Hey all........... trying to decide if I'm going into the Acura family.

I have a bad back as a result of a car accident a few years back.

I now have a VW Passat, and the seats provide excellent lumbar support for my back. My parents have a Lexus ES300, and I can' t drive that car because of insufficient back support.

I test drove a TSX several months ago, and felt some back pain. Not sure if I had the seats adjusted or what, but wondering what your experiences was regarding this.

Thanks in advance. Nice forum here.

Randy from VWVortex

 

You really should spend more time testing drive a TSX, and talk to a doctor about this, especially your bad back is a result from a car accident. The general consent is the lumbar support in the 2005 is better than 2004. Knowing this, I expect the ergonomic design of the seats in TSX still has some catch up to do. But don't take my words for it, since I never test drove a Passat.

You should be concerned if you experienced back pain just from a short test drive of the vehicle. Purchansing a car is a big investment and committement. Hope it will work out.

 

I haven't test driven a TSX yet, its on my short list when my lease is up in a few monthes, but I can say that my 03 Accord EX has excellent seats. I also have a bad back and the accord is much more comfotorable then my last car, a '00 Nissan Altima.

 

no back pain from seat, it has excellent lumbar support, however, the car would be noticeably more bumpy than lexus ex and VW passat, so u might want to ake that into consideration

 

I also have back problems and I find the lumbar support and seats very comfortable. But I'd sit in one and feel it for yourself. Either at the dealer or a friend.

 

I owned a Passat for 6 years before buying a TSX earlier this year. I do agree that the Passat's seat is quite comfortable. The slightly protruded lower back cushion helped a lot. I remember, when I sat in my Passat, my upper back and the shoulder area didn't tough the seat at all.

As for the TSX, I did have back pain after the 1st few weeks of driving it but I was able to find a comfortable position after. Now, it's fine. The TSX seat is actually very comfortable and supportive. It's a lot harder than the seat in the Passat.

 

umm.. Thats a tough one. I like the seat in the car. Its comfortable. but my backs healthy. I will say though, I had a Wrangler a few years back and had some discomfort ni my lower back when I first bought it. I guess after a while you get used to it and it went away. Good luck with your decision. And If I were you id explain to the dealer about your back. maybe you can get one to lend you a car overnight so you can get a good feel for it.

 

My 2001 Jetta had very hard leather seats... 2 days into ownership of my new 2005 TSX I can say the seats are softer and more comfortable.... the lumbar is good too, I think it comes out (err, into my back) more than the jetta's did at the max setting...

 

Although I hate volvos the seats are amazing. I can fall asleep in one of those in the upright position!! VOLVO OWNAGE!!! My accord coupe EX 2001 has Okay average seats. I expected the TSX to be an improvement.

 

The TSX should have adjustable seats that are adjustable in many directions. Also it has a lumbar support. The lever is on the right side of the seat neat the lumbar support area. The seats feel pretty comfortable to me. But... once again... it's different for every person. I suggest you either goto a dealer or a friend's tsx and spend some good time adjusting the seats so that you feel comfortable.

 

No pain.

Quite the opposite. I have a bad back that was always tight and hurting, blah, blah, blah, chiropractors, etc.

After owning the TSX for a couple months I noticed my back rarely bothered me. The only change? The car.

Plus somebody once posted the heated seats are pretty theraputic for the ol' spine.

Good luck.

 

My chiropractor, whom I really trust (she's awesome), sat in my car when I got it a few months back and commented how supportive and good the seats were for someones' back. Also, she did mention that if my back was sore one day, drive home from work, even in the summer, with the seat heaters on low. It helps relax the muscles and therefore eases joint (spine) pain and loosens you up.

~Eric

 

Everyone's back is different. What works for one of us may not work for you. Years and years ago, before I bought the first of my Acuras, I test-drove the Altima that was current at the time. After 10 minutes my thighs were killing me - for me, the seat bottoms were just a couple of inches too short, or had poor leg support, or whatever. The car was OK, but there was no way I could drive it.

For me, I've always found Acura seats to be roomy, supportive, and a good fit. I'm a large guy, and I pretty much sprung out the seat on my old Legend, and the seat was supportive and comfortable, even after 220,000 miles and on 350-mile roadtrips. I think the TSX seats are more comfortable than the BNW 3-series, Benz C-Class, and anything domestic. But again, my back isn't your back. Try to do an extended test drive and get a better feel for it.

 

Don't have back pain and I ride 110 miles 4 times a week.

I remember elduderino saying something about how the 05 had better support than the 04 for some reason. I fell asleep one day with them kicked back and didn't want to get up. And man was it nice to get up and be behind the wheel of that thing!

<----the backpain!

 

Borrow a demo overnight for a day and put in 4-5 hours driving it. Best way to see.

 

I had to get rid of my Audi A4 because it caused me great lower back pain - and it had a 10-way adjustable seat! After I sold it, my pain immediately stopped. I am now in between cars and trying to decide on the TSX. I'm definitely going to be very careful this time to pay close attention to seat comfort.

 

Okay, I went to the Acura dealer yesterday and sat in a TSX.

I'm afraid I can't buy this car for two reasons:

1. I can't get a comfortable driving position. The headrests aren't adjustable, and the lumbar support just isn't hitting me in the right position. I spent 30 minutes moving things around, and I just can't put my finger on whats wrong.

2. The interior of the TSX seems pretty plain. I'm coming from a Passat, and the VW/Audi cars interior is just amazing in rich textures. It's hard to compromise in this area.

Bummer. This type of car SHOULD be the car I would appreciate. Let me look at 2006's and see if anything changes.

 

What aspect of the interior did you find "plain"? My ex-boss had an A6 I used to ride shotgun regularly in, and I think the TSX is comparable (except for the burl-wood trim). In fact, I was kind of amused Honda stole the ballistic-material headliner material for the TSX and other models. Not trying to be argumentative, but just curious.

As far as the headrests go, they don't tilt, but they can be elevated or lowered. My biggest complaint with the TSX is that the steering wheel doesn't tilt - that's really annoying.

 

no pain no gain

 

A dealer let me drive a loaner for 75 miles to see if my back would have a problem, after I expressed my reservations based on the Consumers Report review. I drove the 05 for several hours and my problem back didnt act up.

 

That's a shame... the TSX interior was actually what sold me on the car, and I was coming from a 2001 Jetta and was looking at getting another Jetta or Passat. However, I will admit that in general, I love sleak, simple, elegant designs. The less "stuff" the better, imo.

 

The steering wheel doesn't tilt? I thought that the one I sat in did.

 

Um... the steering wheel does tilt and telescope. At least my 05 does.

 

My '04 tilts and is telescoping as well. Same lever does both if I recall correctly...

(Don't adjust while driving!!). LOL

 

 

I had back pain problems with my old 92 Accord and 95 Corolla. It has been long gone ever since I bought my TSX 2 years ago.

 

Sorry everyone, you're all correct ... I f***ed up and had a Legend flashback - that one was tele only, no tilt ....

 

Borrow a demo overnight. It took me a little while to find a really comfortable position, I have arthritis in my back. And I agree, the lumbar support does seem a touch high. There's a thread or two on here discussing the lumbar support in detail.