What Premium Car Models Should Be Cut From The USA Market?

Sounds like the perfect socialist idea for the times.

Let's all drive one car model and all blend in and look like nameless Bond villains!

Don't want to OFFEND anyone.

001

"Badgewhore"

Your statement maybe be true except Lexus. The world needs Lexus right now. It's the best thing that ever happen to mankind. It has a combination of being reliable, dependable, green, fuel-efficient, world's only dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, more recycled content found in any other production vehicle, etc... and it's cost efficient so it's just makes sense right now in this time of heartache.

001, could you explain something to me?

1. Why would you like to have less choice? Being forced to buy a car of one make/model and wear jeans of one brand was an inherent attribute of former communist countries.

2. What's wrong with Acura RL? Especially what's wrong with its torque-vectoring rear differential offered as standard for a few years. BMW hasn't yet offered it in any of their cars except a niche product X6 and Audi has just put it in only one single niche model as well.

3. What's wrong with a luxury and dynamically styled minivan the R-class is. Yes, premium minivans don't work mostly due to psychological reasons and processes occurring in consumers' brains but, technically, where is the problem?

Wow, that must be a negative vote record for autospies!

SAAB is done.

@ iLexus
once Toyota fall, how long will the Luxury Toyota last, 2 weeks, a month...Fact

Lets get one thing straight, Everybody would fall 1st before Toyota will, Toyota will be the last man standing, their still the world's richest auto-maker.

WOW, iLexus, you've got deboosted just because you expressed the obvious truth Germanophile moles commenting here simply can't accept. It's sad how many people fail reality perception tests. And never look up and compare incomes of various car manufacturers.

Porsche is the wealthiest car maker on Earth. They own 75% of Volkswagen, the world's largest volume mfrer.

A3, 1 series, R class, BMW POS mini van, and the whole SAAB line up.

the grille of the TL too, Put a keybord in its place.

The picture says it all

We could stand to lose the following, and no one would care:

Mercedes - R Class, C300, G Class(since we only get the petrol version and it takes a diesel to get any respectable mpgs out of the thing)
BMW - X3, X6 and 6 series unless they can finally admit they're not godlike, and lower their prices
Saab - the entire lineup
Audi - A3, Q5
Acura - RDX, RL, and bring back the Integra
Lexus - IS250, GX, ES, SC
Volvo - C30, C70

The IS 250 is the most fuel efficient car in it's class, more reliable, re-sale value, and dependable, and it's sales are great so why loose it When this is what the economy needs right now, Fuel efficient cars?

MPG
1. Lexus IS 250 21/29
2. Audi A4 21/27
3. BMW 3-Series 19/28
4. Mercedes C-Class 18/25
5. Cadillac CTS 17/26

I average 27.6 mpg in my old IS 250....Mostly city driving...

www.Fuelecomomy.gov

— TheLanciaFan:

> The IS250 is a joke. Underpowered [...]

0-60: 7.5 sec [1]


> [...] and the fuel economy Lexus claims is never really achieved by
> anyone.

2007 IS 250: EPA combined 24 MPG, user average 25 MPG [2]
2006 IS 250: EPA combined 24 MPG, user average 24.3 MPG [2]


> Lexus fuel economy figures are always overrated. My family has never
> gotten the claimed figures of our RX300 - even when my mom drives it.

1999 RX300: EPA combined 19 MPG, user average 18.4 MPG [3]
2001 RX300: EPA combined 18 MPG, user average 20.6 MPG [3]
2002 RX300: EPA combined 18 MPG, user average 21.2 MPG [3]
2003 RX300: EPA combined 18 MPG, user average 17.7 MPG [3]


[1] http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=140386/pageId=158923
[2] http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Lexus&model=IS%20250
[3] http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Lexus&model=RX%20300

"Clueless people like you need to shut up if you have nothing constructive to say"...TheLanciaFan

Hey jacka**, I was responding to the topic. Get a clue yourself, you ponce. Sure all of the cars serve a purpose, but why buy an R class when you can buy a minivan and fulfill the same goal. Why buy an A3 when you can get the Golf GTI cheaper and have just as much fun. Some of the others are such low volume sellers because they can't compete with their segment, or are trying to create a whole new segment that noone asked for.

iLexus... sorry to bust your bubble, but the mileage that you put up for the A4, that's for the Quattro my friend... the FWD will do 23/30MPG.
Ooohh... so much for your argument...

Sorry to burst your bubble, but The front wheel drive A4 is not yet sold here in The U.S. And By the time it comes, Lexus will have increase the MPG on the IS already.

****Correction****

The AUdi A4 Front Wheel drive is sold here in the USA, I gotten it confuse with another car. The stats I stated are corrcect

Audi A4 2.0 Front Wheel Drive
21 City
27 HWY

Audi 3.2
17 City
26 HWY

http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4.html

I'm not sure where you are getting your numbers from or did you just make them up?

