Cars

Consumer report for auto makers came out with their best of the breed car,SUV list for this year. They pick the best autos in 10 categories - and for the first time the best cars in all the different categories were from Japanese auto makers !!
Honda civic was picked as the best small sedan and Honda Accord is the best family car in the $20K to $30K range.
I went through a similar search when I was looking to buy a new car. I wanted to stay away from the usual desi-cars: Honda Civic, Accord & Toyota Corolla, Camry fall in this category. Plus none of these desi-cars had the looks which was remotely appealing. I went for a ride in BMW, Nissan Maxima,Altima and then was coming up with a list of other cars to check out. Under pressure from the boss at home and with great reluctance I went to the Honda dealers across the street from my house. I was telling myself that I was there to get an idea and I am definitely not buying a Honda. The anti-Honda sentiment lasted only till the moment I drove the Accord-EX, with heated leather seats, moon roof and 240HP. After thinking for few hours we decided this is the car we have to get. It is almost like an entry level luxury car with a price tag less than $30K. On top of all that the new Accords look much better than their bland predecessors. Looks like Honda learned a thing are two from the success of IPOD - great performance should be supported by good style to offer an irresistible combination for buyers.

We have had the Accord for few months now. Absolutely no complaints about the car till now. The customer service from Honda is just amazing. After we bough the car, we got a call from Honda asking us about the car buying experience at the dealers. We got a similar call after our first scheduled service. These guys follow up and make sure we have a good experience owning the car and it does not end the minute we buy the car.

No wonder the wise desi have preferred Hondas all along !!