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Disturbing - Consumer Reports Take On The New Acura Sedans

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Old 02-26-2016, 10:38 AM
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Disturbing - Consumer Reports Take On The New Acura Sedans

Old 02-26-2016, 10:51 AM
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"The new TLX is Acura's best sedan."
Old 02-26-2016, 01:48 PM
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Yeah, their eval scores are low, Acura has lost it. Sad
Old 02-26-2016, 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Greenman604
"The new TLX is Acura's best sedan."
I think what they meant is "the new TLX is Acura's best CURRENT sedan", not best sedan of all time.

They give it a decent review, but still slam it with a below 60 score. I don't get it.
Old 02-26-2016, 02:22 PM
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Not sure what you don't get, consumer reports is spot on. Did you just ignore all the negatives?

Acura cars suck. Only reason to even buy new Acura is for a SUV to haul kids around.

ILX is a joke, 2016 Civic is so much bettter. Acura/Honda auto trannies are a joke.

Acura brand should die and just be Honda, but non-enthusiasts in murica only care about name recognition, class, and how others perceive them.
Old 02-26-2016, 04:03 PM
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I tend to think they lost their way. I love my 3GTL but there's really little in their lineup that impresses me that much anymore. In 2009-ish they seemed to try and jump up all the cars a level. The 4GTL didn't seem like a newer version of the 3G. My recollection was it was a large step up $-wise and the TSX got "growed up" to the level of the TL. And narry a hybrid (not that I want one) Now there's really nothing for me. I think they look funny, are overpriced, and economy isn't up to snuff. I'll drive the 3G as long as it will have me. Then get a BR-Z
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Old 02-26-2016, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by brian6speed
Not sure what you don't get, consumer reports is spot on. Did you just ignore all the negatives?

Acura cars suck. Only reason to even buy new Acura is for a SUV to haul kids around.

ILX is a joke, 2016 Civic is so much bettter. Acura/Honda auto trannies are a joke.

Acura brand should die and just be Honda, but non-enthusiasts in murica only care about name recognition, class, and how others perceive them.
Ouch! But as much as I'd like to argue otherwise, you and CR are right. I wonder if the domain name hondazine is available.
Old 02-26-2016, 05:30 PM
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It's a shame.. 9 speed automatics just seem ridiculous to me. Only the MDX appeals to me currently. Guess I'll keep my current stable of old Acuras. And makes me appreciate my old legends even more
Old 02-26-2016, 06:32 PM
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Honda better get their shit together
Old 02-26-2016, 07:58 PM
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Honestly, it seems like Honda puts more time into the Honda and doest really focus on Acura. They've definitely lost their touch. Its like they make cars now to just sell instead f focusing on what consumers actually want.
Old 02-26-2016, 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by MarcDavidoff
It's a shame.. 9 speed automatics just seem ridiculous to me. Only the MDX appeals to me currently. Guess I'll keep my current stable of old Acuras. And makes me appreciate my old legends even more
I hate you. In a very jealous kind of way.
Old 02-27-2016, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Adobeman
I tend to think they lost their way. I love my 3GTL but there's really little in their lineup that impresses me that much anymore. In 2009-ish they seemed to try and jump up all the cars a level. The 4GTL didn't seem like a newer version of the 3G. My recollection was it was a large step up $-wise and the TSX got "growed up" to the level of the TL. And narry a hybrid (not that I want one) Now there's really nothing for me. I think they look funny, are overpriced, and economy isn't up to snuff. I'll drive the 3G as long as it will have me. Then get a BR-Z
My thoughts exactly except for the BRZ. The 3G is the ideal size- not too small and not too large. I have tried to like the TLX but it just is not happening. Acura would have to give it a turbo 4 with SH-AWD to get me thinking about that car. Hate the V6 push button transmission, electronic parking brake, and cheapo door panels and console. I like the headlights though.

The real shocker is that the ILX scored as high as the TLX and has a much crappier road test score of 61 .vs. 75-79 for the TLX.

