NDLunchbox

In 2003 I paid $26,500 for my non-navi TSX and knew it was a good value, but I never fully appreciated how well optioned out it was until I got my new Subaru. I paid over $35,000 for it and it's missing the following that were standard in my '04:
-Auto up on the driver's side window
-Sunroof
-Power driver's seat
-Heated seats
-Sunglasses holder
-Change holder
-The Not-An-Ashtray to put your mobile phone in
-Wire pass through from the center console (phone charge cable, a particularly bad oversight since there is an aux-in in there)
-Lit vanity mirror
-LED Console Light (Lit logo 1/2 counts)
-Dual Climate Control
-Auto dimming Rearview with Homelink (this is an over-priced option)
-Driver center armrest
-Rear center armrest
-Foor mats that look like they cost more than $3.95
-A decent stereo

The only things the new car came with my 5 year old TSX didn't come with were:
-An aux-in for the stereo
-XM (though this was a $550 option!)

Now granted, the new car isn't a luxury car and I bought it for its amazing performance, but some of the little things like the sunglasses holder and change holder couldn't have cost that much and I think it just shows how Acura really pays attention to detail, especially on their interiors, that IMO makes them the best luxury value proposition out there.

I definitely see another Acura in my future.

xenonhid

Me 2, the 09 TL with SH-AWD is very tempting pending the final design looks clean.

bc811

what subaru did you get?

mehhh

u gotta also keep in mind acura is more luxury minded while subies are more on the performance side.

NighthawkCruiser

So I guess you got an STI....which is a complete and total performance car. Luxury adds weight, so it makes sense that it does not have it.

curls

I think the big misconception w/ Acura is their HP and Tq numbers. Sure they aren't sky high, but the cars are extremely well balanced and can perform admirably, while still remaining a very good value proposition in the luxury segment.

Case in point: The TL that spanked the G35 and a few other cars (all RWD) around a track in Cali a year or two ago. That speaks to better balance, better agility, and a more well thought-out package that doesn't rely strictly on HP numbers to get people to buy it.

TS_eXpeed

mg7726

yes, acura is geared more towards luxury. but i don't even use (or care about) half the stuff you listed, i wished they geared it more towards an even lighter, powerful better handling package with the 2nd gen.

to some people it's all about the miniscule toys - i.e.: look at the bitching just b/c there's no button to start the car! even acura tsx still doesn't have enough toys, lol.

NDLunchbox

I totally agree the cars have different aims, and I can understand leaving things out like power seats and a sunroof since they add weight - but the little things like auto up windows, change holders and a place to put sunglasses surprise me.