I dont know why all these 3rd gen TL owners are hating on the the new TL?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some might love the look of the new TL. I personally didnt really like the look of my CL-S in 2000 when I was buying it I wanted a 1999 CL but after sitting in it and driving it I was SOld. The owner of the car sees the inside of the car alot more then they see the outside of the car and no one can deny the inside of the new TL is STUNNING and full of great driver oriented features.
I guess what i am tring to say is stop hating and congadulate your fellow Acura peers cuz i garentee if all you guys that were complaing about the looks of the 2009 TL got in one and drove one and jamed out with your fav mp3s plaing on the HD you would take the new TL over the prev gen in a minute.
I personally dont like the look of the front and back of the new TL either but its ride and interior and tech features more then make up for its looks and matbee it takes some getting used to cuz I love the look of my CL-S now and hated it when i first saw it.
Thats it congrats to all you LUCKY 2009 TL owners , I myself cant afford one so I am looking to get a 2005 RL (my dream machine)!!
Anyone wanna buy a 2001 CL-S? LOL

 

Everyone is entitled to have an opinion

 

Exactly, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Let's be honest here, nobody can tell me they think the new TL is a slam dunk from a design standpoint, the folks at Acura could have a much better job with the design.
The interior is nicer but it resembles that of the Accord more so this year than ever before in my opinion and the exterior and body style just doesn't make sense to me.
No complaints with the new power train, even though Infiniti offers more in this area and all wheel drive is a welcome addition but the exterior isn't the class leading design the 3G was by comparison.
They have taken their number one selling car which was competitively priced, sleek and sporty and made it something the TL has never been.
The extra hp in the new model gets eaten up by the weight of an over bloated design with an ugly front and back end.
Acura had the RL and the TL for a resaon, they have tried to make the TL an RL in my opinion.
I'm very disappointed, yeah this car is better in some respects but worse in others.
I'll be looking at a Lexus IS 350 to replace my 3G, something I never thought I'd do but it is a much better looking car with more power.

 

I think it's human nature to show some resistence when you have something that you love/like a lot, and a newer and better model is released. For some people it's hard to accept change. But, yes, there is definately some hating going on. But I will give it up to all those who previously hated on the 4th gen TL, and now have grown to like it. It takes a real man/woman to admit they were wrong and can accept something different.

 

I don't think anyone anyone is against anyone that buys a 4G, it is just so many are so disspoainted with the styling direction. the 3G is evolutionary from the 2G, but the 4G seems like a radical styling departure. I wanted to love the 4G, but I don't, and while the ride is greade and interior is good, I can't spend $40K ona car I don't LOVE and LOVE to look at, regardless of how nice the interior or ride is. I think there are many like me. Sure some will grow to love it, many love it already, but the overwhelming negatives say somehting about Acura's styling change. I mean even many auto reivews will mention the styling, maybe not as a negative, but that it is polarizing or different. I agree beauty is in the eye of the beholder and time and sales will tell if Acura impressed more than it turned off. Personally as I love my 3G TL and looked forward to a 4G, but the style sucks IMO, I hope the 4G tanks badly forcing Acura to do a RL like restyle early to win back the faithful. I thinke the revised RL styling while very conservative is more attractive than the 4G TL. I really think the 4G will push a few sales to the G37, but we'll see.

 

You are being too nice the word is "envy" I saved you 70 words.

 

I think Acura is targeting a different market with a disign for... how do you put politely ... an older person. Just playing. 4g's interior is better for sure.

 

If someone just doesn't like something, how do you figure they're envious?

 

Dealers are painting that big grill so it would look better...

That says a lot.

 

I am an "older person" and I wouldn't be caught dead in one, but have to agree the interior is better

 

I think is more of a dissapointment than hate, personally I would have loved to see an improvement as it happened back in 2004 when I saw the new model, I was driving a 2002 RSX-S and didn't want a '02 TL -S becuase of the tranny , I bet then the 2nd Gen. TL owners didn't have as many negative comments...I waited for '05 to get my TL as I wanted all the bugs worked out that come with the 1st year new model... , now all paid off I wanted to possibly upgrade but I'll be waiting for a manual and possibly a SH-AWD..and maybe a nose mask...lol

 

I went and saw the car in person ... it does look better in person .. but that ugly big chunk of primer-gray plastic on the front is a deal breaker for me ... it just doesn't seem appropriate on a $40k car .. in speaking with the dealer, he's heard that a lot .. he's delivered a few, but response is very luke-warm at best .. he's hoping that Acura will quickly respond with some sort of alteration because it's not being well responded to

 

It's a matter of personal taste. I have always liked the looks of the 3rd Generation car, it's subdued, not at all "in your face" but has an understated aura of class with a sporty undertone.

I considered waiting for the 4th Generation but the deal breaker for me was the grille, I simply can't live with it, so I went with an '08. I acknowledge that the new TL is a much improved car, but if I was buying one today my personal choice would be between the Lexus ES350 and the '09 TL. I would have to make my decision based on the overall the driving experience given by these two cars because I feel that the 4th Gen moves more toward the Lexus and away from the 3rd Generation TL. This is not at all a bad thing, but all things being equal AND given the fact that the new TL is more expensive, I would probably lean towards the Lexus because of their across the brand commitment to dealer excellence.