Nice Try

Hahaha im surprised iLexus hasnt been banned for stupid comments. The IS250 is a nice car. But its competitors are so much better. You want performance and briliant dynamics, you take the 3-series. Want Luxury? THe C-class. no competition. Ive driven it in comparison to all the cars. Want style? A4 need i say more? Want to continue being bored and a social stand out? Dont by any of these cars. Dont even think about the IS.

All Acuras. I used to like Acura just fine until they decided to slap giant metallic chevrons on the front ends. Every single model in today's line up is visually repulsive. Reliable? Yes. Pretty? Hell no.

Saab. The brand had so much promise but GM did it a huge disservice. The 9-3 isn't so bad although the interiors of all models are leagues below competitors. I used to like the modest and smart styling of the 9-5 until about 2005/2006 when they wrecked the front end of it. Around that time GM slapped a Saab logo on a Chevy Trailblazer and expected the world to react to the 9-7 as if it had just discovered a combination that would have the popularity of chocolate and peanut butter. And some wonder why GM is about to go bankrupt...

BMW X6. I wanted to like this car until I saw one on the street last week. It just looks silly. Maybe the proportions will grow on me but even if they do I can't imagine it is selling well given its lofty sticker price.

Infiniti QX56. This thing is just plain wrong. It always was. This tank is a rebranded Nissan Pathfinder Armada based on the Titan platform. Poor Nissan is taking a beating on sales of the Titan and is phasing it out. The next full-size pickup to replace it will be, of all things, a rebranded Dodge Ram. So the Armada and QX56 are going the way of the Dodo.

Lincoln. Axe the entire brand. Its ghetto as hell. Most models look like they have a chain link fence stapled to the grill.

Lexus SC. Yuk, and the GX and LX SUV's are redundant. Axe'm both.

Oh to buy cars of there "pretty-ness" what an idiot "bikeatl77" I hope your pretty car does all that my ugly car does....Probably not. I have to go to lunch now in my "pretty car" I don't read anything intelligent here, well sometimes... ;)

Remember Crappy, at you no with you.

Crappy, I guess you're not very perceptive. Go back and read some of my other comments. Remember, at you not with you.

My list:

Volvo S80 V8: Volvo sedan and V8 are oxymorons in my book.

Acura TL: Was behind one the other day and this car is hideous.

Mercedes R-Class: I can see why they thought the concept was a good idea. Too bad the execution was a hearse like vehicle.

Cadillac DTS: A V8 "luxury barge" with FWD and a 4-speed automatic? This car should have been put out to pasture ten years ago when it was still the de Ville. I guess fleet sales are keeping it alive.

Lincoln MKX: Taking the ugly Ford Edge and putting more chrome on it equals an uglier Lincoln. Brilliant marketing strategy.

Lexus SC430: This boulevard cruising roadster is way too old and the bug eyed styling has not aged well.

Infiniti QX56: I know this car is already headed to the future graveyard, but what Nissan exec thought making this monstrosity (size and styling) would be a good idea?

Land Rover LR2: I feel like this is the forgotten about entry level luxury SUV. You never see them and the styling is odd.

Saab 9-5: This car is ancient, despite the numerous refreshs. And that new front end just looks tacked on.

Good choices, HSC

Maybe we could get rid of the antediluvian Town Car, now, too? I don't mind a big luxury barge, but the poor thing's chassis is older than that of its' core buyers.

I wouldn't mind if the BMW Aztek went away, either.

Lauderdale Drive,
I thought about throwing in the Town Car as well since its body on frame Panther platform is older than me (introduced in '78, I was born in '82). However, it is still "succesful" in the sense for limo and livery car sales.

As for the X6, I don't mind it too much. Personally, I wouldn't buy one. If I wanted an AWD sporty coupe, the 335xi makes far more sense (and is far cheaper as well). If you need the utility of an SUV, the X5 is a far better choice. Or if you want a sporty handling cargo carrier, a 535xi wagon would be a better alternative (far less "wow" factor though). That being said, the X6 is heavily based on the X5 so it doesn't cost them that much to produce. And if they can get a premium on the X6 over its near twin the X5 for a couple of years, it was a smart move on their part.

Good Bye to...
Saab - what purpose does this car company have
MB - R class
BMW - X3 it just ugly and boring, X6 why was it conceived in the 1st place,
Lincoln - Town Car -have you seen the price on that THING?
Cadillac - DTS,
Acura - RL,TSX,MDX and that otehr smaller SUV. I love the TL
Infiniti - love them all
Porsche - They need to add a new 944 to the lineup for everyday person to purchase
Volvo - good bye to the whole lineup
Audi - Love them all
LEXUS - snore, snore... What a boring brand.

