KeithL

So I was in for oil change talking to my sale person (I have bought so many cars they I know most of the staffs) and they were telling me how Acura is surveying some dealers about the impact the 4G design, specifically the grill, is having on customers. They told me they unamiusly told Acus the grill needs to go. I thought it was interesting, the sales people told me it is the biggest complaint they get about the car that turn peopls off that come into the show room. I found it interesting. While the car is not as polarizing to me as it once was I really do prefer the 3G overall style better, but the 4G is such a superior machine. I wonder if they are making the V6 TSX so close to TL price to prvent it from cannabalizing TL sales?? Sure the TL has more features and size, but if a buyer wants a V6 luxry class car and can't take the TL looks why not milk them for as much as you can get?

1075

I hope Acura changes the grille on the 4th generation. Nothing against anyone who has a 4th gen, but for me the grille is a deal breaker, I simply would not buy the car with that grille.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

That indeed is funny as I was talking to my friend yesterday about the same thing, he just picked up an SH 4G himself, his exact remarks were the same as the dealership staff i.e. the car itself is so good that it makes you forget about the grille. I expect an updated grille very soon as all these complaints about the grille will eventually/hopefully make Acura change it.

KeithL

That is why I bought it, I hated the grill but the car road so damn good and was so refined, and that is what the dealer tells me they just ask customers to try it before making a judgement, but there will be those that won't even go to the dealer knowing what the grill looks like. I doubt 2010 will see a change, but I guess either the 11 or MMC will.

JAB00

That is the one major gripe I have with the Japanese cars, especially Honda/Acura is that they radically change their designs from generation to generation. The Germans have proven adept at just refining the lines but the car still remains unmistakably a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi. The last three generations of the TL look nothing alike.

4G Express

Obv as everyone on here knows the grill is brand/model wide at this point. Look at the ZDX pics they brandish the grill as if there is no negative consumer response. I cant imagine them abandoning it entirely although I can definitely see an alteration incoming.

PetesTL

If you look at the upcoming ZDX, they refined the grill so that it actually looks pretty tasteful....much better than the 4G's. I really think that the ZDX grill will eventually show up on the 2011 TL.

bagbklyn

This is so true, from the coupe all the way to the sedans. Some vehicles still keep their shapes but the TL and Accord wow, those don't look simliar at all. Which if they kept the lines similiar it would probably not makes the cars look so old after a couple of years

JD23

Did the dealer mention anything about the chrome strip on the trunk? I've always thought that the strip was completely unnecessary and made the car look too much like a Saturn Aura.

PaulNY

While the other models' grills are similar, I really dont like them since they have the high shine chrome finish. As big as the TL's grill is, the polished finish makes all the difference and I still prefer it over the TSX grill for example.

1075

I agree 100%.

nj2pa2nc

It is nice when you go into the dealership and almost everyone recognises you by name. I have dealt with the same dealership for almost 9 years and have become friends with many of the staff. We keep in touch via email, phone and facebook. From the owner, sales & service managers, service advisors, salespeople, techs, finance dept, etc) They also told me the same thing about the grill. I am planning on buying a 2010 TL/tech with 6MT in March/April 2010. My 06 tsx has almost 90,000 problem free miles-love it. I do not lease and pay off the car loan way ahead of time.

jjsC5

How are you getting that this is more tasteful than the TL grill? It look identical to the TL grill to me.

bagbklyn

^ Look how much lower the TL's grille comes down pass the level of the headlights vs the ZDX. In the TL its like screw the headlight we are going as far down as possible like 2-3 inches. The ZDX is maybe and inch below the headlights

winstrolvtec

I don't think there is a problem with the design or the entire grill theme, it's just the top portion of the grill on the TL that makes it a little too pronounced. It's almost the same looking grill on the TSX just minus the hood portion. Most don't see a problem in real life, viewed in 3D, but on 1D photos, maybe. There are already some really good looking custom modifications, aftermarket grills and overlays available. If Acura offers a temporary alternative it will likely be something along those lines until MMC. So in regards to that, someone not considering this car becuase of the grill is an injustice to one's self and the brand. I really feel that most people don't mind it just that they don't want the negative criticism that comes with it and fail to realize the amount of positives that outweigh that.

YetiTL

+1. And what criticism? All I get is great comments everywhere I go...and they come from people with financial means to buy a car like a TL not some late teens punk who prefer an EVO because it's «so much more hardcore». Yeah....go ahead little champ...I'm looking foward to see that kid's face in the obituaries next morning...

winstrolvtec

That's correct, it's mostly only perception based self criticism but in reality all 4G owners are getting many compliments. I am all for it, could give a rats ass what anyone else thinks. Maybe only my opinion but I just like to think they know no better.

KeithL

They said the survey was all about the grill, I told them the strip on the trunk is not as offensive to me, but I don't care for it. The material/plastic they use is a bitch to keep clean and free from water spots.

Baapo

Even a change as subtle as this would offer a dramatically improved look IMHO; saw this PS during the early days of the 4G; not sure who the creator was...

Type34

^^ That was one of my renditions

I think the strip that encroaches onto the hood has been one of the elements that turn the 4G design into a negative factor (for many, not all). It's the same reason the '09+ RL is ungainly but the TSX is not.

As for the 2010 RDX, MDX, and ZDX, they're SUVs/Crossovers and have the size to pull it off. I don't care for the RDX redesign, but I think the 2010 MDX and ZDX are attractive. Just because a Chevy Silverado has a popular "face", doesn't mean you should slap a Silverado grille on a Malibu. It may work on the larger utility vehicles, but the sedans need something more mainstream.

