Well, seeing that I have had both at the same time, I would have to go with the TSX. The only thing the CL has over the TSX is that it will go faster in a straight line. Sorry folks, that's it. The TSX > CL in every other "driver" aspect. It's more comfortable, handles 10x better, the headlights are better, the sunroof actually goes all the way back compared to the CL, the mpg is better, the radio is much better, plus the aftermarket will be broader for the TSX than the CL ever had. You just can't look at it as a "0-60" car, because it's everything but that.

 

I convinced my sister to get a TSX. I have a 01 CL-S. The TSX is a lot of fun to drive. I've no stats, but it handles great for a 4 door sedan. Better than the CL IMO (one reason it being smaller). The trans and engine are very smooth. The engine feels like an underpowered V6. It lacks grunt but it's V6 smooth. I've driven my sister's and a few loaner cars. I love the TSX but certainly not enough for me to do a trade. But if I'm in the market for a new car, the TSX is one major contender.

 

Can't argue with that.

Although a 2001-2002 CL-S with 30-40k miles can be had for $14-17k. A 2004 TSX w/30-40k miles will sell for $21-23k.

Big difference there.

 

I too think it would be smokin' hot to see her in the CL but she's hot without it and sounds like everyone thinks the TSX would be a wiser choice for her. Thanks for all the opinions and good points. If anyone has any more input on this, keep it coming, we want your input.

Thanks!

 

I don't mind the TSX for a couple days at a time. But I miss the power of the CL. If all she is looking for is a reliable car though, go with the TSX. It's plenty fast for a 4 cylinder and will cost less in the long run.

 

shed look way hotter in a CL-s. Plus the money you save you can throw towards modz.

 

I had an '01 CL-S w/ Nav, put 82K miles on it and got rid of it Dec. 03. Loved the hell out of that car but the trans. issues scared the shit out of me. I would NEVER buy a CL with an auto. trans.

I am currently looking for a new car. I am definitely leaning toward the TSX, honestly because of the Navi. It is the best nav on the market and I miss the nav in my CL. With gas prices sky high I have got to get a 4 banger. I will miss the power of the CL but I honestly haven't had any power since Dec. '03 and have learned that I can live without it and not get as many tickets at the same time! I WOULD NOT pay full price for a TSX knowing that I can get a used TL for not much more. I am, however, looking for a used TSX for under $23K.

Go for the TSX. 4 doors=a car that you can keep for a long time.

 

- 60-0 is 128 for the TSX, and 130 for the AV6. That's essentially the same.
- The TSX is more of a driver's car, but the question here is for a female, not a car enthusiast.
- See crash scores for TSX and Accord, and see that they're pretty much even.
- Looks are subjective. The TSX looks mighty fine in the rearview mirror of my Accord V6.
- TSX is not even close to an Accord V6 sedan even with a 6spd. 16.3@86 = TSX 6MT. 15.4@92.9 AV6. Source: Edmunds.com.
- High tech? Yes. V6 powerful? Not a chance.
- No transmission recalls for new Accords.
- More reliable? Equal perhaps, don't forget your TSX IS an Accord four-cylinder.
- Interior quality and materials are equal. I have both sitting in my yard right now.
- Sound system in TSX blows nuts. You have three choices: no bass, too much bass, and all bass. It's far inferior to the Bose system in the CL-S, and my AV6's sound system sounds better.
- The TSX does have HIDs, yes.
- LED blinker-mirrors are "cool" feature.
- CL-S has heated mirrors, too. AV6 doesn't.
- AV6 Sedan also has power passenger seat and has since 2001
- 17 inch wheels, while attractive, slow the TSX down.
- My Acura and Honda service experiences have been the same. They both suck.
- Roadside assistance is usually incorporated cheaply into insurance policies.


All in all, the TSX just costs too much. HIDs, blinker mirrors, 17 inch wheels, and heated mirrors cannot justify the price gap between the AV6 and TSX. The AV6 is simply more car for less money.

 

Where are you getting your misled information?


- 6MT TSX STOCK run low 15's see Car and Driver here.

Car and Driver stats for TSX:
0-60: 7.2
1/4mi: 15.6 sec @ 91 mph

Car and Driver stats for the Accord V6 sedan:
0-60: 7.5
1/4mi: 15.8mi


If I wanted to I could find lazy publications that post 16s 1/4mi for the Accord V6 too, also with a simple 599$ Hondata reflash you will see TSX's reaching low 14's. There are even TSX owners reaching 15.3 1/4mi times STOCK.

