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Ten Cars That Looked Better Before Their Makeovers

inspirion7 submitted on 10/23/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:03:17 PM

56 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.nextautos.com

A lot of controversy has been stirred over the contrasting chevron grille that Acura has put on most of its new models, and while the last-gen TL wasn't necessarily a huge step forward in sporty expression, we prefer its cleaner lines and less-contrived aesthetic.

Most of the time, when an automaker completely overhauls one of their models, it's a good step forward for not only the car, but for the brand it represents. However, there are other times where the design teams make some questionable decisions and the new products end up looking worse than their predecessors.

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Ten Cars That Looked Better Before Their Makeovers

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"Show me the money" - Cuba Gooding Jr. The bigger the Government, the smaller the man.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

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Interesting article! As a owner of both the previous and current Jetta, I will say I don't like all design elements of the new one, but it is a MUCH better car. I don't like some of the bloated proportions but I never liked the old headlights and dour grill of the old one.

Take some you lose some.
— Peyton18 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 1:38:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Why stop at the last generation? The 1996-98 1st generation TL looked better than any of them.
— t_bone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 1:41:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

Why stop at the last generation? The 1996-98 1st generation TL looked better than any of them.
-------------------------------------------------

This statement is So true. The same can be said about the Acura RL. Looks like that company's design team is getting worse, as their technology team gets better.
— WayneDash (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 2:13:47 PM | | Votes: -1

I disagree with both of you. YES, the LEGEND and VIGOR were the best designs Acura ever had, but when they switched to alpha-numeric things went downhill. Things got better with the TSX, 2004 TL, etc. - now they are going downhill again.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 3:50:01 PM | | Votes: 5

The 2004 TL is the best generation ever. I had a '96 for four years and I thought it was quite bland to look at... and to drive, for that matter. It did what it was supposed to do, but it's the least fun car that I have ever owned. I had a '92 Vigor before it that I much prefer.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 12:59:03 AM | | Votes: 4

the 2004 TL was a great looking car - unique, sporty, sharp but not super flashy. The new one might still be a great car, but it looks a lot worse.
— Hachee2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 9:19:06 AM | | Votes: 4

I saw a new TL on the road, and It looked worse than the pictures. That rear end is way to busy.
— daytonaviolet (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 2:16:06 PM | | Votes: 1

Chrysler never looked good in the first place.
— veyron1001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 1:46:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

i disagree with the viper!!... but the other ones are so correct!!!!
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 2:32:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

+10 for a great read! Fantastic article that hit every model dead on. Although I think the Acura's from 2000-2003 RL, TL, CL all were the best of their line back then.
— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 2:34:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

on the 5-series: Still, as the 1996-2003 was one of the most balanced sedan designs we’ve yet seen, we’re not buying any of it.
>>>so true!!

Also, cant agree more on the Navigator...the last one looked more advanced than that brace-face p.o.s. they're selling now.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 3:52:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Agree with the Jetta too. I never liked the last gen so much until they released the new one, and I realized how great the previous one really was.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 3:56:51 PM | | Votes: 2

Good article. I would have liked to have seen Toyato Land Cruiser/Lexus LX570 on that list. Toyota really screwed the pooch on that one.
— ATrip (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 3:54:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Yep. Best looking one was from the mid-90's.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:06:19 PM | | Votes: 3

I am one of the rare folks who prefers the look of the Bangle 5-series over the previous version.

I also like the newer Infiniti FX over the previous one.
— blackbr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:00:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

the bangle 5 series is light years ahead.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:17:38 PM | | Votes: 3

I agree with both of you... it carries the same subtly aggressive stance as the old gen, and makes the E39 look, well, old. It's a modern classic but the E60 M5 is, IMO, the best design in the midsized class. The E63 and S6 are a close tie for second.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 1:00:42 AM | | Votes: 2

I thinks the current 5 looks incredible when it has 18+ wheels and a sport suspension. The xi suspension and 16" wheels really has a dorky look to it.
— daytonaviolet (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 2:14:44 PM | | Votes: 1

the 5 series? what a load of crap.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:09:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

mis-fit, suits you well.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:01:03 PM | | Votes: 3

i'm often a contrarian just on principal, but in this case i really do like the current 5 series.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:05:47 PM | | Votes: 1

True. What a fall back design.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 6:15:35 PM | | Votes: 1

I like it too. But that previous one was timeless.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 11:07:33 AM | | Votes: 2

Add the Camry to that list. I think the previous 3 generations of Camry's look better than the current one with it's Narwhal Whale nose. I love my Camry, but they've been slowly sliding downhill.
— jeffy210 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:33:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

what a perfect way to describe that nose
— 280SE (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:21:07 PM | | Votes: 1

The 3er, 5er, and the 7er should be in the list.
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:38:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

*on
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 4:39:32 PM | | Votes: 0

get a lexus.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:02:35 PM | | Votes: 2

528i at senior prom

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/6906-1992-Ford-Taurus.jpg
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:19:46 PM | | Votes: 2

LOL..
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:34:39 PM | | Votes: 4

The current 3 (E90/92) is way better looking and a way better car than the E46. I preferred the E36 over the E46 by a long shot.
— daytonaviolet (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 2:20:06 PM | | Votes: 1

I love all the new BMW designs. Out with the old and in with the new. I just think the best looking cars of all time from BMW were the 8 series, the Z8, the out-going M3, and the older 7 series (the one before Bangle).

