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Comments
As for the grill, there is a full chrome one with a matching rear piece for the trunk available. I saw the setup on a black one and it was very nice. One reason we chose the white was also due to lower 'contrastiness" with all of the trim.
The noise from the gas tank is unacceptable in any passenger car. In a simple vehicle like my Element or going back many years, my 1978 IHC Scout 2, it could be tolerated, yet I have never heard anything in the Element. Acura needs to redesign the gas tank with more baffles to prevent the sloshing noise from entering the passenger compartment.
I also find that in the recirculate mode, if I forget to change it, after awhile the windows start to fog since the interior air keeps getting more humid. This happens pretty dramatically in my Element.
We are closing in on 10k miles, and I don't know where the miles have gone, and of course want this wonderful car to run forever!
As you move around the car the lines change and curved meets straight. The front grill is a perfect example of curved meets straight, but it does it in a way that draws you to the very front! I also learned that the colors of these straight and curve lines can also influence the way the BRAIN rationalizes the combination. So when I picked Palladium as my Color choice, I did it as it minimized the Contract between the paint and the front Grill. I also think Black or White are the other two colors that work this way.
My car has been seen by most of my friends; dozen of co-workers and folks walking past it when parked near the Hotel Del on Coronado, San Diego, Ca. Not a single BAD thing said, only complements, and a lot of fingerprints from folks stopping and looking in the window. As with any car design, subjectivity is always going to be a factor, and each persons Brain deals with curved and straight lines differently. That is why one Oil Painting may draw one person in, and another may turn the person off!
The Acura TL design is different, more futuristic, and for some requires a bit of time to figure it all out, but for me it was love at First Sight! :surprise:
good luck in the marathon
I went through the whole Infiniti Gx(s) vs the TL SH AWD. I kept coming back to the Acura because of its bold styling, in and out. While the G's interior is nice, the Acura's interior was s step above, IMHO.
I liked the exterior styling from the "get go". It's expressive. That suits me. I also found the sport seats in the SH AWD TL to be better than the sport seats in the G37 (at least in the "s" version) which were very uncomfortable for me. And, I'm not a big guy, either.
I found the G's styling to be.....hmmmm.....what are the best words? "middle-of-the-road", maybe? I could say the same thing about the Chevy Malibu, though.
In short, they're both good cars. I just preferred the Acura, for a variety of reasons. And to me, that's all that really matters.
As you said, both the TL and the G37 are great cars in this segment. At the end of the day, it is all about personal preference. I knew you were going to pick the TL.;) And you probably also had a feeling that I would go with the G37. Well, I have indeed and couldn't be happier.
Enjoy the ride! :shades:
You and I spoke about both cars, at length. As you say, there's no bad choice between the G and TL.
I had shopped, and shopped. Looking for the right color combo, in either car.
I was always leaning towards the TL as I preferred the way it handled, and the way the seats felt. It came down to very slight advantages for me.
Yeah....I did get the color combo I wanted....that is, black exterior (actually, it's called "crystal black pearl", which is black with metal flake of different colors embedded) and taupe interior (which is a gray/cream color).
In short, there are no wrong choices in these two cars. Both are great. They both perform about the same....just in different ways. It comes down to subtle preferences.
http://www.insideline.com/infiniti/g37/2009/comparison-test-2009-acura-tl-sh-awd- -vs-2009-infiniti-g37-journey.html
Car and driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/2009_infiniti_g37_vs._bmw_3- 28i_audi_a4_and_acura_tl-comparison_tests
and Ugly car website:
http://www.cargurus.com/blog/2009/07/17/the-ugliest-cars-of-2009-and-2010
Net net if your shopping for an acura TL (FWD) you should also check out buick LaCross, lex ES, and lincoln. (all better looking, front drive bias) The AWD is closer to audi A4 and VW passat. (all less powerful, but again better looking- front bias AWD starting around 40k)
Acura lost me when they decided to enlarge the TL. Then the TSX moved up in size--then they decided to put a V6 into the TSX-- RL ? who would buy a car the same size as the lesser priced TL (with more power). The RDX has a cool 4cly engine but gets worse fuel economy then a larger TL- then they waste production time on the ZDX- -what is it?? why no coupe -- convertible--or hybrid??
sorry for long ramble but the Acura TL needs to be recalled - all of you should demand a new grill and 3k back-- you were Bernie MADOFFed.