Cadillac & Lincoln. Both entire brands should be cut.

Not to say the two brands are fakes, but GM and Ford simply aren't truly serious about the historically luxury makes.

If you look at Acura, Infiniti, and Audi. They are meticulous about their luxury divisions and about what separates them from their mainstream brands. And their mainstream brands don't have many of the same options as their luxury counterparts.

I'm just simply disappointed with Cadillac and Lincoln.

You’re obviously speaking out of ignorance because (with the notable exception of the archaic DTS), the entire Cadillac lineup is quite respectable. The CTS is arguably one of the finest driving, roomiest, handsomest cars in its class, all at a price that undercuts them all. Welcome to the 21st century.

I'm going to base my judgements n cars that I think aren't necessary here in the states and try to stay away from the argument that they're ugly. Cars may be ugly, but if they prove viable and useful here in the states, then as long as they sell, then it serves its purpose. Car image is subjective (usually.)

Audi: Q7 - with two sibling cars, Q7 seems to get lost in the mix.
Acura: RDX, RL - Neither cars are providing much anything in the segment or innovating enough to prove good in selling. Either they need to update the cars with new technology or something.
BMW: X6 - As much as I like the stance of the car, I'm not sure BMW can really sell a SUV of that size that only holds 4 people, especially if they come with a PAV based off the 5 series, that, I would think, eat up any x6 sales.
Cadillac - Escalade. The escalade, to me, just shouts excessive in all amounts. Sure it's still niche market and such, but with gas prices on the rise, these cars are meh.
Hummer - ALL. Another niche market that at least for now doesn't seem like necessary. Maybe later when economy picks up again.
Infiniti - EX - The back seat precludes everything else. It may look nice but non-usable backseat renders the car not so useful.
Lincoln - Navigator. Meh another niche expensive car.
Lexus - SC. - that car needs to die. old, non-updated. bye bye. LS 600h - It may be a hybrid but it sure doesn't get hybrid mileage. LX - What's so wrong with the toyota high end version?
MB - R Class
Mercury - Not something to remove but something non identical to ford needs to replace some car!
Porsche - Trim the models of the Cayenne to fewer engine options. Panamera - need i say anything about a 4 seater "sedan" for 80K++?
Volvo - C70, C30 - neither car is selling that well, and they need to look at viability. Understand the desire for the c30 as it's small, and such but they're not doing well, from last I heard. at least here in the states.

Who cares about the economy. Drive what you want now. You may not be here tomorrow.
MB R class-ugliest car created by MB or almost anyone.
Lexus- Boring. But apparently there is a huge market for boring. Hey guys look how skinny my wheels are! Exception to v8 IS-nice job.
Acura-New TL-speaking of ugly.
SAAB-what happened? I loved the first gen 900 turbo. I like the newest 3turbo-x but I guess its too late.

I don't like losing any luxury car options, but the R class looks like a friggin hearse, especially in black. Someone in my neighborhood has one and it looks ridiculous. My wife and I laugh at it every time we walk by it.

As a fan of Lexus, I think they should drop the ES and lower the price of the GS350 by $5-7k to fill that void (and give it a panaramic glass roof option). The GS is a much better car, and if they lowered the price and mass produced it, it would easily be Lexus' top seller.

Mercury - brand serves no purpose between Ford and Lincoln

BMW X6 and upcoming V5 - serve no purpose at all

Infiniti EX - to fit a place below the FX, they made the rear seat unuseable. Target is for people who want the couple but need a bit more utility, but you then get in a field of competitors w/ more utility.

ACRA RDX - not enough fuel economy benefit over getting a "small" SUV.
(might as well include all small SUVs without decent utility & economy)
7 series, S class, LS, A8 - (Ok, a bit extreme & socialist here) Extra big boats that virtually never even have a passenger in the expansive back seat.

I say let's make premium cars premium once again.

I'd kill the following...

BMW 328i - leave only the 335i and M3

BMW 528i & 535i - leave only the 550i

Mercedes C280 - leave only the premium C350 & C63

Mercedes E350 - leave only the E550 & E63

Lexus - aw who cares, everyone KNOWS it to be a Toyota anyways

Audi - have to admit, who cares about this one as well, the A4 is a dressed up Passat. The A6 drives like a boat, I know, I own one.

Saab - are they even still sold in the US?

Infiniti - I don't know if I'd kill any of these, they are all pretty decent cars.

Lamborghini - Gallardo LP560-4 - just kidding, I love this car.

-00J

00J, usually you are right on the money (except when you let other people drive your cars), but you couldn't be more off today.

Killing the E350, C280, 528i, 328i and 535i would drastically reduce the volume of cars sold by Mercedes and BMW. From the articles I've read in auto mags (since the manufacturers don't give sales numbers based on engine size), it seems most of these cars are sold with the smaller engines.