I don't think that makes me a hater at all.

For the record, this is not all that uncommon with internet forums when a new model is released. When the C5 Corvette was released, there was much discussion over the "love it or hate it" fat ass. The true test will be how well the '09 Acura TL sells. I will have to say that I have not seen a significant representation from a "love it" perspective when it comes to the '09 grille design. It's more like "I can live with it" or "it's not all that bad".

 

I was talking to my buddy at a hockey practicle last might, he was very excited about the exterior looks. I thought he was kidding but no, it was real.
He is the only person I know who likes it so much.
Hopefully Acura does a facelift mid-year, at least, an optional "sporty" grill.

 

Hey you're right, everyone is not a hater, some people really don't like the exterior. And that's why when the individual stated that the haters were envious, i couldn't disagree more. When you envy something there is a sense of admiration and desire, something that you want. I think it's safe to say that folks like yourself who really don't like the exterior, do not envy the 4th gen TL.

 

more of I-don't-like-4G comment than hating 4G ? Obviously some of us will hang on to our TL a bit longer than expected since the first year 4G models don't really please the eyes ...

But call us haters for that? A bit over-done IMO ...

 

+1 Shooter. You called this one EXACTLY RIGHT.

 

Stop tripping! Seems like you buy just to have something new and then after the fact you start to like your purchase. For $40 grand, I will like my car without it having to grow on me. Its my money so why do I need to settle. The 09 TL is not all that hot IMO and does not have the "wow" factor to it. I test drove it and was not all that impressed; the horse power was a little weak if you ask me. Come on man, the "Donkey" off Shrek will tell you the new TL design sucks!!! I like my 06 TL over the current model and that's my opinion!

 

People on this forum never ceases to amaze me! I am willing to bet that the folks that are commenting on the 4G in this and other threads has either only seen photos or taken a 10-minute test drive.
I too didn't like the 4G when I first saw the pictures. I took a test drive, liked it, and bought one.
The difference in the power is significant (if only more noticeable) from the 3Gs. It actually makes my head snap back when I take-off because I am still used to the 3Gs. The transmission is smooooooothe and you can barely notice it shift. The suspension is improved threefold I think. The cabin is so much more quiet. This is the first TL (or any sport sedan) that I have owned that I do not have to adjust the seat all the way back to be comfortable, I am 6 ft. If I adjust the seat all the way I can't reach the steering wheel. The trunk and the rest of the cabin are also larger.
Let's mention the sound. I am an audiophile and all I can say is I was wowed. I am not just talking about the DVD A's. I was shocked at the sound of MP3's via the USB and even the iPod. I like the easy-to-access weather and screen is a high-def version of the previous.
I have had 3 3G TLs in total. The last was the '07 I traded in with 10,000 miles. I can tell the differences and I am unbiased. I love the G4, I even like the "beak" now. Like someone on here said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

Well said...couldn't agree more!

 

Not sure what you drove, but my 3G Type-S accelerates better than the 4G I drove.

Again not compared to my 3G Type-S


I don't know about MUCH MORE, but it seems quieter, even the 3G was better than a G35, but if you want quiet go drive a Genesis!


Well I am as well and while the ELS in the 4G is decent, it still lacks power and depth, and again I will say go listen to a Geneis Lexicon if you want deep rich open sound stage with a real 3D sound to it. Cleaner and deeper throughout its range. The ELS fals flat around 2/3 - 3/4 through power band.

Well I have had 5 3G, 2 were Type-S and I can tell some differences, some I like, most I don't, and yes everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

When you say the 4G doesn't accelerate well.....it's most likely due to the engine being too new and the shift pattern not having adapted to the driver. My 4G is now over 1 month old and the car accelerates MUCH faster than when I first took delivery.

 

The 4G i drove had over 300 miles on it and I just hammered into it, the initial launch was lacking compared to my Type-S. It felt more comparable to a base 3G than my Type-S. Could eb many factors, but my Type-S seemed to spool up much quiker and give me that pushed in the seat feeling a tad more. Could be perception, but it felt real.

 

Come on man, are you serious? Did your Type-S accelerate the way it does now when you first bought it? No it didn't, why? because of the break in period that's why. And technically, your Type-S has more HP than the base 4th gen TL anyway.

 

You're right about the perception part. The 4G is much more quiet than the 3G and with the ride being very smooth, it doesn't "feel" very fast. Trust me, I have owned a BMW 545i and a Lexus IS350, and the 4G is definately no slouch.

 

I feel like we are talking about different cars than some of these folks because I have NO serious complaints of the 4G yet. My biggest complaint so far is that you can only record to the HD via a CD. I wish we could record to the HD via the USB, iPod, even XM. For all the other good things...that's minor.

