TLProspect

Just wanted to remind y'all of what a great car the TSX is.

I recently got a TSX for a loaner as my 2000 TL is being worked on for the dreaded tranny problem. I have to say, after driving the car for about 4 days, it is truly awesome. It is as nimble as everyone says, extremely fun to drive and allows me take curves and sharp turns with more ease that I could ever imagine in my TL. The interior is first-rate, love everything about it, except I can't tell if it simply hasn't been conditioned or cleaned in a while or what, but the black material on the door panel feels a bit cheap and "dry" (not sure if that's the right word). Can't get enough of that leather, new car scent, and btw, I love the matte finish leather with the graining. The acceleration, it's true that it is a noticible downgrade, even from a TL-P, but all you have to do is push harder on the accelerator; this car loves high revving. The one thing I can critique the car for is the sound system. Sorry everyone, but this system is worse than the Bose in my TL, and that says something. It lacks clarity completely and sounds muddy while the seperation of sound between highs from the tweeters and the mid/bass from the other speakers is too dramatic, it just sounds odd. All in all, though, I am quite impressed, and will be a little sad when its time to get my car back from the dealer. If only I could afford a new car at this stage in my life (still a college student). Oh well, hopefully this leaves me something to look forward to when I graduate and get a job of my own!

-Joe

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the reminder.

And I will still disagree about the sound system (having driven both the TL-P and TSX extensively).

madmanmax3000

TL-P? do you mean TL-S? or is TL-P slang for base TL?

MSZ

One of the VERY FEW TLer who shows respect for TSX.

<--- doesn't like to visit the TL forum.

TSX.Fury

TL-P is the base TL, the TL-Premium unless I'm mistaken...

Tsx536

Nice honest review. The problems you mentioned can be fixed with aftermarket upgrades, so it's not too big of a deal. The TSX is definitely a top notch package!

osubuckeye98

Next time you get a TSX loaner for a few days send the ECU in for a hondata reflash and then write another review.

CJams

Good to hear from a TL owner. But about the sound system....did you attempt to EQ it at all? Mine sounds great! I have never been satisfied with a cars stock audio enough to not want to change it till I got this bad boy! I'm gonna wait till I blow sumpn before I touch my sounds.

The best part about the critique was when he said...If I could only afford a new car at this stage in my life....Your honor...just for the record....that's a TL owner craving a TSX!

I knew I made the right choice!

03CoupeV6

I have a TSX loaner at the moment. It's SSM/Quartz and has 2112 miles. My 2002 TL-P is having some warranty work and this is what they gave me, and I gotta say, the TSX is not the car the TL is. It's fun on the backroads, but on the interstate it's awful.

And I concur about the sound system. It doesn't come close to the crisp, clean sound of my TL's Bose system. The TSX's EQ gives you the option of adjusting it to no bass, too much bass, and all bass. And the sound is muffled and muddy in comparison to the Bose in the TL.

That said, it's a gorgeous car, but the fatal flaw is the engine. It's ultrarefined for a four-cylinder, but when I gun it, little happens. A Ford Escort GT jumped me off the line last night in Atlanta and it took until the speed limit of 55 for the TSX to pull ahead slightly. Granted it might be that this one is an automatic.

In any event, this is the second TSX loaner I've had and I must say that again, I'll be thrilled to get back behind the wheel of my TL. Don't get me wrong, I have respect for the TSX as it's an Acura, but I also realize it's place in the Acura line-up... above the RSX but below everything else. It's a fantastic car in comparison to the TL in terms of handling prowess, but the trade off is the lack of power. It is not a trade off I could make.

Anyway - everyone, enjoy what you have!

GIBSON6594

Nice to hear a TL owner who isn't afraid to complament a car less expensive then theirs

raynord

Two Things

An Escort GT beating the TSX off the line and taking unitl 55mph to pull ahead.

- Sounds like a driver not up to the job.

When I was still driving my Integra I was given a 2002 TL as a loaner and it was a great car but I take resentment in the statement with regard to the TSX's place in the line-up. The TSX is a drivers car in comparison to the previous TL which was made for the driver who wanted performance without having to get their hands dirty.

Godwhacker

I know it was a hard choice for me on wether to buy the TL vs. TSX. I know someone on the forum who lives around here who has both!!! I would definately call that the best of both worlds!

jlukja

I'd have to disagree with you there. The TSX is a great interstate cruiser. It may not have the hP that the TL does but all you have to do is downshift one gear and you're in the sweet spot. Its very smooth at speed.