"The E class is not a luxury sedan." And what are you basing this absurd statement on?

Awww, the old and tired "taxi" argument. Using your logic then, a European taxi (the acclaimed E-Class) consistently bests your beloved Lexus GS. Dops that mean you are embarressed to ride in the GS as well?

A clueless, Lexus fanboy is born everyday apparently.

In case none of you have noticed, Rising sun is good old Lexusbeautyqueen. She was banned a few days ago.

Yes, you joined as risingsun two days ago, but you were formerly LexusBeautyQueen...surprising how your over the top comments were much like hers and planned just to make japanese car fans (or Lexus car fans) look like idiots.

Lexus and Acura should go. If it weren't for the U.S both lexus ans Acura would not exist

Whom ever wrote "Agent 001 wants everyone to drive a BMW" is absolutley correct. Which is what's so biased about his reviews and opinions. Yes, we all have the right to be heard and all that, but I don't need to listen to a babbling bum on the street whether it's his opinion or not. I can move away, beyond earshot... But to make up silly articles, just to trumpet all european designed cars is absurd. I wonder if Agent001 knows that cars are being made and designed and even sold all around the world... And to voice your opinion on a handful of cars, that are being sold in America, not global vehicals... It's like walking into a yogurt shop and being lactose-intolerant, but bad mouthing all the flavors and the poeple who choose the flavors you can't enjoy... Pretty funny. I own a 2009 Acura TL w/tech (no SHAWD) and I love it. I don't care who doesn't. When I'm in my TL, I get tons of stares and if half of them are stares of disgust, should I give them a stare of disgust back? Maybe I don't like their hair or face! Should I start a website and A blog about which are the ugliest people or maybe the pretty? WHO CARES!!! Oh and... My TL's made here in the USA! With 70% of its contents coming from North America, so go support Germany you dope!

What's with our username? Don't worry, I am definitely NOT jealous of your FWD '09 TL. I don't think many others will be either.

*** your username

"What Premium Car Models Should Be Cut From The USA Market?"
Any car that isn't making any profit for the last 6 months.

all acuras & infinitis need to die
the hyundai genesis never even deserved to be incarnated in the first place

entire BMW line up should get the boot... oh wait, if that happens, where will all the yuppies, jocks and stock brokers flock too.. hmm...

wat abt jag?

All the ugly and impractical vehicles should go:
BMW X6 - looks and acts stupid
bmw z4 - needs to be replaced, always looked like a chic car
Bmw x3 - needs to reshaped to look more agressive
Benz R-class - agreed to be retarded from day 1
acura rl - should
Infiniti - small crossover, Q, qx
Audi a8
hummer h-anything
Lexus IS
audi a3

Dear, HSCenterconsole -
You actually waste your time to write that? This is an Automobile blog.... And you bash peoples' usernames? Thanks for your insight on today's vehicles!!! What's your username mean? You dope! Anyone could ask that!!! But I would like to add that in my FWD 09' TL this morning I had a splendid time listening to my 10 spkr DVD-audio sound system with the seat warmers on "HOT" all the way to work. I'm averaging about 24 mpg this week, without using the paddle shifters or "Sport" mode. But I did notice my "parchment" colored leather a bit dirtied up by my dark leather belt. And yes HSCenterconsole, I do have to wear a belt cuz my waste hasn't hit my age yet as I'm sure yours have. I only conjure up that thought, from all you negatives posts putting down almost every NEW idea or design... You're hilarious though! I resend your comments to my other Auto colleagues. It's a riot! I do, work in the Industry but that's a whole other topic. I want to hear about your experiences behind the wheel, not your laptop!

Maybe your new username could be:
"UCANBEJEALOUS_FWD 09' TL this morning I had a splendid time listening to my 10 spkr DVD-audio sound system with the seat warmers on "HOT" all the way to work."

And what's with the automatic? This is an enthusiasts site.

I don't think anybody in history has been jealous of an Accord-based Acura TL. Ferrari 430? Yes. Lambo Gallardo? Of course. 911 Turbo? Definitely. FWD TL? Sadly no. You had to be called out on that.

And for your information, HSCenterConsole refers to my boat (Hydra-Sports center console). I didn't add a "UCANBEJEALOUS" though because I didn't want to be tacky. Don't feel the need to go out of my way to impress people.

Though there are those who will disagree: The BMW 128/135 really missed the mark. BMW’s decision to price it so close to its 328/335 siblings was a serious mistake, and though the performance is very respectable, the choice to use the same powertrains as the 3 was a poor one. BMW should re-think the 1, adding more efficient, but still performance-oriented, 4-cylinder engines. They should also and drop the price by no less than 7k to 10k, or just scrap the while darned thing for the American market. Sales clearly show that most people looking for an entry-level BMW just don’t get the 128/135, neither literally nor figuratively.