 

First the car had 330 miles on it, so technically half way through its break in, and does anyone think a car is going to be dramactially faster after break in? No. And I think my Type-S felt very similar to the way it does no when new, I test drove several Type-S' when I boought and they all felt liek what I feel now. My Type-S felt quicker, quicker enough to notice, in an offical race would it blow the doors off the 4G no, hell it might even lose. It may be the same, but the Type-S felt like it got up and moved quiker and easier, I doubt the 4G will feel much different after 1,000 more miles.

 

Well, I have 650 miles on my 4G and it definately feels faster than when I took delivery. Is it a "night-and day" difference?.....of course not, but it is noticeable.

 

But remember, the 4G is bigger and heavier, and I'm talking base model, we all know SH-AWD weighs even more. As far as break in, I test drove a Type-S that had 35 miles on it, and I felt that my '05 TL was faster, which we both know that it's not. But I guess it boils down to what you said earlier, perception.

 

'Dislike the exterior, but like the interior' <---- but this is simply what many are saying as well. Haters?

 

I definitely would not call it "hating"; that connotates some sort of "jealousy" or envy. I totally held my opinion of the 4G until I saw it on the lot.

The only thing I could think of was "old mans car". Even my son responded with an instant "naw" when I texted him a pic of the car.

I just think its a fugly design.

Even after seeing a millions 3gen TL's on the road I still look at them and think..."nice a$$ car". I have not seen one 4g on the road yet and thought the same.

 

Everyone has their own reasons for not liking the '09 TL. Most people have an issue with grill, that seems to be most people's biggest problem. I've read comments from people who stated that they don't like the grill because it's too big, which it is, but others said they don't like it because the grill doesn't line up with the headlights, and that the grill extends on to the hood of the car. Well last time I checked, the 3rd gen TL was the same way. The grill doesn't line up with the headlights, and part of the grill is indeed on car's hood. For all of those who have 3rd gen TLs go outside and see for yourself. But my question is, why nobody made an issue of this on the 3rd gen, but it's a problem for the 4th gen? These are the reasons why people are sometimes called "haters", because they unfairly criticize the 4th gen TL, when the 3rd gen TL has the same issue, but nobody says anything. I know everyone is not hating, there are some folks who really don't like the new TL, and there is nothing wrong with that. But please don't say the 4th gen TL is ugly, because it has a design flaw, when the 3rd gen TL has the same damn flaw. If this wasn't a design flaw for the 3rd gen TL, why is it a design flaw for the 4th gen? That is called hatin' my friends, agree to disagree.

 

I think that many genuinely just don't like the new design, which is fine. Then there are those who use their "hate" towards the 4G to justify the fact their 3G is now the "old" body style and is no longer the "cutting-edge" Acura that it once was. I would bet that if someone offered 3G owners the chance to get out of their cars and into a 4G for free, a TON of them would without blinking an eye (they won't admit it publicly, of course).

 

Pete. I am glad you like your new TL and your happy with it and wish you all the best with it. Personal taste is different for everybody and money is not my issue (and I don't have a lease), I don't like the looks and wouldn't want one even for free.. as I stated in another thread no matter what technological advances it has, etc., the most important thing for me is I have to like the looks and it just doesn't do it for me.. I will sadly move to another brand for my next car and maybe the 5G will appeal to me next time...

 

Dam so many 3g owners so unsure of thereselves that they have to go so far to bash the 4g.. Cant we all just get along..
Tecnology and the way the cars drives and handles is DEFF better then the
3g Acura would not downgrade and looks are in the eye of the beholder the 4g's with the painted grills are HOT!!

 

You may be partially true, but I have owned 5 3G TL's 2 of them Type-S and I really don't like the 4G, and I have driven one for about an hour on a long test drive of over 40 miles and then back in my 3G Type-S and I prefer my 3G. Too bad becasue I have the itch for another car and it will likely be a G37 Sedan at some point now. The grill is the biggest deal breaker, but the butt is not much better and the concave hood with high shoulders front end. All power to those that like it and buy it, but clearly Acura has hit a nerve with the 4G some good some bad. The sad thing is if the design is really hurting them, they may not know for a while with the bad economy as all car sales suck right now. And compared to my Type-S I saw no difference in acceleration and felt my Type-S to be a tad quicker.

 

hmm interesting proposition. And while my initial reaction would be sure for free, I know in my heart down the road I woudl miss my 3G and regret it. for over 4 years I exit my car every day and look back a I lock it and smile as I think, damn what a sweet ride. I don't see me doing that with a 4G.

 

Pete, I couldn't have said "would bet that if someone offered 3G owners the chance to get out of their cars and into a 4G for free, a TON of them would without blinking an eye (they won't admit it publicly, of course)" better! I agree. I you check the boards, folks put forth the same sentiments between the 2G and 3G.

 

I don't hate it, and I HOPE that it sells well because I want to see Acura succeed.

I don't envy it either, though. No matter the performance, I can't get past the looks of it. Reasonable people will differ on matters of what is tasteful. It's way TOO MUCH of everything for me. So much going on.

And believe me, I wanted to love it. I hope that Acura is reading their target market correctly, but I don't think I'm it.

 

Pete.....ole buddy, ole pal-are you buying then????? Come on...let's test this out. Buy me a 4G TL-but you'll still be disappointed with the outcome!