Is Acura TOO Far Gone To Make A Comeback?

The "new" RL looks like an Accord with horrible plastic surgery.

The "new" TSX looks like an Accord only smaller and more expensive.

The "new" TL will probably look like an Accord on drugs.

This is the problem. Acura offers nothing you cant get on a Honda. There is nothing "ADVANCED" about them at all.

Chip, that is exactly why Acura is never on my shopping list. Lexus is also not on my shopping list for mostly the same reasons (equivalent Toyota models offer far better value).

I wish the marketing guys in the industry would stop staying up all night trying to figure out underhanded ways to get us consumers to part with more of our money.

If an auto maker has the capability to offer a slightly better style or mechanical advantage then give it to us on Hondas and Toyotas instead of deliberately withholding the good stuff unless we opt for an overpriced "premium brand". It's just another form of blackmail marketing.

"Lexus is also not on my shopping list for mostly the same reasons (equivalent Toyota models offer far better value). "


Yeah, I know what you mean. The self-parking feature on the Corolla is way better than the one on the LS. And the Pre-Collision System on the GS, IS, LS, and LX is dismal compared to the one on the RAV4. And that reclining back seat with the Shiatsu Massager on the LS isn't near as good as the one on the Avalon. So yeah, Lexus has nothing you can't already get with a Toyota.

wheres the "nsx"

Look at the bare bones, guys. Toyota gives you high-quality interior materials, very similar engine choices, the same comfortable suspensions, reliability and even Lexus-like style. I understand what he means.

Funny, the same can be said about Volkswagen/Audi. The Phaeton and A8 are very similar. They have similar options, similar engine choices, and they even look somewhat similar.

...and now I'm getting deboosted. People are so hypocritical. A Lexus can be a Toyota, but heaven forbid someone point out the similarities between Volkswagen and Audi.

That's true, but the Phaeton and A8 are in the same class. That could be said about any two sedans in the luxobarge class.

They're in the same class, yes, but they're also virtually the same
vehicle. Compare their specs side by side if you need to.

"I understand what he means."
Really? You understand what he means? This coming from an audi owner. Last i checked Audi had more similarities with VW than Toyota and Lexus did.

"Lexus is also not on my shopping list for mostly the same reasons (equivalent Toyota models offer far better value)."
I can honestly confirm that you have never in you entire life ever sat inside a Lexus let alone drive one.

EnnNorak, if you believe a reclining seat is what defines an automobile perhaps you embody the traits the marketing folks look for in developing new Lexus bells and whistles.

"Last i checked Audi had more similarities with VW than Toyota and Lexus did."

Oh, is that true?

Sorry, but you checked wrong. Of all the engines available in the US, Audi only shares two engines with VW, the 2.0T and the 3.2VR6.

Lexus also shares two engines with Toyota, but keep in mind that the 3.5L and 5.7L (the Toyota engines) are used in the bulk of the lineup (IS350, ES350, RX350, LX570), while Audi's 2.0T is only used in three models (A3, A4, TT), and the 3.2VR6 is used in two (A3 and TT).

There is only one Audi based directly on a VW platform, that being the A3. However, the A3 is based on the GTI, which is hardly a limitation. I wouldn't have bought one if it wasn't deemed upmarket enough. The TT is also related to the GTI, but its platform is dramatically different, being made of 60% aluminum. The Q7 is more related to the Cayenne than the Touareg, but not directly linked to either, because it was stretched to fit a third row.

Lexus has a total of four models based on Toyotas, and the only one that isn't on a direct Toyota platform is the RX. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I'm just pointing out the facts. It's true.

Audi develops the bulk of VWAG's high-tech engines and transmissions. Lexus does not.

Audi has its own engineers and even its own branch of the company (Lamborghini). Lexus does not.

Should I go on?

I forgot, Lexus shares three engines with Toyota (4.7L in GX is in the 4Runner).