I agree the 4G TL is a dynamically superior vehicle, but you 4G owners shouldn't have had to "look beyond" the styling to fall in love.

mrjerrios

I totally disagree wit this 100%, I think when they radically change a model, the previous model stays a little fresher.

For instance, Infiniti updated their G just slightly by rounding out some corners, it immediately made the previous model look old. All the boxy BMW's looked old right away when the new ones come out.

SpicyMikey

Yes, I think the killer on the TL grill is how it wraps over the natural hood line. I never had a problem with the "shield" concept. It looks fine on the new MDX and ZDX photos, so maybe they've gotten the message and will tone it down going forward.

BC_FLA

The front grill killed the deal for me. I am waiting to see what options develop within the 5 year plan for this model….or I gottta go elsewhere.

ssim3

The grill going into the hood & the acres of plastic under the slit head lights are turn offs for me along with the whole rear treatment.

tm86it

Initially when the car first came out, I thought the grill was too much, but now I've progressed from "don't mind it" to actually liking it.

It's part of the "edge" that this design has. I was in the dealer a week ago and someone was in there asking if the dealer could remove the grille paint and get it back to the stock look, interestingly enough!

I've gotten nothing but compliments on my TL... I wonder how many people had themselves convinced they'd not like the grille before seeing the car, just from all the bad PR out there about it... the mind is powerful, eh?!?!

BEAR-AvHistory

Guess Honda is just wasting its money surveying all its dealers on such a beloved styling theme as the 4G grill. Its interesting that those who's livelihoods depend on selling these cars said "they unanimously told Acura the grill needs to go". Hey but what do they know all they need to do is come to AcuraZine to find out all is well.

Its also interesting how well received the RonJon Grill has been, must be a lot of guys here who don't drink Kool Aid

EDIT BTW didn't you post this about the RonJon grill?

"Indeed! If they would have done something like this, most criticism about the styling wouldn't even exist and the TL would be more attractive to a lot of ppl. Why didn't Acura hired you in the first place?

With the emblem, it's truly awesome!"

georgegiorgio

that's what you call, design language, Germans have came out over the years with design language identity so, customer can identify their product...

something Apple has done pretty well in the computer industry... OS user interface feel, and iPod interface....

Japanese definitely needs to learn about that...

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

Acura needs to check with Azine on what the consumers like and don't like. This is a pretty big community! Have them browse the site and ask some questions, I'm sure we can help

4G Express

They have obviously learned it with the unmistakable design notes. If they keep them around this generation and the next will confirm what you are saying.

YetiTL

Well I don't see the problem with my 2 posts. All I was stating is that I only got great comments but I am only a minuscule fraction of TL buyers. Of course the grille has been subject to much criticism, anybody who din't read that all over the net is either blind or just misinformed. I, for one, love the grille but I'm in the minoity and I'm aware of this fact. Honda/Acura should play close attention to its dealers as they are their ears and eyes. The fact the grille brought so much criticism is a clear sign that something is wrong and that your new design isn't to the taste to the majority of people.

It also happens that I love Ronjon work and I really think his grille with the Acura emblem would have been much more to the taste of most people.

When I wrote «what criticism?» I realted to my particular situation not the whole TL fuss over the grille. Don't worry bear, I don't live in an Igloo, cut-off from the rest of the world. I know the whole grille story as anyone here on Azine...

Have a good day!
-YetiTL

jjsC5

Thanks for an honest candid statement!

YetiTL

Thanks a lot! I don't want another debate on the grille subject or derail the thread. Afterall, that's what PM are for!

DeMAN

I grille is a deal breaker. It reminds me of a Parrot

Honda Acura was a little to happy with the chrome on the back

I actually love the rest of the car. I'm not willing another penny on another car with the exception of window tent pass the what the car come equipped with from the factory. (Nothing against the great work of "Ronjon" which done a good job at cleaning up honda's mess)

I'm not so forgiving. I didn't buy the Pontiac G8 because it doesnt have the NAV. The Genesis Coupe is on my S*list until the NAV is available which should be in the dealers within a matter of weeks.

Lets hope that American Honda listens to the customers.

TSX69

I personally do not have much of a problem w/ the Power Plenum grill other than the blade is too large on the TL. There is a SH-AWD version that parks in my lot @ work & they got the full nose mask; interestingly, the bra pretty much covers the whole grill:

It should be noted that on the 2009 RL & TSX version, the bras do not cover that much:

Perhaps the TL's blade finish needs the extra protection or maybe it is a sign that Acura knows that they have to revise the grill as the TL came out last of the 3. However, they are slapping it on the 2010 MDX & RDX so who knows ...

On a side note, yesterday I was out & saw a 2009 TL in a parking lot across the street ... we were several hundred yards apart but I still could recognize the Power Plenum. Love it or hate it, it definitely raises Acura's visibility which was a common complaint I have heard in past years.

kweber

I love my 2004 TL, but will wait for an update to the giant beak grill, or begin looking at BMW, Infiniti, Lexus or Mercedes.

Olu

Type34 I was just sitting down to try and photoshop this type of modification on pictures of my TL. This IMHO would be my favorite option. I like the beak, but like many others feel that the encroachment on the hood is a bit over the top. I like the RJ grille but feel that it some how neuters the distinctive look of the TL.

1st person to come up with a good way to make the stock grille look like this, gets my $$$

miketala

[...the encroachment on the hood is a bit over the top....[/quote]

That's exactly the problem.

dtc5

So did you get a TL or a TSX?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

The dealership near me says they added a painted grill as an option now. This was listed at 45K...JEEZ. I was getting my car checked out for something (3G) but thought you'd all appreciate seeing the option with it painted. Much improved if you ask me.

1075

^^^ No way I would pay additional money for an "option" to correct an Acura design team snafu.