I traded my '19 RDX Advance SH-AWD
#121
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Why does anyone care about what the outside of their car looks like? I mean you're sitting inside most of the time anyways who cares what design features it has on the outside.
This level of apologizing for cost cutting got Acura to where they are. I bet the bean counter was like if we save $2 on every RDX we sell the first year, you've covered my salary!!! It's behind the car anyways so the buyers will never notice! Genius! Lol
This level of apologizing for cost cutting got Acura to where they are. I bet the bean counter was like if we save $2 on every RDX we sell the first year, you've covered my salary!!! It's behind the car anyways so the buyers will never notice! Genius! Lol
I look at the outside of the vehicle every time I walk up to it to go for a drive.
#122
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I think Acura has come a long way with the new RDX. The previous gen was not much better than a Honda IMO.
They need to impart the RLX luxury into all their models.
Have you sat in a Lexus GS or LS?
#123
Suzuka Master
It’s mostly a subjective choice. I’d say fit and finish along with the design and quality of materials. Possibly comfort and interior noise level.
I think Acura has come a long way with the new RDX. The previous gen was not much better than a Honda IMO.
They need to impart the RLX luxury into all their models.
Have you sat in a Lexus GS or LS?
#124
EDIT - I forgot to mention that he was specifically talking about the new Passport, almost as if there have been additional tweaks to the ZF 9HP.
.
Last edited by Sounds; 01-16-2019 at 09:43 AM. Reason: forgot to mention...
#125
In in terms of refinement and tech it doesn’t come close to a Lexus LS, Mercedes S-class, etc. Nearly all reviews make the same point. My Acura salesman has even harsher criticisms. They can’t move them.
Have you you seen how fast the RLX depreciates?
#126
Suzuka Master
I realize the RLX doesn't sell well. It's a fine car but it sits in the middle of the premium and upper end luxury. It's too bad. The new RLX is really nice looking but they sell so few that it's a wonder they bother to make them.. There is a huge price difference between the RLX and those you mentioned, especially comparably equipped to the RLX
#127
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Acura is more sporty/aggressive near luxury IMO. Same with Infiniti. I loved my G37 but it was loud and shared some common interior parts with Nissan.
To me Lexus equals quiet comfort. They’ve tried to mitigate that with the aggressive F-Sport look. Which I personally like.
#129
Suzuka Master
I test drove a 2016 GS F-Sport. Those seats are amazing. The sheer amount of adjustments are incredible. But the RDX does not remind me of those at all. Sitting in the GS, it felt like a $50K car.
Acura is more sporty/aggressive near luxury IMO. Same with Infiniti. I loved my G37 but it was loud and shared some common interior parts with Nissan.
To me Lexus equals quiet comfort. They’ve tried to mitigate that with the aggressive F-Sport look. Which I personally like.
#130
Unregistered Member
#131
Yes, I have and while it's Acura's best attempt they sell less than 2000 per year. That means the RLX is hardly setting the tone for the rest of the brand. Most people have never SEEN one in the wild let alone been inside one. I don't even think Acura has been pushing the idea that they are luxury - I think the idea is entirely based on the idea that Toyota made a luxury brand and so people assume Honda did the same thing. The real difference is Acura sales do not justify a large R&D budget or high-end premium materials. Lexus uses superior materials compared to Toyota. Lexus builds their cars with a different mentality than does Toyota with different tolerances, etc. The result is a noticeably improved car.
It appears to me not only does Acura not go above and beyond Honda in R&D or materials or sourcing components but they appear to penny-pinch the entire process. I get it...it's hard to justify spending more on cars that do not command luxury prices/profits when there are models that only sell 2K-10K units per year.
#132
Lexus sold 2x as many vehicles as Acura last year - 298K vs 159K.
Last edited by PWMDMD; 01-16-2019 at 11:03 AM.
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Many of the Lexus models are assembled in Japan. Some say that leads to a more reliable vehicle.
