Acura

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Acura RL, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

With that in mind, it’s no surprise I thoroughly enjoyed a week behind the wheel of the Accord’s more sophisticated cousin, the 2008 Acura RL. As Honda’s luxury division, it’s no surprise Acura shares similar views as its parent company and has a good idea of what attracts car buyers and keeps them coming back. Just like the Accord, there is a lot of value in the RL, Acura’s flagship sedan. Although there are no significant changes from the 2007 model, does there really need to be? There’s a simple reason for the lack of any new features — the 2008 Acura RL is already considered one of the finest sedans in the premium mid-size category. This year’s RL provides

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Ford, Volvo, Honda, Acura dominate Institute For Highway Safety's 34 Vehicles Top Pick

Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing. At the beginning of the 2007 model year, 13 models qualified, but as manufacturers have made changes and introduced new and safer vehicle designs, 10 additional vehicles qualified during the year. Now another 11 vehicles are being added to the list for 2008. Designating winners based on the tests makes it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that afford the best overall protection without sifting through multiple sets of comparative crash test results. Eight vehicles from Ford and its subsidiary, Volvo, make the list of winners for 2008. Seven winners are from Honda and its subsidiary, Acura. For first

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Acura MDX, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

In some respects, I’m the same way with cars. I’ve experienced good and bad memories in the past decade test-driving all kinds of vehicles. I’ve learned I gravitate heavily toward mid-sized sport utility vehicles like the Acura MDX, among others, since what they offer is usually a good fit for my needs. With that in mind, I revisited the MDX, one of my favorite vehicles, several weeks ago. My only further cemented my like of this stylish SUV and its wonderful handling, powerful engine, high safety scores and solid fuel efficiency. Two years ago, I took a pleasant day trip to San Francisco, where the MDX effortlessly climbed many of the famed city’s steep hills, cruised over the Golden Gate

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Acura RDX, 2007: The Weekly Driver Car Review

“We don’t call them crossover; We call them car-based SUVs, because that’s what they are,”Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto testing engineer for Consumer Reports magazine, said in a recent article in bankrate.com. “These are vehicles that are usually derived from passenger cars, not trucks.” Crossover vehicles also often have fully independent suspensions and more adept for road travel and lighter cargo loads rather than off-road treks and heavy cargo hauls. However properly defined, Acura has entered the crossover mix with its 2007 RDX. It features all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, an impressive array of features and an automotive oxymoron. It’s a compact SUV that with its various “bells and whistles” options can exceed more than $37,000. My weekly driver was the

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Acura RSX, 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Among other improvements, some models have more horsepower, more heavily bolstered seats and an increase from 16 to 17-inch wheels. For my weekly drive, I scooted around town and on the freeway in the Type-S, the highest-performance of the RSX models. Like other Acuras, the RSX is a recommended purchase by Consumer Guide, the monthly national review magazine based in Illinois. But as much as I tried to like the RSX, several things about the vehicle just never seemed like it warranted best-buy status. There’s nothing particularly inferior about the car, but nor is any exterior or interior feature outstanding. The Acura RSX is grouped with the Mini-Cooper and the Scion tC in the sporty/performance category. As such, they shouldn’t

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Acura TL, 2005: The Weekly Driver Car Review

It’s potentially more problematic knowing the crowded, late-night return trip could include a stretch of interstate infamous for its thick, late-night fog. But visiting family outweighs the inconveniences of potential driving hassles. And if the journey is made in a vehicle with a commanding and secure road presence, such concerns are sufficiently eased. So it was during my weekly test drive of the 2005 Acura TL. The vehicle was successful for several years,  but Acura redesigned it and added more features in 2004 to offer BMW and Audi drivers another choice for a luxury sports sedan that combines performance with value. There’s little change in the TL from last year. The vehicle is based on the Honda Accord platform but

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Acura SRX, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

“What kind of car is that?” one of seniors asked when I returned and noticed them standing in front of the vehicle. “Look at that styling. That’s a nice, little sports car.” The RSX, particularly the Type S and its four-cylinder, 16-valve, 200 horsepower engine, is exactly that. Like other sports coupes, it has limited rear-seat room and it’s noisy, particularly considering it’s an Acura. But with its tight-shifting gears, quick and responsive steering and zippy overall feel, the RSX is nothing but a fun drive, nicely appointed and economical offering by the well-respected manufacturer. The list of standard technical, safety, interior and exterior features is impressive. The interior, for example, includes perforated leather seats, automatic climate control, BOSE AM/FM

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Acura MDX, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Rather, while often compared with the Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX 300, the MDX offers what Acura owners have come to expect: superior and spacious design, superior handling and a wealth of standard and optional features. The vehicle is so well constructed and efficiently appointed, one industry car consumer guide describes it as a “highly desirable blend of competence and convenience.” I drove the 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6  MDX with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for my weekly test. It was immediately apparent physical and visual comfort were priorities for the vehicle’s designers. The leather seats are positioned well and provide good leg and head room. Visibility is good, with no blind spots and all console controls are

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Acura TSX, 2004: The Weekly Driver Car Review

As a new offering this year, the 2004 Acura TSX is defined as a near-luxury vehicle. By some definitions, that mean it costs less than $30,000 and does not feature the refined quietness of vehicles described as luxurious. Yet, however fine the line may be between near-luxurious and luxurious, the TSX does little to further define those boundaries. In fact, the reverse is true. It’s a luxury car for less than $30,000, and it offers a lot more than some of its higher-priced automotive cousins. My test drive for the week was TSX four-door with a six-speed manual transmission. (The five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate is the only other option.) With an easy-to-use navigation system, 17-inch alloy wheels,

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