I know it's tough...... I am shopping for a car these days,been shopping for 2 months.Looked from TL to G35,to B6 Passat,to Accord EX,finally,my eyes laid on the TSX...
I need a family car actually,though only two people.In laws come once a while is to be put into consideration as well.I am 6'1 and currently driving a CB7 accord which is pretty beat up.I found out the TSX sort of having the same interior room as my 4th gen accord deos,just the exterior seems to be a bit smaller.
Now,I have decided to go with the Honda family.So,3 cars,TL,Accord EX V6 or TSX.The TL might get a MMS in 07 so it might not be wise to pull the triger now.So,pretty much,accord EX or TSX.For a TSX base 5 speed I can get the accord full load with NAVI.Rates wise,accord has a higher rate this month 5.95 compare with the TSX's 4.8 which is fairly low for this month since it was 6.8 last month.
Read a lot of reviews and posts here and there,still can't really justify.I wanna power,that's for sure.I haven't tried the accord yet,but I tried the TL couple of weeks ago.The driving experience of the TL is very good,the power is there when I need it,kinda did a WOT and the back pushing is really nice.Then last Sunday I went to drove the TSX... Really,it's not that fast,but,the handling is I can feel that I am really is "driving with the car".Think back to the TL experience,I kinda felt like I was controling a floating boat maybe my wording is not very good,but that's honestly how I felt.
So,people told me that the TL would be very close to the accord feeling??? Which I am definitely gonna try out myself this week....
Bluetooth I need,check,HID I need,check,couple of things I wish my car could have are already on TSX except the rain sensing wipers which is not even available on the TL anyways,so,forget about that.
Tough call,any input guys? I would be reallly appreicated!

 

These topics, comparisons have been talked to death on these forums. Try a search first. I was at the local auto show and saw the 07 Camry... I know it is a Carmy, but the styling is nice and you can get a 3.5l V6. Available in Mar. May want to add that to your list if you can wait.

 

Yeah,thanx man.However,I kinda don't like the Camry..........I know it's a good car,but just don't feel that I wanna drive a camry....
The only reason is that the rate is very good this month for TSX which is 4.8.......

 

ex, would you consider better fuel efficiency a good trade off for less hourse power/torque? If you don't care about the mile-per-gallon number and rising gasoline price, I think you might enjoy TL more than TSX.

 

This is an oft-discussed topic around these parts.

Here's my take:

The TSX is much more of a driver's car. The feedback, response, and control are all there. The seats hold like a glove and the controls are all positioned for easy access.

The TL is much more of a cruiser. It's big, lazy, and powerful. Doesn't require quite as much care or attention to drive, but nor does it provide the same kind of feedback.

Both cars are excellent cars. The TL will be larger and more spacious, but can feel cavernous if most of the time, there are no more than 2 people in the car. The TSX will be cozy and fitted, though it might be considered cramp by some.

Both cars have their pros and cons so it will depend on what it is that you seek that will determine which is the better car for you. And don't think about this in terms of your in-laws, as the frequency of their visits are not likely to be enough to affect your regular routine. Keep in mind that you must spend every day behind the wheel for the next several years. Which car would you enjoy spending more time in?

I, personally, have chosen the TSX twice.

 

yeah,how about the Accord Ex V6? same as TL or? THanx guys for the input.I have been reading posts for quite a while,but still............ can't really decide.....

 

TL and Accord are going to give you a similiar feel compared to the TSX, both are larger and slightly less stiff

 

In my experience, Accords trade handling precision for a soft cushy ride that won't offend grandpa......

 

thanx guys..........I will go test drive the accord this week for sure.And probably the TSX as well.Last week,the one I drove was only with 58kms,brand new demo.Felt a bit tight,can't really tell the feeling,but just felt that the power was limited by something,weird feeling......

 

I was in the same boat as you. I considered the TL, but the non-navi was at the top of my price range, and I really wanted navi.

The Accord doesn't have HIDs. There are a LOT of them on the road. And if you're concerned about the mid-model refresh on the TL, I'd be more concerned that the Accord is nearer to EOL. It will be a full redesign very soon.

