J.D. Power: Styling biggest reason people reject Acura
12-24-2010 | 09:50 PM
#42
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,665
Likes: 191
I know i've said this before, but anyways, the beak isn't the problem. it's the execution.
this is what made the beak look good, what allowed it to go through management:
somehow we ended up with this
it may be just a few subtle differences, but the impact is huge. the silvery shiny plastic that Acura uses in the production TL's grille is not the same as the more subdued, classier looking metal on the concept. And why they decided to let it ride up into the hood rather than being aligned with the headlights, like in the concept, is beyond me.
this is what made the beak look good, what allowed it to go through management:
somehow we ended up with this
it may be just a few subtle differences, but the impact is huge. the silvery shiny plastic that Acura uses in the production TL's grille is not the same as the more subdued, classier looking metal on the concept. And why they decided to let it ride up into the hood rather than being aligned with the headlights, like in the concept, is beyond me.
12-24-2010 | 10:27 PM
#44
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
12-25-2010 | 01:14 PM
#46
My first Avatar....
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 25,350
Likes: 7,004
From: NJ
12-25-2010 | 01:50 PM
#47
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
On one hand, nearly everyone's 2009 sales figures went down the economic toilet, and J.D. Power reports that exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by Acura's interior styling. On the other hand, the brand's 24-percent increase in sales in 2010 over the previous year has Honda's luxury division outpacing the gains of its rivals.
IMO, the beak itself only looks bad on the TL and the RL. But the styling on the RL, ZDX and to a lesser extent, the TL are just crap compared to the competition.
12-25-2010 | 07:34 PM
#48
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 86
From: Boston Metro
When have any of Acura's car ever shown any natural progression? It would be nice if they evolved like many of their competitors cars. No need for shock and awe style changes each time.
12-25-2010 | 08:46 PM
#51
Senior Moderator
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,085
Likes: 740
From: Brooklyn, NY USA
12-25-2010 | 08:48 PM
#52
Senior Moderator
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,085
Likes: 740
From: Brooklyn, NY USA
You know what? With the exception of the front end, I actually like the way it looks.
12-25-2010 | 09:37 PM
#53
Be kind to us truckers !
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: New Albany,IN
12-25-2010 | 09:46 PM
#54
Be kind to us truckers !
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: New Albany,IN
12-25-2010 | 09:49 PM
#55
Be kind to us truckers !
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: New Albany,IN
12-25-2010 | 09:52 PM
#56
Be kind to us truckers !
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: New Albany,IN
I am a strict acura fan but I agree with a lot of people when they say that the new design in their line up is well just ugly. I was rather excited when I came across this article..
"It's no secret that the corporate schnoz adopted in recent years by Acura is, shall we say... controversial. But whether or not it's helping or hurting sales is up for debate. On one hand, the brand's 24-percent increase in sales in 2010 over the previous year has Honda's luxury division outpacing the gains of its rivals. On the other hand, nearly everyone's 2009 sales figures went down the economic toilet, and J.D. Power reports that exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by Acura's interior styling.
Perhaps tellingly, Acura's two most successful models in sales gains are the MDX and RDX utility vehicles, models competing in burgeoning segments (and the former of which features a somewhat muted faces compared to the rest of the company's lineup). But hope may be on the way, and soon. According to Automotive News, Dave Conant, who owns an Acura store in Mission Viejo, California and has gotten an early look at the next-gen TL, Acura's middle child is getting a major nose job.
And more new models are reportedly on the horizon as well, including hybrids and a likely return to the entry-level compact luxury class. What's more, the automaker has promised dealers that future models will be better differentiated from one another, both styling-wise and in size. All that sounds good, just so long as no giant polished cow-catcher grilles get in the way.
"
"It's no secret that the corporate schnoz adopted in recent years by Acura is, shall we say... controversial. But whether or not it's helping or hurting sales is up for debate. On one hand, the brand's 24-percent increase in sales in 2010 over the previous year has Honda's luxury division outpacing the gains of its rivals. On the other hand, nearly everyone's 2009 sales figures went down the economic toilet, and J.D. Power reports that exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by Acura's interior styling.