It’s anecdotal but out of all the cars I’ve owned, the Japan built models had far fewer issues. 4Runner, Lancer, Highlander and G37.
My 2005 TL had suspension, brake and transmission issues.
It’s anecdotal but out of all the cars I’ve owned, the Japan built models had far fewer issues. 4Runner, Lancer, Highlander and G37.
My 2005 TL had suspension, brake and transmission issues.
#134
Even Acura admits that...luckily some buyers are convinced otherwise. Don't ruin the fantasy Jon Ikeda!!! Lol
https://www.motortrend.com/news/seve...oss-jon-ikeda/
#135
Passive aggressive remarks about the missing features people have mentioned aside....
I think the Acura brand tried for a long time to be both sporty and luxury and this blew up in their face because obviously they were neither. So what I think they are now trying to do is become a sort of Japanese Audi.
See the A8 is a nice vehicle but I personally see the Audi brand as this techy brand that is more sports leaning and appealing to younger audiences vs brands like Mercedes which is definitely more luxury leaning. But what I have realized is that in order to do both luxury AND sport, the asking price has to be higher. It's impossible to be both sporty and luxury and have a lower entry price IMO.
Therefore I disagree with what some of you are saying, I do believe Acura has picked a lane (sporty) and is trying to make up for the missing luxury by being techy.
I think the Acura brand tried for a long time to be both sporty and luxury and this blew up in their face because obviously they were neither. So what I think they are now trying to do is become a sort of Japanese Audi.
See the A8 is a nice vehicle but I personally see the Audi brand as this techy brand that is more sports leaning and appealing to younger audiences vs brands like Mercedes which is definitely more luxury leaning. But what I have realized is that in order to do both luxury AND sport, the asking price has to be higher. It's impossible to be both sporty and luxury and have a lower entry price IMO.
Therefore I disagree with what some of you are saying, I do believe Acura has picked a lane (sporty) and is trying to make up for the missing luxury by being techy.
#136
Passive aggressive remarks about the missing features people have mentioned aside....
I think the Acura brand tried for a long time to be both sporty and luxury and this blew up in their face because obviously they were neither. So what I think they are now trying to do is become a sort of Japanese Audi.
See the A8 is a nice vehicle but I personally see the Audi brand as this techy brand that is more sports leaning and appealing to younger audiences vs brands like Mercedes which is definitely more luxury leaning. But what I have realized is that in order to do both luxury AND sport, the asking price has to be higher. It's impossible to be both sporty and luxury and have a lower entry price IMO.
Therefore I disagree with what some of you are saying, I do believe Acura has picked a lane (sporty) and is trying to make up for the missing luxury by being techy.
I think the Acura brand tried for a long time to be both sporty and luxury and this blew up in their face because obviously they were neither. So what I think they are now trying to do is become a sort of Japanese Audi.
See the A8 is a nice vehicle but I personally see the Audi brand as this techy brand that is more sports leaning and appealing to younger audiences vs brands like Mercedes which is definitely more luxury leaning. But what I have realized is that in order to do both luxury AND sport, the asking price has to be higher. It's impossible to be both sporty and luxury and have a lower entry price IMO.
Therefore I disagree with what some of you are saying, I do believe Acura has picked a lane (sporty) and is trying to make up for the missing luxury by being techy.
#137
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Most of the tech stuff found in an Acura can now be found in Hyundai, Honda, Toyota etc.
The 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate I test drove had nearly everything the RDX Advance has. HUD, heated wheel, rear heated seats, rear sunshades, auto open hatch, wireless phone charging. Variable suspension is about the only thing missing. Better sound system possibly. The RDX is more luxurious in this case but the Santa Fe is $10k less.
We are reaching tech parity across the brands. A lot of the safety features have become standard now.
The 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate I test drove had nearly everything the RDX Advance has. HUD, heated wheel, rear heated seats, rear sunshades, auto open hatch, wireless phone charging. Variable suspension is about the only thing missing. Better sound system possibly. The RDX is more luxurious in this case but the Santa Fe is $10k less.
