Wednesday, 20 August 2008

What You Need To Know About The Acura TL

What You Need To Know About The Acura TL
By Christopher Luck

What will you see that is different with the new Acura TL than in previous versions? Having taken a few test drives with the new version of the Acura TL, there are definite differences. You see, it has been redesigned over the last couple of years so that Audi and BMW drivers another luxury car option. This is yet another luxury sports car that is a combination of performance and value.

The Acura TL has changed a slight amount from 2004 when all of the big changes were made. It is still based on the Honda Accord, but there are some changes in the styling of the car and the powertrain. There are also some additional upscale features to the 2005 version of the Acura TL.

Performance wise, the 2005 Acura TL starts off with a 270-horsepower, 3.2 liter, 24-valve V6 engine. You can get your choice of a five-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

Standard with the 2005 Acura TL are 17-inch wheels that are equipped with antilock four-wheel disc brakes as well as a system for anti-skid. These standard features add to the great handling that is associated with this version of the Acura TL. It steers well and maneuvers easily in traffic. Most say it has a strong feel in traffic and that the wheels, at 17 inches, only add to that feel.

Standard on the interior of the Acura TL is leather upholstery. It is a comfortable and attractive leather that looks nice with the aluminum trim on the interior as well. The gauges are electroluminescent with blue backlighting that makes them both stylish and easy to read at night. In addition, heated seats in the front, XM satellite radio, voice-recognition navigation, and heated power door mirrors are just a few of the many standard luxury features available on this sports sedan. Then there is the cruise control, air conditioning, and individual front seat climate control, which are also all standard.

Comfort wise, the Acura TL fits the bill as well. There is a lot of leg room in the front seat. The car is made for style and front seat comfort, but you may find the back seat a little bit cramped at times. There is also limited space for storage. It is, however, a fantastic car for taking a date out on the town or showing up at a party in. It manages traffic and weather with equal ease and grace, so it if a fine work car as well.

You have seen the Acura TL sitting on the lot and wondered what all the hype was about. You wondered if the 2005 model was an improvement and if the car was a model you would enjoy for your lifestyle. It certainly isnt for everyone, but if you like a sports sedan with luxury and style to make a statement on your behalf, then you might want to consider taking a look at the 2005 Acura TL. It is practical for handling traffic and bad weather as well as looking stylish for your night out on the town. Either way, you owe yourself a look, go on, you know you want to.

If you would like to view more of my articles on acura automobiles, please feel free to visit my acura secrets website!

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Tuesday, 19 August 2008

Consumer Reports Picks Acura Lexus Over European American Luxury Brands

Consumer Reports Picks Acura - Lexus Over European American Luxury Brands
By Glady Reign

The American magazine Consumer Reports recently reported that the Acura MDX and the Lexus RX350 were given more points compared to Cadillac, BMW, or Lincoln SUVs. The report came after tests have been conducted on the SUVs which will be part of the Consumer Reports July issue.

The tests conducted by Consumer Reports include 18 midsize SUVs according to the publication. Of these 18 vehicles, the Lexus RX350 ranked third while the Acura MDX ranked fourth.

Ranking first is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid while the Lexus RX400h ranked second. The RX400h and the Lexus RX350 shares a common platform. The only difference between them is the powertrain since the hybrid RX400h uses an electric motor so as to provide additional power to its engine.

Of the eighteen midsized SUVs tested by Consumer Reports, five of them are luxury SUVs. Aside from the RX350 and the MDX, the three other luxury SUVs tested by Consumer Reports are the Cadillac SRX, the BMW X5 and the Lincoln MKX. The SRX, X5 and the MKX all received an overall Very Good rating but failed to outrank the RX350 and the MDX. The SRX finished somewhere in the middle of the list while the X5 and the MKX were at the bottom of the list.

The RX350 and the MDX both finished with 80 points each but due to other characteristic differences like the handling ability and fuel economy, the Lexus SUV was ranked higher than the Acura. The RX carries five passengers and is known for its luxurious interior. Its engine is the most fuel efficient of the five luxury SUVs even without the help of aftermarket parts like the Exedy clutch or the Exedy flywheel. The RX also has the quickest acceleration among the tested luxury SUVs.

The RXs new engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine which is capable of producing 270 horsepower. The fuel efficiency of the said engine resulted to a gas mileage rating of 19 mpg as according to Consumer Reports after the RX underwent their own fuel economy tests.

The MDX on the other hand can seat up to seven passengers - two more than the RXs capacity. It also has a luxurious interior. Another characteristic which puts the MDX near the top spot is its better handling as compared to the RX and the other luxury SUVs. Its engine is also reported to be sportier than that of the Lexus. Its suspension setting complements the powertrain giving the MDX good riding comfort.

The SRX, while able to attain a Very Good overall rating, is not being recommended by Consumer Reports due to the questionable reliability of past models of the SRX. The X5 and the MKX, on the other hand, are relatively new to the market so Consumer Reports have limited data so as to their reliability. The publication only recommends vehicles which have performed well on their tests and those which have been proven to be reliable. Reliability is based on the companys Annual Car Reliability Survey of CRs subscribers. The recommended vehicles should also receive good safety ratings.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.You can also visit Exedy clutch for more information.

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Monday, 18 August 2008

What You Should Know About The Acura RSX

What You Should Know About The Acura RSX
By Christopher Luck

What should you consider about the Acura RSX before you buy one? Any time I buy any new car I always make sure I have done my homework on it first. So if you think the Acura RSX may be the car for you, you should probably do what I do and make sure you know as much about the car as you can find out before you hit the lots. Here is a little bit about what I found regarding the Acura RSX, but do your own research as well so that you know everything about the car the it important to you before you go out and make that purchase. Your best bet, though, is to check out the S type of the Acura RSX.

The Acura RSX is a high performance coupe in the S type. It features a 210 hp 2-liter engine, 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, modified suspension and brakes, quick-ratio variable rack & pinion steering, upgraded tires, leather interior. Air conditioning and 7-speaker Bose sound system come standard when you buy it new.

Visual inspection of the car reveals that it is best-suited to smaller people. Up front, however, is what counts and there you will probably find the most comfort. The seats of the Acura RSX S Type are fantastic, not racer-tight but with more than suitable grip. The steering wheel is well placed, small, and wrapped with leather. The gear lever falls right to hand and has obviously been placed with care. Also, everything looks great, with typical Acura ergonomics. One drawback would be that the numbers on many of the instruments in the Acura RSX are too small and the indicators on the air controls are not very easy to read. The round air and heat vents are controlled with little clamshell-shaped doors that allow them to almost vanish when closed. Seats and mirrors are heated, while the set-and-forget climate control maintains a very nice temperature.

The Acura RSX is casual elegant, but with just a little faux titanium and chrome to dress things up. The sunroof is standard and cIn addition, as you look over more information on the Acura RSX, you will find that there is even more to it. It is a safe car with many standard air bag and brake features that add to the practical appeal. As you look into cars, and if you believe that such a sedan at a these prices may be for you, then you owe it to yourself to give the Acura RSX a chance. Do your research and visit an Acura dealer to take a test drive and see that everything you have read about this sports sedan is true and may just be why the Acura RSX is the right car for you to consider for your next new car purchase.

If you would like to view more of my articles on acura automobiles, please feel free to visit my acura secrets website!

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