Zyuan10

WARNING: WALL OF TEXT

So it's finally been a year since I bought my TSX and just thought I share the love for my very first car with everyone. Now I know many people made such topics like this before so I'll try to get new points instead of just repeating what most of you have been repeating since forever.

First off, I would just like to thank this forum and its friendly members here for giving me a sea of knowledge to soak up. I've learned so much here that I would've NEVER realized/figured out on my own. This forum made it safe for me to mod my TSX and made me aware of plenty of problems and other things to avoid with the TSX. Thank you all!

Origin

I originally drove my mom's 2003 camry SE (4 cylinder) whenever it's free. hehehe... I thought it was fast. The only other car I drove was my dad's pathfinder and I hated driving SUVs. The Camry did what it intended to do for me... provide a soft ride, going point A to B... absolutely no passion at all. Needed a new car for convenience...

When I was searching for a car last year, the TSX NEVER crossed my mind... I was looking for the RSX and any 2002 Honda Accord Coupe V6 in perfect condition that I could find. What's with me being 18 and all, I thought I should just grab a beater and fix it up. Well, my parents doesn't believe in used cars of any sort whatsoever so I was denied of the RSX. I also can't buy a coupe due to insurance reasons and "coupe" translates into "race car" in Chinese... and my dad knows that I would mod the hell out of it since he is also aware of ricers. I don't know how or why but this is when i started to look at the TSX...

First Impression

When I first saw the TSX on the road (2003/2004), I was very confused... I saw the back and it looked like the RSX but the front is TL. I didn't know better back then and hated the TSX for being a "TL Knockoff" or a "Poor man's TL" since they both look the same only the TL is more powerful.

Fast forward to last year... I'm researching reluctantly into the TSX and hahaha I stumbled upon Acurazine. I found out that the TSX is loaded with gadgets and has 200+ HP coming out of a four banger. I was impressed... I was even surprised to find out that EVERYONE/EVERYTHING was praising it for its handling (this was something I made a TOP PRIORITY in a car to contrast with the Camry). Long story short, Test drove it... loved it... then I was all over Oregon looking for a great deal on one

Ownership Period

First great thing I noticed about my TSX... it gets more attention from my friends than I do. All i've ever received are compliments and how awesome my car is EVERY TIME. I especially like the comment "That's a cute car" from one of my friends; Deep down, I think the TSX is cute looking on the front due to its "big grin" bumper. At some angle, the TSX just looks oh so jolly! It's a great looking car; I can look wealthy without actually being wealthy.

Steering is heavy... damn, the steering is heavy... compared to the Camry. I could steer and turn the Camry's steering wheel with my pinky (absolutely no resistance) but the TSX's steering wheel actually requires intentional force to move it around. I didn't like it at first but found out how GREAT it actually is to have steering feel. Over time and probably through muscle memory, the steering felt lighter. Everyone who drove my TSX will always mention the heavy steering... then they go into the "WOW! it's so responsive!/so smooth!". I love the handling! Even when the car was stock, going through twisties and corners was no different than going straight (almost). I could go at 40-50 mph through the same bends where I couldn't even do 30 mph with the Camry. That's a really big improvement.

Power... This car is obidient... it has enough to crawl when I wanted to..but it can also take off when I demand of it. I LOVE how easy the engine revvs. The TSX actually have a personality unlike the Camry. I can shoot across the whole RPM range effortlessly where the Camry can hardly get pass 3k. Although sometimes I wish I have the 6MT for the sole of more power, I think the 5AT is great for me. Even though I drive only in SS mode now, I do get lazy sometimes so it's nice to go into auto now and then. Best compliment about my car's power was from my manager... She was very pleasantly surprised at how fast the TSX reached 40 mph "so effortlessly!". This is coming from someone who's been driving an oldsmobile intrigue her whole life. I, for one, wasn't too concerned about power. If it didn't matter much for me, it didn't matter to my passengers so no complaints here.

