db22

I decided to post this on the RL thread because those of us with an RL have a base from which to judge. Also, numerous boards discuss other models and a few of us own, or have owned, other Acuras.
I would like to see all Acura models attain the quality level found in the RL. I look at the TL and we all agree that, although it is high in features, it is not the quality of the RL. I have an MDX and it is close but all other Acuras seem to have the features and not the quality. The Honda Odessey Touring Elite is very high on features but at Honda quality and could easily be marketed as an Acura.
I looked at the small TSX wagon and probably the new ILX will suffer from the same issue: high on features but not quite the RL quality. The ILX should be a baby RL.
I would consider down-sizing but I don't understand why manufacturers insist on decreasing quality just because the car is smaller. Acura and Honda differentiate their models more on designs than they do on differentiating two separate classes of vehicles. In fact, some Acuras are sold as Hondas in other countries because even Honda don't seem to want the difference to be too great.

Megatron

I'm sure it's all about cost reduction. It seems like every new generation of vehicles from either Honda or Acura has come with lower quality materials. Features keep getting added like you said, but cheap hard plastic seems to be everywhere! I still have my first car, an 89 Honda Civic, and let me tell you, the materials in that thing are WAY better than what you see in the cars today. Everything else features-wise sucks, but the feel and finish of the interior is excellent!

oo7spy

One thing I have learned throughout my life is that when someone does something that doesn't quite make sense, 99% of the time money is the reason.

MB gives out medallions to owners of their cars that reach 250k, 500k, & 1M miles. You only see that on pre-1990 models. That's not because those new cars haven't reached them yet; it's that MB used to not budget their engineers. They used it is as marketing too that they over engineered everything, and their cars were solid machines. Sometime in the 80's, IIRC, they stopped that, and their reliability went to shit. All that manufacturers care about now is that their cars make it out of the warranty period.

Mr Marco

Have 3 HMCo products in the garage right now.

Supposedly we pay a premium with the Acura name plate for the top notch service we get at the dealer. So my old lady gets a free manicure, meanwhile I get the bill for the BS intake cleaning that wasn't required.

Good car, overall good value, but when that $700 payment comes out of my checking acct. each month, It makes me wish I would have leased an Accord.

jhr3uva90

I've had 4 Acuras since 1998: 1) 1998 Acura 2.3 CL, 2) 1999 Acura 3.0 CL, 3) 2001 Acura 3.2 CL, 4) 2005 Acura RL. To me, the RL is the closest Acura has come to Lexus-like quality. Personally, I think it has something to do with the RL being built in Japan. I've had the TSX as a loaner and I like the way it feels, also.

At my house, we have a 2005 Honda Accord along with the 2005 RL. Even though the two cars are cousins, I can tell the difference as soon as I sit in the Accord.

db22

My original point is that when I sit in any Acura, I want it to feel like my RL - not all Acuras give me that feeling. If I sit in a Honda then I expect it not to feel like an Acura product.
I also agree that the RL being made in Japan is the reason for it to have that quality feeling but it isn't necessary. A US/Canada made Acura could easily attain the quality that Acura buyers should expect when they choose an Acura over a Honda.

IanVS

I wonder if part of the change in materials in recent years has come about because of fuel mileage regulations. Cheap, hard plastic is a lot lighter than quality materials like carpet and leather.

TampaRLX-SH

Possibly, but Honda (as several other manufacturers) are looking for more green products, both in origination materials, recycling ability and landfill impact.

Sometimes that compromises the quality or perceived quality of the materials.