Yep, they make a killing on loans (their financing program). GM is in the same situation.

 

2003 accords are butt ugly

 

I think the new generation of Accord looks very sleek. I didn't really like the sedan when I first saw it but it grew on me.

 

forumballer: I used to think it when I first saw the pics. After I saw the first one in real life I was pleasantly surprised. As time passed the form really grew on me and I like it much more than the 1998-2002 model (which my father owns). Of course, the coupe is better looking (especially with 17" wheels!), alas, because of a new baby, I need a sedan which is the main reason I am replacing my BMW.

 

*cough* Acura TSX *cough*

Here's your Japanese BMW right here: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...threadid=54895

 

Yeah, I saw the TSX reviews and the last one in car and driver was a bit cold. Although, a great handler, it mentioned that it is no BMW. I think it is slightly overpriced. A couple of grand less and it would be perfect. Plus, there is no need to really have it so well equipped from the start. I think I would rather have a base 325i with SP via euro delivery than a loaded TSX.
Dani

 

Just wondering, why do you think it is overpriced? The base 325i isn't going to get you a CD changer or leather seats FYI. Here are the features it has over the Accord EX-V6 for basically the same price:

- 360 watt 8 speaker sound system
- 6 speed manual transmission or 5 speed automatic with sportshift
- better resale value
- better dealer service

No, it isn't a BMW. It's not meant to be a BMW. It's only $26,000. But it handles and accelerates better than the 325i.

 

I agree...and I love Honda's.

:ducks head for the rock throwers:

 

Ok, major pet peeve is using the 4 cylinder engine which here in the US is a big minus. People like liters and cylinders here. If the car was $23-24k it would be in a class of its own essentiall (WRX only competitor, but not direct). For $26k you can get a base A4 or 325i euro delivery. Sure, the Acura will out accelerate the BMW if you rev it to 4000rpm, drop the clutch, and hold the wheel well so you get no torque steer. This is what car and driver essentiall does. In real world driving the smoothness of an I-6 and the higher torque at lower rpm is more useful. While Honda's 4cyl is a great engine when it comes to smoothness, it is not a 6cyl and is not as good as the best 6 cyl out there (read BMW, Maxima's, and even Honda's own 3L). Sure, handling is top notch, but at what price? ride. BMW is still the only manufacturer in my opinion who has mastered the art of combining great handling with terrific ride. The sports package is barely preceptable yet handles amazingly.

OK, as for equipment, if the high equipment level is what matters for the comsumer than go for the Acura. You definitely will get a better deal. To me, even a base 325i with leatherette has most of what I want in a car. No CD changer, but a CD player, DSC, 6 airbags, and a drivetrain to die for.

These are my $0.02....
Dani

 

The Audi A4 1.8T has four cylinders and the 325i only has 184 horsepower. I agree with you on BMW being tops with their suspension tuning...how they do it is amazing. But it's unfair to discount the TSX before you've driven it. Acura would never sarifice ride for handling, and the reviews I've read have said that it does both very, very well.

I think you're discounting the TSX before even driving it. If you noticed with the Accord 4 banger, the engine has so much low end torque and smoothness that it feels very much like a six cylinder. I can't imagine how much an extra 40 horsepower and another lb-ft of torque help to motivate it. Basically, all I ask is that you drive it before you say that the 325i is so much better...if it's anything like the reviews say it is, you should be very surprised.

Hope you enjoy your Accord

BTW - The TSX will outaccelerate the BMW 325i from a street start as well, or 5-60MPH. It has almost as much torque than the BMW, more horsepower, and better gearing. 100 cubic centimeters of displacement don't give a car much of an advantage when you're up against superior engine technology. And you won't get very much torque steer with only 166 lb-ft of torque