yeefuchew

I had been planning for months to get a TSX. But then I figured out that I could afford to get a TL if I wanted. I know I liked the looks of the TL a lot, and definitely more than that of the TSX. I also read all this nice feedback about the TL via AZ, leading me to believe that it was a way better car with a superior ride. So I had just about changed my mind and was about to buy the TL. But, of course, I had to test drive it for myself.

It was definitely roomier than the TSX and provided a much more elegant feel in the interior. But my main focus was the ride. So off we went. Immediately, as expected, the engine was quicker to respond on acceleration than the TSX. The power of the V6 was noticeable, but not vastly superior to the TSX, as I would have believed.

I noticed that the TL felt a lot heavier than the TSX. I also expected the ride to be very smooth from the TL'er posts. But it wasn't. I distinctly felt all the bumps on the road. I tried to convince myself it was still smoother than the TSX. However, when I commented out loud about the bumpiness, the saleman said quite simply, "It's a performance car," essentially affirming it! Well, the ride was suppose to be the kicker for me to jump to the TL camp. But after that, I wasn't sure...

So I asked if I could test drive the TSX again. The accerlation felt fine, not that bad of a lag as I had thought from my previous TSX test drive. But the big surprise: the ride felt smoother than the TL! I was wondering if I were imagining things. But as I thought about it honestly, the TSX just felt better on the road. I looked for every manhole cover and pavement bump I could run over. I couldn't believe it, but the TSX absorbed them better. After that ride, I was happily back on the TSX side of fence, thoroughly convinced I needed to get this car. So I bought it last Tues., knowing for me I made the best choice.

Ken1997TL

The 04+ TL has a very firm ride. Its much rougher than either the 03 TL-P or my '97 TL that I owned. Personally I preferred the '03's ride characteristics to the '05 I own

As for the TSX, I find it to be quite balanced in terms of ride quality verses handling.

sauceman

Congrads on the TSX buy yeefuchew. I see you took the time to choose accordingly to what you consider to be your priorities. You shouldn't regret the TSX then. Unfortunately, sometimes people will stop and look only at the cover picture...

Ken, when are you getting the RL? Or did you finally decide not to get one?

mkaresh

The TL feels heavier, and not in a good way. The ride of the current TL is actually better than the previous TL in S trim, but neither is a good choice for people whose top priority is ride quality.

The RL rides much better, but its handling isn't as sharp, and it's obviously far more money. A Honda Accord also rides significantly more smoothly than the TL.

Ken1997TL

Actually I traded in my '03 TL for an '05. Got it for under invoice.

The RL just didnt do it for me

I hate to sound like the others.. but it needs a V8!

fuckleberry

I think you probably were "imagining" to some degree.
Maybe the demo TL was a bit beaten up and the demo TSX was brand spanking new ?
I have a feeling your impression will change not too far down the road

SunnyG

my cousin has an '05TL AT navi that i've driven on a few occasions, and i think around 10Kmiles, and it already has some squeaks here and there and it just didn't feel as solid as my '05TSX 6MT with 20K miles. i'm glad i chose the TSX, but the TL is a great car too.

virtualbong

My friends 02 TL-P is a much smoother ride than my gf's 05 TL.

julyccc

Congrats on your new TSX..


I was looking at TSX for the last a couple of month. I bought it 2 weeks ago.

I test drove at several dealer ship many times. out of those all TSX that i test drove, the car that has the most miles (225) handles the best and the engine is very smooth.

I think after the car break in it makes a big difference. The manual said the break in period is at 600 miles. So i disagree with the fact that TSX feel better becasue it was "brand spanking new"

Some dealers put just regular gas. Honda recommends 91 and above.

When I bought my car, the dealer told me that the car comes with full tank of gas. I told them don't fill it up if you guys use regular. So, they did not fill it up

blackthorn

my mom has a 04 tl, and I drive an 04 tsx, the ride quality in her tl dominates my tsx in my opinion, I feel many bumps and my car feels like my old integra with type R suspension

just my .02

fuckleberry

Did you not read the original post ? You're veering off topic.
OP was surprised by the ride quality, & my comment was specifically on that aspect.
Nobody was talking about handling or engine.

julyccc

^


I thought handling, engine, suspension makes up ride quality. My car had better "ride quality" after I break in.