Once Acura cancelled (or at least delayed) their V8 engine program, the RL development kind of came to a stop.
TL is what I've called a "tweener", occupying a slot right between a BMW 3 and 5 series, between an Audi A4 and A6. It handles great. It's fast. It's built very well. Has great resale. And, it's built as well (or better) than just about anything else within its price range. Plus, they're giving some really good deals on them right now.
Styling is subjective. I really like the way it looks. It's certainly distinctive (which I like).
I agree with you that the base TL is aimed smack dab at the ES 350, and cars of that ilk. It's a softer ride/drive.
The SH AWD version is almost an entirely different animal though. Sharp reflexes, fluid steering, tenacious handling, without a punishing ride. It even makes nice sounds (especially when you wind it out).
I liked the G, a lot. My biggest "dings" on it (and they were minor quibbles) were the seats, and the way the automatic transmission performed....it always seemed to be "flat footed" when I test drove it (3 times).
In short, we buy what we like. I just liked the TL SH AWD better. It's a great car (just like the G).
Even the G's interior is much more conservative that the TL's interior.
Again, no bad choices between the G vs the TL....just personal preferences. I think conservative leaning folks will lean towards the G. More expressive or edgier folks will appreciate the TL's look.
Personally, I felt the TL SH AWD was more refined that the G37xs, too. Again, some like one direction, some like the other.
Dose any one of you think that Honda should have put 6sp auto instead of 5sp auto in TL SH AWD?
Hoping they would put ZDX's 6sp auto in TL SH AWD in mid-cycle design change.
I do think new TL style looks a lot better in person.
Lots of questions, obviously.
Generally speaking, most tests have the SH AWD version doing 0-60 in about the 5.5 sec range (without abusing the car). I've seen some in the high 5s, too. That's pretty fast. The 6-speed manual tests out around the low 5s. What would an extra gear net on performance? I dunno, maybe a tenth or two 0-60? Is that enough of a bump that you'd notice?
How about fuel efficiency? Another gear ratio would possibly net another .3-.5 MPG, maybe? Is that sufficient enough to merit waiting? Again, I don't know.
We've been talking a bit about the comparison of the TL vs the G. The Infiniti G uses a 7-speed automatic. Even with 7 gears, I found that the transmission could be caught napping when a gear or two kick down was needed. Something I've never found with my current TL.
So, lots of unanswered questions.
I like the 5 speed they currently use in the TL. It's quick to kick down. And, it's easy to keep in the power band.
For me, it doesn't matter if there's 5 or 6 gears as long as it works well. I just don't think the difference is going to be all that significant if they do change the transmission.
As soon as I saw the TL in person (at its launch last year at my local dealer, I was hooked. It's a stunning car.
Well, yes and no. I would be the first to admit that I am one of those "conservative-leaning folks". However, I really like the 4th gen TL exterior styling. In fact, I wish that Infiniti had gone a little bolder with their restyling of 2010 G. Although they did a good job to the Sport model front bumper, the rest of changes are just too subtle.
As to the interior, I think the difference between G and TL is not a matter of conservativeness but their approach to functionality and ease of use. While both score high on these counts, I prefer the G's clean design over the TL's array of buttons.
This may sound odd, but overall the single most deciding factor for me to rule against the TL was its size. At 195" in length and 74" in width, it is just too big a "sport sedan" for my taste. Had the TL come in 95% scale of its size, I might have gone with it. (Yeah, I also liked G's handling better, but I believe that it got to do with the physical dimensions, too.)
I have been having to constantly defend all our honors because I personally feel this argument is ludicrous, and while Acura certainly doesn't have a luxury sport enthusiast background (ie the lack of a V8 with RWD model) that doesn't mean that they are not any less luxurious then the other 5 in all sense of the word "luxury"
I've argued that except for sport performance/super crisp handling, Acura provides all the necessary characteristics of a luxury brand, such as high quality, proven reliability, above and beyond dealership/service experience, loaner cars, high reliability, great technology, and luxury creature comfort! all of which make it a luxury brand
I'm sick of people trashing Acura like they are rebadged Honda's while I have test driven Honda's back to back with Acura's I can assure you they are not simply rebadged Honda's!!