Last edited by LaCostaRacer; 02-27-2016 at 07:11 PM.
Old 02-27-2016, 08:58 PM
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I drove a TLX for a few hours while my '04 TL 6MT was at the dealer for some warranty work last year, for the power steering hose recall. The TLX was a nice car, but it definitely seemed less "sports sedan" than the third-gen TL, and the features were comparable to my mom's new Accord. I think Acura definitely needs to get back to making a good sports sedan; they got so many things right with the 3G TL.
Old 02-28-2016, 12:56 PM
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Acura's controls and touch screens tend to be annoying and unintuitive.
I'm fascinated by car reviews that harp on this - it's only something a driver new to the car struggles with for a month or two, at the most (I think...). Not a concern for a longer-term car owner (assuming everything actually works properly, of course).

With that said, I think the reliability complaints are either tied to the touch screens or the transmissions. One is a definitely HUGE issue, and together they probably ding the 55-57 score by 10+ points...
Old 02-28-2016, 06:23 PM
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Acura has going down hill lately, they are too busy catching up with car in the 2012 era meanwhile the competitor has move to another level. Lexus is my next things now.



Here are just some interior to compare


TLX





Camry







Honda Civic








Lexus IS series







Cadillac ATS






Chrysler 200








I do see Acura made some very advance lately.
Old 02-28-2016, 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by LaCostaRacer
Hate the V6 push button transmission, electronic parking brake, and cheapo door panels and console. I like the headlights though.
I'm yet to meet anyone who likes the push button transmission setup. That's probably why the 4 cyl is outselling the 6 cyl. Even more disturbing is that same push button setup is what they have planned for the new NSX, a car that should definitely have an M/T option! Consumer Reports previously said the jewel headlights DID NOT improve night vision calling them a gimmick.

GET IT TOGETHER ACURA!! Stop thinking your shit doesn't stink and your name carries weight because most of the car buying public is smarter than you take them for.
.
.
Old 02-28-2016, 07:56 PM
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The Chrysler 200 has a that silly dial for the transmission. Had one for a rental for a week and at the end of the week still hated it
Old 02-28-2016, 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by MarcDavidoff
It's a shame.. 9 speed automatics just seem ridiculous to me. Only the MDX appeals to me currently. Guess I'll keep my current stable of old Acuras. And makes me appreciate my old legends even more
I totally agree with this. I've had to get a loaner from the dealer twice recently and the first time I was given a 4cyl TLX and next an MDX. These 9 speed transmissions are terrible. I felt every single shift and nothing was smooth. There was barely any power and by the time it felt like it was getting any, it was already time to shift. No way in hell I'd consider an Acura with one of transmissions. Might as well just go CVT if you're going to feel 9 shift points. The only thing I liked was that the interiors of both were pretty comfortable.
Old 02-28-2016, 08:13 PM
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The biggest factor for me is the price. 45-65k for a TLX or RLX is insane. Its sad because I see 4gs left and right that have their seats falling apart. The 3g tl is timeless and yes its got its issues but for the 32-36k price tag and only having minor issues, but spending 45k+ for a TLX that is already having some issues and seeing how ACURA is not doing anything to fix some of the past issues is really turning me off of their brand. Now, they aren't the worst and I do still like them, but for the price - its way too high.

I just don't see Acura as "luxury" anymore. Anyone see the new maximas or Honda accord's? Well below the TLX price tag and blow the TLX out of the water with options and features etc.


I will forever stay with my 3GTL, older nsx, integra or legend over any new acura. The new NSX? nice but not worth 160k just my opinion. Its like they took the hype out of a timeless "legend" they discontinued and tried to make a "come back"..140k I rather have a masserati, gt-r nismo and more..

Last edited by AckTL05; 02-28-2016 at 08:15 PM.
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Old 02-28-2016, 08:18 PM
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Very interesting, especially when compared to the 4G TL. What was a great sports sedan with controversial styling has morphed into the TLX, an Acura that has lost much of Honda's core attributes of reliability and quality.

Looking back, I would have to say that controversial styling trumps suspect transmissions and a corporate parts bin interior design any day. Imagine the kind of resale value hit that the new Acura sedans are going to suffer.
Old 02-28-2016, 10:52 PM
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I'm glad Soichiro Honda is dead.