- The new Accord more reliable than the TSX? Hardly look at all of the TSB's issued for the new Accord then look at the TSX's TSB's. The TSX only has a few TSB's issued by Honda.
- There have also been transmission recalls on the new Accords for failures of the 2nd gear. See Honda TSB 04-037.
- Interior quality.. The TSX has better leather, soft panels on the FULL dash and surrounding doors (unlike the plastic on the Accords), suade-like material used in glovebox and other areas. Blue led's and blue lighting around console area, Better "silver" trim quality, better refined gauges, smaller gaps, less rattles too -- My 7th gen had tons of rattling problems which I got fed up with.
- Stereo in the AV6 is weak compaired to the TSX (I have owned both for an extension amount of time).
- TSX also has tiptronic
- TSX has G and Yaw meters incorporated into the VSA/traction control = BETTER SAFETY.

Please don't post false facts until you get your facts straight! Thanks.

 

Don't get me wrong, the Accord is a very fine car... I would pick one over a Camry or Altima in a heartbeat. But I just particularly like the TSX better, I love the Accord Coupe V6's though! I just don't like when the TSX is dismissed when compared to the USDM Accord, when both cars are very different and appeal to different kinds of drivers.

 

No need to start an argument…TSX is a nice car but it has 4-Cylinders and 4-Doors so I will never be buying one.
If I needed 4-Doors and was buying an Acura, it would be a TL or RL for me.

 

Money is sort of an issue here so a TL or RL are out of the question.

How do prices compare between a Accord V6 and a TSX? Is the AV6 coupe comparable in price to the 4DR? Does anyone know?

 

I believe the TSX and Accord V6 are comparible in price (but it will depend on the trim level on the Accord LX, EX, etc). Check it out on honda.com and acura.com or on edmunds.com.

 

May sound crazy but I like the free loaner cars at ACURA when going in for service. It makes life SO MUCH easier! If that's not an issue though, def. go with the Accord, but I would suggest a 4 door unless she doesn't keep cars long or if yall will be like ShawnS and never have kids.

 

See signature. The time is with a bone stock TSX with OEM tires. Also notice the gas mileage the TSX allows at the same time.
Actually, if you find your dealerships suck that much, you may need to look no further than in your own backyard to find where the problem is. A good relationship with a dealer works both ways. If you don't contribute to it, you get zip.

I reckon there can be some bad dealerships out there, but my experince shows just what the dealerships are allowed to do for their customers:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21139

All in all, you are just so unreasonnable and dishonest in your arguments you just end up discrediting yourself.

 

Put the crack down! The Bose system the the CL is by far the worst sounding stock radio I have heard in any car besides a GM. The TSX is much better especially if you get Navi, then you have touch screen controls for the audio.

The 17" wheels slow it down??? They weigh only 24 pounds. Weak excuse!

I bought a TSX because unlike the AV6 or Accord sedan, it's not in everybody's driveway.

 

I don't have a TSX as anything other than a loaner, but I own an Accord EX-V6 Coupe and an Acura TL. The sound system in the TSX is inferior to the TL's Bose system. I've heard several people on the TSX board criticize the sound system.

The price paid for my Accord EX-V6 Coupe (2005) San Marino Red + spoiler was $25,125+TTL. You get the USDM Accord rather than the Euro Accord (which some people seem to forget the TSX is).

You can probably get a TSX (non-nav) for a price close to that, so drive both before you make your call. I made the AV6 purchase because it was the most for the money. No, it doesn't have HIDs, but that's the only feature I wish it had that the TSX does have. What it does have that the TSX doesn't is an awesome engine. And if you like the coupe, I suggest taking a look at Accord V6 6-speed coupes - there are bargains to be had there, as well.

And since some of the TSX people want to mag race:

Motor Trend tested the 2003 Accord V6 6-spd and got:

0-60: 6.2
1/4 mile: 14.5@98mph

That would be the December 2002 issue.

In the September issue of Motor Trend of the same year, they tested the EX-V6 Sedan:

0-60: 6.6
1/4 mile: 15@95

Not that this type of arguing isn't stupid. 240hp V6 > 200hp I4

 

Does your coupe AV6 have leather?

 

fwiw, car and driver tested the accord ex-v6 coupe 6mt in the september 2003 issue and got a 5.9 sec 0-60.

 

I can't believe the bullying that sauceman is dishing out. AND HE'S A MEGA MODERATOR!?
"All in all, you are just so unreasonnable and dishonest in your arguments you just end up discrediting yourself." That's your response to someone who expresses his opinion that "The AV6 is simply more car for less money"?
And sauceman: "Actually, if you find your dealerships suck that much, you may need to look no further than in your own backyard to find where the problem is." This from someone who has chosen to climb into bed with his dealership in Canada? Now I'm scared that sauceman will come after me personally, because my dealership experience has also been awful. I guess I just haven't been giving them enough money...

