Acura TL

[monblanc]

I think Acura TL is one of real competitions for Genesis (especially for V6) along with Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima.

Any comments on comparing Genesis V6 to the new Acura TL ?

 

[ctrcbob]

Although this is not a direct answer to your question, I will make one comment about Acura.

Acura blew a great chance to be the top high end brand in the US. When Honda first introduced the Acura name, they came out with the Acura Legend, Acura Integra and later the Acura Vigor. THEY HAD NAMES, and everyone knew what the Legend was. Well, Honda in their wisdom, decided to get rid of names for various Acura models, and go to letters and or numbers. Unless someone really wants an Acura, nobody knows what an RS or TL, or any of the other variations are. I used to love the Legend years ago, and wanted one, but now, no way will I even consider an Acura. If they went back to names, well, I might consider one.

I sure hope Hyundai sticks with names, and not letters and/or numbers for their various models.

 

[DeMAN]

I have an 06 TL and love it. My daughter has the 4.6. I actually like both cars. I wouldnt trade my TL, but I would buy the 4.6 over buying the new TL

 

[BigElm]

Belongs in Competition forum...

 

[JPW]

I think Acura TL is one of real competitions for Genesis (especially for V6) along with Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima.

Any comments on comparing Genesis V6 to the new Acura TL ?

I am still shopping for a new car but the Genesis remains at the top of my list whereas the Acura TL and RL (I know, surprising) have both been removed. The RL is probably the easier of the two to compare. Basically, I just felt the Acura RL needed to deliver more to warrant the price. It doesn't have near the room of the Genesis and I expected the car to do a better job with road noise. Don't get me wrong it wasn't bad at all, I just expected more and I think the Genesis does do a better job with the road noise.

I have similar issues with the Maxima and the TL. They are sportier cars to me than the Genesis and I prefer more of a sports sedan with it leaning more toward luxury. I do not get a luxury feel at all when sitting in the TL. It really feels like a more sportier version of my current Honda Accord but the extension isn't great enough. To be honest, I would simply keep my Accord and save the money rather than opt for a TL. The Genesis actually has a useable back seat in my mind whereas the TL does not. The Genesis (especially the V8) devours the road at every speed and does so with the feel of a big substantial car, again, which I like (personal preference). Also, I don't like the cramped feeling I get when I sit in the TL and Maxima. Again, this is probably because they lean more toward being sporty cars where I would say the Genesis does not. Notably I'm a big guy at 6'4" and 270 pounds. I really desire a car that fits me, not forcing me to fit to the car if that makes sense.

Ultimately, I think those looking at the TL will opt for it if they want more of a sports car whereas those comparing the two would opt for the Genesis if they are looking for more luxury. Just my two cents.

 

[Gimli]

It really feels like a more sportier version of my current Honda Accord but the extension isn't great enough. To be honest, I would simply keep my Accord and save the money rather than opt for a TL.

This might have something to do with the fact that the TL is Honda's European Accord

 

[Mark_888]

This might have something to do with the fact that the TL is Honda's European Accord

What?

The Acura TSX (not TL) is the same size as the European Accord, upon which it is based. The TL is a larger car based on the US Accord frame. But just because the frame and basic sizes are the same doesn't mean they can't put some nice upscale or luxury upgrades in the Acura versions compared to the Honda versions. Having the same frame and sharing some components doesn't make the cars the same. There are a lot worse things you can buy than a Honda with some luxuries added.

The problem with the 2009 Acura TL is that front grill is oppressive (and most of the other Acura's have already moved or are moving in that direction). This is going to kill Acura, which otherwise makes excellent cars. The problem is that auto reviewers want something that is distinctive, and auto buyers want something that looks nice.

 

[Gimli]

What?

The Acura TSX (not TL) is the same size as the European Accord, upon which it is based.

Jeez you're right, I got confused...

I guess all that's left for me to do here is to echo ctrcbob's comments up-thread that car names are much better than some random letters/numbers

 

[ImInPA]

It is my personal opinion that the Genesis is a class above the Maxima and TL. It is larger, heavier, more powerful (V8) and more luxurious than either the Maxima or TL. The Maxima and TL compete only on price with the Genesis. I think the new corporate look of the Acura's is not only oppressive, as Mark states, but is just flat out ugly. That front grill looks like an afterthought. The Maxima works a bit better for me, however, I find it to to be rather chaotic and disjointed from some angles. I am not a fan of either the TL's or Maxima's interior. If I had decent Hyundai dealers in my area I would be driving a Genesis. No ifs, ands, or buts.

 

[kaberle]

This is amazing. I agree with all posts on this subject. What turned us off of the TL was that when my wife was sitting in the back seat she couldn't fit her feet under the front seat as the seats are too low and when I sat in the back seat I kept hitting my head.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Mark_888]

I guess all that's left for me to do here is to echo ctrcbob's comments up-thread that car names are much better than some random letters/numbers

I think Acura changed the names to letters because that it what all the other luxury car makers use (Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc).

 

[Gimli]

I think Acura changed the names to letters because that it what all the other luxury car makers use (Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc).

Well, hopefully they all jump off a bridge in the near future