I was standing outside my office when the new 5 series BMW drove by....but I thought it was a Hyundai Sonata. Look closely. I had to. The 5 series is so similar to the Sonata. In that moment I was glad that I chose a car that, good or bad, doesn't look like any other....yet. Another reason, which I posted in another thread, is that when I come up on the rear of a slow car in the fast lane and flash my lights at them, they move over. The front end has the same menacing psychological effect SUV's had on me when I'd look in the rear view mirror. It used to be with my 2005 TL that if I flashed my lights at a car I was behind, they'd more often than not, ignore me.

The fact is most cars are not that attractive except for the new Jags, Aston Martins, etc. There's only so much one can do with metal and 4 wheels. The exotic cars have stretched the parameters as far and as beautifully as possible. Not defending the grill but it's one aspect out of many. Look at a BMW, etc. and you'll find one aspect out of many that is not really that attractive in the design of those cars as well.

I was looking at the Infiniti G37x...I think that look is way played out and from the front looks awkward.

Acura has created a car that stands out in the crowd. People complain about how cars all look the same, and then complain about how they did something radical and different.

Again, as evidenced by the 5 series and the Sonata, there's only so many swoops, curls, angular lines, different types of grills and so forth that a manufacturer can do. Particularly while hitting a reasonable price point.

 

All cars have questionable styling it's usually just a matter of how critical some chose to be. The new 5 has a pig snout and large smily air damn, the G is narrow and overly tall, it's out of proportion and looks like a top hat from afar yet we never hear about any of that. We know all about the beak, etc but all cars have bad and good design elements as well.

Much like you said, most never realize or appreciate how unique the styling is, meaning that it doesn't share cues with other brands while many other brands resemble each other or are copied in tailights, headlights, etc, or they come out with a new car and the styling screams of another car or brands style.

That has really become a problem over the last several years IMO and the first comments about a new car design are always it looks like this car or that brand, etc. Good or bad I don't think there is mistaking an Acura for anything else, maybe a Honda but that's about it.

 

It's hard to have discussions about subjective matters like styling. A select few will simply see ACURA and go no thanks. There are others that will do the same when it comes to BMW, Hyundai, GM, Toyota, etc. In addition, there are other enthusiasts of other brands that may turn around and make the same comments that you did about a [car model] that they like.

Being unique or standing out from the crowd isn't always a good thing. One particular, now-discontinued model from a discontinued make stands out in my mind. Can you guess what that car is? I will probably get flamed in this specific forum for even hinting at the idea, but really, it's beating a dead horse either way.

Anyone who likes the styling of the 4G will most likely agree with you, period. Anyone who doesn't like the styling of the 4G will most likely disagree with you, period. I don't particularly see any justification or reasoning in this matter be proud of the car you own, there's no need to explain why you like it - you bought it for you, not for someone else

 

You're referring to the Aztec and you should be flamed. I'm not defending a choice...merely explicating as to why I like the choice now that I see a BMW that looks like a Hyundai. And as a counter point to all of the people on this forum who bash the looks of the TL but really don't delve too deeply into the shortcomings of the cars they find attractive.

 

i think you mean you saw a Hyundai that looks like a BMW, not a BMW that looks like a Hyundai. BMW is the original creator of that design. Hyundai, and a lot of other Chinese and Korean automakers, like to copy designs completely disregarding copyrights. have you noticed that the Genesis sedan is almost exactly like the LS460 inside and out? which came first? the LS of course.

anyways id have to agree with you and say that i do like the looks of the 4G TL. it has grown on me quite a bit in the past 3 or so years it has been out. and with the RJ grille with the A badge in the middle, the 4G TL looks outstanding. i wish i had a 4G TL.

 

as i always said, Acura is ahead of the times. Car manufactures will have to play catch up

 

I've had my car for awhile now and generally like its looks.

Last night I had the car parked at the airport. When I came home, an E-class Merc and Cadillac CTS were parked on either side of mine. I appreciate the styling on both of those cars, but seeing them next to mine made me feel very good about my choice. (Didn't hurt that mine was freshly washed).

Of course, styling is all subjective, but I really like the distinctive look of our cars.

 

Glashub - hope you like this look:

http://yfrog.com/f/6z283e0j/

The refreshed 2011 Acura RL made a surprise visit at the #TSXwagon press event

I already posted this, but I added it here as - I think some of that distinctive look of the current 4G TL grill maybe less so - if this refreshed RL grill gives us an early look at the next TL grill refresh

 

Yep, I stand corrected. You're right...the Beemer came first.

 

Cool. Where were those pictures taken? Sausalito? I thought I saw the GGB.

 

found it on twitter

Acura Insider (@Acura_Insider)
12/7/10 5:44 PM
The refreshed 2011 Acura RL made a surprise visit at the #TSXwagon press event http://yfrog.com/6z283e0j

 

They sure are milking that RL design. Third MMC? But that grille is much better, less dramatic. The CMBS sensor makes it look a bit odd though.

