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Nov 26, 2003 | 03:12 PM

#41

dom

Thread Starter

Senior Moderator

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 47,710

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From: Toronto, Canada

I hav'nt yet sat in either an ES 330 or a new TL so I guess can't comment on the quality of either. But I have heard rave reviews about the quality of the ES. And although it does'nt have the HP of a Honda Accord, it has pleny of tourqe which is more important to the audience that car is aimed at.

If I had to reccommend a 45K CAD car to my Dad, the ES would be at or near the top of that list. If my dad was under 40, it would be the TL.

Nov 26, 2003 | 11:25 PM

#42

T.O.RSX

5th Gear

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 5

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Quote:

Originally posted by vitocorleone
The anti-Acura bias isn't just in the "common" customer, but in the "enthusiast" crowd as well - just hang out on the C&D boards for a taste... you'd think Acura ran over their significant other, backed up, and ran over that person a second time.

Here's the gist:

* Acura is unreliable because of crappy transmissions

* Acura handles like crap because it's FWD and can never compare to RWD

* Acura is boring looking, or even ugly

* Acura is slow

* Acura only makes mainstream cars, not luxury cars

* Acura is overpriced

* Acura is the same as Honda, so you might as well buy a Honda

I may be late to the game on this one...

Even as an Acura owner AND a Honda enthusiast, I have to agree with some of the 'people's criticisms' of Acura. Look at Infiniti as an example of taking a Nissan product upscale. Acura does not set the trends, which is required of a luxury automaker. I hate SUVs, but I have to respect the FX for its aggressive yet luxo styling and impressive power. I hate luxo coupes, but I LOVE the G35 coupe. The G35 sedan is a little out of date but is now AWD and is a pretty good bargain. The M and the J are a little ho-hum...and are part of the old Infiniti thinking

To address the above criticisms (remember I am an Acura owner and a Honda lover!)

1. I think Honda's are extremely reliable but they did have an autotranny issue with the TL/CL that was well publicized

2. To a true POWER enthusiast, FWD cannot put down the power that a RWD can and cannot handle as well at the limits.

3. Looks are subjective, and after 2.5 years (July 2001 purchase) I still love the way my RSX looks. And I really like the new TL look inside and out (can we say previous 5-series with a terrible rear-end) and the TSX is really classy, guys (again I slightly dislike the rear, but subjective) But Acuras are nothing trend setting..

4. Acura's are fairly slow but SPORTY and FUN! People equate power with luxury...I hate to say it, but the TSX is slightly underpowered. My GF has an Audi A43.0 (I tried to have her get a TSX) but she wanted a V6 and was willing to pay for it. My RSX is underpowered too....and so is the RL, EL (in Canada), TL (compared to the older G35), NSX, etc...

5. See above. Acuras look and drive too much like Hondas. MDX=Pilot, TL=suppedAccord, TSX=EuroAccord, RSX=supped up Civic, etc. Colours and combos offered are poor for a luxo-model, especially in Canada.

6. Disagree. Most of the time Acuras are priced fairly well for the standard equipment provided.

But I still love Acuras and will likely buy another. The only other manufacturer I would consider would be Nissan-Infiniti. I have a innate dislike for Toyota products for an unknown reason....too dull for me, I think