View Poll Results: Do you like the exterior design of the 2009 TL?
Yes
626
28.22%
No
1,220
55.00%
Will have to see in person
372
16.77%
Voters: 2218. You may not vote on this poll
Do you like the exterior design of the 4G TL?
#521
Still waiting for the TL fix
Nah, I didn't care for the TSX V6. There is an example of just dumping a much bigger/heavier engine into a already established design. The ride got so ridiculous firm/bumpy in the V6 that I almost threw up. I personally like the TSX I4. I would get a I4 tech TSX if I was getting a TSX. I think your better off getting the V6 in the TL. The TL was meant for the V6. Personally, the TSX is too small for my taste and the TL is too big. That is the really dilemna. You see my 08 TL is 189 inches long, which is just perfect for me. Acura now has nothing that is 187-193 inches long, which is the length I look for in a car. I hope they either enlarge the TSX or shrink the TL a little to get into this length area. I don't care which one they do it too as long as its done. I don't know how long the new TSX wagon is going to be but I wouldn't be caught dead in a station wagon.
I have been budgeted for over a year to replace my TL but have resorted to looking at Mercedes and Lexus. I am not sure I can wait for the mid-model fix if it is even coming.
I have owned 3 Preludes 84, 88, 00, a 94 Accord and 04 TL. My 04 TL with Nav is my favorite. I was so disappointed when I went to update to this years model in December. Honda did the same thing to the Prelude. Took a perfect car and blew it up to a big car. By the time they fixed it they had lost the customers. The TL size, Nose and “Cadillac” rear is all big turn offs. Then Honda moved the Nav into the dash taking away the intuitive touch screen. I was told the people didn’t like the finger prints. Does Apple know something Honda doesn’t? Maybe they should take a lesson from the IPad. I even saw a mod online where someone put the IPad into the dash of a car. Does Honda even talk to it’s customers that loved the lines and features? I am even now looking for an 08 with the options I want, move to the competition or wait to see if Honda comes to its senses and fix this mess. I am so disappointed in Honda.
#522
It's obvious that many people think this car is ugly, tons of posts, aftermarket grills, polls etc, low sales etc. I haven't seen as much posting since the transmissions were going bad in the second gen cars. I thought that the car was ugly too but I got a great deal on my 2010 that made it almost impossible to pass up.
I bought the 2010 a week ago and thought it was awful but loved the technology and the car drives better than the 4 3rd gen cars that I have owned, I still have a 2007 plus the 2010.
If you really hate the car there's a couple of ways out , buy a Ron Jon grill and make it look like a Chevrolet or simply have the grill painted. Those 2 options will get rid of the grill problem and probably reduce the value of your TL.
Over the past week I have started to become accustomed to the grill and my opinion is changing. I think the car is elegant and the electronics in the tech model are out of this world. For whatever reason that someone doesn't like the exterior, the interior and technology make up for it tenfold.
My initial plan was to let my wife drive the 2010 and I would keep driving my 07TL but after a week, SCREW THAT!!! I'm driving the 2010 and my wife is enjoying the 07.
I'm a pilot and enjoy technology in aircraft and cars, for me you cant beat the 2010.It's a beautiful well designed Acura.
I bought the 2010 a week ago and thought it was awful but loved the technology and the car drives better than the 4 3rd gen cars that I have owned, I still have a 2007 plus the 2010.
If you really hate the car there's a couple of ways out , buy a Ron Jon grill and make it look like a Chevrolet or simply have the grill painted. Those 2 options will get rid of the grill problem and probably reduce the value of your TL.
Over the past week I have started to become accustomed to the grill and my opinion is changing. I think the car is elegant and the electronics in the tech model are out of this world. For whatever reason that someone doesn't like the exterior, the interior and technology make up for it tenfold.
My initial plan was to let my wife drive the 2010 and I would keep driving my 07TL but after a week, SCREW THAT!!! I'm driving the 2010 and my wife is enjoying the 07.
I'm a pilot and enjoy technology in aircraft and cars, for me you cant beat the 2010.It's a beautiful well designed Acura.
