4G Styling - Four years out
11-19-2014, 07:53 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
4G Styling - Four years out
When I bought my TL, I was sold by the driving experience and the interior comfort/features. As to the exterior, I wasn't revolted by the styling as some seem to have been, but to quote a Bruce Springsteen song, she "was no beauty, but hey, [she was] allright."
Four years later, I have come to a different view, but can't say why for sure. Now I really appreciate the look of the car. Tonight I came out of a meeting -- my car was parked head on to my approach, and it just looked so right. I always have received compliments on the car, but those seem to have increased in the last year or so too.
So who knows, maybe people (and I) are just used to the look now, maybe Acura was ahead of its time, or maybe other cars look similar. But in my view, this is a nicely styled car that still drives great and provides great comfort and features.
It's a keeper!
Four years later, I have come to a different view, but can't say why for sure. Now I really appreciate the look of the car. Tonight I came out of a meeting -- my car was parked head on to my approach, and it just looked so right. I always have received compliments on the car, but those seem to have increased in the last year or so too.
So who knows, maybe people (and I) are just used to the look now, maybe Acura was ahead of its time, or maybe other cars look similar. But in my view, this is a nicely styled car that still drives great and provides great comfort and features.
It's a keeper!
11-19-2014, 08:19 PM
#2
To me, my car still looks fresh and not dated at all.
Now, i see other brands are using some huge grilles that almost make the TL look tame lol. I agree,the TL was ahead of its time in terms of design.
Now, i see other brands are using some huge grilles that almost make the TL look tame lol. I agree,the TL was ahead of its time in terms of design.
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Nabooly (12-03-2014)
11-19-2014, 08:20 PM
#3
Racer
I feel exactly the same after 5 great years. I love looking at this car. Every time I see it from the front at a distance I think "wow, I love the look of this car". Same thing happens after I give it a good wash. I think Acura was always ahead of its time. Even if you look at a 2001 TL on the road now, it looks current and really sharp in my opinion. That is saying something about a 14 year old design.
11-19-2014, 08:35 PM
#4
Sorry to be a buzzkill but Personally I always have and likely always will find the 09-11 front grill revolting, not until I saw a 2012 on the road did I actually look twice at the car. I don't think anything in Acura's lineup is ahead of its time from a styling standpoint. For the most part Acura styling is bland IMO, not until you add wheels and a skirt package do the cars start to stand out a little.
11-19-2014, 09:22 PM
#5
I must agree that the 4G design still looks good today (except that awful 09-11 beak). The back of the 09-11 is just gorgeous, but the 12-14 front grille is better.
11-20-2014, 03:20 AM
#6
10th Gear
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11-20-2014, 09:17 AM
#8
When I bought my 12, I was a bit worried whether the styling will grow on me or not. Now that I have had my car for over 2 years, I look at the car and see nothing but beauty... and my car is pretty much stock.
11-20-2014, 10:00 AM
#9
The Original Shawdy
i just can't get over those ginormous rear reflectors on the 09-11 models.
11-20-2014, 10:30 AM
#10
CTSV,TL, Audi Q7 & A5SB
What I have always liked about the 4G was that it didn't look like anything else on the road. It definitely never blended in with all those plain looking sedans.. It definitely stands out
11-20-2014, 10:35 AM
#11
Soon after i got my 2010, my friend's started saying it was growing on them and then i started to like it a bit more.
09-11 front, less ugly now, not the prettiest still. Rear, love it.
12-14 front, much better. Rear, not as good as the 09-11
I don't like the giant bumper reflectors on the 09-11, but i may stick LED's behind there for rear fog. I've seen that done on here before.
09-11 front, less ugly now, not the prettiest still. Rear, love it.
12-14 front, much better. Rear, not as good as the 09-11
I don't like the giant bumper reflectors on the 09-11, but i may stick LED's behind there for rear fog. I've seen that done on here before.
11-20-2014, 11:40 AM
#12
Plus they should've kept the wheels from the 09-11 Sh-AWD model. Those have got to be the best stock Acura wheels ever.
Last edited by MisterZDX; 11-20-2014 at 11:42 AM.
11-20-2014, 03:20 PM
#14
The Original Shawdy
Lol. They both look nice with the kit. The 09-11 front lip compliments the back and the 12-14 front compliments the rear. I don't it would flow smoothly to use the 12+ front and 09 rear. Better to have shoulder pads then no pads hahaha. My personal opinion. It's all or nothing deal for me. I love how the 09+ with the kit look and the 12+ kit. When I had my tsx the lip kits always flowed really nice no matter the year minus having to change the rear bumper but i traded my 04 bumper and lip for a 06 bumper and cash. Bought my lip with the cash onto. Worked out well.
Last edited by carbonTSEX; 11-20-2014 at 03:22 PM.
11-20-2014, 04:16 PM
#15
I have always liked the 4G styling, although I feel very fortunate that I was in the market after the 2012 refresh. Like many others, I had a bit of a hard time with the profile of the 09 to 11 beak.
