Acura vs Lexus
10-05-2009, 10:13 AM
#81
I'm the Firestarter
And Acura was first to offer real-time traffic. And torque-vectoring AWD.
10-05-2009, 04:48 PM
#83
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
The funny thing about this, and it really is true, is Toyota has done a flat out better job at distinguishing their luxury brand. They are good looking, high quality cars, minus the whole "it's not the ECU, it's the floor mats" issue.
On second thought..........
On second thought..........
10-05-2009, 05:01 PM
#84
Burning Brakes
I love my Acura BUT the one thing that REALLY gets on my nerves about Acura is that they have not developed their own platform. They keep using the Accord platform. Lexus, Infiniti and even Hyundai for crying out loud have specific Platforms for their Lux/Performance cars...it just shows that they are not willing to put money into their "luxury" brand
10-06-2009, 05:27 AM
#85
it's a car-drive it
I love my Acura BUT the one thing that REALLY gets on my nerves about Acura is that they have not developed their own platform. They keep using the Accord platform. Lexus, Infiniti and even Hyundai for crying out loud have specific Platforms for their Lux/Performance cars...it just shows that they are not willing to put money into their "luxury" brand
10-06-2009, 05:36 AM
#86
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
That is a partial truth. The current crop of Lexus cars ALL, repeat, ALL come from Toyota domestic models. As I stated earlier:
In 2004, the following was true:
LS = Celsior
GS = Aristo
ES = Windom / Camry
IS = Altezza
SC = Soarer
LX = Land Cruiser (also called a Prado).
Now, Toyota stopped this cross breeding in/around 2006 when they introduced the Lexus brand to Japan. So to be competitive in the home market, they had to distinguish themselves from the "plebeian" Toyotas. The only vehicles still sold under both names, but facelifted, are the ES/Windom/Camry and the LX/Land Cruiser. The rest are exclusive to Lexus.
So they are all rooted in JDM, but branched out when the put Lexus here in 2006.
In 2004, the following was true:
LS = Celsior
GS = Aristo
ES = Windom / Camry
IS = Altezza
SC = Soarer
LX = Land Cruiser (also called a Prado).
Now, Toyota stopped this cross breeding in/around 2006 when they introduced the Lexus brand to Japan. So to be competitive in the home market, they had to distinguish themselves from the "plebeian" Toyotas. The only vehicles still sold under both names, but facelifted, are the ES/Windom/Camry and the LX/Land Cruiser. The rest are exclusive to Lexus.
So they are all rooted in JDM, but branched out when the put Lexus here in 2006.
10-06-2009, 07:46 AM
#87
The Third Ball
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The 2nd gen SC is its own platform exclusive to Lexus no?
I dont think there was a gen Soarer that matches up with that car. But I dont live in Japan so I dont know.
I dont think there was a gen Soarer that matches up with that car. But I dont live in Japan so I dont know.
10-06-2009, 08:54 AM
#88
The Box
I like Lexus over Acura..
Both are good cars, but Lexus is softer, offers a V8 and has RWD. Coming from experience, I loved my GS400 in every way. The car was incredible. MY PERSONAL OPINION - My 99 GS400 was much better than some of the 05 RL's I've driven - yes, the technology aspect definitely goes to Acura but the GS felt better and overall was much more fun to drive/smoother.. But at the same time, it depends on the model.....I like the MDX much more than the RX.
They are both good brands. It used to be Acura, Lexus and Infiniti were in the same class....if I had to purchase a new car today, I'm positive Acura wouldn't be first or second on that list...
Both are good cars, but Lexus is softer, offers a V8 and has RWD. Coming from experience, I loved my GS400 in every way. The car was incredible. MY PERSONAL OPINION - My 99 GS400 was much better than some of the 05 RL's I've driven - yes, the technology aspect definitely goes to Acura but the GS felt better and overall was much more fun to drive/smoother.. But at the same time, it depends on the model.....I like the MDX much more than the RX.
They are both good brands. It used to be Acura, Lexus and Infiniti were in the same class....if I had to purchase a new car today, I'm positive Acura wouldn't be first or second on that list...
10-06-2009, 10:44 AM
#91
I'm the Firestarter
SH-AWD. 
10-06-2009, 10:49 AM
#92
an asshole from florida
10-06-2009, 02:01 PM
#94
I'm the Firestarter
But they have an arguably advanced AWD system now. By the way, the RL and ZDX have ventilated seats. Something Audi also doesn't offer across the range.
