Acura does not have the same appeal as it did over past years with the ending production of the cl,rsx and nsx! I think the competition has become too great. There are so many other options, now with the terrible designs of the RL and Tsx. Also I think they have placed too much emphasis on the SUV market especially with the ever increasing gass prices. Even though they have have the tl type s they still lack a true sports car with rwd(NSX) or something with awd, i would have liked to have seen a sports coupe. Its possible that acura is not trying to target my age group but i dont think anyone likes the direction Acura is goin. I think the need to change the changes they have made.

 

I don't think Acura headed in the right direction. matter of fact i don't think Acura will be around in 10 years if they continue down the current path.
the 09 RL (keep in mind this is a E-class and 5 series fighter)
the 09 TSX (Again a 1 series and soon coming A class fighter)
I haven't seen the upcoming TL but seeing how the future RL and TSX sucks i bet it sucks too.
then you add in a weak American economy and weak American dollar and it's bad news.

 

Acura has some new models coming up in the near future.

FR sports coupe, FR sedan, AWD TL, 2 seater convertible and finally a replacement for the NSX. Its the calm before the storm.

 

Exactly, kind of like infiniti before the G came out. Everything we've heard about the next TL sounds good (3.7L, SHAWD etc...) and the RL's design will only be around for two years until the new one comes out with rumors of a V8 and RWD based AWD system, which should come out around the time of the next NSX. I bet they're going to put the RDX drivetrain in a Type-S model of the TSX

 

Bingo

And this is info from the dealers' meeting in New Orleans.. if Acura is lying to the dealers then

 

interesting to find out .... i will be waiting for the latter models than the 09 ones ..

 

Oh man, there are so many threads here that are similar to this. We should look further ahead instead of just looking at what Acura has right. We also can't based on what's gonna happen based on what they have right now; ie, can't assume the next TL is bad when the RL and TSX are bad (they aren't really bad either).

 

The problem with Acura is that they are afraid to try new things, and as well, their marketing with honda is stupid beyond belief. The all new honda pilot has a USB key input, that can also control your IPOD. Acura decides, hey lets let honda have it first, then we can jack up the prices for no reason. Also their quality has gone down the shitter, I just cleaned up my MDX, and the leather was peeling on 3 of the seats, 2 of which are unused, but conditioned every month. Panels on the interior had obnoxious gaps as well.

Acura and Honda need to hit reality, and present cars that work, such as bringing CMBS, SmartKEY and the Lane change system to ALL cars in the Acura division standard, and have them optional on honda's. Also bring in some of those amazing diesel motors, that get around 60MPG for god's sake. Also Honda needs to spread the Acura brand and bring back real cars:
A Halo car -> AKA NSX
A Flagship Sedan that acutually is worth it: Legend

As well, they need to stop worrying about intruding on other model sales and show true numbers, like the new accord, it gets the same HUB horsepower as it is rated at the crank, so it doesn't intrude onto TL sales. Raise up those numbers to get ahead of the competition and get with the program, it only has one year left and it's selling it self.

They also need to move on from their conservative V6 and offer some racing inspired V8's. The MDX badly needs one as torque is almost non-existant in the 3.5K and lower range. Have an V8 with VCM and honda's golden. Also they need to get with the program and have cars with 6-speed or more Automatic transmissions and better electronics that drive the car (Drive by wire without the lag)

If they want to be a "tier 1 brand" they need to get their asses in gear and stop spending money in the wrong places, and get better designers and engineers that listen to their customers.


Also here's a riddle for you:
What automanufactuer has a 4 or 6 cyl. Motor that is NA and is considered Tier 1 (bently)?

End of rant

 

I think there have been like 20 threads about the future of Acura.

I like my current TSX, but after that I don't see myself owning another Acura or even Honda after this. Lexus and Infiniti have my attention now. Maybe a 128i or Smart car as a fun weekend car/semi commuter car.

 

the 1 series is outrageous, 40K for a 1 series, thats a wee bit too much for my taste.

 

If they are waiting for more of my $$$, there screwed!

 

Ditto! I love my TSX and want to be wooed into buying a new TSX, but it is just not doing it for me. I highly doubt that I'll want to buck up for a new (and slower) one for just some neat gizmos. Mine is merely for commuting so the extra size does me nothing. I hope that the TL is something sweet b/c otherwise Infiniti, BMW, and somewhat Lexus are starting to appeal much more to me.

