Welcome, car shoppers. Did you know that Howdy Honda wasn’t always the blatant king of all things Central-Austiny-Honda?

Well now they are. Yes. If it wasn’t because they keep winning Honda’s “president’s award” for service all the time (you didn’t notice that when they were in the old tiny location next to BK and the Shade Shop, did you?), it’s because they typically have more Hondas on the lot than you can shake a stick at, massive garage, parts and sales depts.

(In case you were wondering about that phrase, ‘shake a stick at’, here you go. http://www.worldwidewo…)

No, you don’t get a free professional massage with your express oil changes, or a free paint re-do if you key your car in a meth-induced creative spurt. But if you want the best specifically-Honda dealer that is in ATX, this is where you go.

Sorry, Round Rock “Classic” Honda. When I tried to buy a brand new car at your place before, your sales guy pulled out a straight razor next to the Xerox so I’d sign a contract in blood before he’d even give me a sticker price. Naturally this was before our economy went to recent shite, but first impressions last, tu comprends? Au revoir.

Sorry, First Texas. I realize you are trying to compete by building that new facility, but it ain’t gonna happen. You took three hours to put in a battery? I can also almost smell the cigarette smoke vibe in your current waiting area/lounge. Ok, maybe nobody ever smoked in there, but it sure feels like it.

Really, though, like almost any service-oriented business you have to spend regular time with, it’s dependent on the folks you know who work there.

I have had several Hondas so far, all purchased at Howdy after getting jerked around by the other locals. I admit, I’ve had one sales guy who was not particularly mr. personality, but other than that, I have never had a problem with Howdy. Service is always nice to me, they have wifi or rides to most reasonably-distant parts of town if you need them, and they won’t put in any parts without asking you first if you want them in there.

However: whether I have some small bones to pick with Honda USA …is another review.

If y’all are from elsewhere in the country, New Texans, don’t be afraid of a place called ‘Howdy’ for all your Honda needs.

- CUT ! -

What, not kiss-assy enough? Oh come on. Touchy. Next time I’m doing a commercial for Smart Car.