"By a BMW, Mercedes, Caddy, and get ready to know your service director on a first name basis!"

That is a bunch of BS. Only tools actually believe that. Yes they are not as reliable but to say you'll be visiting the dealer every week for repairs or even every month is ridiculous.

And to S4 cabrio you have no clue what parts sharing is. I suggest you fly over to Germany and speak with all the VWAG engineers.

"And to S4 cabrio you have no clue what parts sharing is. I suggest you fly over to Germany and speak with all the VWAG engineers."

Feel free to enlighten me, oh wise one.

"Infiniti is by far the dog of the market."

That's because Infiniti was NOWHERE as little as six years ago. They had a formerly pathetic product lineup. They're already doing better than Audi is in the US, which is a major achievement. I don't know why Audi moves so slowly here while they're so fast to grow in other parts of the world.

Furthermore, Infiniti has been flat for the last few months. Compare that to Lexus (down 8% in January) and Acura (shooting down in double digits at a frightening rate), and they're looking pretty damn good. The EX will only make them do better... unless the potential buyers don't look at the back seat!

Well, they certainly tried to prepare us with the Acura Advanced Sedan Concept, and I'm sure that many of us felt that the Very Poor Reception that vehicle received would have been enough to send a message to their designers that - NO, This Is Not The Way To Go!

Unfortunately, Honda/Acura seldom Heads The Warning in these matters, and does what They Want To Do, regardless of what the market indicates (think Ridgeline and Element).

This time they'll (probably) pay dearly for their arrogance, especially when the 2009 Acura TL rears it's AASC-Inspired Face.

We'll See Soon enough...

"It's probably not the smartest idea to base all of your opinion of an entire car company on styling."

Those are your words, not mine. However, are you saying style isnt an important factor, because I certainly disagree. No one wants a car thats "Advanced" but "Ugly" too,

My point is that all their cars look like Honda's and the goodies that made Acura desireable (potent V6's, Great Navigation systems, luxurious interiors etc) have trickled down to Honda.

The entire industry has trickle-down goodies and not all of these goodies are worth getting. I especially hate sunroofs and NAV systems -- these items should always be stand-alone options instead of being packaged with more desirable options at far more than fair aggregate value.

As for the AWD system used by Honda and Acura, I simply cannot understand why this system has front and rear axels deliberately turning at different speeds with the speed difference being accommodated by constantly slipping clutches that also constantly wear out.

Not only is it difficult for me to get in and out of the NSX but I am annoyed at Honda for having introduced it originally with an inherently-out-of-balance 90-degree V6. I can only hope that the next NSX will have a 90-degree V8.

Acura has just refused to come out with anything edgy for too long. They are way too conservative. The TSX and the TL just get forgotten behind similarly priced but more noticeable competitors. Unless they start mixing up designs, i dont understand how the TL is supposed to compete with the G, the 3, the C, the CTS, etc. Its just getting left behind in the most competitive luxury segment. It's gonna need some new and drastic eye catching improvements to have any shot at saving itself.

001, did you notice that in your previous post questioning whether the new RL was a stud or dud, out of the 100+ comments, 99% said DUD in capital letters.

Is anyone going to buy this car?

Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?

people who don't know much about cars and diehard honda/acura fans and ... well nobody else lol

i think i was the only one who didnt say the RL will be a dud

Well zairn, I'm a big honda/acura fan and I would NOT buy the RL...unless perhaps they had a $299/mo lease. Based on the looks, reviews, comments, for the RL that may not be too far off as Acura sees them pile up on their dealer lots.

This further proves you are an idiot.
World class handling??
The TL is a FWD car based off of the Honda Accord.
The Lexus IS, especially the 250, lost pretty much all of the comparison tests done with the BMW 3 series and the Infiniti G35.
So shut up. You're just a kid. Stay focused on school.

@ JoshLexus4Ever,

Someday, and hopefully soon, you will realize that blind faith is detrimental to all mankind.

do love lexus because your mom drove an RX since you were 5?