#523
Reminds me of a "6000 SUX" from Robo Cop
Words Can't Describe my dissapointment in Acura in regards to the styling of this vehicle. I've owned 1 Honda 2 Acuras, and I feel they Acura have alienated their repeat buyers. This was confirmed when I asked an Acura rep @ the NY Int. Autoshow WHY would they do this to us. Over the years they have remained relativley consistant. What they were doing retained customers. First she tried to convince me that focus group members loved the design. Then she said they wanted to go after a DIFFERENT set of consumers in the market. I said well you are alienating the people that buys these cars, current Honda and Acura owners. We Do Not like this car. Is Acura willing to loose current repeat customers in order to go after a different class of customer. SHE SAID.... YES!!!! Id like to believe she said it to get me away from her. Because every word that came out of her praising the cars design pissed me off!
That being said, I have decided to hold on to my current TSX until Acura gets there act together. If anything happens to it in the interim (stolen, accident, etc.), For the first time in my life I will be forced to purchase my first non Honda product.
I Hope Honda is listening.....WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO BUY YOUR CARS..... FIX YOUR PRODUCT LINE, Nobody likes thos HIDEOUS grills they are ugly,get rid of them.
That being said, I have decided to hold on to my current TSX until Acura gets there act together. If anything happens to it in the interim (stolen, accident, etc.), For the first time in my life I will be forced to purchase my first non Honda product.
I Hope Honda is listening.....WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO BUY YOUR CARS..... FIX YOUR PRODUCT LINE, Nobody likes thos HIDEOUS grills they are ugly,get rid of them.
#524
why r some of you guys quick to turn to the technology of this vehicle in lieu of the styling? to be quite honest Acura isnt doing diddly squat on the technology front. The competitors offers the same if not more...like Infiniti. The car is straight up ugly. The current Acura lineup is uninspiring & lacks emotion. I must say that Acura are safe as hell though.
#525
Uninspiring and lacks emotion? Uninspiring and emotionless would be the G or 3 series...when model changes just make slight curves and little difference in headlight/taillights. One thing I have appreciated about Acura is each time they change the body style of the TL, it's a major change...a whole new look.
If you took someone who had no idea about what car is what, I'm sure they can group the BMW 3's (since the 90's) and Infiniti's G class together, while questioning if any of the 4 generations of the TL were the same model.
If you took someone who had no idea about what car is what, I'm sure they can group the BMW 3's (since the 90's) and Infiniti's G class together, while questioning if any of the 4 generations of the TL were the same model.
#526
Uninspiring and lacks emotion? Uninspiring and emotionless would be the G or 3 series...when model changes just make slight curves and little difference in headlight/taillights. One thing I have appreciated about Acura is each time they change the body style of the TL, it's a major change...a whole new look.
If you took someone who had no idea about what car is what, I'm sure they can group the BMW 3's (since the 90's) and Infiniti's G class together, while questioning if any of the 4 generations of the TL were the same model.
If you took someone who had no idea about what car is what, I'm sure they can group the BMW 3's (since the 90's) and Infiniti's G class together, while questioning if any of the 4 generations of the TL were the same model.
The BMW 3 series is good example of how a vehicle evolves in design. Looking back to the early 90's up to now, each generation still looks pretty good.
#527
That's the problem. If it aint broke why fix it? The changes are so substantial in my opinion. I cant see why Acura didnt let the design of the TL evolve.
The BMW 3 series is good example of how a vehicle evolves in design. Looking back to the early 90's up to now, each generation still looks pretty good.
The BMW 3 series is good example of how a vehicle evolves in design. Looking back to the early 90's up to now, each generation still looks pretty good.
They are trying to go upmarket on their cars, it can't happen overnight, and they need to ease into it. Their target market on their 3G is different than the 4G.
Someone above said that they were alienating their repeat buyers with this design change... Do you really think they care? This is a business, and if they can make more money by going upmarket and pissing off the bottom tier, who cares... their goal it to make money and evolve their brand into a more upmarket group... pure and simple.
And to say that "nobody" likes the grilles... seriously? It's a polarizing grille, but when people say crap like that they sound like a whining kid. Car companies are not families, they don't care about you. If you don't like the design, there are many other car companies out there willing to take your money.
