There's an article in the current (May - the one that ranks the MDX #1 in their Mid-size Luxury SUV test) Car and Driver. At the beginning of the artilce, they mention the S80 is up against "well-established players BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, and Infiniti..." but no mention of Acura.

Later in the article referring to Volvo's AWD system, it states "...but unlike the more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system in the Acura RL..." and with regard to the adaptive cruise control "Unlike the more sophisticated system on Acuras and upper-crust Benzes that can automatically apply the brakes..."

When I see car ads in the paper comparing cars, the usual (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti) suspects are always noted with no mention of Acura.

Could it be that Acuras are invisible?

LL

 

Acura's technology competes as we all know, but they are not a competitor like those you mentioned in sales numbers, and ultimately, that's what counts as far as a 'competitor' is concerned.

 

Actually, it's just the RL that's invisible. The MDX, TL, and TSX are noted on a regular basis by the car mags.

 

The review on the S80 is about as critical as any one I have read in C&D. They usually have something good to say, but in this case in wasn't much. The car has no personality and no soul.

Just as well, I was thinking of test driving one, but will save the time...

BTW lland, I noticed the lack of Acura as well. It seems to happen fairly frequently or perhaps I notice it more that I am looking at RL. Strange since, teh RL placed second in C&D's test, just behind the M.

 

I think you can take it 1 of 2 ways...

1) The article is comparing V8 models (article concerns the S80 V8 awd, not the fwd V6 version). So it is comparing other competitor's V8's against the S80. Since Acura doesn't have a V8, it can't be included in this list of "established players".

2) Not taking into account whether it offers a V8 or not, the RL is not an "established player" and sales numbers clearly indicate this.

They do mention it, but where they mention it is only concerning the AWD systems.

 

The consistent lack of press is clearly impacting sales of the RL. It's really unfortunate as I've owned several Infiniti's and find the car superior in every aspect except 0-60 which I'm working on...

 

I own that magazine and I do see what your saying about the RL but they did mention it and they said that acura is better so thats something.

As far as the MDX they rated it VERY high. It got first place with 223 points and the next spot got 205. Thats a BIG jump. They really like the new MDX so they might not help RL sales but it can help acura sales. Which correct me if im wrong but its not acura in general thats doing bad just the RL (which i still dont totally understand why more people in that price range wont look at it).

 

I've only owned one problem car in my life- an S80. It was an absolute lemon. There isn't enough storage space in this post for me to detail all the problems. "lowlights":

Transmission died just after the warranty expired. Engine was replaced just before warranty expired- Volvo paid for it, but after 6 trips to the friggin' dealership. I'll stop now, my blood is beginning to boil again...........

 

Speaking of the MDX, did anyone notice that the new one is selling LESS than the old model?

 

Yes, I know this is OT, but the MDX has to be another disappointment for Acura, albeit not a big as the RL. They started in fall at full MRSP and now dealers around me have over 100 in inventory and small premiums above invoice seem to be the going rate. This segment is much more competitive now then when teh MDX was first launched. The GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook are doing very well.

Back on topic. The RL is just as safe as the S80 and should really outsell it. Go figure! However I read that the average age of the S80 buyer is 55, so maybe at that age the brand sells.

 

Maybe not as safe as the S80. This was on the CBS local morning news today.

The RL was marginal.

And yes I know we are talking about the RL and not an Accord but, makes you think.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_vi...ml?id=2650293n

http://www.iihs.org/news/2007/iihs_news_040507.pdf

 

Ignore the part about the Accord in my previous post. The RL (and TL) are marginal in rear ended accidents where the Volvo S80 is Good.

Obviously there are many other types of accidents.

 

The Volvo S80 is likely to be the RLs European build soul mate. Both are impressve vehicles in their own right, but neither are likely to stand strong against the Luxury Euro monikers.

Both the RL and Volvo tought safety and technology as the core of the engineering (moreso than the performance and luxury aspects). And even more curious is Honda's recent admission that the target Euro product they wish to emulate is Volvo and it's image for safety. It does appear, to me anyway, that Honda wants to copy Volvo's safety image and Volvo wants to copy Acura's technology image. They seem to be in symbiotic flattery.

My guess is the S80 will be the RL of Volvo. A fine vehicle, criticized for being something it is not, and underappreciated for what it really is.