STAY IN SCHOOL!!!! You need to...

The TL is not AWD....and if it was, that may help it a little. I love your use of "despite" as if AWD is a handicap. Im sure everyone on this site would rather have AWD than FWD.

The TL only sells in America......not the whole WORLD.

The TL has not so great handling....ever heard of torque steer?

Correction:

The TL only sells in America......not the whole WORLD

I forgot they sell it in China in limited numbers too.

Actually, the TL is a very good handler for a FWD car. Read any review of the car vs the 3, IS, G, etc. and the writer will 9 times out of 10, say that, especially if it's the TL-S. Furthermore, most of the "torque steer" complaints aren't the result of that at all, it's the over compensation of the LSD that drivers are feeling. Nevertheless, I do agree a proper RWD car is a better handler, although not always a good choice in bad weather states. That's why the TL traditional sells very well there, even for a 5 year old design.

A refresh is all the #1 selling car 4 out of the last 6 years needs. The TL with it's square rear leds still looks as new as this year car designs is 5 yeras old.

Canada and Mexico also atleast you can't say it's a rebadge!

"A refresh is all the #1 selling car 4 out of the last 6 years needs"

What Acura car ha been the #1 selling car 4 out of the last 6 years?

What Acura needs:
1-RWD & AWD, FWD is for soccer moms, they got the FWD part covered even though i really hate their SH-AWD socalled system
2-V8, their V6 are good, now they need to up the ante
3-better designs
4-a halo car, and not only a new NSX but a 7series/Sclass/LS competitor
5-independance from Honda

i FULLY AGREE.

i have NEVER CARED for jumbled alphabet soup spoonfuls replacing REAL NAMES.

truly GOOD cars with alphanumeric names become known DESPITE the labels, not because of them. as for mediocre cars, who'd EVEN BOTHER to learn meaningless letter juxtapositions?

i predict Lincoln, going down the same road, will also see their products becoming even MORE forgettable.

Well, Acura is certainly a hot mess these days...but I wouldn't count them out just yet. While sales have been sliding they still sell a considerable amount. I don't expect them to reach Tier 1 status in 5 years (even after the 09TL/09TSX/09RL are all replaced with new generation models) like their marketing spin doctors have stated. But I see them doing more of the same...good sales when full model makeover cars are introduced, a slight increase in interest during a minor model make over (the 09RL is ugly indeed, but there is buzz about the car now, even though it's negative) and very poor sales as these cars reach the end of their model cycles.

I think this is where most German brands have an advantage, people will buy them a year, a month, a day before they are replaced with a new model just to get a good deal and buy into the prestige of having one. German brands also tend to carry over their design language or change them very subtly constantly so as to keep up the brand image - a good strategy in building brand value.

We also have to remember that Acura/Lexus/Infinti were created in the '80's using a very different logic in the market place. It is very possible if they introduced these luxury level cars now they would not need a second luxury division to 'dupe' buyers into buying tarted up versions of mainstream cars. Look at Hyundai and the Genesis - selling under their own nameplate.

"...very possible if they introduced these luxury level cars now they would not need a second luxury division to 'dupe' buyers into buying tarted up versions of mainstream cars. Look at Hyundai and the Genesis - selling under their own nameplate."


i DO NOT agree. look at what a flop the vw phaeton was! you think anyone is going to buy a $70,000 VOLKSWAGEN?

the hyundai genesis has only just been introduced. it's too early to say whether or not it will be a success. and even if it is, you can pay $40-$50k for mere fords and chevys too (in the case of loaded and bloated suvs and crew cab pickups).

i very much doubt hyundai can break the $50-60k level without a new nameplate.

if anything, i think Acura's biggest failing is in NOT HAVING a sedan that's HIGH ENOUGH up there in performance and prestige. just adding wood and leather and sound insulation and fancy electronics DO NOT make a true luxury car.