The TSX was right where I needed it. Actually, when I compared the dealerships around here, I got the TSX navi for less than I would have paid for an Accord EX V6 navi. (I paid just under 27K in July.) And I really do like it much better.

No regrets (except that I really wish my '05 had Bluetooth!) BTW, I'm 6'4", and don't feel cramped in the TSX at all.

EDIT: Also, I think the TSX will hold resale value better than Accord, a.) because it's an Acura and b.) because there are far fewer of them. Something to consider.

 

true..... the accord already got the MMC,gets LED tail-lights and refresh at the front as well???not quite sure about the front.VSC,EBD standard on EX-V6 which aren't bad at all...
Anybody test drove a 06 accord here that can share some light?

 

I think alot of people had this dilemma before. Hell, I am still debating now and I been saying I am gonna get a TSX for 6 months already! I test drove the '06 accord V6 coupe and honestly, the interior is just as nice as the TSX (they almost look identical). The only flaw in the Accord is the boring dashboard (with the tachometer and speedometer); the center console is better than the TSX tho. The exterior of the Accord is also better to me; LED backlights are just soooo cool. But but....everyone and their mother have an Accord. So it's really up to you. Also, in turn of resale value, I think the Accord is better. Look at the CLs out there, they not worth much anymore. There are more people wanting an used Honda than an used Acura....

 

You do have the rare factor. Half of the people who look at my car almost never seen it. Noone takes a second look at an accord while someone is definately gonna stare at your car at a gas station. Its happened to me haha they even talked to me about my car =D never gonna happen /w an accord haha

 

so,06 accord actually is ....................good??

 

Whatever you do and however you make your choice just pull the trigger and don't look back. These's always a new model coming out next year in everyone's line and boy is that go'in to be a great car, blah, blah. blah.

I suggest you do the following or a version thereof or you'll set yourself up for second guessing and regret. Have you ever heard of the 7-year itch??? Buyer's remorse can grow like a cancer. In the end shoot for an overall 90%+ on the "I'm happy with scale..." 100% is unattainable and a fools quest.

- Firstly set your budget range +/-, have your financing in place and avoid the urge to make deals with yourself.

- Secondly, having already done the rational, adult kind of things; listen to that inner child in you and go with your gut feelings. If you don't I can assure you that little him or her will not be happy. A good test is how do you feel or what do you think when you first see your new ride each day?

- Lastly you might try making up a list of each car's negatives and dislikes and doing a side-by-side comparison. This is more difficult to do but can end up being much more informative and enlightening.

Above all, HAVE FUN! This ain't hard work. You're getting a new ride - enjoy.

 

Accord aren't bad at all. just try and see what you like the most!!~

 

Perhaps I missed something by driving a 4-cyl Accord, and not the V6, but that car didn't really go, didn't really stop, and wallowed around every corner - contrary to everything I'd read about it. I commented to my wife that if we got one of those I'd have to do the shocks, springs, wheels & tires, exhaust, and intake again, and it was, "No, no, no, no. Get a car that already has all of those things. Get a car that you like to drive!" What a woman!

Our 06 TSX 6MT is on order, and will be here in April; the BMW 323i salesman was really pissed off at us, especially because the Acura wasn't any cheaper.

 

It sounds from your OP that the TSX has more of what you are looking for - better handling (no floating boat here, like a Camry has), HID's, Bluetooth, etc.

Who cares about the in-laws? They only come to visit once in a while, it's not like you're driving them around every day, so get what YOU want, not what gramps will be comfortable in.

 

yeah,that's true..... How about the new ES350??? Wondering the price though.......

 

Honestly I love the tsx, my friends and others love my car and color. The interior is snazzy and the ebony in most cars matches very well. The car isn't a beast but it still got alot of pull for a 4 banger ivtec =)

I never thought the car was stiff at all I actually love the handling its tight and makes curvers fun plus adding a rear sway your unstoppable, jsut drive save now~

 

My inlaws fit in the backseat well. They're average size people, and had room to spare. My dad even fits in the back seat, and he's 6'4" tall with long legs.

Lots of room in the TSX... and oh holy hell what a fun car to drive.