I'm just sayin', it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Yes, Acura has a less choice. But it's directly comparable to a marque like Audi, and many of these drawbacks are either not real or they also exist on other cars.
I'm just sayin', it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Yes, Acura has a less choice. But it's directly comparable to a marque like Audi, and many of these drawbacks are either not real or they also exist on other cars.
10-06-2009, 02:14 PM
#95
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The revised MDX and new ZDX (love it or hate it) clearly show Acura is trying to step up their game.
10-06-2009, 02:47 PM
#96
Yeah, but have you seen the ZDX? 
I'd rather be driving a hot looking Acura w/o ventilated seats then that abomination. Although ideally, they should be able to accomplish both. Not sure why they can't put features like that into an attractive package...
My problem with Acura isn't necessarily their technology... but it's the fact that they have not had an attractive design in some time. That and their dealerships do not feel any different then a Honda dealership. So for me it's more about the total experience then just some of the technology they may or may not have...
I'd rather be driving a hot looking Acura w/o ventilated seats then that abomination. Although ideally, they should be able to accomplish both. Not sure why they can't put features like that into an attractive package...
My problem with Acura isn't necessarily their technology... but it's the fact that they have not had an attractive design in some time. That and their dealerships do not feel any different then a Honda dealership. So for me it's more about the total experience then just some of the technology they may or may not have...
Last edited by juniorbean; 10-06-2009 at 02:50 PM.
10-06-2009, 03:30 PM
#97
I'm the Firestarter
^ I agree that the cars are not attractive but that does not prevent them in any way from being a luxury brand.
10-06-2009, 03:36 PM
#98
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Anyone taken a good look at the ZDX interior materials?
Top notch, lets hope it trickles down in the brand.
Top notch, lets hope it trickles down in the brand.
10-06-2009, 04:41 PM
#99
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
The second generation SC was a 2001 model, and yes, it was a Soarer up until 2006. Once Lexus of Japan opened, it was a Lexus only. I was shopping for one, so I had done a bit of research. Everything Lexus has was Toyota JDM rooted.
10-06-2009, 08:47 PM
#100
Acuras Only in
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Funny how this topic has been on our family holiday menu for quite a few years now ... parents went with the Toyota years ago, so my bro went with Lexus & I went with Acura instead ... needless to say, I have driven his Lexus (LS, GX) many times & vice versa (my TL, MDX) & we always compliment each other's rides yet still holding on to our own preference ... so while I agree that lexus' service is better than that of Acura's, I still won't change my choice as I always base my car shopping on a combination of factors, not just the brand name alone ...
IMHO, can't go wrong with either generally; based on one's need, you might find they (A VS. L) might cross path of each other ...
IMHO, can't go wrong with either generally; based on one's need, you might find they (A VS. L) might cross path of each other ...
10-07-2009, 10:47 AM
#101
Correct, however, when shopping for a luxury brand the last 7-8 years or so I look to Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus. So while you are correct as indicated, in a way, it does prevent them from being a luxury brand.... to me at least... b/c they're not even the conversation when I discuss or shop luxury brands.
10-07-2009, 01:15 PM
#102
Correct, however, when shopping for a luxury brand the last 7-8 years or so I look to Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus. So while you are correct as indicated, in a way, it does prevent them from being a luxury brand.... to me at least... b/c they're not even the conversation when I discuss or shop luxury brands.
Only one of my co-workers or friends when buying an Acura ever considered it to the above brands and after 2 months of owning his RL was extremely disapointed. He gave the car back after the lease and bought a LS460 vowing to never consider an Acura again when looking for a true Luxury vehicle.
10-07-2009, 03:16 PM
#103
The Box
I agree, Although Acura makes some good value vehicles, When shopping for a luxury brand i never put Acura in that same picture or comparison.
Only one of my co-workers or friends when buying an Acura ever considered it to the above brands and after 2 months of owning his RL was extremely disapointed. He gave the car back after the lease and bought a LS460 vowing to never consider an Acura again when looking for a true Luxury vehicle.
Only one of my co-workers or friends when buying an Acura ever considered it to the above brands and after 2 months of owning his RL was extremely disapointed. He gave the car back after the lease and bought a LS460 vowing to never consider an Acura again when looking for a true Luxury vehicle.
10-07-2009, 03:20 PM
#104
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
10-07-2009, 03:46 PM
#106
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I do like the '05+ RL very much though, probably my next car.