ultimately, if a maker cannot MEET THE ANTE of a v8, it cannot play in the game of recognized TRUE luxury nameplates.

i fully understand Honda/Acura's view that they can tweak a v6 sufficiently and they don't NEED a v8.

but people in the market for a luxury car always want the knowledge their BRAND competes with the best, AT THE TOP. even when they just get an entry model.
(if not for the mere existence of a v8 LS-series, there likely would not have been as many ESs sold. ditto the Q and M/former I series in the Infiniti line.)
(would FOUR-cylinder benzes and bmws be even salable, if not for the existence and reputation of the 6 and 8 cylinder models?)

Honda/Acura have brilliant engineers. but they need more savvy MARKETING people. (and bolder stylists would help too.)

Acura DESPARATELY NEEDS a v8 flagship.

"But now too many people drive it (Acura), so practically I don't think it can be called 'luxury car' anymore"...

Hmmm? That's Some Seriously FAULTY LOGIC There...

Taking your comment at Face Value, your belief is that ANY vehicle that has achieved a certain degree of sales success i.e. BMW 3,5,7/Mercedes C,E,S,SL,CLK/Audi A4/A6/A8 et al can no longer be considered True Luxury Makes due to their sales success.

You Do Realize How Absolutely Inane That Sounds, Yes?

That's ridiculous logic.

I'm sure there are 10X more used BMWs sold than used Acuras. Similarly, BMW has very competitive (=cheap) lease rates. Does that stop it from being a luxury brand?

"What is real ridiculous is that you don't even know how much the new Acuras even cost."

Yes i do, a brand new Acura TL starts at 33275$ and a new 328 starts at 32400$. And as far as lease deals go BMW is most probably even cheaper.

"Well, one of their anonymous executives in Chicago said by the end of this year when we see all these new models out (like the new RL, TEX, etc.), Acura will be back at the top of the heap of great car designs."

Well whoever these anonymous executives are should all be b*tchslapped and fired immediately! If this is their mindset, then why even bother with the next NSX?

This is so sad. A car from the Chinese manufacturer Chery (...probably not as safe =D) has more character than what Acura is trying to shovel down our throats.

"Is Acura TOO Far Gone To Make A Comeback?"

All I've got to say about Honda is, Kumbaya!

I think there are a lot of reasons why Acura are not doing so well.Marketing is one,styling is another and mechanical differentation is another. Other then the RL Acura the Acura TSX and TL are derivatives of the Honda Accord. In fact on the TL there is very little difference between these vehicles and a Honda Accord mechanically. True Lexus also does this a bit with the LX300 and Camry. However Lexus has enough RWD vehicles and V8 in it's stable to make them different from what you can get in a Camry.Infiniti also has made their models different enough. Acura simply did not go far enough. For starters one way to make them different is to make ALL Acura models AWD. Another is make ALL Acura models available only with V6 engines or a turbo 4 option.So mechanical differences need to happen. Acura made a tacticle mistake by not coming out with a V8 for the RL and optional on the TL. Also there should be more wood and chrome in there interiors.Why is there no Acura luxury Coupe or Convertable? Another bad move. There perhaps should be a RWD Acura version of the Honda S2000 but with a V6 engine to compete with the Z4,TT and Boxster. The S2000 with it's high reving 2.2 does not quite make the grade.

"True Lexus also does this a bit with the LX300 and Camry"

Huh?

What The Heck is a LX300?

Honda is nice but Acura is horrible.

Honda is Family friendly, but Acura is not. It is not luxurious or elagant design. Look at the tacky MDX/RDX or RL. The TL is the only good one, but they'll screw that up too. The SH-AWD is way over rated. Also, Acura dealers seem like hacks.