We are reaching tech parity across the brands. A lot of the safety features have become standard now.
#138
I agree...they DID pick a lane...the problem is the average consumer doesn't know it and that's the problem. Too many look at Acura expecting Lexus and are confused by findings watered-down Audi.
FWIW....my last Audi was a 2014 S5 - for the money ($68K) that was a really fun car and light years ahead of anything Honda/Acura has...except for the NSX. Now I realize that's a lot of $$ for a "sports car" that only had 333HP and I was paying an "Audi premium" but that car handled incredible well and was so well put together. If Acura wants to compete in that spacer anywhere close to that space then they need to produce better and sportier cars and to do that they need to convince buyers their cars are worth forking over 10-30K more to buy. That's the hard part...I don't see them being successful against other brands being cheap and sporty at the same time.
#139
Suzuka Master
I agree...they DID pick a lane...the problem is the average consumer doesn't know it and that's the problem. Too many look at Acura expecting Lexus and are confused by findings watered-down Audi.
FWIW....my last Audi was a 2014 S5 - for the money ($68K) that was a really fun car and light years ahead of anything Honda/Acura has...except for the NSX. Now I realize that's a lot of $$ for a "sports car" that only had 333HP and I was paying an "Audi premium" but that car handled incredible well and was so well put together. If Acura wants to compete in that spacer anywhere close to that space then they need to produce better and sportier cars and to do that they need to convince buyers their cars are worth forking over 10-30K more to buy. That's the hard part...I don't see them being successful against other brands being cheap and sporty at the same time.
FWIW....my last Audi was a 2014 S5 - for the money ($68K) that was a really fun car and light years ahead of anything Honda/Acura has...except for the NSX. Now I realize that's a lot of $$ for a "sports car" that only had 333HP and I was paying an "Audi premium" but that car handled incredible well and was so well put together. If Acura wants to compete in that spacer anywhere close to that space then they need to produce better and sportier cars and to do that they need to convince buyers their cars are worth forking over 10-30K more to buy. That's the hard part...I don't see them being successful against other brands being cheap and sporty at the same time.
Seems to me that Acura is happily selling in their segment. The MDX and RDX are quite popular and are great sellers... just saying
#141
Most of the tech stuff found in an Acura can now be found in Hyundai, Honda, Toyota etc.
The 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate I test drove had nearly everything the RDX Advance has. HUD, heated wheel, rear heated seats, rear sunshades, auto open hatch, wireless phone charging. Variable suspension is about the only thing missing. Better sound system possibly. The RDX is more luxurious in this case but the Santa Fe is $10k less.
We are reaching tech parity across the brands. A lot of the safety features have become standard now.
The 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate I test drove had nearly everything the RDX Advance has. HUD, heated wheel, rear heated seats, rear sunshades, auto open hatch, wireless phone charging. Variable suspension is about the only thing missing. Better sound system possibly. The RDX is more luxurious in this case but the Santa Fe is $10k less.
We are reaching tech parity across the brands. A lot of the safety features have become standard now.
A 18k Kia has cooled and heated seats and steering wheel, automatic driving aids, navi, backup or even surround view cameras....etc. What it doesn't have is luxury or quality.
I agree...they DID pick a lane...the problem is the average consumer doesn't know it and that's the problem. Too many look at Acura expecting Lexus and are confused by findings watered-down Audi.
FWIW....my last Audi was a 2014 S5 - for the money ($68K) that was a really fun car and light years ahead of anything Honda/Acura has...except for the NSX. Now I realize that's a lot of $$ for a "sports car" that only had 333HP and I was paying an "Audi premium" but that car handled incredible well and was so well put together. If Acura wants to compete in that spacer anywhere close to that space then they need to produce better and sportier cars and to do that they need to convince buyers their cars are worth forking over 10-30K more to buy. That's the hard part...I don't see them being successful against other brands being cheap and sporty at the same time.
