Honda Phases Out Manual Windows

Honda is the first high-volume automaker to equip its entire lineup with power windows. As one spokesman for the company said, “It’s not even so much a luxury touch anymore. It’s an expectation.”

USA Today says Honda isn’t the only one opting out of the old-fashioned cranks. Even inexpensive models like the Ford Focus and the next Nissan Sentra come with standard power windows. Some less expensive subcompacts — like the Hyundai Accent — do still come with the old crank-ups as standard equipment. But it’s still amazing that only three Ford models come with manual windows and only about six GM cars still have them. That’s when you know they’re going the way of the dodo.

[Cranked Car Windows are Going, Going ..., USA Today]

Comments

I may be a little crazy and part of a dying breed, but I refuse to buy a car with power windows. And I'm not even old, I'm only 24. To me power windows are such an inconvenience, because you can't roll them up when the vehicle is turned off, they are one more electronic feature that may have problems, and to me, it's a safety issue if the vehicle is submerged in water and the windows malfunction. Hence why I passed on a Scion on my recent purchase and went for a Chevy Aveo instead.

good Idea! after all no body opts for manual windows anymore! Brilliant!

I have a VW Jetta with power windows, and seriously regret having such an expensive headache every time they break and need replacing. Manual windows and door locks are the way to go, and cheaper in the long run.

In my opinion, the expensive headache is in buying a German car in the first place, not that the windows in it break! My Toyota is ten years old, and even though I've had to re-seat the glass periodically with the palm of my hand on the driver's side window, it hasn't given me too much trouble. I relish the ability to drive down the highway on a cool Spring morning and lower all 4 windows at once, then, upon reaching a more urban area with pedestrian traffic, raise all four windows up again. From a safety standpoint, and as a woman, that level of control is priceless. Knowing that I can shut out potential panhandlers and carjackers with the push of a button is worth it to me. I've walked away from many a good deal due to the presence of window cranks, and I'll never buy another car that doesn't have power windows.