Acuras are great vehicles. No doubt about that. I really do want to find the reason for their failure. If styling is the problem, then how is Lexus so successful with equally mediocre design? If the lack of V8 engines is the problem, then how come TL's sales are going down, knowing that V8s are not even used in that segment? Why didn't the TSX sold better than 2000-3000 a month, even though its styling was right on? Help me with these questions!
Maybe they need a knockout punch in a specific category like Lexus does; Lexus had the reliability factor nailed in the head, and that helped them get established.

Hopefully, the new TL will get Acura back on track. For the money, the TL was a great vehicle and offered plenty in the looks department as well.

I agree. People keep comparing the TL to the Accord, but the difference in driving experience between the two is well worth a few thousand dollars over the life of ownership. The TL was a good looking vehicle and a screaming value. Of course Acura is not too far gone to comeback, but a lot (a lot!) will be riding on this next TL.

New TL and TSX will probably help and do fairly well.

TYG23 said it best:
"Just a thought. Current Acura TSX and TL models were released in April 2003 and October 2003. They are both being re-designed for 2009 model year. When the TSX was first introduced it was compared to luxury cars costing $7000 more, why, because it had the same content. MBenz boast about new technology on their C class, options like blue tooth and dvd audio. Are you kidding me? Acura offered these items on the 04 TL (standard). Not to mention the first production cars to be equiped with Bluetooth, DVD audio and real time traffic on the most comprehensive and user friendly Navigation System. These sales #s represent a decline for Acura due to old product. 3 years ago the TL was the #1 selling luxury car passing the BMW 3 series and lexus ES. When the new 3 series came out it passed the TL and the ES. It is a round and round circle based upon intoduction of new models."

Acura isn’t dead, they just have old models. The next TSX and TL should quiet all the naysayers (enthusiasts).

As far as handling, here are the times posted by Keiichi Tsuchiya at Willow Springs, CA race track.

1. TL-S 6MT - 1:36:67 sec
2. IS350 - 1:38:24
3. G35 6MT - 1:38:67

Well said haters don't understand, atleast the quality is not dead like a benz or audi poc.

I think Acura problems derive from Honda's corporate culture. Honda's management is so risk adverse that they do not invest in product development enough to compete with the top luxury makes. I am sure Honda can make a car that competes with the Lexus LS (say), but they have to be willing to invest in thing like a RWD platform, V8 engines, better transmissions, all of which so far they considered either unnecessary or too expensive.

Until they behave like a top player (even Hyundai is doing that better these days), Acura would not succeed. But I still think (hope?) they can.

they are finally being recognized as what thery are, a nice sporty car company in between high-end and mainstream, a step up from honda yes, but no way a lex, or infinit--if you love jap cars....
but they have a ton of gadgets in them too woo over not real performance drives by techies and many californians

2 words - LEGEND COUPE

Now that was a nice car. Saw one the other day and 15 years later, it still caught my eye. Somebody over at Acura needs to think along those lines again.

agreed!

acura really NEEDS a HALO CAR or at the least a very handsome one that will draw in showroom traffic.

the NSX used to fill this function, but has been allowed to get too long in the tooth over the years. plus, while it demonstrated honda could compete with porsches and ferraris, there was no AFFORDABLE sporty model since the Legend Coupe was discontinued.

even at the low end, there has NOT been a memorable replacement for the Integra.

agreed!

acura really NEEDS a HALO CAR or at the least a very handsome one that will draw in showroom traffic.

the NSX used to fill this function, but has been allowed to get too long in the tooth over the years. plus, while it demonstrated honda could compete with porsches and ferraris, there was no AFFORDABLE sporty model since the Legend Coupe was discontinued.

even at the low end, there has NOT been a memorable replacement for the Integra.

I think it's perfectly OK that Honda/Acura is doing 6 cylinder and refusing to go V8s. It's nice they came up with 300BHP V6. Now it would be great if they contineou making more and more 6 cylindrs like V6 Turbo or also possibly I6 Turbo.

after all they always were 'CHANGING RULES'(that's one of Honda's slogan here in Middle East along with POWER OF DREAMS)

"The TL only sells in America......not the whole WORLD

I forgot they sell it in China in limited numbers too."