#528
That's the problem. If it aint broke why fix it? The changes are so substantial in my opinion. I cant see why Acura didnt let the design of the TL evolve.
The BMW 3 series is good example of how a vehicle evolves in design. Looking back to the early 90's up to now, each generation still looks pretty good.
The BMW 3 series is good example of how a vehicle evolves in design. Looking back to the early 90's up to now, each generation still looks pretty good.
#529
When has Acura or Honda ever let a design evolve. Think about the 2nd Gen TL to the 3rd. Totally different designs, and many people hated the 3G when it first came out. Look at ever generation of the Accord or Civic... same thing.
They are trying to go upmarket on their cars, it can't happen overnight, and they need to ease into it. Their target market on their 3G is different than the 4G.
Someone above said that they were alienating their repeat buyers with this design change... Do you really think they care? This is a business, and if they can make more money by going upmarket and pissing off the bottom tier, who cares... their goal it to make money and evolve their brand into a more upmarket group... pure and simple.
And to say that "nobody" likes the grilles... seriously? It's a polarizing grille, but when people say crap like that they sound like a whining kid. Car companies are not families, they don't care about you. If you don't like the design, there are many other car companies out there willing to take your money.
They are trying to go upmarket on their cars, it can't happen overnight, and they need to ease into it. Their target market on their 3G is different than the 4G.
Someone above said that they were alienating their repeat buyers with this design change... Do you really think they care? This is a business, and if they can make more money by going upmarket and pissing off the bottom tier, who cares... their goal it to make money and evolve their brand into a more upmarket group... pure and simple.
And to say that "nobody" likes the grilles... seriously? It's a polarizing grille, but when people say crap like that they sound like a whining kid. Car companies are not families, they don't care about you. If you don't like the design, there are many other car companies out there willing to take your money.
#530
I find the design artistic...very sexy. When I saw the first photos I found them interesting. I took my 2009 to 3 paint shops to get estimates on having my hubs and calibers painted and all three shop owners were wowed at the daring design. 2 said they were heading to the dealer for a test drive. I had a 2G 3.2 CL before this TL felt the 3G designs to plain and dull for me, but they grew on me.
#531
My friend works at Acura and he told me the design on the TL is acutally inspired from modern architecture. The body lines are made to add a sex appeal from any angle.
All in all, I am completely in love with my new TL. From the inside out, top to bottom. Dollar for Dollar, pound for pound there is nothing better.
All in all, I am completely in love with my new TL. From the inside out, top to bottom. Dollar for Dollar, pound for pound there is nothing better.
#533
Just purchased a TL-AWD M/T last weekend. First saw a 4G TL and thought my gawd that is sure butt ugly. Was more in the market for a RL Tech. Had an opportunity to test drive an RL loaner for a couple days. Then I drove a TL-FWD loaner for a couple days- both nice vehicles but still not quite there in my estimation for my driving experience (had a 2007 RDX)....
Bottom line: Looked at Lexus and Infinity. Came back to Acura again when I took my RDX in for service. Drove the 6sp MT and it was love at first sight. I think Acura rolled the dice and challenged us away the cookie cutter mold body style - after all do you really want to drive something that resembles all the cars in the neighborhood? And yes the body style is growing on me....now the ZDX, thats another story...
Bottom line: Looked at Lexus and Infinity. Came back to Acura again when I took my RDX in for service. Drove the 6sp MT and it was love at first sight. I think Acura rolled the dice and challenged us away the cookie cutter mold body style - after all do you really want to drive something that resembles all the cars in the neighborhood? And yes the body style is growing on me....now the ZDX, thats another story...
#536
After going back and forth with the grill opinion, to be completely honest, I still can't get used to the big angular grill. It looks better to me now and if you look at this thread from start to finish, the are more positive remarks about the grill as of late.
I bought a ronjon A-bar grill and the car is at the body shop tonight and I will pick up with the RJ grill installed tomorrow. Here are the reasons I did the mod.
Tons of controversy about the grill, this long thread is an example, dealers painting the grills to get people to buy cars and grumbling about the design. My wife thinks it's ugly and, she married me (I look worse than the grill). To sum it up, after 2 years people haven't accepted the design.