Perhaps tellingly, Acura's two most successful models in sales gains are the MDX and RDX utility vehicles, models competing in burgeoning segments (and the former of which features a somewhat muted faces compared to the rest of the company's lineup). But hope may be on the way, and soon. According to Automotive News, Dave Conant, who owns an Acura store in Mission Viejo, California and has gotten an early look at the next-gen TL, Acura's middle child is getting a major nose job.
And more new models are reportedly on the horizon as well, including hybrids and a likely return to the entry-level compact luxury class. What's more, the automaker has promised dealers that future models will be better differentiated from one another, both styling-wise and in size. All that sounds good, just so long as no giant polished cow-catcher grilles get in the way.
"
12-25-2010 | 10:47 PM
#58
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,434
Likes: 1,492
From: Toronto, Ontario
I think this is a good reason why cars shouldn't start with a concept that's completely impractical and then be dumbed down for production. It's what caused cars like the Aztek.
Why can't cars just be designed as they would be in production form from scratch? No design language to conform to, no concept to dumb down. Just design a car that looks good, and then sell it
Why can't cars just be designed as they would be in production form from scratch? No design language to conform to, no concept to dumb down. Just design a car that looks good, and then sell it
12-25-2010 | 11:35 PM
#59
Evil Mazda Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 174
From: Portland, Oregon
I think this is a good reason why cars shouldn't start with a concept that's completely impractical and then be dumbed down for production. It's what caused cars like the Aztek.
Why can't cars just be designed as they would be in production form from scratch? No design language to conform to, no concept to dumb down. Just design a car that looks good, and then sell it
Why can't cars just be designed as they would be in production form from scratch? No design language to conform to, no concept to dumb down. Just design a car that looks good, and then sell it
In regards to taking concepts and putting them straight to production, there are problems there, as well. You have to consider the way the car's structure crushes for crash standards and how those panels will fit as well as roll-over and side impact crash resistance. Then there are bumper regulations. In some countries, there are even pedestrian impact requirements that stipulate how tall the hood can be and how it has to be angled in order to gentler to pedestrians should they be dumb enough to stroll out in front of a speeding car. And have you seen some concepts? Trust me...they look cool but they're not something you want to drive everyday. Concept cars are the automotive industry equivalent of taking some 2nd graders off their Ritalin, loading them up with Red Bull and letting them loose with power tools. It's lots of fun but somebody almost always gets hurt.
Long story short? Blame the government.
Last edited by PortlandRL; 12-25-2010 at 11:39 PM.
12-26-2010 | 09:08 AM
#60
Be kind to us truckers !
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: New Albany,IN
I think this is a good reason why cars shouldn't start with a concept that's completely impractical and then be dumbed down for production. It's what caused cars like the Aztek.
Why can't cars just be designed as they would be in production form from scratch? No design language to conform to, no concept to dumb down. Just design a car that looks good, and then sell it
Why can't cars just be designed as they would be in production form from scratch? No design language to conform to, no concept to dumb down. Just design a car that looks good, and then sell it
12-26-2010 | 04:03 PM
#61
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
...But the TL was simply poor design that somehow got approved for production. There was no cross-breeding involved...it was just an ugly car that somehow made it past the approval board and onto America's roads, much to the chagrin of those blessed with the gift of sight....
12-26-2010 | 06:24 PM
#63
The real failures of the "power plenum" are the TL, RL, and RDX. The TSX and MDX pull it off alright, imo. I just don't get what Acura is thinking. Clearly their sales are sucking dick, yet they're not doing much of anything about it. Oooooh but they have a new 6 speed transmission! Too bad it should be a 7 or 8 speed by now.
12-27-2010 | 04:48 AM
#64
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 1,037
From: Japan
The real failures of the "power plenum" are the TL, RL, and RDX. The TSX and MDX pull it off alright, imo. I just don't get what Acura is thinking. Clearly their sales are sucking dick, yet they're not doing much of anything about it. Oooooh but they have a new 6 speed transmission! Too bad it should be a 7 or 8 speed by now.
And they will continue to swallow whole until they get with the program:
1. Reliable, up to date transmissions.
2. Styling that will make buyers of Mercedes, Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, and BMW take notice.
3. Listen to their customer base.
4. Build a coupe. Hell, their parent Honda does.
If they do that, they will get better. But they need to surpass Cadillac before they take on the companies above.
