Automotive Reviews
Posts tagged Acura
North American International Auto Show 2012
Jan 16th
It’s practically a tradition that the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is accompanied by the worst weather of the season. The second week in January in Detroit is rarely a pleasant place, but this year’s show was preceded by unseasonably warm and sunny weather. All thoughts of global warming aside, it seemed to indicate a subtle change in the climate of the automotive industry as well. No-shows included Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Jaguar/Land Rover, but all of the major industry players were present.
Several years of economic hardship (and more than a few casualties) have left the auto industry cautious; the wild abandon that characterized auto shows past is long gone. In its place, there’s a pragmatic realism–but for 2012, that realistic outlook is also optimistic. In addition to the upcoming products that are useful refinements of existing vehicles, Detroit also saw the debut of some honest-to-goodness concept cars, showing that the industry may have scaled back on the wildest flights of fancy, but it hasn’t forgotten how to dream. More >
2005 Acura RL
Oct 21st
The all-new 2005 Acura RL may come as something of a shock to anyone who’s familiar with Acura’s product lineup. It’s startling at first glance, because it’s not boring. The RL has always distinguished itself by not being particularly distinguished. Don’t get us wrong, it’s always been a good car, just not particularly memorable. The RL had become a bit like that old maple tree in the yard; it was always there, and it never gave us any particular reason to pay attention to it.
Sometimes, though, that tree suddenly reminds you it’s there by dropping a branch in your path. Lexus and Infiniti may find themselves feeling as though Acura has done just that. The new, deep-chinned RL is set to challenge the sport-luxury leaders with handling-enhancing all-wheel drive and even more technology than before. More >
2010 Acura ZDX
Oct 8th
I was stopped in a parking lot by a gentleman who told me, in no uncertain terms, that he thought the ZDX was the “most beautiful car ever built.” It’s definitely striking; Acura’s family face suits the big, sharp-edged design. Of course, opinions will vary–Acura’s family face is also very polarizing, and folks either love it or detest it. Me? I like it, but then it’s funny-looking, so you probably knew I would.
The ZDX itself is a vehicle that’s apt to inspire debate, for that matter. This new-for-2010 Acura is a highly-evolved, high-tech…well, what is it? By the numbers, it’s a tall coupe-sedan, an ultra-modern luxury crossover that offers more utility than a similar sedan can. The ZDX features all of the usual Acura goodies: high-tech appointments, superb handling and cutting edge style. In the metal, it doesn’t really look like anything else. It doesn’t feel much like anything else, either. More >