I'll pick my car up tomorrow and hope it looks like Petec's but I told the body shop guys not to put a scratch on the original "beak". If the beak starts looking good later, I'll just change it back.
I bought a ronjon A-bar grill and the car is at the body shop tonight and I will pick up with the RJ grill installed tomorrow. Here are the reasons I did the mod.
Tons of controversy about the grill, this long thread is an example, dealers painting the grills to get people to buy cars and grumbling about the design. My wife thinks it's ugly and, she married me (I look worse than the grill). To sum it up, after 2 years people haven't accepted the design.
I'll pick my car up tomorrow and hope it looks like Petec's but I told the body shop guys not to put a scratch on the original "beak". If the beak starts looking good later, I'll just change it back.
Last edited by jazzpicker; 05-20-2010 at 02:02 AM.
#537
My friend works at Acura and he told me the design on the TL is acutally inspired from modern architecture. The body lines are made to add a sex appeal from any angle.
All in all, I am completely in love with my new TL. From the inside out, top to bottom. Dollar for Dollar, pound for pound there is nothing better.
All in all, I am completely in love with my new TL. From the inside out, top to bottom. Dollar for Dollar, pound for pound there is nothing better.
I picked up the first A-Spec here in Toronto.... loving every second of it..
#538
After going back and forth with the grill opinion, to be completely honest, I still can't get used to the big angular grill. It looks better to me now and if you look at this thread from start to finish, the are more positive remarks about the grill as of late.
I bought a ronjon A-bar grill and the car is at the body shop tonight and I will pick up with the RJ grill installed tomorrow. Here are the reasons I did the mod.
Tons of controversy about the grill, this long thread is an example, dealers painting the grills to get people to buy cars and grumbling about the design. My wife thinks it's ugly and, she married me (I look worse than the grill). To sum it up, after 2 years people haven't accepted the design.
I'll pick my car up tomorrow and hope it looks like Petec's but I told the body shop guys not to put a scratch on the original "beak". If the beak starts looking good later, I'll just change it back.
I bought a ronjon A-bar grill and the car is at the body shop tonight and I will pick up with the RJ grill installed tomorrow. Here are the reasons I did the mod.
Tons of controversy about the grill, this long thread is an example, dealers painting the grills to get people to buy cars and grumbling about the design. My wife thinks it's ugly and, she married me (I look worse than the grill). To sum it up, after 2 years people haven't accepted the design.
I'll pick my car up tomorrow and hope it looks like Petec's but I told the body shop guys not to put a scratch on the original "beak". If the beak starts looking good later, I'll just change it back.
#539
the fascia
I dont like front fascia and rear fascia (the center beak and grill drooling forward...) but I like the TSX styling very much...hope they change the TL styling atleast to the TSX one's if not totally out of their design language...
#540
#541
#542
It's been a while since i posted on here but IMHO.
I feel the same way about my 4g tl as i did with my 2005 bmw 5 series.
I did not like my 5 series design at first but bought it for other reasons. After a while i ended up loving the design and re-leased a 08 550. I remember when I first got my 05 many critics and magazines said very negative things about the design of the new 5 series pretty much like this new 4G TL. In the end I think the 5 series changed the way cars look and many auto makers copied the design to some degree.
I hope Acura gives the 4g TL a full cycle to see what people think of it. I think people will end up loving the design in a coulple of years and Acura designers would have created the new automobile design trend as bmw did with the 5 series. I am proud Acura has taken this approach to the new TL and am happy I can be a part of the change. IMHO.
I feel the same way about my 4g tl as i did with my 2005 bmw 5 series.
I did not like my 5 series design at first but bought it for other reasons. After a while i ended up loving the design and re-leased a 08 550. I remember when I first got my 05 many critics and magazines said very negative things about the design of the new 5 series pretty much like this new 4G TL. In the end I think the 5 series changed the way cars look and many auto makers copied the design to some degree.
I hope Acura gives the 4g TL a full cycle to see what people think of it. I think people will end up loving the design in a coulple of years and Acura designers would have created the new automobile design trend as bmw did with the 5 series. I am proud Acura has taken this approach to the new TL and am happy I can be a part of the change. IMHO.