FWIW....my last Audi was a 2014 S5 - for the money ($68K) that was a really fun car and light years ahead of anything Honda/Acura has...except for the NSX. Now I realize that's a lot of $$ for a "sports car" that only had 333HP and I was paying an "Audi premium" but that car handled incredible well and was so well put together. If Acura wants to compete in that spacer anywhere close to that space then they need to produce better and sportier cars and to do that they need to convince buyers their cars are worth forking over 10-30K more to buy. That's the hard part...I don't see them being successful against other brands being cheap and sporty at the same time.
Now they returned SH-AWD and showing the current RDX on a track makes sense. You can't take a soft luxury route like they did with the 2G RDX and then try and show it on a racetrack. That's what was confusing people. Hopefully they can continue to get their shit together and this rough time will be a distant memory.
I don't think Acura is trying to be on the same level as Audi or BMW, they are trying to remain a value play. So they are perfectly happy staying watered down Audi. But you are 100% correct, they need to make a compelling case for those people who can afford more than mainstream but maybe not Audi or BMW.
I think the current RDX is the FIRST Acura product in a LONG time to genuinely compete against these more expensive brands. Hopefully the next TLX and MDX follow and they decide to set the ILX on fire and let it fade away.
Last edited by RDX10; 01-16-2019 at 02:30 PM.
#142
I agree, but this is a first generation system. I-drive in BMW back in 2004 was the most awful system on earth. Now it's one of the best. I think by the time the new MDX comes out it should be vastly improved. Changes can't happen in a day right.
But that can also be said for Audi or even Mercedes and a Hyundai or Ford. The mainstream brands have become so darn good that it almost doesn't make sense to pay the extra 10-20k to go premium or luxury. Now the only difference between premium/luxury brands and mainstream brands is refinement and material quality. In the past you'd buy these luxury brands to have the latest and greatest. Now you buy them for refinement.
A 18k Kia has cooled and heated seats and steering wheel, automatic driving aids, navi, backup or even surround view cameras....etc. What it doesn't have is luxury or quality.
It takes years for a brand to change public perceptions. Look at Hyundai and Kia, they have come SO FAR and arguably produce better vehicles than Honda or Toyota and the domestics. I don't see any Acura or Honda with a 5.0 V8. I remember Acura would put out these commercials on the second generation RDX and ILX on a racetrack and it was hilarious because if you've ever driven a 2G RDX you'd realize how actually scary those things are in sporty maneuvers.
Now they returned SH-AWD and showing the current RDX on a track makes sense. You can't take a soft luxury route like they did with the 2G RDX and then try and show it on a racetrack. That's what was confusing people. Hopefully they can continue to get their shit together and this rough time will be a distant memory.
I don't think Acura is trying to be on the same level as Audi or BMW, they are trying to remain a value play. So they are perfectly happy staying watered down Audi. But you are 100% correct, they need to make a compelling case for those people who can afford more than mainstream but maybe not Audi or BMW.
I think the current RDX is the FIRST Acura product in a LONG time to genuinely compete against these more expensive brands. Hopefully the next TLX and MDX follow and they decide to set the ILX on fire and let it fade away.
But that can also be said for Audi or even Mercedes and a Hyundai or Ford. The mainstream brands have become so darn good that it almost doesn't make sense to pay the extra 10-20k to go premium or luxury. Now the only difference between premium/luxury brands and mainstream brands is refinement and material quality. In the past you'd buy these luxury brands to have the latest and greatest. Now you buy them for refinement.
A 18k Kia has cooled and heated seats and steering wheel, automatic driving aids, navi, backup or even surround view cameras....etc. What it doesn't have is luxury or quality.