The 4G had a really bold stance that, when properly attired with appropriately sized wheels and the tail spoiler, looks pretty unique on the road. I absolutely love the 4G tail!
By the way, I thought the beak of the last-gen RDX (2010 to 2012) was probably the most grotesque application of the 09-11 TL beak. Because of the that beak, I have a hard time even looking at that RDX!
The 4G had a really bold stance that, when properly attired with appropriately sized wheels and the tail spoiler, looks pretty unique on the road. I absolutely love the 4G tail!
By the way, I thought the beak of the last-gen RDX (2010 to 2012) was probably the most grotesque application of the 09-11 TL beak. Because of the that beak, I have a hard time even looking at that RDX!
11-20-2014, 06:18 PM
#16
Keeping TL until 2029
I have a 2009 with a kit and it looks great. I have considered, if I crashed the front (hopefully not), I would change it to a 2012 front but that wouldn't be right.
Another option is to go for the OEM midnight grill that was on A-SPEC in Canada. I have noticed that the current Honda Accord has a nice midnight chrome grill.
11-20-2014, 06:21 PM
#17
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11-20-2014, 07:28 PM
#18
So true. The whole front end of the 10-12 RDX is just atrocious. I also feel like the original beak looked out of place on the 10-12 ZDX, which is why I bought the '13 (I even passed on a '12 Advance because I wanted the new beak. Although I wish my '13 had IDS, Adaptive cruise, collision mitigation breaking system, and an alcantara headliner)
Last edited by MisterZDX; 11-20-2014 at 07:32 PM.
11-20-2014, 07:36 PM
#19
11-21-2014, 06:44 AM
#21
That's the first time I've heard anyone say that - I thought it was just me who loves the 2010 Tech rims. My fav by far. I would have settled for an 11, 12 or 13 6MT when I was looking (nearly impossible to find), but part of my hoped I'd end up with a (white) 2010. This car was made for me!
11-21-2014, 10:29 AM
#24
The supposed "uglyness" of the 4G is one of the biggest false truth (or better say false myth) in the automotive world in recent times.
I received nothing but compliments about my TL, even years after my purchase....the only place where it seems is "ugly" is the internet and few journalists second opinion (for example C&D 180 degree opinion change about the style of the car is hilarious)
The style is really standout (with some sprinkle of Cadillac design like the pointed ends) and I prefer much more the original 09-11 design rather than the rushed "please the vanilla, me-too drivers" 2012 restyle where at least they did not screw up too much.
Too bad Acura chickened out...if you offer me right now the key for a spanking new 4G (especially the 09-11 vintage) or a brand new TLX.....well you really need to ask??
I received nothing but compliments about my TL, even years after my purchase....the only place where it seems is "ugly" is the internet and few journalists second opinion (for example C&D 180 degree opinion change about the style of the car is hilarious)
The style is really standout (with some sprinkle of Cadillac design like the pointed ends) and I prefer much more the original 09-11 design rather than the rushed "please the vanilla, me-too drivers" 2012 restyle where at least they did not screw up too much.
Too bad Acura chickened out...if you offer me right now the key for a spanking new 4G (especially the 09-11 vintage) or a brand new TLX.....well you really need to ask??
Last edited by saturno_v; 11-21-2014 at 10:31 AM.
11-21-2014, 11:01 AM
#25
If Acura had a beak problem even here on an Acura fansite, as evident by those who avoided the pre-MMC beak, it shows that standing out is really double-edged sword that can cut both ways.
In the end, I like the design of the entire generation of 4G TLs, but the 2012 refresh made it even easier to like.
11-21-2014, 02:32 PM
#26
The 09-11 front end certainly is distinctive and has character. As a product, the problem is that it offended as much as it pleased. Unfortunately, for Acura, a dollar from a passionate fan does not make up for the dollar not spent by an unnecessarily revolted customer.
If Acura had a beak problem even here on an Acura fansite, as evident by those who avoided the pre-MMC beak, it shows that standing out is really double-edged sword that can cut both ways.
In the end, I like the design of the entire generation of 4G TLs, but the 2012 refresh made it even easier to like.
If Acura had a beak problem even here on an Acura fansite, as evident by those who avoided the pre-MMC beak, it shows that standing out is really double-edged sword that can cut both ways.
In the end, I like the design of the entire generation of 4G TLs, but the 2012 refresh made it even easier to like.
I think overall Acura has a brand strength problem.....it cannot build too originally styled cars because it does not have the brand "persuasion power" even among the supposed "fans" (which many are just value buyers).
Cute cars yes (the 3G was very cute) but within the parameter of what is acceptable and "aligned", it cannot stray too much from mainstream.
Being ugly like a punch in the face and whaleish ill proportioned, something basically officially recognized even from the CEO of the company which has promised to do a better job with the new generation, has not prevented the Porsche Panamera to sell like hotcake.....brand power and different demographics...Can you imagine the laughing from here to the moon if the Panamera was built by Hyundai??
