Straightline - The future of Acura lies in styling. Huh?

The future of Acura lies in styling. Huh?

AutoObserver has a rather thoughtful editorial on Acura, where it's headed, and on their recently opened California design studio.

The title of the editorial pretty much says it all: Acura: Can Style Save Honda's Luxury Brand?

Which leads to the bigger question? Should "styling" be what Acura relies on to bank their future on? I sure hope not. Honda and Acura have always stood for innovative engineering and clever solutions to problems above all else. I hope that doesn't change.

Sure, styling is important, as that's what brings most people into showrooms. Unfortunately, recent styling efforts by Acura have been clearly a hit or miss deal. I think the TL and new TSX are lookers. I even like the RL's styling. On the flip side the MDX and RDX are visual train wrecks to my eye.

Actually it seems both Honda and Acura seem to have trouble styling trucks and SUVs. The new Honda CRV (yeah, I know it's selling great), the new Pilot and Ridgeline all are visual eyesores to some degree. Hope they get that corrected soon, as the competition—especially the Koreans, are now starting to turn out some pretty handsome vehicles.

Posted by Bob Mar 20, 2008 8:56 am

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Categories: Acura

Comments

orangutan - Mar 20, 2008 9:19 am (#1 Total: 8)

I haven't heard anything but praise for the CR-V's redesign. On the other hand, I haven't heard anything but disdain for the Ridgeline. The current Pilot just looks bloated and boring, while the redesigned "concept" is ass-ugly offensive.

rsholland - Mar 20, 2008 9:27 am (#2 Total: 8)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

The front end styling of the new CRV has been highly criticized, same with the rear quarter window.

Hasn't hurt its sales, so what do I know?

ateixeira - Mar 20, 2008 10:12 am (#3 Total: 8)

Recife, PE, Brazil

I disagreed with you on that orange Scion concept, Bob, but I think this post is spot-on. I agree with just about every point you made. Well written.

hondacura4 - Mar 20, 2008 2:43 pm (#4 Total: 8)

Acura MDX: I actually like the way it looks especially in darker colors. But it looks as if its missing something, its needs some details!

Acura RDX: I dont love it and I dont hate it. Its a bit bulky looking for its size compared to its main competitor the BMW X3.

Acura TL: Id say one of Acuras best designs to date and its aged well.

Acura TSX: Ive always liked this car and the 09 model looks more substantial but its not enough to be a TRUE entry level sports luxury sedan.

Acura RL: Actually a great driving but you have to really push it to enjoy the SH-AWD benefits. The 09 model is ugly but the mechanicals have been updated and retuned. The 300hp SOHC now has VTEC on BOTH intake and exhaust valves a first I believe using a SOHC configuration. The SH-AWD system has also been upgraded so that the driver can more easily access its performance. The interior is very nice and well constructed, the exterior....well I wont go there.

trjnflip - Mar 20, 2008 5:10 pm (#5 Total: 8)

i only like the mdx in the entire acura lineup. the new tsx, the current tl, and the rl are so ugly. rdx is blah too.

the only redeeming factors of acura are 1) lots of technology, 2) a great value.

estreka - Mar 20, 2008 5:11 pm (#6 Total: 8)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

I've enjoyed Acura designs these past few years (excluding SUV/CUVs, but I don't care for SUVs period). Acura design efforts, other the other hand, have been atrocious. There are some interesting design features, but it seems everything is exaggerated to the point of distortion.

I LOVE the RL sketch we saw earlier this week, though.

autoboy16 - Mar 21, 2008 7:25 am (#7 Total: 8)

Fl USA

Personally, i love the TL. The TSX is good but would be so much better without that dumb shield grille. Same with the MDX. The 09 RL IMO is horrible!! The RDX is too!!

One thing I dont like about honda/acura's SUVs is the fact that they don't allow the hatch's glass to open. The Old CRV had that that feature but I'm unsure of the new one.

-Cj

technetium99 - Mar 21, 2008 4:59 pm (#8 Total: 8)

I am in the demographic that Acura is supposed to appeal to, and many of the vehicles on my shopping list are competitors, but there are no Acuras on my shopping list. Why? They are just so bland. Too blase and mediocre for true entry level lux cars. Oh, well. It's their loss.