 

Yes.. leather identical to the TSX, but not perforated.

 

I've actually lost some respect for TSX owners here (not the TSX itself). They've came across a bit delusional (see the post about the TSX hanging with an M3 in the TSX forum) and anyone who sees the TSX for what it is (a large amount of money for not enough power) are dishonest and have no credibility. And, should a post come up where a TSX loses a race, lame responses like "well, on a curvy road you would win" are common. Yes, the TSX is fun to drive and feels confident and balanced, but it is not superior to a USDM Accord. Actually, the TSX is merely an Accord in Europe. I'm afraid that Xenons, heated mirrors (useless in GA), and wheels an inch bigger couldn't make up for the power deficiency in my comparison of the AV6 and TSX.

My AV6 is an EX model, which has leather, heated seats, etc.. it's San Marino Red and has a spoiler and the price was $25,125.

The TSX's K24 engine is very refined, and it's peppy, but it's still a four-cylinder. The J30 in the AV6 is even more refined, and far more powerful. The AV6 was simply a better value, but I did end up purchasing a used Acura so I could have premium sound, Xenons, useless heated mirrors, etc.. it's an 02 TL. Doesn't handle as well as a TSX, but has more features, cost less money, and again, is more powerful.

All in all, as I've said numerous times, I enjoy driving the TSX on country, two-lane, curvy roads. But that's not most of my driving. Don't get me wrong, there will be times now and then that I'll wish for the handling prowess of the TSX - But I'll take that... because if I had bought a TSX, not a day would go by that I wouldn't be wishing for a bit more power.

To each his own.. I'm a loyal Honda owner and I respect all Honda vehicles for what they are, but I am realistic and each model has its shortcomings and everything is a trade-off. No matter which Honda is right for you, they will all provide you with excellent service (the cars, not the dealers) and a Feature/Dollar ratio not found in other vehicles at any price.

 

My TSX I get about 30mpg combined city and highway. She will save $ when compared to the TL or CL-S.

 

So be it, but don't try and pass off your opinion as being anything more than that. The cars are fundamentally different and built around different philosphies. People who fail to understand that concept do not understand the nuances of the consumer mind. Some people prefer the power and other prefer the handling. I have driven everything from high-power, high-dollar exotics to the lowly compacts and can honestly say that the TSX is a solid compromise of power and handling. It easily compares to its targeted competition, of which the much larger Accord is not a direct competitor.

And if you wanna talk about losing respect for members, I could name about 100 people on the CL and TL boards who have posted even stupider shit and you seem to put up with that just fine. There are a couple of crazies in everyone's camp, but if you're basing your judgements of TSX owners on the words of a few ill-informed members, then you're not worthy of our respect either.

 

This is all true, the power numbers are there and one can't argue them, but I bet you wish you had the TSX suspension and the HIDs. There are no other fwd cars in Honda's lineup with the handling that the TSX offers. Plus, the Accord V-6 coup does have an awesome engine (I agree), but so does the TSX. There is no other I4 putting out as much power as the TSX's and in addition you get the gas efficiency associated with a 4. Just to point out the speed limit is the same for everyone and the 200 hpw that the TSX puts out is more than enough for american roads. Besides I guess the joke is on all of us because if one wanted to race they probably shouldn't buy an Acura/Honda or a fwd car.

So when someone says the TSX doesn't have an awesome engine obviously doesn't really know the facts of the matter. Plus, when anyone says that the TSX is not worth it for what you get. I ask why many car magazines (i.e. car & driver) have raved about the value for price ever since it came out? Past 2 years running (and the car is only 2 years old) the TSX was top 10 car for value in Car & Driver. You should read and check your facts before stating your uninformed opinion.

You may like the Accord V-6 better and I say more power to you, but please don't state your opinion as fact when it is still just an opinion.

 

You may want to check your facts as well. Do you mean that no other four-cylinder in Honda's line-up puts out the power of the TSX? What about the S2000? Or what about the RSX-S?

I never said that the K24 wasn't an awesome engine. No one builds a four-cylinder like Honda, and I'll say again - I like the TSX. It's amazing how a negative viewpoint turns someone into a hater.

And you probably want to check out Car and Driver's 10Best list and see how many times the Accord has made the list, as well. I'm not arguing against the TSX as much as I'm arguing it is not superior to the Accord as a whole. While I may like the suspension of the TSX better (I do, yes), I like the engine better in the Accord. That's why I made the statement about trade-offs. The TSX value wasn't strong enough for my money, I should have clarified that.