I love the blue gauge cluster. That was a selling point. I love how it starts at six o'clock. It's stylish and sporty. MID is also VERY useful and awesome. It impresses everyone. I'm still not tired of it and still like to look at it when I'm inside my car.

Rear seating is great... I don't see how some people called the TSX "crammed" in the rear. I am 5'10" and I can sit behind the driver's seat very comfortably. I also drove 5 adults of various size a few times before and they didn't complain.

The AC rocks! It takes no more than 1 minute to chill the cabin! The Camry on the other hand... takes about 15-20 minutes.

IT'S MADE IN JAPAN!!!

The Complaints

The turning radius... It's wider than a bus. What the hell?! (I know the reason why...but still...)

The weight... it weighs more than the Camry by some 200 lbs but it is also a smaller car

five gears... sometimes I wished there was a sixth gear...

No track duration on the CD player

Performance Mods- I initially didn't worry much about the HP because it came with a lot for a Honda and I thought since it is a Honda, there would be a huge selection where I can put an extra 50-60 HP into the car anyway. I was wrong on this part... though there are a lot of parts to increase HP, there's some sort of hindrance on the TSX that wouldn't allow such mods to be put on (hello DBW).

End

I enjoyed every moment of my car every time I get to drive it. That's all.

I want to type more but I scrolled up and I see a very huge wall of text and I'm very sleepy from the heat... so I'll stop here.

Thank you very much for reading if you did!

madmanmax3000

Glad you gave the car a chance. I also had no intentions of getting the TSX when I first set out to buy a car. It was between an STI, 325, and TL for a couple months, then I finally drove the TSX and fell in love with it. With gas prices the way they are today I don't think I could've picked a better car.

Oh, and it does have a 6th gear....you did get the 6MT, right?

CiViCKiDD

Although sometimes I wish I have the 6MT for the sole of more power...

Guess not.

I hated my 6spd TSX at first, didn't like the clutch/shift feel compared to my '99 Civic..my Civic was stolen exactly two weeks after I got the TSX though (wtf), so I quickly grew accustomed to the feel and love it. Still miss the Civic though, even stock it could carve through the corners..

Zyuan10

Anyone else here who feels so sentimental towards their TSX that they'll keep it for as long as they can?

I know I will. This being my first car and all. I'll try to keep it even when I buy a new car like five years from now. If 1989 Honda Accords are still running around today then so will my TSX 20 years from now!

xenonhid

Yeah, the 1st Gen's AC is colder than witches twat!

zguy95135

I plan on keeping mine for a long time, if I buy a new "fun" car in a few years I still plan on keeping the TSX as a daily driver. Its got all I can ask for, its decently quick, handles great, its got a classy interior and exterior, an amazing 6 speed, and great gas mileage

bluecarbonfiber

what part of oregon you in? I can relate on the turning radius.. my other car has a better turning radious.. for the weight.. I originally weighed with practically full tank of gas (23 miles on the tank) at 3375 without me in it, I recently weighed it with stuff i removed and it came in at 3300.. i find losing weight is hard but i can say the hood and the trunk will be next on my list for weight reduction.. and for the 6th gear auto we really dont need it in oregon since everyone around here drives like a grandma... What year of TSX did you end up with?

Zyuan10

Cruising around Portland with my 07

VTECMAN

I think the tsx was out before the tl.. so technically the tl copied the front end no?

TonysTSeX

I just purchased my '08 TSX a month ago and with all the research I did in buying a new vehicle, taking all the important things into consideration (value, quality, MPG), I can truly say that the TSX is one of the BEST cars on the road today. It basically came down to the TSX and the Lexus Is250. I test drove the Lexus, and although it drove great, it just didn't have the same sporty feel of the TSX. Plus, when I researched how expensive the Lexus would have been in the long run (maintenance etc), I knew I had to go with the Acura.