10-07-2009, 03:50 PM
#107
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Never even thought of the Lexus, as the price is astronomical. And truly, it is a different class of car. I love the RL too. I think it's one slick ride with comfort and a dash of sport, but it is not even remotely close to the LS. I see where it compares to the GS though.
10-07-2009, 07:38 PM
#108
Punk Rocker
I would have to say that I still really like the last gen RL, TL, and TSX. Its just too bad Honda totally jumped the shark when restyling them for this gen....
10-08-2009, 01:07 PM
#109
In the fall of 2005 when he bought his 06 RL it only took him a couple months to see that the RL overall didnt meet his quality and service standards like he thought it should have. Four years later when his lease expired his financial situation was even better and he bought the LS460, but even if Acura had a comparable vehicle he said he wouldnt have looked at Acura due to its poor build quality and Honda like service.
He best put it this way "When you put an Acura beside another luxury brand (ie: Lexus, Audi, BMW, MB, etc) it looks like its very comparable and a great value, but once you touch the Acura and sit inside it and put it in drive, thats where it all ends".
10-08-2009, 01:32 PM
#110
The Box
I'd drive an 04 RL before an 05....I think they're a better bang for your buck, not because they're dramatically cheaper.
10-08-2009, 01:53 PM
#111
I'm the Firestarter
This is true. (Sorry, i should have done a better job explaining my point)
In the fall of 2005 when he bought his 06 RL it only took him a couple months to see that the RL overall didnt meet his quality and service standards like he thought it should have. Four years later when his lease expired his financial situation was even better and he bought the LS460, but even if Acura had a comparable vehicle he said he wouldnt have looked at Acura due to its poor build quality and Honda like service.
He best put it this way "When you put an Acura beside another luxury brand (ie: Lexus, Audi, BMW, MB, etc) it looks like its very comparable and a great value, but once you touch the Acura and sit inside it and put it in drive, thats where it all ends".
In the fall of 2005 when he bought his 06 RL it only took him a couple months to see that the RL overall didnt meet his quality and service standards like he thought it should have. Four years later when his lease expired his financial situation was even better and he bought the LS460, but even if Acura had a comparable vehicle he said he wouldnt have looked at Acura due to its poor build quality and Honda like service.
He best put it this way "When you put an Acura beside another luxury brand (ie: Lexus, Audi, BMW, MB, etc) it looks like its very comparable and a great value, but once you touch the Acura and sit inside it and put it in drive, thats where it all ends".
Since then I've been getting my TSX serviced at the local Acura dealer, and every time I had the option to get a loaner. I could also get a free car wash at the Acura dealership at any time. I would swing by now and then to get my car washed.
I just bought an Audi A4 and before I even got my first service I already found out that at my local dealer there is no free loaners and no free car washes, only when you get the car serviced.
As far as high-end service goes, Acura 2, Audi 0. I didn't get loaners and car washes at my Honda dealer either, so far Audi's looking more like Honda than Acura is from that point of view.
10-08-2009, 02:30 PM
#112
Drifting
Lexus is a cut above Acura in terms of prestige; however, in terms of their products, I don't think Lexus is superior to Acura. Lexus certainly gets more recognition than Acura because their lineup is nearly twice the size of Acura's and they have been far more assertive in their product marketing and product development than has Honda/Acura.
To each their own; there will always be status seekers who try to out-do their neighbors by having a fancy Lexus. Though not all Lexus owners fall into this stereotype, a significant percentage certainly do. That's their perogative. I prefer not to blend in and prefer Acura as it's a superior alternative, in my opinion. Nonetheless, both are excellent brands and offer phenomenal products that few can compete with in terms of long term reliability.
To each their own; there will always be status seekers who try to out-do their neighbors by having a fancy Lexus. Though not all Lexus owners fall into this stereotype, a significant percentage certainly do. That's their perogative. I prefer not to blend in and prefer Acura as it's a superior alternative, in my opinion. Nonetheless, both are excellent brands and offer phenomenal products that few can compete with in terms of long term reliability.
10-08-2009, 02:57 PM
#113
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
10-08-2009, 03:57 PM
#114
I just bought an Audi A4 and before I even got my first service I already found out that at my local dealer there is no free loaners and no free car washes, only when you get the car serviced.
