Regardless of intent, it is probably not an appropriate time to be ribbing Americans at the moment. We may be discussing cars, or busily working, or trying to get some shuteye, but the events of last week are constantly on all of our minds. Since some in this world are giving us a "you brought it upon yourselves" attitude, some of us will be a little more defensive than usual.

ut

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by undertow
[B]Regardless of intent, it is probably not an appropriate time to be ribbing Americans at the moment.

 

You know, AusS2000, I don't think you are a bad guy and believe me when I say I don't look at this as an attack on the fabric of the US.

However, there was nothing in your original pithy statement to indicate "good natured ribbing". There are a number of easy ways you could have done it, but you didn't. In short, you meant what you said. Was it a horrible egregious statement? No, of course not. I disagree with it and I respond. you are free to back up your statements. Coming back a few replies later with the "I was only kidding you, lighten up" tactic, is annoying.

In fact the sentiment you expressed is one I have heard numerous times on this site, mostly but not always, from people outside the US. I get a little tired of people intimating that because I owned an Integra and currently own a 3.2TL, that some how I am a stupid ill educated American. In fact can't I just be stupid and ill educated? Why do we always have to generalize a person to represent everyone? The funny thing is 99.9% of car buyers don't give a damn if Acura is Honda. If they don't know it, who cares? They buy the car because of its quality and other factors such as warranty and service/sales. As mentioned before, and please provide some edification should this be incorrect (because I really don't know), I don't think we pay any more for an MDX, TL, RL, RSX, NSX, etc. as an Acura than you do as a Honda. Is this correct? If this is correct than I fail to comprehend how I am any more stupid for buying a TL as an Acura than you would be buying it is a Honda.

 

undertow and Barry,

Not all roads lead from the WTC. Let's not make every disagreement from this point forward revolve around last week's tragedy. I disagree with someone who happens to be Australian. Big deal. I am trying to debate on the merits of the argument not on nationality. I do not impugn the great Australian continent on the basis of this discussion nor do I believe that Aus2000 is any less horrified at recent events than I am.

Cheers.

 

I'm just an Aussie wanabe!

 

We're all pretty on edge about the WTC incident. Last week was probably one of the most disturbed and unproductive weeks of my life and certainly one I'll never forget. Being 'citizens of the free world' we view the attack on America as an attack on all of us.

Scottb, there are much bigger things to worry about. My 'ribbing' wasn't against you, but the less informed portion of the American population who are consistently amazed that the 'NSX is a HONDA '. If you don't think those people exist well, we agree to disagree.

I really have to prioritise my efforts at the moment and getting into a argument about the worlds view of America in general is not something I'm going to get into.

As for MDX's, are they made by Honda? . Seriously, MDX is not marketed here and I really don't have a grasp on comparative prices on models other than the S2000.

No offence was intended, and I apologise if any was taken.

 

I don't disagree that there are people who don't know that the NSX is distributed as a Honda outside the US and Canada. What amazes me is that people actually expect the average US car buyer to both know this and care. Why should the average car buyer know this fact? When we prepare to buy a car do we need to read the annual report from the car manufacturer and conduct studies of overseas purchases and markets? Of course not. As you yourself said, there are much bigger things to worry about.

My point is the following:

1. US/Canada car buyers are not stupid for buying an Acura
2. US/Canada car buyers are not stupid for not knowing or caring about Honda's branding practices overseas
3. Where Acura is sold there are good reasons to purchase it over a Honda branded auto
4. I would have responded in the same way had I have seen this post prior to WTC. I don't doubt your sincerity on this topic and it is unfortunate it had to get tied up in this topic which has nothing to do with the recent tragedies.
5. not every argument stems from the WTC
6. I'm not offended I am simply responding to statements I feel are incorrect and expressed entirely too often
7. The MDX seems like it is a great SUV for Australia. Honda is missing a market if it is not sold there

Cheers.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ScottB
[B]7. The MDX seems like it is a great SUV for Australia.

 

The NSX team (Shigeru Uehara, chief engineer) actually designed the S2000. I do agree that the Acura name might of boosted the brand cache more to match the likes of BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, but when you just get down to the car behind the "H" )which many of us have replaced with Rick's badges), you got a great car for the price which more reflects the goal of Honda, ...."create a car that gives sheer driving pleasure". The Honda S2000 book by Daniel F. Carney is a great read, available @ Amazon.