I wanted to get all you Acura owner and leasee thoughts on this subject and suggest you visit the luxury boards on edmunds and defend Acura's luxury status with a passion and tell all the rest of the luxury car owning community, especially the sport enthusiast community WHY AND WHAT makes Acura a luxury line!!
I personally and tired of hearing from the BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus people that Acura is a "wannabe" or "pretend" luxury brand - their is more to luxury then V8/RWD don't you think???
Look forward to hearing your posts!!!
anyone know how many Tl's were sold in 2009 vs G 2009??
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f204/plushter77/EG_Grill1.jpg
I've yet to meet anyone who hasn't believed that their Acura/Honda product wouldn't serve them well for 150K miles and above. I like the way they drive. I even like the way they sound when you really wind them up.
Up until recently, I always felt that as good as they drive, they were fairly "ho hum" in their styling. That changed in the most recent iterations. They went bold. And I like that.
Honda saves their best for Acura. Everything they've learned in racing, in development, all goes into the Acura lineup. IMHO, the best at what they do is in the TL.
Their build quality rivals (and sometimes exceeds) any car brand I've ever experienced (that includes Audi, Benz and BMW). As far as coupes are concerned, there are really only a few that I'd consider....a Mustang, a Camaro, a Corvette, or a Porsche.
If I truly worried about what others thought, I'd probably be in a Masserati, which is to me one of the most beautiful sedans on the road. But, I don't wory. I like what I like.
I really like my TL (had a 3rd gen I liked, too).
By the way, that after-market grille may belong to the '80s, but it can really cheapen modern cars.
..CTS line of cars offer more excitement then the entire acura line-- wagon, coupe and super car (with a vette engine) -- your joking if you think audi and bmw are even looking at acura as a real competitor. Its a nice honda- with some cool technology but they are not drivers cars- its not a leader in any segment-- and its a shame because they had everything lexus had 10 years ago but are now an after thought.
I saw the LaCrosse at the local car show about a month ago. Never driven one. But, I can say they did a nice job on it, just by sitting in it. And, you can see why they are doing their marketing towards stealing some Lexus ES buyers. Not my cup of tea, but apparently there's a broad market for the ES/LaCrosse.
I can't really see someone who's shopping for a Lexus ES or Lacrosse shopping the TL, though. I think Acura people are looking for something more distinctive, and better handling.
The TL base FWD and the SH AWD version are really two different cars (and two different markets). The SH AWD has a different personality. It's a great handling machine, yet offers a firmer ride that you'd get in an Infiniti G37xs, BMW 3, or Audi.
Again, there are no bad choices. It was a tough one for me between the G and the TL. If the S version of the G had better seats (I'm 5'10", ~175 lbs), and I found them more comfortable, my decision would have been much tougher. The TL SH AWD and the G37xs are very close performance-wise. The Acura just fit me better.
Plus, I really liked the TL's styling, too.
No bad choices between the two.
The reason why Acura is going to have to start worrying about Buick is, Buick is specifically trying to upscale their vehilces to compete with the TSX, IS for Lexus, and G for Infiniti! If you've read this months issue of Motortrend the new Regals for 2011 are suppose to be a Acura and Infiniti killer, according to Buick! I got a good laugh when I heard that!
Infiniti must be concerned because I just read something the other say that they are thinking of bringing back a smaller entry level G20 below the G37 in order to compete with Buick better now that they have the new regal!
Personally, I don't think Acura has much to worry about; the TSX is a great car and I would take it hands down over a Regal any day of the week!! If anything, Infiniti has more to worry about since they don't have any model that directly competes with the TSX, IS, or Regal! they most likely will have to introduce a turbo 4cyl into a G20 model!
I can't make the connection between Buick and Acura, though. Buick is clearly aiming for Lexus....and probably the Regal will be cross shopped against the IS, just like the Lacrosse will be cross shopped with the Lexus ES.
Anyone who's looking for that kind of isolated ride/steering/handling isn't going to be very pleased with an Infiniti G or an Acura TL or TSX.