#543
Just traded my 3G for a 4G (SH-AWD w/Tech). The looks are much different than the 3G and very different from many other cars on the road. It definitly grows on you and when you combine it with the ride, handling, comfort and technology it is a great car for the money.
#544
The tech package is insane in this car. There is so much to learn and get used to.
#545
Your SO RIGHT!!!
My friend works at Acura and he told me the design on the TL is acutally inspired from modern architecture. The body lines are made to add a sex appeal from any angle.
All in all, I am completely in love with my new TL. From the inside out, top to bottom. Dollar for Dollar, pound for pound there is nothing better.
All in all, I am completely in love with my new TL. From the inside out, top to bottom. Dollar for Dollar, pound for pound there is nothing better.
#546
I just got a 2010 TL this past weekend. I had a 2006 TL until a few years ago, when I briefly left the Acura family, which I loved. When the 2009 TL first came out, I saw it as an enormous step backwards. It's funny how one's taste in design aesthetic can change so dramatically, but the car has grown on me. I'd have to say now I think it's pretty damn sexy.
Of course, it HAS to be in black. In black, it reminds me of a tuxedo... elegant, tasteful and somehow "rich" looking. All other colors < black.
Of course, it HAS to be in black. In black, it reminds me of a tuxedo... elegant, tasteful and somehow "rich" looking. All other colors < black.
#547
Consider getting it with the (currently) optional sports grill which gives you a faux chrome look. In any color, I think it takes away the cheaper look of the high gloss silver painted pieces. If nothing else, I suggest swapping out that back trim piece under the trunk lid with the optional chrome version. Im guessing that will be the standard finish with the 2012 refresh this spring.
#548
Been in a 2010 TL SH-AWD for a week now and I am really enjoying the experience. Like so many, I had concerns about the nose but the more I live with the car, it matters less each day. Of course if there was a compelling fix, I would jump at it but right now I am happy to live with it. The color is an important factor I think. Especially in CBP with body-kit and 19" wheels, it looks completed and purposeful.
Also worth noting that most of the pictures I have seen of the TL grill seems to have been taken with a wide angel lens which makes the grill look bigger.
I'm glad I made the jump into the TL. Enjoying the experience very much.
Also worth noting that most of the pictures I have seen of the TL grill seems to have been taken with a wide angel lens which makes the grill look bigger.
I'm glad I made the jump into the TL. Enjoying the experience very much.
#549
3 Lines are a CHARM!!!
Been in a 2010 TL SH-AWD for a week now and I am really enjoying the experience. Like so many, I had concerns about the nose but the more I live with the car, it matters less each day. Also worth noting that most of the pictures I have seen of the TL grill seems to have been taken with a wide angel lens which makes the grill look bigger. I'm glad I made the jump into the TL. Enjoying the experience very much.
#551
Thanks for the welcome. I feel that the TL is the biggest secret that Acura has. Everyone I have shown my TL has only had positive things to say. Even the guy who detailed my car kept walking around the car in amazement. He thought it was beautiful. And he is used to seeing high-end cars like Audio R8, Ferrari's and Aston Martins. The blend of the shape and angles in the TL make a very unique viewing experience. But as always it will have its critics as well as its fans. Ultimately the ownership experience is where it counts. I am sure owning a BMW, MB, Infiniti or Lexus has its moments but I've always enjoyed owning something slightly more special that is different from the mainstream (my previous ride was a S2000). And so for me, the current TL is perfect and I can't wait to get into it every morning. Going to work has taken a new dimension. Unfortunately the freeway drive to work doesn't allow me to experience the full extent of the TL's handing dynamics. Good thing that the inside is a nice place to spend your early mornings!
#552
I hear you loud and clear. San Diego freeways are not all that bad, and at times I hit 85 MPH to get out of the way of some crazy drivers or trucks. Then I slow down real fast! My 9500ix Radar Detector helps me out at times! I have has mine since February, 4780 miles, several long 5 hour trips, and every day is a new experience. Just updated my GRACENOTE Audio Data Base, and it fixed 4 of my Cd's that it did not recognize before.