12-27-2010 | 07:36 AM
#65
Senior Moderator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20,019
Likes: 4,618
From: Cleveland area, OH
The real failures of the "power plenum" are the TL, RL, and RDX. The TSX and MDX pull it off alright, imo. I just don't get what Acura is thinking. Clearly their sales are sucking dick, yet they're not doing much of anything about it. Oooooh but they have a new 6 speed transmission! Too bad it should be a 7 or 8 speed by now.
12-27-2010 | 11:02 AM
#66
99 TL, 06 E350
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,030
Likes: 164
From: Toronto
12-27-2010 | 12:41 PM
#67
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,665
Likes: 191
But TL sales individually are down and the RL well that's a given. and the TL used to be on the "selling well" side of Acura's lineup.
12-27-2010 | 02:24 PM
#68
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 2
From: DFW
I like buttons. Never understood why people make such a fuss over them. These are not rentals car that you drive once. You get used to them and then everything is at your finger tips instead of buried in a menu somewhere. Knobs are OK, too, though. The only thing I fiddle with much in the car is XM station selection--which is handled by a nice big thick ridged knob in my RDX (lol).
12-27-2010 | 03:15 PM
#69
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
About time Acura brought back a revived CSX!!!!
12-27-2010 | 04:36 PM
#70
Evil Mazda Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 174
From: Portland, Oregon
12-27-2010 | 05:27 PM
#71
Senior Moderator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 17,903
Likes: 1,672
....partial to BNSF myself.Assuming you weren't kidding around, think Honda Civic EX-L with Acura badging.....and I think that would be a mistake (among many others) for Acura stateside.
12-28-2010 | 02:01 PM
#75
Senior Moderator
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 47,710
Likes: 801
From: Toronto, Canada
12-31-2010 | 05:38 PM
#76
Be kind to us truckers !
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: New Albany,IN
The real failures of the "power plenum" are the TL, RL, and RDX. The TSX and MDX pull it off alright, imo. I just don't get what Acura is thinking. Clearly their sales are sucking dick, yet they're not doing much of anything about it. Oooooh but they have a new 6 speed transmission! Too bad it should be a 7 or 8 speed by now.
01-02-2011 | 08:26 AM
#79
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 565
Likes: 3
From: Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
The Aztek was a great idea, nothing more and it flopped because GM tried to stretch a crossover body onto a minivan frame and engine, hence, ugly fucking car. But the TL was simply poor design that somehow got approved for production. There was no cross-breeding involved...it was just an ugly car that somehow made it past the approval board and onto America's roads, much to the chagrin of those blessed with the gift of sight.
In regards to taking concepts and putting them straight to production, there are problems there, as well. You have to consider the way the car's structure crushes for crash standards and how those panels will fit as well as roll-over and side impact crash resistance. Then there are bumper regulations. In some countries, there are even pedestrian impact requirements that stipulate how tall the hood can be and how it has to be angled in order to gentler to pedestrians should they be dumb enough to stroll out in front of a speeding car. And have you seen some concepts? Trust me...they look cool but they're not something you want to drive everyday. Concept cars are the automotive industry equivalent of taking some 2nd graders off their Ritalin, loading them up with Red Bull and letting them loose with power tools. It's lots of fun but somebody almost always gets hurt.
Long story short? Blame the government.
In regards to taking concepts and putting them straight to production, there are problems there, as well. You have to consider the way the car's structure crushes for crash standards and how those panels will fit as well as roll-over and side impact crash resistance. Then there are bumper regulations. In some countries, there are even pedestrian impact requirements that stipulate how tall the hood can be and how it has to be angled in order to gentler to pedestrians should they be dumb enough to stroll out in front of a speeding car. And have you seen some concepts? Trust me...they look cool but they're not something you want to drive everyday. Concept cars are the automotive industry equivalent of taking some 2nd graders off their Ritalin, loading them up with Red Bull and letting them loose with power tools. It's lots of fun but somebody almost always gets hurt.
Long story short? Blame the government.
01-02-2011 | 12:38 PM
#80
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 30
From: Baltimore MD
Acura is lucky that the MDX and RDX have been selling so well. The new designed TL has been disappointing compared to the 3G. The RL has been a disaster. The TSX just a competent seller.
The beak needs to be significantly modified. I hope they get rid of it all together for the next generation. It's been "controversial" at best.
The beak needs to be significantly modified. I hope they get rid of it all together for the next generation. It's been "controversial" at best.