Acura looks to become a Top Luxury Brand
06-01-08, 01:20 PM
#18
Acura needs things like Smart Key and Cooled Seats before they can play in the big game. I realize I'm nit picking here but these things are important to a luxury buyer. In addition, I hate to say it, but their interiors don't "feel" as nice as a Lexus product (their most direct competitor IMHO). From the pictures they look every bit as nice, if not nicer. But when you sit in one back to back with a Lexus product, the Lexus product just "feels" more substantial.
The MDX is probably the best 3-row SUV out there for the money bar none - I would not argue that - but it just doesn't compare to the RX in terms of the items mentioned above.
Last but not least, the RL should be bigger than the TL, not the other way around. In luxury cars, Size DOES matter.
The MDX is probably the best 3-row SUV out there for the money bar none - I would not argue that - but it just doesn't compare to the RX in terms of the items mentioned above.
Last but not least, the RL should be bigger than the TL, not the other way around. In luxury cars, Size DOES matter.
Anyway, the problem is the RL is definitely a worthy car in itself, but buyers just don't think it is. Car for car, it competes well with the best of them. Perception though is another story and many people wont even give it a chance much less sit in one just because of its poor perception.
Other than that though Acura really does need to step up their entire line. I saw a new TSX on the road for the first time. The car actually looks pretty good in real life aside from the front grill. That looks just as bad as in the pictures. Problem is, the car itself isn't anything special anymore in terms of performance and from reviews even the interior went down a bit. With the latest crop of cars, I think they took a step sideways. With the 04 TL, 05 RL, and ingtroduction of the TSX, I think Acura took a step forward from where they were, so its kind of disappointing to see them not continue to step it up this past year or two.
If Acura wants to move forward, that is a good thing. I just hope they actually have steps in place to do it. Their designers suck right now though. Sorry, but the new grill just sucks and the trend of creating that diamond signature look in the front and rear is just ugly IMHO and looks more American rather than Japanese or European which I think should be the design direction Acura should follow.
06-01-08, 03:11 PM
#20
Acura needs things like Smart Key and Cooled Seats before they can play in the big game. I realize I'm nit picking here but these things are important to a luxury buyer. In addition, I hate to say it, but their interiors don't "feel" as nice as a Lexus product (their most direct competitor IMHO). From the pictures they look every bit as nice, if not nicer. But when you sit in one back to back with a Lexus product, the Lexus product just "feels" more substantial.
The MDX is probably the best 3-row SUV out there for the money bar none - I would not argue that - but it just doesn't compare to the RX in terms of the items mentioned above.
Last but not least, the RL should be bigger than the TL, not the other way around. In luxury cars, Size DOES matter.
The MDX is probably the best 3-row SUV out there for the money bar none - I would not argue that - but it just doesn't compare to the RX in terms of the items mentioned above.
Last but not least, the RL should be bigger than the TL, not the other way around. In luxury cars, Size DOES matter.
06-01-08, 03:27 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
=JLSC4;3568927
The RDX is really fast with it's turbo. I almost snapped my neck.
The RDX is really fast with it's turbo. I almost snapped my neck.
As for the RL, I've driven/compared it side to side with the more expensive 5-series and MB E-class. THe RL is hand's down the better car. I think you are judging it from the outside...
Last edited by mmarshall; 06-01-08 at 03:33 PM.
06-01-08, 03:30 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Well, you and I probably do agree that Acura's image, in general, is not that of Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes...........but we may just have to, like gentlemen, agree to disagree on the RL. I like it; you don't.
06-01-08, 03:52 PM
#23
Lexus Champion
hahahhahaa I have to laff at the X5 interior......its a joke.
the new upcoming car? or the current RL?
I liked the current RL, but its waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overdue for a re-style.
I liked the current RL, but its waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overdue for a re-style.
06-01-08, 05:05 PM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
The current model. It has durable materials, A-1 engineering, AND Swiss-Watch build quality, all three combined.........something that, in my experience, is rare in today's market. The only other car like that I've seen in its class, quality-wise, is the Lexus LS460....and the LS460, for all of its admitted excellence, doesn't have the superb SH-AWD system, though its Mark Levinson stereo and quiet ride rank among the worlds's best.
06-01-08, 05:10 PM
#26
Lexus Fanatic
I agree about the new Acura grilles. I don't know which I dislike more, theirs or Audi's.
06-01-08, 05:58 PM
#27
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http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
But I would suggest driving one. Hell, just sit in one and you'll make your mind up... I've also driven a Porsche Cayenne and it sucked in comparison.
But I would suggest driving one. Hell, just sit in one and you'll make your mind up... I've also driven a Porsche Cayenne and it sucked in comparison.
Since you work at an Acura dealer, it only makes sense that you would praise the MDX. Also, you only seem to be comparing it to the X5. What about the RX?
The RDX is really fast with it's turbo. I almost snapped my neck.
As for the RL, I've driven/compared it side to side with the more expensive 5-series and MB E-class. THe RL is hand's down the better car. I think you are judging it from the outside...
As for the RL, I've driven/compared it side to side with the more expensive 5-series and MB E-class. THe RL is hand's down the better car. I think you are judging it from the outside...
The exterior is definitely part of it. The RL simply does not look like a 50K luxury car. It's too plain and lacking in details.
Again, what defines the RL as "better"? For 50K, you can get a 535i well equipped. The 535i is definitely a better driver's car and a better overall performance machine than the RL. For 50K, you can get an M45 which is definitely a better overall car than the RL. For 53K, you can get a GS460.
Considering all the other cars you can get in the 50K range, the RL is certainly NOT a "screaming bargain" and you have failed to show exactly how it is.
06-01-08, 05:58 PM
#28
Pole Position
I agree with JLSC4, the RL is a bargain at 50k. Of course, Acura is having a hard time giving them away so you could probably pick one up for around 45k. For those of you that have never driven or even sat in the current RL model, it is indeed Lexus LS460-like in materials, quality, and craftsmanship. There is nothing in its price range that compares.
06-01-08, 06:10 PM
#29
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I agree with JLSC4, the RL is a bargain at 50k. Of course, Acura is having a hard time giving them away so you could probably pick one up for around 45k. For those of you that have never driven or even sat in the current RL model, it is indeed Lexus LS460-like in materials, quality, and craftsmanship. There is nothing in its price range that compares.
MMarshall really thinks highly of it, it is very well built and a great all around car but it leaves me severely wanting. I think its on par with other cars in class for build, not better and not on par with the LS. Also knowing it IS built off the global Accord platform and its FWD biased doesn't help perception with me.
Well Acura thinks this will help things? lol, I really laugh at their management
Let me remind you that THIS is ACURA'S FLAGSHIP. This is the BEST Acura can do. They put their best people and team to create and sell this car.
The 2009 Honda Accord V-6 L makes Acura for the most part, look silly. That car offers 90% of everything as well as some things Acura does not have for 20-30k.
If we could say that about Lexus and the Camry, NONE OF US would be on this forum and Lexus would pretty much, SUCK.
Nice interior
06-01-08, 06:21 PM
#30
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MMarshall really thinks highly of it, it is very well built and a great all around car but it leaves me severely wanting. I think its on par with other cars in class for build, not better and not on par with the LS. Also knowing it IS built off the global Accord platform and its FWD biased doesn't help perception with me.