03CoupeV6

She (yes, she) did gun it when I didn't expect it, but in the TL I could have sat still for a few more seconds, gunned it, and blown her out of the water. In the TSX I floored it, and it did take longer than I expected to catch up and get slightly ahead. As far as the driver -- how much skill does it take to shift to "Drive" and put it to the floor?


The TSX is jittery on I-75 in Atlanta because lots of it is a bit rough. I prefer the TL's softer ride, but that's personal preference.

Driving the TSX on the Interstate, I kept having to press harder on the gas because it didn't feel like it wanted to keep speed. The engine just doesn't have the power a car with the TSX's heft needs. Especially some of the uphill portions of interstates in GA (like I-20) the TSX just feels like it lacks confidence.

I love the TSX anyway, and if I could have a TSX 6-speed as a fun car and my TL-P as a daily driver, I'd do it! It's undoubtedly a great little car, just not for everyone. I love the J32 too much to go back to a four-cylinder.

TLProspect

I tend to disagree about the TSX having a rough ride. I actually prefer the road feel of the TSX to my TL. I agree, the engine is lacking in immediate power, but if the car does get the bump in HP that is predicted, or if I were to use aftermarket equipment, I could see the TSX being a very viable choice. I did have to push significantly harder on the gas pedal when going up hills, but I never felt unsafe or ill at ease. I prefer more power, but the tossability and nicer interior of the TSX has won me over. Nothing against my TL though, it's been a great, luxurious, and reliable car (other than the tranny) with a very satisfactory amount of power.

and BTW, I am sorry, I manipulated the treble and bass every which way, and I agree with 03CoupeV6, the bass muddies everything up, unless you turn it almost all the way down, and then you have a tinny, thin sound that isn't very enjoyable.

RickKel

I do have to agree that the stock sound system does not meet the calibre of the rest of the TSX. I test drove a Mazda6 before I bought my TSX and the Bose in that car kicked the TSX's sound system. I want to upgrade the speakers soon, but I don't want to alter the wiring or grills. But that is another thread.

The highway ride isn't a cushy Buick, but that is the reason why I bought the car! Firm, stable and in control.

And as for the alleged lack of power - the TSX's 4 cylinder is all I need. I can pass cars on two-way highways without a single white knuckle or bead of sweat. I get 28 mpg. What the heck else can you ask for? This to me is the epitome of perfection. I don't give a rat's ass that some motorhead or someone in a BMW can beat the pants off of me. The fact that I can give either of them a good run for their money and I only buy gas every other week puts a smile on my face.

I've owned the car for nearly a year and still can't wait to drive it every time I get in. I cannot say that about any other vehicle I have owned.

CJams

I drive 1 hour each way to work and back on the interstate every day, and love my TSX. I test drove it on the interstate before I purchased it to make sure I would like it.

I LOVE THIS CAR!

iamhomin

Agree on the sound system.

I drove the 2002 TL before my 04 TSX, and noticed the DRAMATIC difference.

CJams

Ummmm.......Lets see......Bose vs Stock.....hmmmm

It sounded muddy when I first got my car, then I turned up the treble and it sounded so much better!

Try EQing! All it needs is a little tuning

ric

Odd reviews - I find my TSX to be a great Interstate cruiser, quick enough to manoever in and out of traffic, and with enough residual power to pass at will. At speed, I never feel a lack of power; I do rev this engine more than I might some others. In fact, I frequently need to throw the cruise control on in order to avoid climbing to a cruising of 90, which in the states I travel in, would get me nailed, sooner or later.

Given the congested nature of inner city driving, huge power off the block is not a necessity. The only time I feel a lack of power punch, in day to day driving, is when I accelerate to gain access to a freeway.

As to the ride - one can debate "road feel" vs "rough ride"; personally, I prefer the TSX in ride comfort, and vastly prefer the slightly narrower, more shoulder-bolstered seats over the TL, which I looked at before leasing my TSX

TSX.Fury

It's important to remember that because of the price difference (which is pretty small when you are buying a $30k car...) most of us probably looked at the TL and still chose the TSX. The opposite is most likely true for TL drivers. We obviously like the feel of the TSX and they the feel of the TL.... all of these things (road feel, neccessary power, handling) are so subjective that it is almost impossible to argue it. Everyone has their own needs and different cars will all fit those needs. just my

TinkySD

Personally i have a TSX auto and i have no problem accelerating uphills in 5th..maybe my car is just a bit more broken in.

Also, a tsx 6mt in 6th will out accelerate a tl 6mt in 6th source: vtec.net(Jeff owns both)

sauceman

Really?!

dom

Yup.