 

What was I thinking...that's the Presidio. One of the most beautiful places in America.

 

They probably can't justify a real model chaneg sicne they sell 150 cars a month. They need a radically new design for the RL or as I have always said nail a good design and bring back the Legend model name! They started this segment with the Legend and a good AD firm could develope some clever advertising to support it.

 

The Acura is unique. Some like some don't, those who don't just want to flame. Drama queens.

 

Agree 100% with what Costco said. You're not going to get anywhere talking about such a subjective topic as styling.

Different for the sake of being different isn't necessarily good, in fact IMO it's pointless. If a car looked unique, but not any more attractive than its competitors, I see no point to it. That's just my

 

You may be right. But I'd wager we're going to see more of the outlandish design themes as the old swoop/swirl/scoop look of the Infiniti/BMW's are copied or dying a slow death from over exposure. But in keeping with your theme, guess you'd pass on a Porsche Panamera, right? Pretty funky looking car, isn't it?

 

You're right about the overexposure, but I can still see the beauty of cars either way.

The acura chose the sharp angled look for this generation, similar to caddilac, which are in the minority right now.

I wonder what the reactions would be if other manufacturers chose the sharp and pointy look, while acura went the swoopy and curvy look. Probably the same complaints about being polarizing, etc etc. Then saying other brands are boring for all looking the same (sharp pointy)

What I'm trying to say is, I don't think acura did anything new in terms of styling, they just took the less traveled (less seen) route.

 

Agreed. Leave it to a Californian to talk some sense about anything other than the state budget.

 

I agree but also want to add that being the same for the sake being more accepted isn't any better. Again, like you said a car being more or less attractive is subjective in the first place so to some it will serve it's unique and attractive purpose and to others, there will be no point because they find it unattractive but regardless it will still be unique where something else may be considered more attractive but common. That is the point whether or not anyone agrees if it's good or if it's pointless to be unique in the first place.

 

The first time I saw the new 4G TL it was from the rear. It was a SH AWD and the first thing that caught my eye was the exhaust. I thought they were incorporated as well as I have seen exhaust incorporated. I pulled along side the car and thought it looked good and when I passed it I said to myself that if I could afford it "Some day I will have one of those"

I really like the looks of the Cadillac CTS as well so maybe that is why I like this. I confess I was looking to buy a CTS as well. But the 4G Acura TL won out.

I did not read any reviews before I bought the TL. I actually went in to look at the cheaper model but did not like the look.

After I bought my car I started reading reviews and I could not believe what they were saying about the looks.

I still think it is a handsome car but was second guessing for a while. I did add the sport grille and back piece in midnight chrome but have no desire for an aftermarket grille.

I pretty much like the car the way it is and that is all that counts.

Mike

 

^^^^
Mike you made the right choice. The car is too different for mayo/velveeta tastes. You are declaring that you are not ruled by what is accepted as beauty by the masses. And your smart to capitalize on a good value rather than a brand.

 

I also bought the car because of the way it looked when i first saw it on acura's site. I also did not read prior reviews on its styling. I also second guessed my purchase after doing so, but I genuinely love the car, especially the interior. This is my first car, I am 25. I love everything about it except the miliege and the constant rise in gas price. I think I went a little overboard for my first purchase and prlly should have gone with a hybrid or something compact. I also like the look of the cts but I think the tl is less sharp and angular. Other than the back what sharp angles are there?

the one bad thing i have to say is that because i drive the car i cant see how it looks on the road, unless others have it. i ask my friends to sit in the drivers seat and press on the brakes just so i can admire the tail lights lol im really into tail lights, i have to say tho the tail lights ont eh 3g are really nice when they light up. i wish the 4g's were more distinct and less blurred.

 

I'm in the EXACT same situation!!

 

I liked the look from day one, point blank. And I agree with your statement made about being the same for acceptance. Which is a reason I feel a decent percentage of folks don't buy the car. The fact that people follow the crowd...hey there were folks on this very site that let peer pressure play into their vehicle decision making process.

 

When I first saw the car I said no way am I buying that car. Although while shopping for cars I would always stop at the Acura dealer on the weekends when they were closed and would always check out the car over and over again.
Really wanted the Maxima, but just didn't like the way it drove. Test drove the ES350 and BMW 3Series.We stopped at the Acura dealer for a test drive and my wife and I were sold.
Since day one we were always going to get the WDP with Ebony interior I and was going to definitely get the beak painted and we absolutely love the car.
It is very pleasing to be part of an exclusive club where everybody and the brother does'nt drive the same car.

 

I considered the Maxima as well. In fact 3 of my friends where I work were considering one as well. None of us bought one. I see them around a lot, in this area the ash for clunkers helped Nissan sell quiet a few of them. Sure the steering wheel heats, but none of use really liked the ride much. I owned a 1987 Nissan Stanza, it was popular but it wasn't all that either. Cars are popular for reason ranging from reliability to status to availability...I'm not much for following trends or the crowd.

