The Temple of VTEC - Honda and Acura Enthusiasts Online Forums > Acura Announces $25,900 Starting Price for 2013 ILX >

integrator wrote:
Colin wrote:
adrianchew wrote:
The ILX is a failure here, as far as attracting old Integra/RSX owners back to Acura ownership. But then again, we already know that the management has decided this crowd isn't worth it... even though its just plain stupid business sense to disregard past owners.

This makes no sense. That generation of owners are NOT buying cars like the ILX anymore. They have families and have moved on to SUVs or Minivans. Those of that generation that are single or with no kids have moved on to more powerful RWD cars from BMW, Infiniti or Lexus. So yes, Acura has not provided for those buyers because there are no RWD cars, but they have met many of those clients needs with the van and SUV offerings.

The ILX is for the next generation of entry level buyers. Kinda like where we were 20 years ago. It remains to be seen if it will fulfill these buyers' needs, but I think it has a chance of meeting some people's expectations even it it excludes us on TOV.

Colin, I agree thats what Acura believes. But I strongly disagree with you on your comment. I own more than one vehicle, and I still like to have a fun car. If we Integra owners haven't forgotten and are still here - and populating the internet - then we still exist (not just moved on to minivans). Look at those Vossen videos. The performance luxury market and aftermarket are alive and thriving. And Acura is missing out by ignoring its birthright. If 'sporty luxury' weren't bankable, then the real upswing of Audi, BMW, and Lexus's sporty offerings wouldn't be marketable. Acura had the opportunity to make a great Integra replacement (3 or 4dr) with good performance, near luxury, good mileage and a near luxury price. As gas prices go up, this should be a winning formula (as people scrutinize those lesser Audis poor mileage more). Mendel has just taken a lower, lazier road by pursuing these 'adult' cars. There is no such thing. Thats just his arrogance. There are only cars that sell, and cars that dont. I think its another AmHonda Mgmnt miscalculation, personally. Now, I'm not the 'expert' Mendel is, but I damned sure have a better professional track record... so believe/trust his (yet another) direction for Acura and this ILX? - I don't! And I don't believe these younger buyers are different AT ALL than younger buyers before, except they have no allegiance to Acura/Honda. Only the expectation of vehicles (in general) has changed, and ACURA has changed. The rest is semantics and bravado from a company thats gotten far too comfortable doing just that. Im sick of hearing another HOnda or Acura exec shoot themselves in the foot by opening their mouths... and bashing their customer base. They need to get an f'ing clue about the market, their cars, and how to run a business.

sorry no disrespect to you Colin (truly). It pushed my button.