Ellas9

I was also suprised at the TL's ride. Its very good but not what I expected. I think the TSX absorbs more smoothly the larger and rougher road situations while the TL is more smooth on the small cracks. As far as interior, I sat in an 05TL the other day after a buddy put nearly 15,000kms on it and the leather did not seem to be as healthly as my car - even though we put the same leather treatment on our seats. The TL is a great car but, the TSX brings to the table a more solid feeling like you would find in a BMW or Audi product.

Hondan53

I shared the same opinion as you when I test drove the TL. I went to the dealership to get the TL, and actually came home with the TSX, simply because the TSX just felt better.

yeefuchew

Well, if my "imagining" was in full gear, then it would have been biased toward the TL side...which is why my ultmate conclusing was surprising to me.

As for demos, you can't tell me that a diff of 20 or 30 miles would make such a big impression gap.

julyccc

TSX rules!

mattwill

Wow guys, just joined the forum and found this post....i was leaning toward the TL and am still undecided but you echo many of my thoughts. I am now siding toward the TSX, and am very surprised as well after teh test drive. Glad im not the only one!!

Here is my post in the TL forum i JUST made before i found this one.
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/wtb-h-r-comptech-springs-asap-131159/

GIBSON6594

considering the improvments on the 06 TSX, unless you are addicted to a powerful engine, getting a 06 TL is a foolish move.

Especially with the TL next in line for major upgrades. Either go 06 TSX or 07 TL

viffer

I have an 04 TL 6MT and am getting ready to trade it on a 06 TSX 6MT.
The TL has power and is refined, but is not nearly as much fun as the TSX. Also the torque steer can be very distracting on uneven pavement with the TL.

ninjamyst

Agree 100% . I am waiting for the '07 TL to come out before I make my decision. Of course, the TL costs like $5,000 more but depending on what goodies the refresh will get, it's definitely worth the price. If you need a ride THIS year, then please get the TSX. It has almost everything the TL has plus a few extra features (Side Mirror turn signal, cooler wipers, AUX input, faster navi, better instrument panel, more solid build), only downside is HP and audio package.

'05 TL >>>>>>>>> '05 TSX
'06 TSX >>> '06 TL
'07 TL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> '07 TSX (prediction)

yeefuchew

Hey Matt, great (and brave!) post on the TL site. Yeah, it's pretty amazing you echo so many of my impressions. Guess I wasn't imagining things after all, lol!

flasshy

Your comments resonate with my own. I almost (read: processed the loan and just had to sign) purchased a 2005 TL but when I test drove it I realized that the shifting was very noticeable and the ride wasn't that smooth. It is also a big car to drive. It is big and heavy. If I had a family to tote around I may like the size but usually it is just me or one additional person. Overall I wasn't that impressed with the driving experience.

With the TSX I found a very tight and comfortable driving experience. It seemed to hug the road. The shifting did not seem as harsh in the TSX versus the TL. I also liked the size, not too small but not too large - just right for me.

While I agree the interior of the TL is better in some ways and roomier, I agree that the TSX driving experience is better (in my opinion; I know many will disagree!).

club_euro2

Congrats on the New Car
Umair
08 TSX Auto

rb1

Another almost two-year old thread back from ...

Joeydabomb

But seriously I hope he didn't buy the one that he was out searching for potholes with

bgriffin

Thats what I was thinking.

popdakebin

lol. For me, I was thinking that it's not so bumpy after the drop! Yea, this post is old, but I only joined this year, so what do I know?

celticdude69

I got a 07 TSX. In my experience, the ride softens up after a couple thousand miles. My car had such a firm ride when I got it, now I think it's a lot better. Also, the tire pressure makes a huge difference. I keep mine at 33 psi/31 psi.