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Old Sep 7, 2004
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Originally Posted by civic2nr819
I bought a vp because I needed to keep my payments low. I got my 04 in december 03 for $12K even.A brand new honda off the showroom floor for $12 grand!!!
Congrats!
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Old Sep 7, 2004
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Originally Posted by 2K1Civic17"Gabe
Yeah, Civic is going bankrupt, since nobody buys their cars.

When driving down the road

Civic Accord Civic Civic Prelude Accord Mercedes Civic BMW Prelude Accord Accord
Civic Civic Civic Hummer BMW Accord Civic Accord Lexus Pinto Civic Prelude Accord
Sorry,I don't see many Preludes where I live.
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Old Sep 7, 2004
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I got my VP because it was in my price range. First I looked at a used EX (2001), but it felt soft and abused during the test drive. It made more sense to buy a brand new car even with less options, plus I got it for $1,700 below sticker price. It is also the first brand new car I have ever owned. Previous to this, my newest car was my Jetta which was also a base model, but loaded with everything except power windows. That car was 2 years old when I bought it and it cost more than my Civic.
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