I would get rid of all GMC vehicles...don't really know the purpose of having the same truck/Suv as a Chevy...............

I would get rid of all Mercury vehicles as well...same reasons as above..............

Acura - just needs a new way of design, technology is great, but the look of the cars aren't striking a cord with buyers, only decent one is the MDX...........

Mercedes-Benz..cancel the G-Class for the US..no real use for it unless you want to look like you are in the cartel.....R-class actually serves a purpose..not for mainstreem buyers..but for the rich folk who want an image car that are people haulers. You have a multi-million dollar home, your choices to park out front are? a Dodge, a Honda, a Chrysler? The Mercedes Logo "looks" much better..............

Large premium coupe's..the problem with them is the market, allways they've had the up/down demand for them...6-series:too much money when you have the 3-series with the same or better performance. SC430 - just outdated and too femine for male buyers. CL- great looking car, no resale value, especially when you see $20k-$30k off sticker now, and the buyer who can afford the car, you can get a Bentley .............

Also....maybe car companies with cars that don't sell in big numbers, wether they are good or bad cars. Should moving into having special order only. Like back in the day of the 60's/70's with muscle cars where you factory order a car the way you wanted it.

Way to take the high road 09_TL... First off, I will never be jealous of an overpriced Honda Accord. I have an Accord and I bought it get me from A to B and to hold its value while doing so. I don't need a ton of glass, steel, leather, and plastic to inflate my feelings of self worth. Secondly, people often purchase cars solely or primarily based on their visual appeal. This is especially true of buyers in the luxury segment that can afford to shell out more for vehicles that have the sex appeal. If this weren't so, Jaguar would have failed decades ago when quality problems were so bad, brand cache was the only reason the company stayed afloat. Thirdly, the task of this article requested readers to submit lists of luxury models that may become the next casualties of today’s dreadful economic climate. Maybe you should stick to that task and not wait for others to contribute just so you can verbally berate those that put the car you happen to drive on their lists. You mentioned more than once that you don’t care if other people find your car ugly but immediately issue personal attacks against those that did. Obviously, you do care or you wouldn’t resort to such childish tactics. If you enjoy your heinous luxo-Accord then keep enjoying it. However, sales of the TL since its inception obviously show that the angular styling is not resonating with consumers. Sales have been falling since the 2006 model year and have dropped dramatically in the last year. So enjoy your ugly car and do this site a favor and stop personally attacking people that don’t.

Year: US TL SALES
1999: 56,566
2000: 67,033
2001: 69,484
2002: 60,764
2003: 56,770
2004: 77,895
2005: 78,218
2006: 71,348
2007: 58,545
2008: 48,766

I agree that everyone has their own opnions but to say the TL is ugly is Bull everyone I have seen thus far has caught my eye and everyone that other's (i.e. friends have seen have said it is agressive). The design my be ahead of it's time or maybe it's the fact that people didn't expect Acura to pull something so bold off. For those who say this is an ethusiast site is being stupid because SH-AWD will outhandle anything right now on the market and the manual is coming in the summer. Plus the article states luxury premium at that way to go off the topic.

Lets break it down with no bias:

Mercedes:
* SLK: This car is pointless and ugly. Let it go
* R: Looks like a hearse and needs to go, pointless with the GL class
* GLK: Very expensive and serves no purpose
* G: Ugliest car ever created

BMW:
* Z4: Horrible looking car, a redo would make it a car you could look at
* X3: Too expensive and ugly for what it is
* X6: i wanted to like this car but it just seems really akward
* 1: Lose it, way too small, the 3 series is small enough

Lexus:
* IS250: The engine is just too small, find a lower price for the IS350 and by selling more the price will go down
* ES350: It serves a purpose but needs to have more luxury, try blending some GS in to it
* SC: with the IS convertible coming out this underpowerd car can go away now
* GX is close, an update will decide what should happen

Audi:
* A3: Gone
* A6: Gone, leave the A8

Infiniti:
Honestly they all suck and need an update
* QX: too large for infiniti and the car sucks
* EX: way too small and too close in price to the FX
* M: hard to say, not a great car but could become something

Mercury:
* Get rid of the whole line

GMC/Chevy:
* Merge them together, maybe have GMC make the SUVs and Trucks and Chevy stick to the rest

Buick:
* Gone, the entire line

Saab:
Gone, the entire line

Hummer:
* Gone, the entire line

Hyundai:
* Genesis: if they made a new brand name for the Genesis instead of it being a hyundai it might have made it as a low luxury car but as a hyundai it becomes a joke

HSCenterconsole,
First, I'll start off by saying if your Username has nothing to do with vehicles that come with either 4 or 2 wheels and has all to do with the boat you OWN; maybe you should get the hell off of this site! You Dope!
Second, do you go on boat enthusiasts blog sites with a username having to do with your car or bicycles' console?!

