The gang at TCC just completed their review of reviews of the 2009 Acura RDX. In typical TCC form, they conduct the review by focusing on five categories including, styling, performance, quality, safety, and features. The research for each of these categories is compiled from third party resources such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.

As expected, the RDX, like all Acuras truly excelled in the “features” category thanks to the abundance of technology and standard features which garnered a score of a perfect 10, based on TCC’s interpretation of Edmund’s and KBB’s info…..strange right?

Somehow, they only gave the RDX a “safety” rating of 9, even though every 2009 Acura model scored a perfect score from the IIHS….strange. Perhaps they should have done a little more research, or at least read the acura.com Web site for this info. The remaining three categories each scored an 8.

If you’re interested in reading a third-hand review based on reviews from other reviewers, then jump over to TCC for the full deets.

[Source: TheCarConnection.com]

Perhaps the most anticipated Consumer Reports issue each year is the one that comes out every April and outlines the best and worst, new and used cars.  We’re happy to report that Acura had several positive mentions.

New car recommendations are defined by Consumer Reports “Bucks per bang” scoring system. Within categories, the bucks per bang is determined by dividing each vehicle’s five-year owner cost by its overall road-test score. All listed models have above average reliability Ratings.

• Upscale Cars – Acura TL was third on the list with a $505 bucks per bang
• Luxury Cars – Acura RL was third on the list with a $725 bucks per bang
• Luxury SUVs – Acura RDX was second on the list with $645 bucks per bang and the Acura MDX was fourth on the list with $670 bucks per bang.

According to Consumer Reports, “On average, Honda continues to make better all-around vehicles than any other automaker. The reliability of all Honda and Acura models is still the best of any automaker, although Toyota follows closely behind. Last year, Honda was the only automaker that had excellent reliability overall; this year it has dropped slightly.”

In the used car category, Consumer Reports focused on model years 1999 – 2008 and of course separated their recommendations into categories. Practically every category included a recommendation for Acura:

• Upscale Cars – Acura TL and Acura TSX
• Luxury Cars – Acura RL
• Sports & Sporty Cars – Acura RSX and Acura Integra
• Midsized and Large SUVs – Acura MDX

Consumer Reports also reported on several categories that fell under the heading of “The best used cars for under $20,000”. As expected, Acura had a lot of representation here.

• $4,000 – $6,000 – Acura CL ’99; Integra ’99-00; TL ‘99-00
• $6,000 – $8,000 – Acura CL ’01-02; Integra ’01; RL ’99-00; RSX ’02; TL ‘01
• $8,000 – $10,000 – Acura CL ’03; MDX ’01; RL ’02; RSX ’03; TL ‘02-03
• $10,000 – $12,000 – Acura MDX ’02-03; RSX ‘04
• $12,000 – $14,000 – Acura MDX ’04; RL ’04; RSX ‘05
• $14,000 – $16,000 – Acura TL ’04; TSX ‘04-05
• $16,000 – $18,000 – Acura MDX ’05; RSX ’06; TL ’05; TSX ‘06
• $18,000 – $20,000 – Acura MDX ’06; RL ’05; TSX ‘07

For full insight, details and ratings, we encourage you to subscribe to Consumer Reports to ensure you make the best purchasing decision possible for your next car.

[Source: Consumer Reports]