In 20 years, will the Ep seem dated, or classic?

[snubnose]

In the future how do you think people will view the current style of the Ep? Will they think it was a crappy idea for a car, or will they see it as a timeless classic?

I think the Ep will be viewed as a timeless, classic automobile. Here's why:

The interior. There's nothing gimmicky or gaudy in the interior of the Ep. There are not a dozen little "Zs" or rotary accents. Just one red "Si" label on the gauge. The dials are analogue, plain, simple and easy to read. There's nothing extra. Just what you need to drive. The stick and wheel are leather, the seats firm. The shifter's placement is logical and ergonomic.

The engine. The Ep has a well-built engine built to last. The torque band is broad enough that an S2000 driver described the Ep's most salient characteristic as having "low-end grunt." The engine is simple to maintain, revs easily and quietly to 6,800 rpm, and to the best of my knowledge, has shown no signs of design flaws.

Fun. Most of my driving with the Ep has been with no destination, just joy riding. I don't care how little it cost, or how much torque or hp it is said to lack, the Ep has always been as fun to me as a superbly built, high quality toy.

Practicality. In 20 years, no one is going to say, "That was a stupid car." There is plenty of storage place, the Ep is a warrior in all kinds of weather, and it would be a perfect car to take on a long trip. The Ep is a classic hatchback, with an exciting, futuristic design.

I think the Ep will be one of those classic cars that original owners will be proud to hang on to.

[TheMutt]

Classic cars usually have something about them that makes them truly stand out. Our car isn't that. It's got out-of-the-ordinary styling, a crazy shifter, some mad time put into engineering...

But even as much as I love our car, it's nothing special. Just another honda.

[chakra71]

I agree that in time our little hatchbacks will be the classics. We'll see them on shows hosted by a guy with an absurdely long moustache talking about how this engine had 'horse' power and he will have to explain the unique VTEC to the viewers who know so little about gasoline motors because they now have ion-drive engines.

err yeah

subtle, yet futuristic styling, good motor, great company, small production numbers. we are in a niche car.

[IceD out N CALI]

most people wont care either way. there will be a few that do, and snubnose you might be one of them;)

[BlasTech]

Heck, in 20 years any car will be a refreshing break from all that teleporting around :D

[STP03BlueSI]

Well said!

This is what i like to see when i read on Ephatch.com, That just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Even though i dont have my ep yet :'( (because no one wants to give me a loan, oh and i have a high becon score). But i hope i still have my Ep in twenty years.:D



Thanks you made my day.

[02TafWhtSi]

I like your review Snub but doubt it will be considered a classic in the true sense of the word. At the end of the day its still just another economy hacth, however sporty it may be :)

[snubnose]

I guess I'm not sure what it means when a car is a classic "in the true sense of the word." What I meant was, will the Ep still be respected and desired just as the CRX, the RX7, and the Supra are?

Or will the Ep go down more like the Spec V, a car that is kind of despised?

[BlasTech]

Some random thoughts.

OK, well who all here considers a vw beetle a classic, or a honda crx?

I consider both classic-worthy, though they weren't supercars, they did each define a new genre.

Some people would say the 99-00 civic Si is already destined to be a classic, but I dont think it defined anything new, just refined it.

I wonder if the EP defines a new genre or refines one? Cars have gotten like movies, lots of good ones, but still mostly forgettable in the mass of similar options.

The EP was a step towards the comforts and overall package that was lacking in the 99-00's without a real performance sacrifice, but does it innovate? Not like the Insight innovates.

I think it has a chance of being a classic, as there are lots of similar cars that are unlikely to last (how many escorts and festivas are still around) as long as the EP, and its kinda rare. It also marks a step in a new design direction for Honda, so there's a chance.

[blueiedgod]

For some reason every time I see a pre 1984 Honda Civic hatchback or a wagon, I get this warm and fuzzy feeling. About 6 years ago I had a chance to buy one in mint condition, but chose to get a brand new one. Now, I regret not getting "that" civic Wagon.
There is something about that square shape with square headlights.
It had a CVCC engine, I am sure most of the people on this board don't even know what CVCC stood for, but it was an innovation that honda has come up in 1972 that allowed it to comply with emmision without a catalytic converter, and they were able to produce an "amazing" 68 Hp out of the 1.3 liter engine.

Anyway, although Civic's were never considered a classic, there are some in the line up that are worth preserving and restoring. My list of "Calssic" Honda's would be
pre 1984 Civic wagon
1991-1993 Civic CRX Si
NSX
Element

I am sure I am going to get flamed for this :-)

[SiR Medic]

Although true "classics" are hard to predict, there are some clues into it.

1/ Limited availability. The fact that the EP is available and sold in low numbers and it has a unique body syle help this.

2/ Performance. Performance cars are more likely to become classics.

3/ Something unique that gets copied by other cars... Like a dash-mounted shifter!

4/ A tenacious, fun-loving, devoted owner's group... Just like ephatch.com!

[SiRRider]

It WILL be a classic Honda. No dought about it!!!!!!