TL is European Accord right? Now that car(badged as Honda Accord there) is very popular in Asian countries like China, India and neighbouring countries...etc. It sells even better than the American/Middle East Accord.

I Know it's quite old but it still looks great today and costs reasonably well.

I have seen quite a few imported ones here in Middle East too.

JUGNU

"TL is European Accord right?"

No, that would be the TSX.

TSX:

http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/acura_tsx.jpg

TL:

http://www.autobytel.com/images/2007/Acura/TL/400/07_Acura_TL_10.jpg

Both are attractive, and far better looking than the new RL.

"It sells even better than the American/Middle East Accord."

In China, India and neighbouring countries, Honda offer both versions of Accord. American/Middle East Accord as well as European Accord (TL). But European Accord is more popular ans sells more.

JUGNU

You're confusing me.

The TL is not sold in Europe as the Accord. The TSX is sold as the Accord. The TL is only the TL. It's sold in America, nowhere else. The US Accord looks completely different from the US TL.

Not too far to make a comeback! Honda has the cash to back them up. Look at Jag they are making a comeback with all the new models. The XF and XK were designed on tight budgets. At least Honda has a good financial situation. What they really need help in is DESIGN! For both Honda and Acura, have you seen the Pilot?? It is absolutely unacceptable!

NEW TSX, better than the RL.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?image=740298/09tsx_pr-001.jpg

if cadillac could make a comeback, i dont see why acura cant.

boosteroo-I stand corrected.I mean Lexus ES 300 is the same as the Camry.I admit I'm not a Lexus Fan so I don't follow their models as closely as other makes.Even so is not the ES 300 the only FWD Lexus currently sold? Aren't the rest RWD or AWD?

When Audi had to defend itself from those stupid unintended acceleration claims, everyone said it was finished.

It took some timew, but Audi came back stronger than ever and is looking to challenge BMW/MB in a few years for total sales.

After the 1987 Wall Street crash, everyone said Porsche was finished.

That was before Porsche became the world's most profitable car company per vehicle.

Lamborghini was so close to going under so many times it was not funny. Now under Audi stewardship, they are absolutely roaring.

Never write off any car company, especially one with Honda behind it.

they are absolutely roaring, actually cos the lamborghini is a bull ;-)

Acura, Lexus they are all to far gone and have missed the mark...

Honda has done like parents do to a pretty girl no makeup allowed, no personality alowed, hide her in the closet like a ugly duckling because they can't stand for a boy to ask her out?

This new RL looks like the old 1999 TL.

Is it me - or are all cars under $50k looking a little boring these days.

Putting the MDX grill on the other Acura's isn't working...

Car makers are scared to make statement machines,in the year 08' you would think we would have styling and fuel economy go hand in hand? good take

If I were to yell at Acura it would sound something like "RWD, RWD, RWD, RWD!!!" Let Honda like Toyota be the FWD family economy vehicles & in turn, Acura like Lexus could take on the RWD side of things.

Then all they need to do is design the Acura in it's OWN studio from the ground up, instead of just making another Honda model on steroids with a different grill/head & taillights fitted in.

News flash other than the RL and TSX all other Acura are design in a seperate studio, and to the big hater who said the MDX is tacky sit in one and tell me after if it's tacky.