Okay enough of that... Time for the good stuff! You being the enthusiast and all, I figure you would know that Acura has a stick schedules for 2010 probably only in the SHAWD. So to answer your question, "YES" it is an automatic! You Dope! How's the stick shift in your boat?! Sounds stupid, huh?! Also the blog started with the topic of what cars to get rid of in North America, right? Well Acura was tossed around alot on here and not about its performance or creature comforts, but on the way it was redesigned. The way it looks, is the reason why most of you dopes say it should go... So here I am giving my opinion on something I have KNOWLEDGE of! I’m tired of people jumping on these sites bad mouthing or judging and leaving outrageous opinions about vehicles they probably never driven or ever will! I can recite all the articles I've ever read in all the auto publications and I still wouldn't blast the BUS that is the Mercedes R-Class, until I have had driven one... Who knows I might love it! And that's what these vehicles were intended to do, to be driven! So unless you want to talk about your boat's console or whatever vehicle you've actually gotten in and experienced, I say go get lost on that boat of yours... That's only my opinion though.

Last... You had nothing to say of my comment about the TL being made in North America and 70% of its components being made here in North America as well. So it would be a sad day here in the USA when you take the "ugly" TL out of America. Who will employ all those Americans that put together the wonderful TL? Sorry to stick to the topic, Mr. Car Enthusiast! I'm sorry to have given an actually experience in one of the vehicles you want to get rid of... So what will it be now? More sales numbers that make Acura look like they could have taken in over 24 billion in that 10 yr stretch (what were those figures again "bikeatl77" they make my point even better) Go show me a car that sold more than that at that price range in North America "bikeatl77" Next time you thrown down numbers, thrown down something comparable you DOPE! I didn't see you present any car sales numbers for any other vehicle any of you had brought up?! 335i sales numbers? C300 sales numbers? I'll wait for those "bikeatl77" & "HSCenterconsole" keep up the good work, what will you think is ugly next?

Do you re-read your comments before posting on here UCANBEJEALOUS? If your aim is to contradict yourself then I congratulate you on a job well done. Otherwise, look the definition up at Websters.com. You just might learn something. The article for which these comments are based simply asks readers to submit a list of the cars that THEY (i.e. the readers) think will be singled out for elimination given current economic dire straights. One neither needs to drive a vehicle to offer such a personal forecast nor back them up with sales figures. Detroit certainly hasn’t bothered to skim over its numbers as far as its product line up is concerned. This is probably why the Monte Carlo hung around until 2007, but I digress. Your "24 billion/10-year stretch" comment, while making little cognitive or grammatical sense highlights one of your illogical arguments. The TL figures that I provided simply illustrate that sales of this particular vehicle have been declining significantly since its inception a decade ago. The last three years in particular yielded the worst drops in annual volumes. How in the world do you claim that such numbers actually support whatever claim that you have so far failed to make? I get a good kick laughing at your responses though, so keep’em coming. I got all day.

Ok, so the article clearly and simply asks readers to provide a list of cars that may not weather approaching economic storms. It does not ask to take into consideration the effect on US employment. Yes, 70% of the TL is made in North America. Good boy, you’ve proved that you can at least read. Would you like your cookie now or later? If the article did ask to make a list that favored U.S. employment levels I’d still put the Acura brand on it thank you very much. The Acura TL and MDX are essentially North American-spec Accords. Without the Acura brand you will still have the bread-and-butter Accord as well as the Pilot. The RDX is a dolled up Honda CR-V/Element. All three are built on the Civic platform. So your precious jobs at the Honda plant in Marysville Ohio are still safe without Acura. The RL and the TSX, on the other hand, are built in Japan and shipped here. By the way, Acura doesn’t exist in Japan. It is primary an American invention. The generally prudent consumers of Japan don’t see a need to pay a 20-30% premium for a Honda with a compass logo. The old Integra was just a Honda Integra. The RL is the Honda Legend. They reserve said redundancy for the average jackass American consumer that usually has no idea what they are actually buying but insist on paying more for it. A trait that helped land this country in the debt ridden state that it is. Moving on, the TSX is also just an Accord but with a twist. It is manufactured in Japan because it serves as the Honda Accord in its mother country, Europe, and the rest of Asia. Americans favor larger cars so our Accord is bigger than what the rest of the world gets. They slapped the compass logo on

logo on it, and presto, you have TSX. Sorry Marysville.

