MisterZDX

as the TLX, do you think it would be better received than it was in 2008?

wreak

If the 4G was released today it would be a laughing stock with its dated tech, drivetrain and style.

LNJ

Exterior still looks new but bi-xenon headlights would do better with maybe LED drl.

hddnav

Exterior still fresh, but has always been a matter of taste. I loved the 4G look and size before the mid model change, and I love it even more after 2012 (that's why I bought it).

SH-AWD mandatory and still modern. FWD models only should be for the Accord only, in my opinion.

4G features need to be brought up to date with the times. Such as adaptive cruise control, blind slot monitor standard, ... Stuff that every econobox has nowadays.

Current 3.7L engine is great for what it is and has nothing wrong with it. However, updated tech is expected and a must to keep up with the times. Fuel economy very poor in the city (18mpg in stop and go traffic). Premium fuel should not be required, since the requirement benefits nobody except for the manufacturer of the car (under design the engine and past the cost to the customer).

4G interior looks premium, but not expensive. Perhaps in line with a car in the mid 30k price range, though.

All in all, Acura shot itself in the foot with the 2009 TL, letting something as simple as styling derail a very successful product line. Obviously, more people disliked the look than liked it, based on the sales numbers. Excellent product, otherwise.

LNJ

He's what I would change:

1. SiriusXM instead of stupid plain XM
2. 3D maps or Google Maps integration with data network
3. One touch 3 blink turn signal
4. Rain sensing wipers
5. Bi-Xenon with LED drl
6. Head unit that corresponds with the MID
7. Digital gear selection identifier
8. Painted callipers

I'll add more when I can think of it.

MisterZDX

Thanks for the responses. Guess I should've been more specific in my original post. I was referring to exterior styling only (after reading so many complaints in the TLX section about its dated looks). Of course the tech on the 4G would have to be updated for the times. But as far as exterior styling, I still think the 4G was ahead of its time and the TLX is a step backwards.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

The "power plenum" front-end styling on the 4G TL will forever be ahead of it's time. There is no doubt about it.

If the TLX were to inherited the same front-end treatment, it would definitely spell doom to the entire Acura sedan line for years to come.

LNJ

Even the Q50 went for a very neutral/safe rear end! The TLX seems to have gone very neutral all the way around. Only the IS has gone balls out it seems.

liquidneon

Agreed. I was specifically looking for a 2010 or 11 6MT - I've always loved the aggressive styling. It took me close to a year to find one (there are VERY few out there in 6MT).

sonnyboyacura

The car is definitely aging well. I don't think it'd be loved, but it wouldn't hated as it was.

mynameisjacob

I think the power plenum grille would blend in better nowadays alongside the new gaping predator grilles of Lexus and bulbous headlights of BMW. If appears the front end designs of all major auto manufacturers are getting more and more pronounced... look at MB's CLA grille or even the Q50. Cadillac CTS front is very aggressive as well.

big10purdue

I loved the 3G design when it came out... and love the 4G even more. I've owned a 2012 CBP and a 2014 BWP and the lines are second to none when looking at the car in white. Too many people are looking for a conservative approach and the rear ends are starting to look the same, TSX, TLS, Lexus ES... cars are trying to get away from their individuality and I think that sucks.

On a side note, when people complain about lack of tech in the TL, I'm not understanding what you're expecting your car to do. I owned a 2013 Lexus with a bunch of apps and crap that were never used... I test drove a BMW with a HUD and a version of night vision... come on... it's starting to get a bit excessive. I want to park the car myself and apply the brakes myself... I'll take an Acura and the "lack of tech" of it means keeping it out of the service department.

wreak

Lack of tech refers to very dated navigation software, small and dated navigation display, auto up/down windows in the front only, MID is very dated looking, no lane departure warning, no radar cruise control. Most of that stuff is either included or optional in most non-luxury sedans on today's market.

Don't get me wrong I like my TL but I'm not blind to the fact that the guy next door with the new Mazda 6 probably has more luxury features than I do.

big10purdue

Wreak... I understand. I'm just confused that people are getting so angry, especially on the TLX forums and I'm not really understanding where it's coming from. Almost everybody here has a TL... and knew what they were getting when the bought it.
My first choice was a BMW 535... a far superior car to the TL, but has a price tag to quantify it, as well. But, I'll say that a BMW mid/dash/nav is more dated looking than a TL. I'm frustrated with certain things that Acura does, as well... but I'm wondering if people are just piling on to pile on. If you don't want an "outdated" car... you have to buy one every 3 years... it's like a computer.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

skabei

I don't think it's fair to compare the 4g TL with today's cars. The tech is evolved as it naturally does such that the Accord has features that the TL does not.

I think a more interesting question would be: "What if the 4G TL were announced today but with the same Tech (excluding engine and transmission) of the TLX?"
Or
"What if the TLX looked like (exterior) the 4G TL (and instead of the 4G TL, we had something completely different)?"

I think the exterior of the 4g TL is holding up well and has aged better than other cars announced/released in 2008/2009. I don't think it looks old and it might be better received today than when it was unveiled in 2009.

wreak

I'd wait to see what people say about the TLX after it's been released, most of the people hating on it right now don't really have much to go off of other than a spec sheet and some photos.

jim_c

Please agree that all of this stuff is very subjective. There is a broad spectrum of buyers who are all a bit different in their needs and wants.
If you look at the other cars on the road you will see many that have copied the styling of the TL. The little GM Cruze is almost a carbon copy of a TL in miniature. Several Buicks (yuk) look very very similar to a TL. There are others. Styling is very subjective. E;g. I don't like the new Accord much at all. I thinks it's Baroque, very overwrought.
I don't care for modern tech either and I think there are still a significant number of people who don't need it or want it. I don't need to access the internet in my car. Heck, I don't even listen to the radio! I don't need or want a Navi system. I don't need or want collision avoidance, blind spot warning, backup cameras, a hard drive for my music, etc. etc. I want a smooth powerful engine, a crisp shifting transmission, a nice exhaust growl, great handling and a confident ride. It's impossible for manufacturers to satisfy everyone so as soon as somebody makes a car that buyers like they all copy whatever elements they can asap. Other things I don't like: large emblems and logos......people who think they have all the answers......

wreak

What designer in the right mind would copy a car that received so much negative press for styling? I think you're way off the mark on those comparisons...not that a Buick and a 15k commuter car copying the style would be considered positive.

ressling

+1 to what everyone has already stated, but I'd also add the fact that the stockies wheels on the SH-AWD are fairly unimpressive... in my opinion, that's where they cut corners. I'm thinking of going with the diamond cut 19" wheels because I think they look sexy as hell and it will give my CBP a nice touch (I need new tires soon anyways).

Other than that, the standard light colored interior headliner and pillars not matching to the darker dash with the rest of the car is an absolute atrocity. Don't know how they get away with it! I recall the same issue on my '09 TSX with the rear interior deck behind the passenger seats. WTFFFFFFF.....