— uhn2000 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:10:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

All Acura models should be on the list.
They look like crap now.
— g2ok (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:15:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

All Acura models should be on the list.
They look like crap now.
— g2ok (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:15:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Add Mercedes CLK to the list. Last CLK was aggressive and masculine. New one is far too soft.
— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 5:49:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Gotta agree, in 8 out of 10. New Viper and new VW are fine to my eyes. BMW's 5 series is so on the money with "What were they thinking with that redesign." No news there!
— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 6:06:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

they should also add the last gen "w220"s-class, and Audi A8 1997-03
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 7:49:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The S-Class is debatable, but WTH are you talking about with the A8? The new one is a HUGE improvement, looks-wise. The older one has a bit of a cult following but I think the new one displays a restrained elegance that its predecessor can't match.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 1:02:12 AM | | Votes: 3

The last gen S-Class was weak and inoffensive. The new one is much more polarizing but has the presence that all but the last S-Classes had. It's grown on me.

The first A8 was big, subtle and elegant, if a bit stodgy, but the current one is a giant leap forward, and will be hard to top with the next one.
— Hachee2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 9:24:53 AM | | Votes: 1

i actually like the 94-03 A8 the best.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 10:09:18 AM | | Votes: 2

I have to disagree with the Tl and 5 series the TL especially has gone in a different direction and is more agressive. Althought the 3rd generation was a great design in person the 4th generation has presence. And it looks more upscale.
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 9:29:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Where is the Honda Pilot???
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 10:46:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

TL -agree
BMW - tie, I like them both
Chrysler - whats the difference?
Dodge - They look very similar. Really cant tell much difference
Infiniti - agree except in black.
Lincoln - AGREE!!!
Nissan - Agree except the black one with a Nissan body kit on it
Saab - who cares but yes
Scion - maybe
VW - Agree. For some reason I love the old one with a kit on it.
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2008 10:50:36 PM | | Votes: 2

i like the new FX more but I think all Infinitis look awesome in black!
— adidas11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 6:44:53 PM | | Votes: 1

I find the current gen. 5 series the best looking sedan! Especially the M5.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 6:23:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Some of these cars e.g. 5-series they made the exterior nicer but ruined the interior, FX/Murano they did the reverse fixed the interior and messed up the exterior. The Navigator they completely messed it up inside/out. TL, nicer interior messed up the exterior. But, seriously the Sebring, who the heck cares about that, they're both ugly, each in its own way. The Xb I don't agree, I think they fixed it inside/out. And finally the Saab, I never like those cars, they're ugly no matter what they do to them.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 6:29:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I agree that the new 5 series is ugly - especially the interior. I much prefer the older body styles. I also agree that the new jetta is worse-off. It's too "kiddy" and that grill with the chrome is just awkward and tacky.
— sstainba (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 9:24:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Great article.
The current Jetta is a major disappointment looks-wise. I've never driven one, but I sat in one when I was considering a GTI. Feels like a much more expensive car. But they left a big market behind when making the change.

I actually think the last gen Chrysler convertible was a good looking car - perfect for its target audience. I can't even look at the new one.

While I still prefer the classic lines of the last gen, the current 5 has definitely grown on me. The interior is definitley worse. I appreciate the modern approach, but it's not a cohesive design, feels cheap compared to older models.

The Saab is just sad. Dead on about its looks. This is an old design that I think aged well overall, but the modifications are a disaster.

— Hachee2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 9:47:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

S4

that S-class was a joke, most S-class owners will take/keep w140 over the w220 anyday, including myself, i like the benchmark sedan but it lost with that trash, as far as the big VW go, that era 1997-03 A8 wasnt even a major player, if u want to talk about now, yes your right, the A8 in my book is in the top 3
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 10:39:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

S4

that S-class was a joke, most S-class owners will take/keep w140 over the w220 anyday, including myself, i like the benchmark sedan but it lost with that trash, as far as the big VW go, that era 1997-03 A8 wasnt even a major player, if u want to talk about now, yes your right, the A8 in my book is in the top 3
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 10:39:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Nearly all the old BMW's are better looking than the current retarded designs they have these days.
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 11:19:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Ha ha, a lot of those are so true! Agree with most of them, expect for the Viper, which I really like in its current form. However, as far as the TL goes. First of all it looks like a dude; obviously the grill/break sucks. But the thing that really suprises me, and I haven't seen many people talk about, is that the previous gen. TL looked a lot different from the Maxima, on which it was based. They didn't look like shared platforms, a la Camry/ES. The profile was completely different. But with this model, it looks like Acura went back to that old school of shared design again.

The new Maxima is clearly visible in this TL -- its way too similar, period. The profile is practically identical. Not good if you're trying to build the brand up. Honestly, I'm not a big Nissan fan, so I can't say I expect more from them, but at the very least, I thought they knew better already.
— CBOTGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 3:02:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

"The new Maxima is clearly visible in this TL -- its way too similar, period. The profile is practically identical."

Um, the Acura TL is a Honda product, not based (AFAIK) on any Nissan platform....
— AuricTech (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2008 10:09:58 PM | | Votes: 2

"But the thing that really suprises me, and I haven't seen many people talk about, is that the previous gen. TL looked a lot different from the Maxima, on which it was based. They didn't look like shared platforms, a la Camry/ES."

Well, I'd imagine you don't see many people talking about how the TL shares a platform with the Maxima because they don't. Acura is owned by Honda. The Maxima is a Nissan, one of Honda's main competitors. So, you know, they don't share anything whatsoever. Hence no one talking about the shared platform.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2008 11:37:06 AM | | Votes: 3

Wow, total brain fart on my part. I stand corrected, and I totally apologize for my rant then. I totally confused Infiniti (division of Nissan) for Acura (division of Honda). No excuses....please pardon my ignorance. But maybe someone can forgive for confusing one japanese luxury car division for another.
— CBOTGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2008 5:45:19 PM | | Votes: -1

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Ten Cars That Looked Better Before Their Makeovers

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