Remember the initial revolt for the E60 BMW 5 Series design?? The famous joke "Do you know what BMW acronym is in German??" "Bangle Must Go"...guess what, it was the most successful 5 Series ever and BMW did not blink....again, brand power.
Cadillac on the other side had nothing to lose and it had to be different .....now, years later, its slab angular design language (somewhat similar to the 4G) has its fans.
Last edited by saturno_v; 11-21-2014 at 02:39 PM.
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Terragotti (11-21-2014)
11-22-2014, 12:08 PM
#27
I may be in the market for a 4G TL. I like the look of the 2012 makeover model. The 2010 ? Not so much. I'm debating whether or not I can deal with an Auto. I have to drive one and see. I realllly like this car in Silver. Black is beautiful as well, but I know I would hate trying to keep it clean. I love my TL-S manual, but I think the SH-AWD would serve me well in my area. Btw on my 2011 mdx I think the "beak" looks fantastic.
11-22-2014, 04:05 PM
#28
Drifting
Thread Starter
^^ Try the MT/SHAWD combo. It's a pretty nice pairing.
11-22-2014, 04:25 PM
#29
Excellent thread because this exact topic has been on my mind lately. Like some I did not care much for the 4th gen styling but it has really grown on me. I think it was ahead of its time.
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JM2010 SH-AWD (11-22-2014)
11-23-2014, 08:34 PM
#30
AZ Community Team
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Great thread!!!
I have a 2010 Sh-AWD A Spec - I love the car and honestly it looks much better than 2012-2014.
The body kit with those exhausts accents look amazing. If you pay attention to a 2010 G35/37, IS250 and TL, you will notice that the TL still looks amazing. The 4thG came a head of its time.
It looks aggressive and sharp.
I have a 2010 Sh-AWD A Spec - I love the car and honestly it looks much better than 2012-2014.
The body kit with those exhausts accents look amazing. If you pay attention to a 2010 G35/37, IS250 and TL, you will notice that the TL still looks amazing. The 4thG came a head of its time.
It looks aggressive and sharp.
11-25-2014, 08:06 AM
#31
I've said this before, I think only the white actually looks good with the original grill (no offense to the others). With black there is just way too much contrast.
11-25-2014, 08:11 AM
#32
I think overall Acura has a brand strength problem.....it cannot build too originally styled cars because it does not have the brand "persuasion power" even among the supposed "fans" (which many are just value buyers).
Cute cars yes (the 3G was very cute) but within the parameter of what is acceptable and "aligned", it cannot stray too much from mainstream.
Being ugly like a punch in the face and whaleish ill proportioned, something basically officially recognized even from the CEO of the company which has promised to do a better job with the new generation, has not prevented the Porsche Panamera to sell like hotcake.....brand power and different demographics...Can you imagine the laughing from here to the moon if the Panamera was built by Hyundai??
Remember the initial revolt for the E60 BMW 5 Series design?? The famous joke "Do you know what BMW acronym is in German??" "Bangle Must Go"...guess what, it was the most successful 5 Series ever and BMW did not blink....again, brand power.
Cadillac on the other side had nothing to lose and it had to be different .....now, years later, its slab angular design language (somewhat similar to the 4G) has its fans.
Cute cars yes (the 3G was very cute) but within the parameter of what is acceptable and "aligned", it cannot stray too much from mainstream.
Being ugly like a punch in the face and whaleish ill proportioned, something basically officially recognized even from the CEO of the company which has promised to do a better job with the new generation, has not prevented the Porsche Panamera to sell like hotcake.....brand power and different demographics...Can you imagine the laughing from here to the moon if the Panamera was built by Hyundai??
Remember the initial revolt for the E60 BMW 5 Series design?? The famous joke "Do you know what BMW acronym is in German??" "Bangle Must Go"...guess what, it was the most successful 5 Series ever and BMW did not blink....again, brand power.
Cadillac on the other side had nothing to lose and it had to be different .....now, years later, its slab angular design language (somewhat similar to the 4G) has its fans.
I don't think my next car will be Acura unfortunately
11-25-2014, 11:42 AM
#33
So true. I've always felt like the TLX exterior styling should've been the 4G TL (it is a true evolution of the 3G) and the 4G styling should've debuted this year as the TLX. Imagine the aggressive 4G with the new grille, jewel eye LEDS, and all the updated tech the TLX now has. Sounds like a winner for Acura.
11-25-2014, 04:48 PM
#36
Only thing I would change about my 2012 is bi-xenon on the front and clear tail lights on the rear like the 09-11. The full red tint on the tails do not look as nice as the clear tails.
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silverTL6 (11-25-2014)
11-26-2014, 06:08 PM
#38
Sorry to be a buzzkill but Personally I always have and likely always will find the 09-11 front grill revolting, not until I saw a 2012 on the road did I actually look twice at the car. I don't think anything in Acura's lineup is ahead of its time from a styling standpoint. For the most part Acura styling is bland IMO, not until you add wheels and a skirt package do the cars start to stand out a little.
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Midnight Mystery (10-05-2022)