He'd likely otherwise suffer a massive stroke if he saw Acura today. Poor guy.
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by AckTL05
I just don't see Acura as "luxury" anymore. Anyone see the new maximas or Honda accord's? Well below the TLX price tag and blow the TLX out of the water with options and features etc.
I'll take the new Accord over the new TLX any day. I drove both of them and actually like the Accord much better. There's a hell of a lot more for the money, for starters.

I trust the execs at Acura are reading the new issue of Consumer Reports and this forum and will act accordingly.
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Old 02-29-2016, 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by DMZ
I'll take the new Accord over the new TLX any day. I drove both of them and actually like the Accord much better. There's a hell of a lot more for the money, for starters.

I trust the execs at Acura are reading the new issue of Consumer Reports and this forum and will act accordingly.
They might pay attention to CR, but I doubt if the read this forum...we've been trashing Acura since the 4G TL came out in 09. The issue is that 95% of us on this forum are not the demographic they're marketing to...
Old 02-29-2016, 09:52 AM
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You're right. Modern Acuras are designed and built for modern retards, who have a hard time distinguishing between when it's safe to change lanes and when it's not. THAT'S what modern Acura owners care about.

I'm glad this was posted in 3G. Otherwise there'd be 8 guys in here all talking about how the TLX is the greatest thing since Acura was invented and that anyone who disagrees knows nothing about TRUE luxury, performance and value
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Old 02-29-2016, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by TacoBello
You're right. Modern Acuras are designed and built for modern retards, who have a hard time distinguishing between when it's safe to change lanes and when it's not. THAT'S what modern Acura owners care about.

I'm glad this was posted in 3G. Otherwise there'd be 8 guys in here all talking about how the TLX is the greatest thing since Acura was invented and that anyone who disagrees knows nothing about TRUE luxury, performance and value
My oldest son leased an SH-AWD TLX about a month ago, I rode it in over the weekend. I'd have gone for an Accord Touring way before I would ever get that Acura. Other than the AWD it has nothing better than the Accord. My wife and I owed a 13 CR-V for 3 years, we traded it on a 16 Mazda CX5 in December. We drove the new CR-V and compared it to the Mazda. We really liked the Mazda better, got a fully loaded Mazda for about 1500 less than a comparable CR-V. In some segments they are falling behind...
Old 02-29-2016, 10:07 AM
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I think Honda isn't doing too bad. The new civic and accord are very nice. My only gripe is the lack of 6mt in any of the loaded models, but alas, i know that'll never happen again.

The pilot has grown on me. The new ridge line will be as gangster as the previous. Can't really comment on the CRV though. Honda still needs some sport cars.

But Acura? Fuck, I dunno... I know there are plenty of people who love it, but there are plenty more who don't- and with good reason.
Old 02-29-2016, 10:15 AM
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Agreed, the Accord and Civic are quite nice. I don't like the Pilot, I really haven't liked it when any of the manufacturers have rounded off their SUVs, Nissan did it with the Pathfinder, Toyota has don't it with the 4Runner although not as drastic and now Honda with the Pilot. I just looked at the Ridgeline for the first time...looks OK but rounded like the Pilot.

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Old 02-29-2016, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by TacoBello
I'm glad this was posted in 3G. Otherwise there'd be 8 guys in here all talking about how the TLX is the greatest thing since Acura was invented and that anyone who disagrees knows nothing about TRUE luxury, performance and value
You ain't kidding... Those guys don't venture out of that section much, that's for sure!

Solid post Taco... solid post.
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Old 02-29-2016, 12:52 PM
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If I could encapsulate all of Acura's problems in one sentence, it would be this: Acura exists to sell crossovers. As a corollary, that likely won't go well when crossovers go the way of the station wagon.

The way they've sliced up the options for the TLX so that each one is a loser is just baffling.
Old 02-29-2016, 02:15 PM
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Acura is behind the curve, everything about the brand has become bland. It almost seems as though it is purposely done, I haven't owned anything besides Honda and Acura...other brands seem to be ahead in styling and performance. The NSX is nice but for $156k, that is ridiculous the previous NSX models were no where near this pricing point! I think my 3G is the last Acura I will own, the 2016 Infiniti Q70S looks very enticing.
Old 02-29-2016, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by DMZ
Lol why you guys are really this shocked/upset is beyond me.

