I think the problem is that Hondas are getting too pricey. Never before did a fully loaded Accord cost 30,000 bucks. Sure, never before did accord have 240 hp, navi, leather, 300w stereo, etc, but the fact is that it is still an Accord, and in 30K price range there are wayyyy too many sweet cars to chose from. Not necessary are they better than Accord, but they are there.

From my own perspective, I was considering a bran new Accord as a replacement for my wife's aging 94 GS300, but she would only settle for Accord if it was to have V6, leather, heated seats, etc... Which turned out to be around 29K! So I said no way, and we are going to be putting the money towards a moderately used LS430 or GS430. Now, if the Accord was around 24-25K, that would be a different story.

If anything, Honda should bring down the price of accord to 26K max, fully loaded, and perhaps introduce a new model, say "Honda Melody", and make it a bit more upscale, sort of like the Avalon.

As far as the Civic is concerned, I think they should give keep it conservative as it is, but give it a more powerful engine, while not increasing the price. However, they should bring over Honda Fit, and perhaps give it good old B16a and double wishbone suspension like previous civic had, which would make all the enthusiasts happy again.