It takes years for a brand to change public perceptions. Look at Hyundai and Kia, they have come SO FAR and arguably produce better vehicles than Honda or Toyota and the domestics. I don't see any Acura or Honda with a 5.0 V8. I remember Acura would put out these commercials on the second generation RDX and ILX on a racetrack and it was hilarious because if you've ever driven a 2G RDX you'd realize how actually scary those things are in sporty maneuvers.
Now they returned SH-AWD and showing the current RDX on a track makes sense. You can't take a soft luxury route like they did with the 2G RDX and then try and show it on a racetrack. That's what was confusing people. Hopefully they can continue to get their shit together and this rough time will be a distant memory.
I don't think Acura is trying to be on the same level as Audi or BMW, they are trying to remain a value play. So they are perfectly happy staying watered down Audi. But you are 100% correct, they need to make a compelling case for those people who can afford more than mainstream but maybe not Audi or BMW.
I think the current RDX is the FIRST Acura product in a LONG time to genuinely compete against these more expensive brands. Hopefully the next TLX and MDX follow and they decide to set the ILX on fire and let it fade away.
I agree with everything you've said BUT it's not like Acura is a new brand. While many car brands have come a long way (Kia, Hyundai, BWX, Audi, etc) it's the fact that Acura has existed for the entire time of their rise/improvement and they have just seemed to fall more and more behind until their most recent efforts. Time will tell if they are going to be able to turn things around but they should've never gotten this far behind.
#144
I agree with everything you've said BUT it's not like Acura is a new brand. While many car brands have come a long way (Kia, Hyundai, BWX, Audi, etc) it's the fact that Acura has existed for the entire time of their rise/improvement and they have just seemed to fall more and more behind until their most recent efforts. Time will tell if they are going to be able to turn things around but they should've never gotten this far behind.
Also Honda is fairly small compared to brands like Toyota, Ford, and VW and Acura is minuscule. They simply don't have the R&D money like Toyota does. I can't say why they waited this long to try and turn it around, but thankfully they finally are.
#146
To me, luxury means:
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
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#147
To me, luxury means:
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
#148
To me, luxury means:
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
#149
#150
To me, luxury means:
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
Don't disagree with your definition of luxury here and #7 is even a basic requirement. But I think it's unfair to ask Acura to deliver 100% of these things at a price you would want to pay for an Acura.
#151
To me, luxury means:
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
1. All the latest technology.
2. More power than you'll ever need.
3. Premium interior materials such as real metal, real wood, real carbon fiber, etc.
4. A smooth, isolated ride so that I can't feel any imperfections smaller than a speed bump.
5. Bank-vault levels of quietness. I want to hear nothing but the radio. I don't mind a slight hint of V8 engine noise, but I don't want to hear any wind or road noise
6. Flawless fit and finish.
7. Zero squeaks, rattles, buzzes, clicks, pops, creaks, hums, etc.
Acura has most of 1.
Acura is borderline with 2.
Acura has 3 down pretty good.
Acura leans more towards "sport" than "luxury" when it comes to 4, but this has long been a trend with other "luxury" brands as well.
Acura needs to work on 5, 6, and 7.
Does Acura do any of these things or are these just regular Honda lines producing Acura vehicles? I do not know the answer but that’s the sense I get...
#152
Personally, I prefer a brand that needs few to no warranty repairs from the most rude dealer in town than a brand that constantly needs repairs from a dealer that serves Japanese Kobe beef steak dinners while you wait.
This generally keeps me away from BMW, Audi, MB, and Lincoln.
#153
I buy Hondas because my goal is avoiding dealerships entirely. I perform my own maintenance and out-of-warranty repairs (and some in-warranty repairs when the cost of the parts is less than the value of my time and the risk of leaving my vehicle in the hands of a dealership exposing it to an increased risk of damage).
Personally, I prefer a brand that needs few to no warranty repairs from the most rude dealer in town than a brand that constantly needs repairs from a dealer that serves Japanese Kobe beef steak dinners while you wait.
This generally keeps me away from BMW, Audi, MB, and Lincoln.