Although I still don’t find it necessary to research and publish sales figures for all or any of the vehicles that happen to compete for the same business that may purchase a TL, I’ll go ahead and post the 3-Series just to boldface your ignorance once more. I guess I can laugh a little more if it helps me get through the day that much more. Honestly, I don’t even know why you referenced the 3-Series or C Class as few in their right minds would ever suspect that either model would be pulled from production due to lack of interest. Regardless, the link below points to an article that elaborates further but BMW sold 555,219 and 508,479 3-Series in 2007 and 2006, respectively. You can fetch the MB numbers if you ever figure out what it is that you’re trying to prove. Unless of course, your sole motivation is to call people a dope day in and day out. Either way I’m still laughing, but only at you not with you. Have a spectacular day!

http://www.autospies.com/news/BMW-Sets-Worldwide-Sales-Record-26092/

I would like to have more choices, not less especially when it comes to availability of premium cars with smaller engines.
I would love a BMW 120i, 120d or even 320i or 320d. In America unless you spend from $30K up you cannot get a car made by a premium brand. the only choice of a decent car is VW which by far surpasses in quality the poor offerings from Honda, Toyota and other econobox builders from Asia but still, I would personally prefer to have the choice for a BMW or Mercedes with a small engine over any other brand.

I take any day a BMW with a 4 cylinder engine over a pile of s**t rattle trap V6 Accord for the same money. I want the high quality workmanship of the BMW even if I have to give up some horsepower, instead of dealing with the poor built quality and being stuck with driving a bloated, unrefined tin can with more horsepower than it can safely handle made by Honda or Toyota.

I take the better engineered car any day over the cheap knock out made in Asia even if the later offers more horsepower. We already have examples, like a BMW 328i vs the Infiniti G37. The Infiniti gives you 100 more horsepower than the BMW for the same price but as soon as you drive both cars you understand why that is possible. The G37 is a pile of s**t with a big unrefined engine while the BMW 328i(3 series in general) is the pinnacle of engineering in its class.

BMW, Mercedes bring your exquisite highly engineered diesel cars but make sure to offer also the more economical, more affordable versions too. We, the enthusiasts will take quality(German engineering)in a smaller package(less horsepower)over quantity(Asian knock offs with more horsepower)any day.

Lexus LS600h

The car is a commercial disaster. Once retailing for @125,000, you can get them for $95,000 with zero miles. A one-year-old LS600h sells for about $72,000 with less than 5,000 miles on the ODO. That is a sweet $10 depreciation for each mile traveled vs. MSRP.

YOUR FIRST SUBMISSION: Good comment. Your only gripe to wipe Acura off the US map is because of its aesthetics? Good thing people are a little less shallow than you... (They are reliable, thank you!) Eat your words below:
"All Acuras. I used to like Acura just fine until they decided to slap giant metallic chevrons on the front ends. Every single model in today's line up is visually repulsive. Reliable? Yes. Pretty? Hell no." -BIKEATL77

THIS IS YOUR RESPONSE TO ME, AFTER I MADE FUN OF YOUR SALES FIGURES:
"The article for which these comments are based simply asks readers to submit a list of the cars that THEY (i.e. the readers) think will be singled out for elimination given current economic dire straights. One neither needs to drive a vehicle to offer such a personal forecast nor back them up with sales figures." -BIKEATL77

TAKEN FROM SAME COMMENT:
"BMW sold 555,219 and 508,479 3-Series in 2007 and 2006, respectively. You can fetch the MB numbers if you ever figure out what it is that you’re trying to prove." -BIKEATL77

ARE THOSE FIGURES FOR THE BMW 3-SERIES FOR THE ENTIRE MODEL LINE-UP? THERE ARE ALOT OF DIFFERENT 3-SERIES MODELS, ALSO I'M SURE YOU'RE AWARE THAT THE 3-SERIES IS SOLD GLOBALLY, BUT THE ACURA IS ONLY IN NORTH AMERICA.... SO YOUR SALES NUMBERS FOR THE BMW WOULD HAVE TO ONLY REPRESENT WHAT WAS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES FROM THE LAST 10 YEARS. I KNOW YOU THINK YOU'RE A WHIZ AND ALL AND YES I READ ALL THE SAME MAGS AS YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE, BUT WITH THAT SAID. WHY DON'T YOU GIVE THESE TYPES OF OPINIONS FIRST OFF? INSTEAD YOU START OFF SOUNDING LIKE A 14YR OLD GIRL PICKING HER FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAMS, BY HOW PRETTY THEIR JERSEY'S ARE! BUT ONCE I AWAKENED THE BEAST, I CAN'T GET YOU TO SHUT UP AND ADMIT THAT YOU GAVE A SHALLOW OPINION "COMMENT" HOPING NO ONE WOULD NOTICE! I DO WORK FOR A DIVISION OF ACURA RACING; I KNOW WHERE THESE CARS ARE BEING SOLD! WATCH SEBRING THIS LATER THIS MONTH AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE ACURAS! OH! DID YOU NOT KNOW THAT ACURA IS IN A RACING SERIES??? MAYBE YOU DID, BUT I'M SPEAKING FROM MY EXPERIENCES, NOT BLASTING THINGS JUST TO GET A RISE OUT OF SOME "BLOGGERS" AND TO START A TOPIC LIKE THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE IN MORONIC AT BEST! REAL CAR ENTHUISIAST WANT TO TALK ABOUT HOW UGLY GRILLS ARE.... I MUST BE A DIFFERENT KIND OF ENTHUISIAST...

