Introduction:
Honda introduced the Vigor luxury sedan in the early 1990s as an attempt to compete with the growing number of luxury car manufacturers entering the American market. The Vigor was positioned between the Integra and the Legend, targeting both the Lexus ES 250 and European luxury vehicles as its competitors. Despite its unique features and performance, the Vigor failed to capture the attention of American car shoppers, leading to weak sales and its discontinuation in 1994.
The Unique Engine Layout:
The Vigor stood out among its competitors due to its front-wheel-drive configuration and longitudinal engine placement. Unlike Honda’s usual transverse mounting, the Vigor’s engine was a SOHC straight-five that required a complex powertrain layout to fit within the engine compartment. This arrangement involved angling the engine to clear the hood and positioning the differential directly beneath it. Although other manufacturers, such as Daewoo and Volvo, later managed to mount straight-six engines transversely, Honda’s engineering team had to opt for a more intricate solution.
Performance and Transmission Options:
Equipped with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, the U.S. market Vigor boasted a power output of 176 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. While a five-speed manual transmission was available as the base option, this particular Vigor features the optional four-speed automatic transmission, which added $750 to the vehicle’s cost. In today’s dollars, that would amount to $1,696.
Pricing and Competition:
The Vigor LS model had an MSRP of $24,999, equivalent to $56,539 after adjusting for inflation. However, American car shoppers found it challenging to justify purchasing the Vigor when they could opt for a slightly smaller but equally feature-laden 1992 Honda Accord EX priced at just $20,175 ($45,629 today). Additionally, the Lexus ES 250, offering more luxury albeit with less agility, started at a competitive $21,300 ($48,173 in today’s money). The relatively high price of the Vigor compared to its competitors contributed to its lukewarm reception in the market.
Limited Success and Discontinuation:
Despite its unique features and performance capabilities, the Vigor struggled to gain traction among American car shoppers. Sales were disappointing, and the Vigor was ultimately discontinued in 1994. Honda introduced the TL as its replacement, entering the market as a 1996 model. This decision reflected the need for a fresh approach to capturing the luxury sedan segment.
The Vigor’s Legacy:
Even though the Vigor’s sales were underwhelming, it left a lasting impression on some enthusiasts. One Vigor owner expressed their love and nostalgia for the vehicle in a graffiti message on the car’s body: “I miss you… S.” This sentiment demonstrates the personalized connection one can develop with their car, regardless of its commercial success.
Conclusion:
The Honda Vigor set out to compete in the luxury sedan market against established brands like Lexus and European manufacturers. However, despite its unique features and performance capabilities, the Vigor struggled to find its footing among American car shoppers. Its complex engine layout, higher price point compared to competitors, and the availability of other compelling options within Honda’s own lineup contributed to its lackluster sales. The discontinuation of the Vigor marked a turning point for Honda, leading to the introduction of the TL as a successor. Nonetheless, the Vigor remains a symbol of Honda’s ambition to establish itself in the luxury segment during the 1990s.