 

there's like a bajillion of these posts here.

you know what you're gonna get yourself into when you ask which car to buy inside a TSX-enthusiasts' forum. that said, good luck on your choice of car.

if you want my input, I too went you're route by picking out the accord (coupe), tsx and the TL as my 3 choices. I immediately eliminated the TL as i never liked the exterior and interior styling as compared to the TSX. plus the front overhangs just stand out too much on the TL. the accord was cheaper but uglier. in the end i stuck with the TSX. a perfect balance of performacne and luxury at a great price.

 

thanx guys for the input! Hey,anybody read the news on ES350? I don't like the Camry cauz the name,but ES350.hummm. any good?

 

well it's a rebadged camry. and personally i think the styling is just odd. yes, it went through the whole "L-finesse" treatment, but not quite done right. the car looks unusually tall and those doors are like a wall. the proportions just dont look right as compared to the IS or GS.

 

The ES350 will also probably handle like a boat. Most people here have said Toyota and Lexus cars typically have that disconnected floating feeling, even though it is a soft ride, if that's what you're looking for, but I don't think you are, at least according to your OP. The ES is a big car, much bigger than the TSX, and it will handle accordingly. Plus it's way more than the TSX, too. They're in different classes and appeal to different buyers. I might be into it if I were looking for that sort of car, but it is completely different than the TSX. Just drive them all, you'll see for yourself and be able to make a better decision. Don't form your opinions based on what everyone else says, go see for yourself.

 

I must see myself..... I drove the current gen ES330 many times,and found it's kinda soft... The price would probably be 4k Canadian over the TSX,however,that's the base price,no HID included.......... 4k is like 80 bucks more per month,but,gotta wait another full month to test drive the new ES....wait and wait,sigh....

 

My gf got a new E330 as a loaner for a week and that thing is like a boat grandma car..

 

I have an 06 EX V6 MT w/navi and I can not wait to get rid of it. I traded in my 04 TSX and will soon be in an 06 TSX.

The Accord is noticably bigger, alot IMHO, the TSX looks much sportier and handles so much better. The accord feels like a whale next to the TSX, and no matter how honda shines it up, accords are still a dime a dozen, most common car on the street.

It has noticably more staight line power, but is not noticable quicker.

 

hahaha! this would be something I want to convince myself to get the TSX.
THanx for the input guys!

 

Haha, RE: the Lexus ES, their name for the new design direction cracks me up. Ever since I read about their design theme (called "L-Finesse" - first on the new GS and then the IS), all I can think is "Elf-ness." While I like the IS as a whole, I'm not a big fan of the front end, as I think the angles on the headlights and grill really do make it look like an elf. LOL. The new ES is bound to have lots of elf-ness about it as well.

 

I heard that many people don't like L-Finesse design,true............

 

Well, I have an Accord and my car gets talked about all the time. Never say never.

 

Well I meant to say not talked about in a unique way like "Nice lookin ride or where did you get that thing? or Whoa! How much was it?".
Usually with Accords its "yep, nice quality car you have there" then the conversation stops concerning your car. The reaction towards the TSX is always different than the one towards an Accord. With Accords, its basically a yeah, been there, done that type thing while TSX's are like HOLY CRAP WTF IS THAT the only TSX in an entire mall parking lot type of thing. Were rare, and were specialer =D

My mom has a ES, and although it feels superior on the inside (interior leather), the thing isn't technologically advanced enough. The feel on the steering is WAAAAY too loose (pinky drivable), as well as the rest of the pedals. The accelerator pedal only works when you depress the pedal halfway (before that there is no response), and the brake kicks in too fast (either you touch it and go from 60-0 in half a second, or dont touch it and cruise on- there barely is an in-between)

IS's are great, but they're way overpriced.

TSX is the way 2 go =D You'll love it! If you weren't on this forum, I'd tell ya to get something else ^__^ gotta preserve the "rare" factor xD

 

Well,one thing is for sure,any 2006 model would give me a better feeling than my 4th gen accord........ It's kinda beat up already.
Thinking about getting another beater these days or maybe I can just keep my accord and get the TSX at the same time.My wife needs a car though she's not that good at driving now,but...hummm.