Infiniti is moving down market with the G25. Acura moved up market with the TSX (replacing the former 3rd generation TL) and the TL (moving up market against the German brands). I see the TL as kind of a "tweener", situated between an Infiniti G and M.....BMW 3 and 5, etc.
Speaking of Buick, I am afraid that it is going to have the same identity crisis as Mercury in the Ford family. At this point, GM seems to position Buick better than Ford with its Mercury. We will see how it plays out. I did read the article on MotorTrend, but really need to see and drive the cars to make me a believer.
As to Infiniti, I am not sure whether a G25 will be the right answer for TSX or Regal. Sure, it will grab some of those shoppers, but it can also cut into its own G37 sales. Take Lexus IS for example; I see at least twice as many IS250 as IS350 on the road. Infiniti needs to play it cautiously.
I also concur, there's going to be some cross platform erosion between Cadillac and Buck, just like there is between Mercury and Ford, as you point out. Although, neither Buick, nor Mercury have the width and breadth of product offerings that their upscale stablemates do.
I hope that the G25 works out for Infiniti. I like Infinitis overall. I think the size of the G lends itself better to the TSX to begin with. Again, still don't see Regal being cross shopped with either the G25, nor the TSX. Just like I can't make the connection from the G37 or TL to a LaCrosse.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/rumormill-2011-infiniti-g25-coming-with-turbo- charged-2-5-liter/
I bet with a 6 speed it will be a pretty good rig- and its RWD something its comp (besides the IS) doest offer.
Reason why buick is still around (and will take share from acura in the states) is CHINA-- th ese cars are loved by the locals --its a huge status symbol. Look it up.
Acura is not close to "sport" either-- I mean they have one car with AWD and a 6 speed -which they have prob sold 100 of them-- the rest of the lineup is awd or auto fwd only-- the TLS or whatever its now called is a nice try but its a heavy large sedan that would get schooled by a bmw 535 or 335 -- for the money is not comparable to the performance of the G35x-- look at the reviews from all the car magazines or edmunds-- these guys drive cars for a living-- the TL nice safe car for a guy in his mid 40's - like a buick - or the ES.. sorry to all the owners who think they bought a 'sports' sedan because its a sheep (or an accord) in wildebeest clothing. :lemon:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/2009_infiniti_g37_vs._bmw_3- - 28i_audi_a4_and_acura_tl-comparison_tests/2009_acura_tl_sh-awd_page_2
make sure you check out the results chart in the article for the specific numbers! personally, I think the TL, as it is right now is a great luxury car, with a cabin and ride designed a little more for the passengers then for the driver! I think it bridges the gap nicely between Lexus and Infiniti! its better in overall refinement!
What? With a 300 lb-ft torque turbo-charged engine like the BMW 335i? Maybe Infiniti G37 should be worry.
Like I said, Infiniti/Nissan has got to play this G25 idea very cautiously.
For whatever reason, the Maxima has never compelled me to give it much of a look. I know it's current iteration has left me kind of "cold" regarding its styling. Kind of "blah" when I've seen one on the road. But, perhaps it is good a budget G or M.
People I know who drive the TSX....all say they love it. So, Acura hit at least someone's hot buttons with that car.
From the ones I've spoken to, and those who drive the TL (SH AWD), love it, too. Myself included. The base TL, I'm sure appeals to those who don't care about sports sedan performance, per se. They just want something that drives nice, has all the tech goodies, and doesn't mind a little sport thrown in.
It always seems to come down to the TL SH AWD, the A4 Quatro, or the G37x. Those seem to be the on the list for anyone looking in that general range.
I know I also test drove the C300 4 matic, and the 335I xdrive. You start equipping them "like for like" with the TL (or the G) and you're going north of $50K pretty quickly, though. I don't see how the Benz competes with them, as it falls down in just about every category you'd like to compare against the G or the TL.
The 335i, I see the appeal. But again, at what price? When you move into the 5 series (which is about the same size as the TL), the disparity only gets bigger.
Anyway, nice discussion. Perhaps a few years down the road, I'll have to test drive the Lacrosse, or the Regal based on how highly some of you rate those two.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/index.php/tests/comparison/four-door-firepower
It was only 1.1 secs behind S4 on the track. To me, Acura has done a wonderful job on TL.