I agree with Formula 350's comment that the civic and accord has low beltlines and give the impression of more window. Believe it or not, its the very reason I didn't buy an accord way back when. I didn't feel like there was much sheet metal around me or that it would be safe. We're talking circa 1988. I felt like I was in a go-cart, which, many people seem to prefer in the Honda's. I don't. Just My opinion.

I like the TL's beltline and think its visibility is just fine.

 

Did you notice the rear window is just stuck on the opening with that black adhesive? There is no trim around it. I just sits there- flush with the car body and then, as you pointed out, slopes into the trunk opening. Where else could the snow go?

It seems all cars are going the route of "design for economic". Form follows balance sheet. Body panels are stamped to butt up against light assemblies rather than having openings for them. No more trim or chrome. Big plastic parts like bumper covers that grow larger every year. Less steel; more plastic. Oh, and what's up with the aluminum craze? It's all over cars interiors. All of them. Sometimes it's just plastic painted to look like aluminum (G35). When did aluminum become a desired/precious metal? It's soft, it's cheap, it bends easily, and it's dull. It's OK to wrap a baked potato but I don't want it on my car where I can see it.

 

Sivic2k - I hope we haven't scared you off from posting on this site. :o)
Just remember to wear your Nomex!!
I agree with the beltlines. I actually like the higher beltline in my TL, feels more like a cool car.. if that makes sense. When I'm in my wife's 2000 Accord, I feel like I'm sitting "on" the car, instead of in it. Like I'm on display or something. Of course, the clear windows doesn't help. My TL is tinted.
Hey, I was only kidding about your wife on crack. The trunk comment.... ???
Haven't you guys seen the spy photos of the next gen. 3 series? Bangle has gotten his paws on it already... Pretty soon, the entire BMW line will look like each other. I actually like the new 6 series couple. Not crazy about the trunk, but the rest is nice. What the hell is Chris's obsession with that trunk lid? I think the 5 series headlight's look like they came off a Saturn L series.
Sivic-your wife says it looks like the CTS, but does she like it? Personally, I think the new TL is one of the best looking cars out there. Sure there's better. Like the Ferrari 612, etc., but we're not talking normal cars.
Makes me wonder what they'll do in four years on the TL.

 

Did you drive a 5AT, too? The ride should be just a bit softer due to its smaller anti-sway bars front and rear (vs. 6MT).

Of course, if you're dead set on the stick I guess you'll just have to learn to live with it.

 

Regardless of whether or not you think his OPINIONS (he never stated them as facts) are "ridiculous" or "distorted," it's not cool to flame the guy and his wife. C'mon, what makes you think talking about pounding her on the trunk of a car adds anything to the discussion?

I think a measure of civility is all anyone's looking for here.

 

I can at least agree with Sivic2K that the backseat of the TL can seem claustrophobic, because of the thick C pillars, raked rear glass and rear headrests. There is not much glass to look out of. Of course, I don't care, since I'm the one driving...=).

Obviously, I'm not the only one that disagrees that the TL looks nothing like the CTS, but IMHO acuraaddict went a little too far with the flaming...

 

The TL is much bigger than the old 5 series in terms of cabin space. With the new 5 i'm not so sure...But if you want to get a car for more money but neccesarily better than the TL then go get the 5

 

Agreed on the old 5. The new 5 is a bit bigger. 192.x inches long, with a longer wheelbase and slightly wider body. But I still would not want one.

 

Yeah, well I was just kidding around. I read his post at a bad time of the day and I felt like injecting a little humor into this thread.