Lisa and Robert with their 2006 Civic
Since the early 1990s, Lisa and Robert have driven Hondas. The lifestyle, fit, price and feel of each Honda hooked them, and they're even still driving these 1991 models today.
Purchased from Schomp Honda in Littleton, these Hondas have over 425,000 miles between them and are still running strong. In 2006, Lisa's dream car was a new Civic Ex and that's exactly what her husband bought her.
So why do Lisa and Robert love Honda? Why were they committed to purchasing them through Schomp Honda? And what are some fun stories along the way? We interviewed Lisa herself to hear all about their experience.
Tell us about your history with Hondas.
Lisa Vicek: When our daughter was three, we came to Ralph Schomp for the first time. We bought two new cars that day: a 1991 new Honda Accord LX and a 1991 new Honda Civic DX, both manual transmission. At the last minute of decision making, our daughter said, "I want a red one!" We looked at each other and changed the color from white to red after a minute of talking it over.
Why did you want to purchase from Schomp Honda?
We are big on value and had been to several Honda dealers looking for the best price. We spent most of the day at Schomp that day, even going across the street to grab hot dogs for lunch. The 2006 purchase was done so much quicker.
What kind of Honda do you currently drive?
My husband said he would buy me anything I wanted for my 50th birthday in May of 2006. I wanted a zippy stick shift with leather seats and seat heaters, and good gas mileage as gas had gone sky high! I picked a beautiful blue Civic Ex that Jesse (our salesman) drove from the delivery point in north Denver, as manual transmission is rare. He also took it to get my seats recovered in leather and I was so happy! I did consider the sports car but didn't like getting in and out so low. I'm saving my knees for clutching!
1991 Civic
How many miles have you racked up on your Hondas -- so far?
The 2006 has 79,500 miles. The 1991 Accord has 237,507 and the 1991 Civic has 189,905. We kept our fingers crossed on the Accord that it would make it through our daughter's college. It made it through five years at UNC then three years at Penn State graduate school, and is currently living as the 2nd car for our newly married daughter in Pennsylvania for the past year!
How are these Hondas running?
All three are doing great! The 1991 Civic was not garaged and doesn't look too good paint-wise, but the Schomp mechanic keeps telling us it's in great shape mechanically. It doesn't have auto locks or electric windows so my husband always opens my door for me when we drive it. The Pennsylvania 1991 Accord has some rusting though because they use so much road salt there but we've been able to keep it patched up and our daughter is saving for a Honda CRV.
What's your favorite aspect of your current Honda?
Zip! I love how my 2006 hugs the road. I do have to be careful not to make my backseat passengers car sick when I'm enjoying the twists and turns coming back from Evergreen. My car is fun to drive.
And your previous Hondas?
I also miss my Accord, but our 1991 Civic with studded tires gets us around in the winter even passing SUVs. And with manual transmission, we can manage the icy streets as long as the drifts don't get too high.
How does Honda compare to other cars you’ve driven?
We've only driven rental cars but they never feel as comfortable as our Hondas because we prefer manual transmissions and like the control we get driving in all conditions.
Pennsylvania bound with the 1991 Accord
What makes your Honda unique?
...the small dent I put in it getting too close to the library drop box and the wiring my husband put in to run the Coleman cooler for when we travel.
Why did you choose the Honda brand?
When we were looking, we went to Consumer Reports and decided Honda fit the quality and price point we were looking for. We also liked the style. We went to most of the local Honda dealers and even went to Colorado Springs to test drive and price Hondas. We live in the Southglenn area and used the best price for our first purchase. It ended up being the closest Honda dealer, Ralph Schomp. The follow-up perks for maintenance and scheduling has had us not going anywhere else!
Tell us about a cool trip or story with your Hondas.
The 1991 Accord was shiny red and had a similar shape to the more expensive Acura that year. As I left daycare with my daughter, another mom and I would frequently try our key in the other person’s car by mistake - they were very similar. We thought that was funny as it happened more than once.
We loved how much trunk room we had with the 1991 Accord. It went to Glenwood Springs full of luggage, a cooler and and a duffle bag full of pool toys. Now, it can take three full suitcases and three backpacks home from the train station in Lancaster, PA.
The 2006 Civic has made the cross country trip to Pennsylvania twice but otherwise is the "good" car. My girlfriends love sitting in the front seat with the heated seats in the winter. The moonroof is also very nice in the summer and for tracking hawks from the passenger seat as we drive all over the state.