Say, what was you take on the ES an 3 series? The ES was disappointing to me on several levels...reminded me of the Camry too much, the 3, cramped and expensive for no reason.

 

Those are the exact same reasons I had. The ES is an expensive Camry and my wife felt like it was an old folks car.
The 3 Series was way to small for us. Not worth the money.
If I were going with a BMW, I would go with the 5 Series. But reliability issues also bother me about the German brands.
My wife's freind bought a 3 Series just after my wife got the TL and she hates thecar. As a matter of fact,I say her freind and her husband at the car show in CT a few months back looking at cars to replace it.

 

I had a 2006 TL Anthracite w/ Ebony (tech package) and it took me about 2 years to really like the design, once I drove it I loved it and there was no turning back.... I hope my son does to...it is now his being replaced by an 2011 AWD TL w/Tech package in Palledium Metallic w/Ebony interior. I admit at first I was not warm to the design, but was not turned off but I began listening to all the rhetoric about the "polarizing design" and "beak". Well the looks began to grow on me but I still was not convinced. I knew I wanted an AWD so I took out G37x. It was a nice car, more popular than the TL but smaller inside than the TL and I was not overwhelmed with the exterior design and the interior cabin. The TL is by no means an "ugly" car it is different that the mainstream cookie cutter style you now see but real the difference is the cabin and when you drive it

 

Nice post Hondo.

 

I have owned 3 Acuras. The first one was an '87 Integra. My next Acura was an '05 TL that I replaced with my current Acura which is an '07 TL Nav. When the 4G TL came out, I was disappointed with the styling. I love the styling of the 3G so much and just didn't warm up to the 4G's appearance.

But now that some time has passed, the 4G has really grown on me. When I see one on the road, I always do a double take. I really like it now. So after some initial reservation, I finally decided that my next car would be a 4G TL SH-AWD.

However, now that I'm finally sold on the styling, I keep reading posts about the harsh ride of the TL SH-AWD and wonder if I could tolerate it. I've neither driven nor ridden in a 4G TL but certainly don't like the thought of a rough riding car. Any former 3G TL owners who've upgraded to 4G TLs that can comment on the ride difference between the 2 generations? I don't want to end up buying a TSX V6 but will if I can't handle the harsh riding TL. I love Acura and don't see myself driving any other make of car.

 

A few who have come from softer riding cars have complained about the ride of the SH-AWD. It's definitely on the sporting side of firm.

The only way to see if you will find it objectionable is to get your dealer to allow you to have an extended test drive, maybe overnight. Drive it on the roads you normally drive and see how it feels.

Personally I love the ride. It's more firm than my last Acura but I love its handling and ride. But you'll need to see if it's for you or not.

 

Went from 2005 TL to 2010 TL AWD. Doesn't feel that much different to me. The AWD is a gas. But then again test drove a 2011 Genesis prior to 2010 TL. The Genesis was, to me, a terrble, not luxury, not sport, ride.

 

I went form a 2006 TL w/tech which I love and gave to my son and bought a 2011 AWD w/tech and I love it! Yes it is a bit firmer that a the 2006 but it is not harsh, it is a tight solid ride and I love the way it handles. It is a different car than the front wheel drive version, which I did not like and rides more like a family sedan....this is a sports sedan. Also read the reputable reviews, not the whines of those who don't like the grill so the don't like the car, thios is one of the best handling AWD systems out there for the money.Take them both out and you will see. I like a "solid" car but it t comes down to what you are looking for and what you like.

 

I agree. I get more compliments on my car all the time.

 

Being in the market for a car,i started car shopping about four weeks ago during this time my son suggested we try out as many cars as possible, the list of cars i tried included Lexus ES 350, Mercedes Cls 500, BMW 550, Cadillac CTS 3.6 DI, Maxima and a Lincoln MKS, i went into the Acura dealership last and while i did not always like the looks of the TL when i saw them on the road i have to admit that the car looks a whole lot better in the showroom so i took a 2011 sh-awd for a test drive and i was very impressed with the performance of the car, it also helped that the salesman did not come along for the test drive and i was able to drive the car without feeling that someone was looking at my every move, i went on to test the base 3.5 as well and the another sh-awd, in the end i ended up purchasing the sh-awd,i had them change the grill and back bumper trim to midnight chrome as well as adding the rear lip spoiler. Having had the chance to drive many cars over the past four weeks i really like the TL as a complete package, btw it is WDP on Ebony.

 

Hi Karaze

Congrats...got some pics....would like to see the midnight chrome grille...I have the Palladium Metallic SH-AWD that I picked up 2 weeks ago.

 

I will at a later date,it seems that i have to wait 15 days before i can do so being that i am new to the site???