"Whatthe" is confused and may not even have owned any Acuras - but here is the scoop. I'm TRYING to be a Honda/Acura guy - I have a 2004 Pilot EX-L with 90k troublefree miles. I've bought a new 2002 TL Type-S that I drove for 48k trouble filled miles - the usual tranny replacement etc. I traded that for a 2004 TSX (back to trouble free again - but torqueless and boring). The TSX was traded at 30k miles for a 2006 Audi A4 Quattro 3.2 S-line (manual). My friend did a similar - his 2004 TSX for a new 2007 Infiniti G35x. Nothing that's happened in the last year has generated any plans to come back to the Acura fold for either of us (and we LIKE our local Acura dealer and service dept)...Acura has sat and watched the world go by...The TL (esp being FWD only) is not REMOTELY competitive with the current G35 (right now there is NO better sport sedan value period)...Even if the TSX Type-S materializes by end of 2008...What will be a real price point? If it is near $35K - and it will have to be - it'll still be light years behind a G35...It is a sad state of affairs...Even in the Honda world - I love my Pilot but the ugly box on box Pilot Prototype has me test driving new Highlanders...On the German front - Audi has made great strides - including reliablility - my A4 is completely trouble free at 33k miles. Acura had better hope the new TL is spectacular in practice and in sales.

"The TL (esp being FWD only) is not REMOTELY competitive with the current G35 (right now there is NO better sport sedan value period)"

Again? Times posted by Keiichi Tsuchiya at Willow Springs, CA race track.

1. TL-S 6MT - 1:36:67 sec
2. IS350 - 1:38:24
3. G35 6MT - 1:38:67

And? http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=34&article_id=4444

1st IS350
2nd TL-S 6MT
3rd G35 6MT

Yep, the TL-S isn't "REMOTELY competitive" with the 07 G35S

I think that the rebadging on Acuras is way too obvious. Nearly all the Acura models are based on lesser Honda vehicles sold in the USA or Europe (TSX). Now, I know that Toyota and Nissan do the same, but they do differentiate them a bit more, and some aren't even sold in the US as Toyota or Nissan models (ex. Lexus IS, sold only in Japan as the Altezza or the G35 as the Skyline). If they learn to rebadge without making it look as obvious, I bet they'd do better.

First and foremost Acura needs to be competitive in design. The current model lineup really is just various riffs on the Accord theme.

The MDX looks good, and it seems to be selling well too. (Its bordeux interior color choice is nice and different as well.) The MDX shows Acura doesn't need to go nuts to design something people actually respond to.

Simply put, Acura needs to ditch their current style and make a drastic change. I don't think the average consumer gives a rats ass about which set of wheels is driving the car. And, a V8 would be nice, but only if the car was worthy of such an engine. The current RL would have more power with a V8, but would that really change consumer's perception of the car?

Lastly, Acura needs to bring back the old model names. "Legend", "Vigor", "Integra", etc. Why would someone want a non-distinctive car AND a boring name?

Acura has a great reputation for engineering and durability, but that is obviously not enough to sustain the brand.

And come on, where the hell is the NSX successor?

What is the point of this?

"Or are they too far gone to make a comeback and have they become the Jaguar of the Asian brands?"

After seeing the XF in person for the first time, it's easy for me to say that Jaguar is NOT too far gone to make a comeback. Not even close! They will regain their rightful place at the forefront of automotive design and athleticism.

Fact is that BM,MB,Audi and vw are not reliable.I bought a beautifull 2003 bm,i drove it for 14 months,it was a beautifull piece o machinery what it
was runing but i get to know my service supervisor by his first name,the car spent most of the 14 month
at the dealer fixing,tansmission,engine,electronic problems,it was a nightmare until a doctor bought from
the guy was an angel,i,almost felt sorry for him.Ignitions were replced six times.The recall#is 121305,i was back driven my wife accord with 86000.00
miles without a problem untill i bought an 06 Acura TL.it has 26000 mile whithout a problem,i change the motor oil 3 times only.I must tell you that the TL is much better than the BM in snow,Now i get to laugh at guys driving expansive BMW,MB got stuck in snow

bmw not reliable, how many have you had in the past 3 years, since 05 they have been much better, yes i have a few problems, but no other car has the same warranty, everything is covered! and a real loaner car, my old acura dealer gave us Hyundai loaners....and my two audis, 05-A6 and 07 Q7, both almost trouble free... my 05 acura tls-new tranny, brakes, radio. cheap platic handles broken and oh yeah, a few rattles...