 

I am done with Honda until they snap out of it and have RWD.

 

i think Infiniti ,Audi, and BMW starting to steal some of Acura's sales. unless your a dyed to the roots Honda fan and want something of the Honda product Acura isn't get much other sales.
You can't run a car company just on your hardcore fans. you gotta appeal to the mass. (which i believe Audi,BMW and Infiniti are doing). I believe Acura headed down the road they've been on for 15-20+ years.most of the public is ready for a change. they got pretty much 2 options:option 1(which i think Acura will go with) stay where their at and be a 1.5 tier automaker.(the reason i call them 1.5 tier their not to the level of a Lexus, Infiniti, BMW,Caddy,Benz,etc
option 2: totally overhaul designs and designers.
like someone said before: a V-6 Accord stick (2008) is getting damn close as far as stuff offered on it and power and handling to a TL-S. and it's about 5 grand less. yes there's little things the TL-S has that the EX V-6 6 6 speed doesn't have but the v-6 accord eatting up sales of the TL cause their so damn close.

 

I understand that acura is not bmw but, the problem is the model line up how do you replace your two most exciting cars the nsx and rsx with a crossover the rdx. The reason why bmw has a X3 is because they 6 other models with many different options including M, this dosnt include the new X6. Those concepts on the Acura website in my opinion wont look like that remember the sports 4!

 

i agree Acura losing it's focus.(not the shitty Ford car) but the mental concentration. Acura was put on the map with the Integra and Legend. now for 09 we got:
mdx:Which is okay
TL:Which in my opinon been late getting to HP party (M3,IS-F, C63)
RL:No V-8 offered (545,E class v-8, GS V-8 and M45)
RDX:WTF a turbo 4 cylinder . that's okay for like a WRX or Evo but a sporty truck it needs a v-6. NOTICE all competion put a v-6 in it.(Ford Edge, X3,and future Benz GL i believe)

 

i know, i remember that the old Acura Vigor and 2.5 TL had an 2.5L I5. They could just put an I5 in the new TSX and put 230hp in it.

 

People are just drawing their conclusions on the success of the TSX too quickly based on that they think. Check out the 2nd gen TSX forum, they have links to several reviews, which look quite positive to me. One review even said, "the best Acura ever after the TL 5 years ago" or something along that line. For an entry level luxury sedan, I don't see any problem with the TSX. It offers virtually everything an entry-luxury sedan should have at less than $30k. All it needs is a V6 as an option, or something more powerful. But for now, I see it as a great competitor to IS250, S40 2.4i, A4 2.0T, C230, and 323i.

 

uh the C class and 3 series is more in line with the TL.
the 323 is a TL regular fighter same with the C230

 

You are right about that too, I just see the TSX and TL are pretty much competing in the same class, one targeting the less powerful cars, one takes care of the more powerful cars. I guess there are just many ways you can see this and honestly I don't think anyone is wrong, just different views.

 

i agree Honda/Acura has to many cars in the entry lux. car class.
the upper line Accord EX-L with Navi v-6 is starting to get into the price range of a regular TL and almost has all the goodies of the TL.
TSX as far as power is almost the power of a TL.(not the type S)
Honda/Acura doesn't need 3 or 4 cars in one section but 1 car in many sections.
the problem is the 3 or 4 cars in one section they start eatting off each other. much like GM problem has had for years. For many years the Pontiac Grand Prix would compete against the Chevy Impala. basically same car just shade different body style, different wheels, maybe a little more chrome with one but the powertrain basically the same.
wouldn't it make sense to focus on a sector where Acura or Honda struggles then having 3 good cars competing in 1.

 

I hope when it's time to buy my next car in 4 years that Acura has something for me. Right now I'm on my G35 and still greatly enjoying it.

 

i'll be honest since i started driving i've had atleast 1 Honda in my garage. but as soon as they wear out i'm done with them. it's not due to them being garbage like Ford and GM. but just their designs makes me think WTF dude.

 

Acura is poorly managed since 2005. Now they look weak. And the recent hideous and feminine RDX, questionable TSX and refreshed RL don't help. The new MDX is just borderline.