For the second straight month, the all-new 2009 TSX sports sedan posted a monthly sales increase. February sales of the TSX reached 2,293 units, a 4.1 percent increase versus last year, based on the daily selling rate*. Year-to-date TSX sales reached 4,699 units, up 7.6 percent versus 2008. Year-to-date Acura sales total 15,515 units.

"The TSX is hitting a sweet spot with buyers right now," said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura Sales. "And with the addition of a V-6-powered TSX to the lineup this summer, we are further expanding the appeal of this popular sports sedan."

The redesigned TL performance luxury sedan was Acura's top-selling model for February, with sales of 2,490. The MDX luxury SUV led Acura light truck sales volume with 1,981 units, while the RDX crossover SUV reached 709 units.

PULLED THIS FROM MY COMPANY WEBSITE... ENJOY THE PART ABOUT THE "REDESIGNED TL" OR "SWEET SPOT" REFERRING TO THE TSX... YUMMY!

GOOD DAY TO YOU ALL (THATS 2 POSTS WITHOUT CALLING ANYONE A DOPE, I'M SURE I'M STILL MAKING SOME FEEL LIKE ONE THOUGH, LOL)

"PULLED THIS FROM MY COMPANY WEBSITE... " Do you work for Acura? If so, no wonder you are so oblivious to their horrendous styling and terrible weight distributions. I guess you have to be loyal to where your paycheck comes from.

Badgewhore

I totally agree with that statement! People need to stick to american made cars and need to stop sending our money over seas, the only way to get the economy going is for people to buy american cars, from GM to Ford I dont care. We make cars that ride just as nice as a Lexus and cars faster than ferrari's for instance the ZR1, top speed of 210mph and still gets good gas mileage from a 638HP supercharged LS9!!

Alot of cars that are owned by Honda/Acura & Toyota, Mazda are built here in America, which employs Americans. So it's naive to say things like that, buying overpriced American cars isn't the way to a better economy. Why hasn't there been a "Prius fighter" from the BIG 3? It's not like Toyota was losing money selling the Prius in America and you know there is no American car that has equaled the success or ingenuity of the Prius in the Last 10 Yrs. The Big3 kept making and selling the BIG pick-up! So every douche bag kid in America can go lift one, for show??? Is that what buying American is, to show off your patriotism, not economical sense? You should rummage through your house after you say that, how certain are you that all your consumer products are made in the USA? You can't answer that, let alone all the things that make up such a home. Don't be naive, and listen to the media, make your own opinions.... To someone like me you seem like the likely reason our country is in the deficit. We could all be on here ripping "ugly" cars, but the BIG3 made too many it would be way too biased...LOL.

HSCenterconsole,
I work under the Honda umbrella, within Honda Racing... I chose the TL after months of researching other Honda\Acura vehicles, I was going with the TSX. But the idea of a 4 cyl "sport sedan" didn't do it for me. The TL was my next choice, so it's not as if I had to drive an Acura or Honda, but the opportunity was there. I know guys on the race team that drive Lotus Elise's and of course plenty of S2000's. I guess to bash a car company soley on looks is what I'M griping about. I just wanna read some genuine "car" knowledge on here, not "my car is better than yours" or "the car I want is better than the car you want." To be honest, the Mazda3 "Mazdaspeed" edition was high on my list.... But maybe you're right about me... and maybe it isn't bad to have company loyalty. Go Patron-Highcroft! & DeFerran Motorsports! We're gonna take LMP1 & LMP2 @ Sebring!

09TL:
So we are on the same page: You snubbed your nose at "the idea of a 4 cyl 'sport sedan'" but opted to purchase a 3,700lb, FWD, automatic TL with a F/R weight distribution of 61/39? That data right there adds up to the antithesis of a sport sedan.

As for my username you ripped on above, I chose it because it was unique to me. I love cars AND boats. And if I hadn't explained its meaning to you, you would have been clueless to its context. Your username, however, was meant to provoke. Why else would you say "u can be jealous?" You rightfully got called out on it. If you were driving a Ferrari 430 or 911 Turbo or an S65 AMG I think many people on this site would be envious. But a TL? Come on guy. Maybe some kid tooling around in an early 90's Civic might be jealous, but that is about it.