| RLema05 |
Hi all!
Just stopping by to give an impression on a 'brand new' MDX loaner I got from the dealer.
First off, I was kinda bummed on leaving my RL for some warranty work. Im so attached to that car, it spoils me with toys and gadgets, supreme luxury sport, and a hint of exclusivity.
The first thing I noticed about the MDX was its interior. Very driver orientated, The guages have a futuristic sport bike 'kinda' look to them, (must be the gap) the center console/navi screen/dash is very well executed, intricate yet user friendly. Leather is soft and supple. Adequate leg room in the rear. I'm 6'0 and like to drive with the seats way up for a better veiw and the head room was adequate as well. The materials used for the interior were grade A and seems durable. I'd say the MDX is up to par as far as interior comfort with the RL. Not to sure what package I got but the sound system is not as good as the RL's. My only gripe would have to be the steering wheel. When I cruise I like to grip 6 o'clock.
Performance: "Is this an SUV"??! I'd have to say this is the most fun I've had in an SUV. Acceleration is great, power is up to standards, V-TEC sounds awesome and cornering is phenominal for an SUV. Good connection between road and driver. Very, very fun indeed.
The styling has grown on me. Like the RL, it too has an understated elegance with a dash of sport. If you look at it enough it truly is a beautiful design. Lines flow smoothly. My favorite part would have to be the front/grill. Futuristic and agressive.
All and all I really like the MDX. Now I don't mind having my RL in service for a bit while I get to know the MDX for a few more days. Thanks for reading. |
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| drjay |
| Thanks for sharing your impressions. I agree with you on most everything except the grille, which almost killed the deal for me! But I've since grown accustomed to its look, as just about everything else is truly top notch. |
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| mdefrances |
As both an RL and MDX owner, I obviously agree with you. I bet there are other RL/MDX owners on this site. After buying our MDX (the third one we owned), I got the RL because of the similarity in tech stuff and SH-AWD.
MarkD |
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| BLEXV6 |
quote:
Originally posted by RLema05
Hi all!
Just stopping by to give an impression on a 'brand new' MDX loaner I got from the dealer.
First off, I was kinda bummed on leaving my RL for some warranty work. Im so attached to that car, it spoils me with toys and gadgets, supreme luxury sport, and a hint of exclusivity.
The first thing I noticed about the MDX was its interior. Very driver orientated, The guages have a futuristic sport bike 'kinda' look to them, (must be the gap) the center console/navi screen/dash is very well executed, intricate yet user friendly. Leather is soft and supple. Adequate leg room in the rear. I'm 6'0 and like to drive with the seats way up for a better veiw and the head room was adequate as well. The materials used for the interior were grade A and seems durable. I'd say the MDX is up to par as far as interior comfort with the RL. Not to sure what package I got but the sound system is not as good as the RL's. My only gripe would have to be the steering wheel. When I cruise I like to grip 6 o'clock.
Performance: "Is this an SUV"??! I'd have to say this is the most fun I've had in an SUV. Acceleration is great, power is up to standards, V-TEC sounds awesome and cornering is phenominal for an SUV. Good connection between road and driver. Very, very fun indeed.
The styling has grown on me. Like the RL, it too has an understated elegance with a dash of sport. If you look at it enough it truly is a beautiful design. Lines flow smoothly. My favorite part would have to be the front/grill. Futuristic and agressive.
All and all I really like the MDX. Now I don't mind having my RL in service for a bit while I get to know the MDX for a few more days. Thanks for reading.
I recently saw the RL and it appears the gauges look like the MDX's now. I really like the RL, just can't justify the price, which is why they are not selling. |
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| Fabvsix |
| I can imagine what the new RL is going to be like, but I'm waiting for the newly designed 09 or 2010. Also the newly designed TL is due out 4th quarter 08 and it should be a knock out since the all new Accord debuted, which is quite fast. I saw the couple yesterday and from the rear is was nice looking. Once I saw the front, it shouted "Ridgeline" grill.....Anyway rumor has it the new RL will have a V8, and larger body (two of its main complaints).....will it go down in price BlexV6? Hardly.....can't wait....I'm sure it will come with an option model with the "Active Damper Suspension" .......I'm drooling.........:1: :1: :1: |
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| Fabvsix |
| but the MDX IS selling even though it looks the same in the cockpit area and same price range. I paid 48K for mine last year......so why doesn't the new RL sell as they wanted? No V8, TOO small amongst other issues.... |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
but the MDX IS selling even though it looks the same in the cockpit area and same price range. I paid 48K for mine last year......so why doesn't the new RL sell as they wanted? No V8, TOO small amongst other issues....
...Not rear wheel drive, marketing blows, deosn't "stand out" in the crowd. A myriad of reasons. I am hoping the new design will be more successful and be a true flagship for Acura! |
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| Fabvsix |
Acura had nothing special to show at this year’s LA Auto Show, but Automotive News was able to get some info out of Acura executives present at the show. Company insiders have given word to Acura dealerships that the slow-selling RL will get a makeover next summer. While dealers were not given many details on the changes, they expect them to be dramatic.
“I hear it will be a major facelift in the front and back — new sheet metal,” says Jim Smail, an Acura dealer in Pittsburgh.
Dealers are hoping that the next RL will get a V8 or a V10 engine with more aggressive styling and more legroom in the rear-seat.
Sales through October have been down 47.5 percent from the same period last year. The redesigned Acura RL was introduced October 2004 and has sold poorly since.
According to Dan Bonawitz, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co., a mid-term model change is due next year.
“The three big complaints of the car are interior space, trunk space, and for some, style,” Bonawitz told Automotive News during an interview at the Los Angeles auto show. “You can do some things to create some more interior space. So that’s within the realm of possibility.”
http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/11/1...-generation-rl/ |
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| gmc74 |
I have to agree on the marketing front, there aren't many RL commercials on TV. I really wouldn't even know it existed.
Most people that I know that are in that market feel that there isn't a great differentiator that makes the RL stand out, that is definitely a problem for Acura. Whether there is or isn't a differentiator, it doesn't matter. The perception that there isn't, is enough to make it an also ran. |
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