As far as high-end service goes, Acura 2, Audi 0. I didn't get loaners and car washes at my Honda dealer either, so far Audi's looking more like Honda than Acura is from that point of view.
As far as high-end service goes, Acura 2, Audi 0. I didn't get loaners and car washes at my Honda dealer either, so far Audi's looking more like Honda than Acura is from that point of view.
The Audi dealer in NY was only slightly better then the Acura dealers up there... however, down here it's night and day. The way we get treated, you'd think we dropped $200k on a car. Free maintenence, loaner car each time (and always an Audi... not a rental like Acura), flexibile pickup/drop-off (countless times my wife has been busy and kept the loaner overnight)... and so on.
The Mercedes and BMW dealers are like that as well. Not sure about Lexus here, but in NY they blew away Acura.
So yeah, dealer experiences can vary, however, in the 3 states we have experience, Audi (and BMW/Mercedes/Lexus) have always trumped Acura. Sometimes barely, sometimes by a mile... but they've always been better.
10-08-2009, 08:03 PM
#115
Punk Rocker
In 2004 I bought an Acura TSX, I didn't even consider an A4 at the time because I didn't think it looked good inside or out. In 2004 the TSX also easily beat out the A4 in Car and Driver.
Since then I've been getting my TSX serviced at the local Acura dealer, and every time I had the option to get a loaner. I could also get a free car wash at the Acura dealership at any time. I would swing by now and then to get my car washed.
I just bought an Audi A4 and before I even got my first service I already found out that at my local dealer there is no free loaners and no free car washes, only when you get the car serviced.
As far as high-end service goes, Acura 2, Audi 0. I didn't get loaners and car washes at my Honda dealer either, so far Audi's looking more like Honda than Acura is from that point of view.
Since then I've been getting my TSX serviced at the local Acura dealer, and every time I had the option to get a loaner. I could also get a free car wash at the Acura dealership at any time. I would swing by now and then to get my car washed.
I just bought an Audi A4 and before I even got my first service I already found out that at my local dealer there is no free loaners and no free car washes, only when you get the car serviced.
As far as high-end service goes, Acura 2, Audi 0. I didn't get loaners and car washes at my Honda dealer either, so far Audi's looking more like Honda than Acura is from that point of view.
10-08-2009, 08:22 PM
#116
I'm the Firestarter
And yes, service varies reginally. I know a guy who gets his A3 serviced in Toronto and a guy comes to his house to pick up the car and he gets an A4 loaner.
10-08-2009, 08:39 PM
#117
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Thats excessive, I wouldn't want to pay for that.
10-08-2009, 08:46 PM
#118
I'm the Firestarter
He gets that as part of some VIP package that came with the car (he didn't even pick that, he took over a lease and that car automatically came with that service package).
10-09-2009, 03:15 AM
#119
it's a car-drive it
I guess it can vary from region to region. My experiences have only been where I've lived and had my cars serviced (NY, NJ, and NC).
The Audi dealer in NY was only slightly better then the Acura dealers up there... however, down here it's night and day. The way we get treated, you'd think we dropped $200k on a car. Free maintenence, loaner car each time (and always an Audi... not a rental like Acura), flexibile pickup/drop-off (countless times my wife has been busy and kept the loaner overnight)... and so on.
The Mercedes and BMW dealers are like that as well. Not sure about Lexus here, but in NY they blew away Acura.
So yeah, dealer experiences can vary, however, in the 3 states we have experience, Audi (and BMW/Mercedes/Lexus) have always trumped Acura. Sometimes barely, sometimes by a mile... but they've always been better.
The Audi dealer in NY was only slightly better then the Acura dealers up there... however, down here it's night and day. The way we get treated, you'd think we dropped $200k on a car. Free maintenence, loaner car each time (and always an Audi... not a rental like Acura), flexibile pickup/drop-off (countless times my wife has been busy and kept the loaner overnight)... and so on.
The Mercedes and BMW dealers are like that as well. Not sure about Lexus here, but in NY they blew away Acura.
So yeah, dealer experiences can vary, however, in the 3 states we have experience, Audi (and BMW/Mercedes/Lexus) have always trumped Acura. Sometimes barely, sometimes by a mile... but they've always been better.
10-09-2009, 03:55 AM
#120
Burning Brakes
So noob question: if im just getting say an oil change done at the Acura dealership which is estimated at about an hr wait time, can i just ask them to give me a loaner for the day and just leave my car their? Is that a service that they HAVE to provide?