TinkySD

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-messa...ge%5fid=205155

Dan Martin

The TSX is geared quite a bit lower. I guess the taller 6th gear on the TL was to optimize cruising comfort.

sauceman

OMG, don't let the TL guys see this!

sauceman

Oops I just did. Actually it's with the CL guys. Might as well be the same.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169498

TinkySD

I had to toss my two cents in for the guy that said the tsx "was expensive for what it is"

jcg878

I'm glad I got a great car "for a girl". If I ever have that sex change operation, I'm ahead of the game already

TinkySD

jlukja

looks like several TSXers went over there to defend the TSX's honor.

Godwhacker

While I would agree that the TL has a smoother ride and is quieter, and an excellent highway car, I still think the TSX is a good highway car. I drive in Western PA, where the hills are large and the roads crappy (pothole city), and I have had zero problems. If I need a jolt of uphill speed, I just use the manumatic to keep it in a lower gear. Where the TSX really shines in on the curvy, hilly secondary roads up here. Its a blast!

TLProspect

Like I said in my original post, I think the TSX is a great car, I'd like to add that means on the winding streets and the interstate. Also, like I said, the power isn't terrible, it's just a downgrade as far as immediate power from my TL, but the overall package makes up for it. Plus, like someone said, there are always aftermarket upgrades.

03CoupeV6

And the TSX 6spd accelerating faster than the TL 6spd in 6th gear is relevant how? What about those first 5 gears where the TSX is buried in the TL's dust?

Now this debate is getting kinda petty.

I like the TSX, I simply offered my opinion that it is not of the same caliber as a TL (new or old). It is a blast to drive, I admit - but the curvy roads where the TSX shines make up a small fraction of my driving. The vast majority of my driving consists of highway and interstate travel, thus the TL's powerful V6 and comfortable ride are my preference.

To each his own - the TL and TSX are both of the same genes, and are both wonderful cars.

sauceman

What's your point? That instead you're driving pedal to the metal? Newsflash: Power is nothing without handling.

And BTW, your arguments about the TL being superior to the TSX for highway cruizing is nil. I eat highway for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not only the TSX is just as suitable for highway driving, it doesn't lack the power needed for uphill drives. Very very seldom do I ever need to downshift in order to maintain my speed. I just leave it on cruise control, and never does the TSX slow down on grades, whether sharp or mild.

03CoupeV6

My point is that, after two weeks with a TSX loaner, it leaves me wishing for more power. A feeling that our Accord V6 and TL-P doesn't give.

The thought that the TL is some boat, and the TSX is a sports car, is crazy. The handling is sharper for the TSX, but the TL manages it's weight quite well. It's sporty enough, and is still comfortable. The TSX has a choppy ride.

If when we got the TL-P, we'd instead gotten the TSX (we traded a 99 Accord four-cylinder), the TSX would seem wonderful. But in comparison to a TL, it just leaves more to be desired. Whether or not you say you experience a "lack" of power is also nil. You drive the TSX far more than I do. Go take a TL on your same route and tell me again that the TSX is just as suitable. The 40lb-ft torque difference between my TL-P and the TSX is quite noticeable.

GIBSON6594

ok so the TL is faster than the TSX...everyone got it? Good

I'd still rather drive the TSX than the TL, and i'm a power fanatic

TinkySD

No doubt tlp has a more go if you put the pedal to the metal, but the 40lbft figrue is very misleading. The tl transmission is much more inefficient and tsx torque is clearly underrated, it shoudl be rated at 175 or 180 lbft. Stock dynos of both cars in automatic forms(same dyno but different times) put the difference at about 10 lbft at the wheels under 3500 rpms where I have to assume most of your driving. The tsx does weigh a 150 or so pounds less and have approximately a 20 percent higher gear ratio in top gear. (tsx has a slight gearing advantage in all but 2nd gear which is within 1%) The tlp advantage grows through it's strongest midrange portion(3500 - 5500_then falls off on the top end which is the source of the better acceleration numbers. So the TLP is quicker, but cruising should be a negligible difference.

Stock for stock a tsx 6mt puts more torque to the ground than an auto tlp on the low end and top end.

I should note the sources for the only two tl-p dynos iv'e seen are injen with a 2002 tl and comptech with a 99tl. Since there are limited data points that shoudl be taken into consideration, but even if the torque different was another 10lbft between the lower curb weight and better gearing for the tsx it shouldn't make any difference in cruising.

lamster

TL has bigger engine, so it has more HP than the TSX. OK, so we got that.

But for me, the TSX has enough HP with less weight and better handling. There's more in a car than just horse-power, you know?

And by the way, I don't currently own a TSX, so it's not like that I'm defending my own vehicle or anything. It's just that you need to look at the facts. With a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine, the TSX is an amazing car.