From Car and Driver · John Phillips · · 1m 20s
Sterling 825/827: The Car That Broke Honda
How a British car brand's bad deal with Honda left 14,171 buyers in shock.
In brief
How a British car brand's bad deal with Honda left 14,171 buyers in shock. The Sterling 825/827, a British car rebadged from Honda's Acura Legend, sold 14,171 units in its first year despite critical flaws and a class action lawsuit threat. Originally reported by Car and Driver.
A Roman Candle Incident
At age 11, I bought a Roman candle with M-80 airburst option that exploded in a public park tree, hitting Mr. Reedy’s Pontiac Bonneville.
“I didn’t see that coming”
Mazda’s Italian Dilemma
Mazda faced Italian requests to turn their Miata into a Fiat 124 Spider, a move that confused their brand identity.
“How astonished must Mazda have been”
Rover’s Sterling Deal
Rover partnered with Honda to sell the Acura Legend as a British Sterling, using pound sterling branding.
“Rover’s intention: Sell the Japanese Legend as a British Sterling”
First Year Sales
The Sterling 825/827 sold 14,171 units in its first year despite being unknown outside of Christmas displays.
“14,171 of them sold in the first year”
Early Problems
The Sterling’s cigarette lighter failed, and its power seat adjuster broke, requiring three Flintstones sofa cushions to see over wipers.
“I had to array three official Flintstones sofa cushions”
Engine Failure
The Sterling’s engine expired at 2500 rpm, snuffing power assist, gauges, headlights, and most of the driver’s dog respect.
“the engine, while humming at 2500 rpm or so, expired as if gutshot by Dick Cheney”
Class Action Threat
Sterling owners considered a class action lawsuit after the author was invited to a Miami Grand Prix debriefing.
“You’re gonna testify, right?”
The bottom line
The Sterling 825/827, a British car rebadged from Honda's Acura Legend, sold 14,171 units in its first year despite critical flaws and a class action lawsuit threat.