 

It is really sad that Acura has squandered the appeal they had generated with the current TL and last gen TSX. Instead of building on those iconic designs they have gotten complacent and boring (as well as just plain offensive with the ridiculous grilles). The TL was something to stare at back in 2004 but I fear the new model is going to be quite unattractive....

 

That's very interesting. Yea, the new Accord you mentioned has raised the bar by a lot, approaching the TL territory. I wouldn't worry too much about that though, as the TL is (or should be) moving up again in the next generation which is about to arrive in a few months. This cycle happened before when the last gen showed up and was comparable to the 2nd gen TL.

I'm not so sure if many people will agree the TSX has power that is close to a normal TL. I have a 2nd gen TL-S, and drove a TSX as a loaner before, and the difference in power is quite dramatic. The new TSX improved its torque, but still nowhere close to the current TL. And the next TL will go up in power.

With that said, I agree, Honda needs to design more cars to compete in different classes in the luxury market. The RL is an awesome car for what it is, but it lack choices. GM and Ford are experiencing trouble now, similar to what Nissan was in in the early 1990's.

 

no what they need to do is put the 2.3L turbocharged motor in the tsx w sh-awd and call it a day. that would definitely please alot of ppl like me. give srt4, wrx, and evo drivers something to worry about.

 

i love my tsx but it doesnt hold a candle to the new 1 series. the 135 w 300 horsepower in that little ass car. sickness. the only way acura can catch up w that is 2 turbo the tsx for 2010 w atleast.ATLEAST 300 some horse. but by then bmw will have some new shit out. they may have fallen to far behind.....

 

first off, acura/honda cars are targeted at a specific audience. all businesses have a ninche and acura/honda fulfills one in which are consumers looking for reliability, mainly families. creating a RWD car or a car with performance reason is not acura/honda's ninche

bmw/infiniti are catering to those who care for performance as well as luxury... can't compare apples to oranges.

 

acura isnt trying to cater to people who want both performance and luxury? if that was the case then why would they be making type s models or turbocharge an suv? u are right about companies and thier niches but i really dont think im comparing apples to oranges. im gona say that all luxury brands are interested in both performance and luxury.

 

Why are you combining acura and honda in your comment? No one here is talking about Honda, in which your statement would be correct. The discussion concerns ACURA and why they are sucking as of late. Acura and Honda do NOT target the same consumers, otherwise Acura would not even exist.

Acura IS targeting consumers wanting performance and luxury, there's no arguing that because of what they say and how they market themselves, the only part that throws people off is when they walk into a dealership and instead of seeing high powered RWD cars (performance) with myriad of luxury options and choices (luxury), they see a bunch of SUVs and FWD sedans with very little choice in options.

 

introduce some hybrids like Lexus is doing.

 

hybrids are a good idea but that still wont solve the issue of lack of performance. granted it will generate alot more interest in the brand but most likely will only delay a more performance oriented/ track worthy car. im sure soon enuf they'll jump on the hybrid bandwagon though.

 

im thinking the only reason acura is still generating business is b/c they have so many loyal customers. im thinking that all itll take is one car. just one to bring em back to life. nothing like a new nsx but im thinking more along the lines of a new CL. something to go heads up w the G37 and 335ci. a new nsx will have to come later but i dont know how their gona do it. not with the new nissan gtr. i think acuras V10 isnt very realistic. not when ur talking about the TT-V6 in the grt that kicks the shit out of a 911 turbo. and is priced subtantially less. i cant think of nething they have in the works thats going to compete. not at that price point atleast.

 

^Also with the new diesel coming out, I doubt that they would go with hybrid anytime soon.

 

very tru. but you never know with gas now days. it just keeps going up and idk if a deisel will cut the mustard.

 

If this is true, then we can say that the TL (not the type S) is almost the power of the BMW 335i.

IMO 50hp is a big difference.

 

no offence but you can't compare a regular TL to a 335. i think a Type S is more in line with a 335.or a C350

 

TSX = 205hp
TL (base) = 258hp

Difference = 53hp

TL (base) = 258hp
335i = 300hp

Difference = 42



You fail at logic. If the TSX is "almost" the same power as the base TL, but the there is less difference in hp between the TL and 335i. So why in one breath a difference of 53hp is "almost" the same, but a smaller difference of 42hp can't be compared?

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/2009-acura-tsx-commercials-389412/
This is from a recent thread, look at the tsx comercials, and look at the integra comercial.