I couldn't be happier with my car. It's the best car I've ever purchased! I got the Carbon Grey Pearl (Classy!). It's the perfect blend of luxury and sportiness. And... I agree, the backseat has plenty of room! I'm not sure if you have tried to get into the backseat of a Lexus Is250, but its a total joke.

Yup, the Acura TSX was the winner... hands down!

ck123

why would you want a 6th? the 5th on the the tsx tranny is too long in my opinion and it lugs.

Powered by Honda

Your quick hatred towards the TSX is how war starts.

n3ok318

iTrader: (1)

Back in 2004, I was really into IS300. And I hated TSX so much because it was basically RSX-S but with 4Dr (kinda like civic si 4dr). I always thought why would ANYONE buy TSX. But one day, I went to Acura dealership for my bro's TL maintenance and saw TSX's interior. And I was sold on the interior and soon after, exterior grew on me real fast. Then, I learned that IS300 was coming out with a new model, and I didn't want to own an older model car in less than a year. So I researched about IS300 for about an year while saving up money and bought TSX with a week research.

And I am so happy with TSX from day one. This car has everything I need and was very reliable with me. And yes, I will keep this car for a long time.

litesout

I started looking at cars about a year ago. My Mazda was paid off, but still a very solid car. The front runner was the Chevy Impalla SS (I would have settled for the LTZ with the 3.9, but the price difference didn't justify not getting the V8.) I drooled over those for a long time, and didn't look at much else. And I could get a great deal on one. Then gas started skyrocketing, and I figured that maybe sticking with a 4 banger was the way to go. Okay, maybe a V6, but only if the numbers were good. I looked at the Mazda 6 (V6) Toyota Camry SE V6 (friend of mine has one, and I really like to ride in it, but haven't driven it) and the Volvo S40 2.5T and C30 models. I don't even remember how I stumbled on the TSX, but when I saw the price and all the standard features, it knocked them all (except the Camry) out of the running. The test drive is what really sealed the deal. I still never drove the Camry, but I can't imagine it being anywhere near as fun as the TSX. The only one that even comes close is the Volvo C30, but I think I'd probably wrap that around something within a week of driving it off the lot. That much power in something that small really should require some kind of endorsement on your license. But to get all the options that come standard on the TSX, it would have cost me almost 5k more! And that's without the speeding tickets. Well, the Impalla SS was a ton of fun too, but only in a straight line. When you dropped the hammer in that car, well let's just say I think there was a religious experience involved. Then I saw the 0.3 MPG on the trip computer and that kind of spoiled the mood. Don't get me wrong, the TSX is a great performer, but it's a joy to drive the speed limit too. Once I got used to the fact that I can't drive with the speedo pointing straight up on the highway anymore (that's where 70 was on my last car) it was all good. I've only had mine for 3 weeks, and I didn't look at anything else after I got it (except that Volvo again) but I'm glad I went with TSX.

losothefatso

When my parents were looking to buy me a new car, I didn't even think of the TSX until my cousin told me to do research about it since I was basically looking at cars around the $30k range. The sporty look is what got me, the 5AT isn't really as fast as many other cars for a cheaper price, but all the things you get leather seats, front heated seats, dual control, and much more. I do hear things like the poor mans TL, But I LOVE IT STILL!

davidspalding

I test drove a 2006 RSX, verrrrrry fun to drive and fast revving, but thought, "Wow, this interior is Spartan. Like a dressed up Civic, but no additional amenities." (No power seat, very simple elegant climate controls, blank spot in center console where a cubby hole could've been, couldn't reach the seat adjustment with my dive watch on my left hand,.. .)

Then (same Carmax dealer) I drove a 2005 TSX. "Wow" I thought. So much more inside. Same fast-revving, fun to drive smoothness. Much nicer stereo (in that first test drive, that is). It was all over for RSX' for me -- I bought a 2006 TSX that Saturday.

I like the 1GEN front end ... the low, narrow slit of the "eyes" makes it look like a predator (cougar? puma?) that's hunkering down in front, ready to pounce. At least, I see it like that.