About the big knob: it looks like the same setup that the new Navi Accord has. Basically you adjust the knob and it controls menus that appear on the Navi screen. You access A/C controls through this interface. My neighbor just got the new Navi Accord (130 miles on it so far) and he DOES NOT like this click-click-click kind of menu interface. It took him awhile to figure out how to turn down the fan speed.

On the other hand, I have the 2004 Honda Pilot w/ Navi which has buttons and knobs for each function (A/C, radio, CD, casette, etc.) and am VERY happy with this setup. It seems MUCH better than the menu-based approach with the BIG KNOB.

So if you want to see the big knob in a production car, go take a look at the new Accord. Then have the Dealer show you how to change the A/C fan speed (if he can figure it out). Then go look at the new Pilot. Much nicer layout for CD,A/C,radio controls. The menu buttons on the Pilot are up by the Navigation screen -- seems like a more logical place anyway.

So if anyone at Acura is reading this, put in the Pilot's center console control system before you make a mistake. Otherwise, all of the magazines will be harping on the BIG KNOB instead of on features that you'd really like to highlight.

(gee, opinionated ain't I ?)

Scott Nelson
a happy 2004 Honda Pilot owner
and in the market for an Acura RL