To me acura died as soon as i laid eyes on the 4G TL, i knew i would always stay with the 3G till it fell apart and when it did i moved on to bmw.

Acura needs to go back to the rsx & 3g tl days. The rsx was one of the most fun cars i ever owned.
Old 02-29-2016, 04:02 PM
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I was thinking about the NSX vice the Stingray...loaded Stingray can be had for about half the NSX...
Old 02-29-2016, 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by GKinColo08TL
I was thinking about the NSX vice the Stingray...loaded Stingray can be had for about half the NSX...
Exactly!
Old 02-29-2016, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Superunknown
If I could encapsulate all of Acura's problems in one sentence, it would be this: Acura exists to sell crossovers. As a corollary, that likely won't go well when crossovers go the way of the station wagon.
The station wagon hasn't gone away. It just comes now with a higher suspension and is renamed a crossover.
Old 03-01-2016, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by GKinColo08TL
The issue is that 95% of us on this forum are not the demographic they're marketing to...
This is so true. Acura doesn't give 2 shits about anyone still driving a 3G TL, nor apparently anyone wanting a real sports sedan either. Their aim is calm conservative upper middle class people who just want a "classy" sedan and familys that want an SUV.

I see 2 Acura SUVs for every Acura car around here anymore. And, for the price, their SUVs don't seem very exciting or particularly luxurious compared to the Audi Qs, the BMW Xs, Range Rover Evoque, or Lexus RXs.

Lexus, Audi, & BMW are just killing Acura by far in the number of cars on the road around here.
Old 03-01-2016, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Superunknown
If I could encapsulate all of Acura's problems in one sentence, it would be this: Acura exists to sell crossovers. As a corollary, that likely won't go well when crossovers go the way of the station wagon.

The way they've sliced up the options for the TLX so that each one is a loser is just baffling.
Oddly enough, I have a feeling the crossover market isn't going anywhere, any time soon. It just seems to fit that HUGE segment of the market where it will always be needed.

Soccer moms were tired of driving minivans, so they "stepped up" to the cross overs, which apparently makes them cool (hint: ). As long as there will be families, there will be some sort of oversized vehicle to haul them.

Crossovers are the perfect compromise. They LOOK utilitarian, without generally being utilitarian (perfect for those long voyages to the grocery store). They ride high, making people perceive they are safer (a plus for families!). They offer that very needed awd/4x4 for getting to those grocery stores (for which 90% of owners likely don't even know how to use it, or what it is good for), they're roomy and your neighbor has one, so you know you need one too!
Old 03-01-2016, 10:08 AM
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Well, looking at this clip from Lenos garage
on the new NSX, I can kinda see how things are going at least on the styling side. Young woman as lead designer..says they took cues from the original NSX but I don't know about that. I know there have been a lot of advancements in aerodynamics since the early 90s which help improve the the dynamics of a supercar, but the simple elegance of the original gets lost.
Old 03-01-2016, 11:12 AM
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If the TLX would have turned out looking even close to the concept car and had a better more powerful engine, with maybe 330-350 hp, I would already have one in my garage. Alas, the production model is nowhere near what it could have been. I think Acura got stung with the styling of the 4g TL and shifted the pendulum too far the other way now.
Old 03-01-2016, 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by MarcoNorthPolo
If the TLX would have turned out looking even close to the concept car and had a better more powerful engine, with maybe 330-350 hp, I would already have one in my garage. Alas, the production model is nowhere near what it could have been. I think Acura got stung with the styling of the 4g TL and shifted the pendulum too far the other way now.
Sure, just pay 8-10k more for that 350hp TLX. Oh, you don't want to pay that much? 99% of buyers don't either. That's why we have what we have.
Old 03-01-2016, 12:58 PM
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Lexus sure has no problems putting bigger, more powerful engines in cars and selling them like hotcakes.


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