Far be it from me to point out the threads on the TSX forum that bash the USDM Accord, so insulting me for simply stating the TSX's weaknesses is extremely hypocritical. I am not bashing the TSX in the way TSX owners have the holier-than-thou attitude towards Accord owners.

And yes, there are idiots in all forums. I simply expect more out of moderators than fanboi arguing. After all, if you have the mental capacity to understand the TSX, you should have the same to understand the Accord.

In any event, this thread drifted far off the original topic. It can only go downhill from here.

 

Tsx>cl-s>av6

 

this thread cracks me up. that's all.

 

Also, I might add that I looked at the IS300 when shopping for a car.

It was $6000 more than the TSX end of story.

 

i never really cared where the car was made...but after really driving a tl and a tsx back to back

there is a difference for a car made in japan. tsx seems pricy to some but it has loads of standard features for its class. its a better fit and finish and its great on gas too. i think it handles way better ( possibly due to its weight ratio and balance) and the chasis is awesome to me.....the suspensions is firm but not harsh...
I really like th cl-s as well, although IMO its styling is not as great...but the v6 is definitely noticeable compared to the k24A2. so i guess its what ur looking for more...tsx sucks in some aspects but it makes the most out of a four cylinder.

 

Well, I must say... I kinda agree. And yes, we have all gotten WAY off topic. BUt lets get back on topic, shall we....

Yesterday morning as it so happens, I took the CL in for service (motor mount and trunk bracket) well low and behold, they gave me a TSX to drive for TWO DAYS. So here is my on what I think personaly...

Upon getting in the car, it semed to me this was a nice car (nicer than mine but on a different scale). Upon driving it for the last two days I made some personal notes. Some good points, some bad. Now, before ANYONE hates for the negetive things I will point out, please no that I love Honda products. They build a very good car that IMO no other car manufacture can match for the $. That being said, the TSX I drove needed more power. The car feels richer but lacks the power to back it up, felt sluggish. A V6 woulkd improve this car dramaticly. Note that the car I drove had an AT. No excuse IMO for a car that costs $25K+. On the other hand I liked the way the car drove, I didn't like the seating position ( I felt like I was in a mini van, again... IMO! ) I also noticed the interior plastics in some places (such as window button bezels) was like luxury bumped right into economy. I did like the sound system much better than my CL, the dual climate zone feature and the telescoping steering wheel as well as the increase in functions the steering wheel has. After my g/f drove the car I found another featue the car lacks that my CL has was memory seats. What a pain, but I understand this is a $25k+ car, not a $30k one so I can let that one go, I just though I'd point it out. We have some new portions of highway here that has the "ribbed" concreate and when I was going over 65mph, the car was all over the road following the ribs. It was dancing back and fourth. Tires too wide for car maybe? AS for the handling, again, IMO, I like the way my CL handles better. Too much body roll in the TSX (note my CL is bone stock). Anyway, to sum it up, I liked the car but for $25k+ I need more car. IMO, this car would be at the top of my list for no more than $22k.

Nice car but I'll keep my CL Type S and mop that TSX up with it at the next red light, with or w/o the AT.

I'm glad I had the experience to drive the car and I think it would make my girl a very nice ride if she decides that way. I wouldn't push for it but as I said in the beginging, I'm a bit biased of the CL. Regardless of decision, I would support it. It's a Honda. Couldn't tell you what she thinks about it though...... we're fighting.... Don't ask....

 

EXACTLY, you hit the nail on the head. I mean, perfectly the way I feel after having a loaner TSX 5AT for two weeks (yes, two weeks ). It's not a bad car, it's just not enough car - IMO. Forget trying to explain yourself to TSX owners, though.


EDIT: Not sure about CL sound system, but the Bose system in my TL is far superior to the TSX system.

TSX 8-speaker pioneer settings:

Bass -# = No bass
Bass 0 = Too much bass
Bass +# = All bass

Sound is muddy in comparison to Bose system in my TL, I noticed that immediately, and so did my best friend.

 

Ok let's just end this debate -

1) the car is for a girl - which one does SHE like?
2) is she a car enthusiast? yes = cl-s , cheaper and faster, no = tsx, nice but slower
3) does she like 4 doors or 2?
4) do you want new or used cls with possible tranny issues?
5) is she willing to learn stick? or does she drive stick?

What does SHE want? ask her those questions and make a choice.
If i had a choice between ACcord v6 sedan vs tsx i'd pick tsx because of styling alone. But i'd take the accord v6 coupe in a heartbeat or the cls. It's all a matter of opinion. It's mute arguing which cars features are better since they are both honda/acura they are virtually all too similar.

 

I agree.....