Personally, I prefer a brand that needs few to no warranty repairs from the most rude dealer in town than a brand that constantly needs repairs from a dealer that serves Japanese Kobe beef steak dinners while you wait.
This generally keeps me away from BMW, Audi, MB, and Lincoln.
#154
I hate going back to Lexus but they are closest comparison. Does anyone know if there are any real differences between a Honda production line and an Acura production line? I’ve read and watched various things over the past 10 years about the difference between Toyota and Lexus manufacturing and there seems to be a real difference in the way the cars are made. Lexus production moves slower, there are more QC checks, more encouragement to fix things immediately without sending it to the next station, tighter tolerances, etc and I think it shows.
Does Acura do any of these things or are these just regular Honda lines producing Acura vehicles? I do not know the answer but that’s the sense I get...
"Like the first generation model, the new generation is manufactured exclusively by Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd. in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. But along with the 2007 RDX, the new MDX was the first Acura model to pass the Acura Quality Line, a special quality control and verification process separate from the other Honda vehicles."
Off the Wikipedia page for the 2G MDX.
Last edited by RDX10; 01-16-2019 at 07:01 PM.
#155
Three Wheelin'
Also, many of their tech features are not as well executed. BMW's infotainment is head and shoulders above Acura's, and from what little I have seen, Audi's is as well. With the RDX, if I'm in the middle of a phone call, I cannot check the miles to empty or the trip computer, nor do anything with navigation. Also, with the rear camera, the guidelines don't line up exactly with the car, the camera is practically useless when it's raining, and it doesn't stay on at all when moving forward (which helps alignment). I can go on and on, but I think you get the point. This type of execution is about cutting corners.
Last edited by anoop; 01-16-2019 at 07:08 PM.
#156
I can say a lot about Lexus since I've owned over ten of them. First, they're bulletproof. I've bought several with 100k+ miles w/o reservation which had no rattles or problems. The only reason I got rid of them was because of an itch to get something newer. The service experience is second to none (and I'm not talking about the food and lounges). I've had service advisors and shop foreman go out of their way to be helpful, including doing some jobs for free (or comping them). Mercedes, Audi, Acura, and BMW are way behind. Relatedly, in my area Lexus will give you an loaner for anything. Acura, BMW, and MB will not give one for oil changes or other routine service.
#157
Three Wheelin'
I only have experience with BMW, and I can safely say that the service departments I dealt with at 4 out 5 dealers was BAD. They were bad at scheduling, bad at giving out loaners, bad at updating on progress of the service, and bad at actually fixing anything that was broken. I don't think I will be buying another BMW. It was OK putting up with all sorts of problem when they were the ultimate driving machine, but since the last generation of cars that is gone, so I got fooled once, but never again!
If the UX was out at the time I bought the RDX, I would have definitely given it a try. I thought the RX was too big for me.
If the UX was out at the time I bought the RDX, I would have definitely given it a try. I thought the RX was too big for me.
#158
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Seems like Lexus/Toyota tends to wait on new engine/trans tech. My wife’s 2013 Highlander has a 5 speed auto. The 2019 NX I just purchased has a 6 speed. Nary an issue with the Highlander with 90k miles.
I’m fine with it if it means better longevity.
I’m fine with it if it means better longevity.
#160
I only have experience with BMW, and I can safely say that the service departments I dealt with at 4 out 5 dealers was BAD. They were bad at scheduling, bad at giving out loaners, bad at updating on progress of the service, and bad at actually fixing anything that was broken. I don't think I will be buying another BMW. It was OK putting up with all sorts of problem when they were the ultimate driving machine, but since the last generation of cars that is gone, so I got fooled once, but never again!
If the UX was out at the time I bought the RDX, I would have definitely given it a try. I thought the RX was too big for me.
If the UX was out at the time I bought the RDX, I would have definitely given it a try. I thought the RX was too big for me.
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irishbrahmin (01-16-2019)