#553
Before I made the decision between TL and G37, my mind headed more to the G37 because I want to try something different than Acura. I am currently owning a 07 MDX . After a trip to Infiniti dealer to check out the G37, My wife and I stopped by Acura dealer one block away and tried out the TL. Honestly, when I first saw the CBP TL in the show room, I felt in love with that car right away, and I told my wife that we are not going back to Infiniti dealer. We drove that Black TL home that evening. One more interested thing is NO ONE in our town has 4G TL, so wherever we went, people just looked at our car and said: "What a sexy, beautiful car you have!"
#555
I'm close to pulling the trigger on a 2010 TL. I love the interior and the exterior, except for the nose. It has grown on me the more I look at it but I'm still looking at different options. I like how the stock nose that's painted to match the body looks. The RJ nose would be my first choice but some of the photos make it look like it doesn't align with the hood quite right.
It's tough. When my wife and I first saw the 2007 RDX sitting on the lot we knew immediately that we wanted it. I wish that I got that same feeling from the TL.
It's tough. When my wife and I first saw the 2007 RDX sitting on the lot we knew immediately that we wanted it. I wish that I got that same feeling from the TL.
#556
I'm close to pulling the trigger on a 2010 TL. I love the interior and the exterior, except for the nose. It has grown on me the more I look at it but I'm still looking at different options. I like how the stock nose that's painted to match the body looks. The RJ nose would be my first choice but some of the photos make it look like it doesn't align with the hood quite right.
It's tough. When my wife and I first saw the 2007 RDX sitting on the lot we knew immediately that we wanted it. I wish that I got that same feeling from the TL.
It's tough. When my wife and I first saw the 2007 RDX sitting on the lot we knew immediately that we wanted it. I wish that I got that same feeling from the TL.
The RJ grill on my car fits perfectly and looks great. IMHO is the best of all modding options. RJ has resolved the fitting issues that may have been present earlier. I good body shop is the key to a great result. Call RJ and ask questions if you are concerned, Rondog is very helpful.
I bought a used OEM grill on the forum so I could have one to paint if I ever decide to go that route while keeping the original grill to use if I ever I sell the car. Sometimes modifications can decrease the value of a car.
Before doing anything keep the stock grill and try to live with it, they have strange way of looking better over time. I think they look great
Whatever you decide to do the 2010 with the tech package is an amazing car that you will find to be a pleasure to own and drive. The grill is a very small part of a great car and there many easy options to change it.
#557
Before doing anything keep the stock grill and try to live with it, they have strange way of looking better over time. I think they look great
Whatever you decide to do the 2010 with the tech package is an amazing car that you will find to be a pleasure to own and drive. The grill is a very small part of a great car and there many easy options to change it.
Whatever you decide to do the 2010 with the tech package is an amazing car that you will find to be a pleasure to own and drive. The grill is a very small part of a great car and there many easy options to change it.
#558
I'm close to pulling the trigger on a 2010 TL. I love the interior and the exterior, except for the nose. It has grown on me the more I look at it but I'm still looking at different options. I like how the stock nose that's painted to match the body looks. The RAJ nose would be my first choice but some of the photos make it look like it doesn't align with the hood quite right.
It's tough. When my wife and I first saw the 2007 RSX sitting on the lot we knew immediately that we wanted it. I wish that I got that same feeling from the TL.
It's tough. When my wife and I first saw the 2007 RSX sitting on the lot we knew immediately that we wanted it. I wish that I got that same feeling from the TL.
#559
I really want to go black with the tan interior. I went and looked around the lot of my local dealer and they didn't have any sitting around. I'm guessing it will be difficult to find one.
I also wanted to see what the 2011 looked like before I pulled the trigger but I might not have time.
I also wanted to see what the 2011 looked like before I pulled the trigger but I might not have time.
#560
4g is really ugly, I still can't get used to it. I have seen more brand new 3 series Bimmers then the new 4g TL's. I think it's becuase BMW took a really good design and tweaked it even more to make it look better. i think Acura should have kept the design of the TL and just built off it, instead of ditching such a beautiful car.