Well my 2003 is in the shop getting the tranny replaced so they gave me a 2005 TL with 1500 miles on it. I glanced at the service techs list of cars he had in and I saw at least 6 other cars in there for tranny's. LOL

Impressions:
The TL feels well put together and sturdier than my 2003. The TL is very quiet compared to my 2003 with lots of rattles.

The NAV on the TL is amazing. I love that thing. I find myself looking/playing with it more than looking at the road. Ya I know bad huh? At least I know I'd never get lost with NAV.

The power can definitely be felt. The TL is definitely faster than my 2003 and pulls harder.

The braking is also much improved.

The stereo system is subpar. Not really impressed at all. I seriously think my 2003 has a better system.

The handeling on the 2005 is MUCH improved over the 2003. My 2003 has significant body roll when cornering. In the 2005 the cornering is sharp and crisp.

Overall the car feels very good. I think Acura did a good job with this model. I just wonder if they ever fixed the dreaded tranny problem.

 

1. I'm surpirsed. Althought the 05 has 10 more ponies, doesnt the torque peak a lilttle earlier in the 03 tls models i.e. around 3000-4000 rpms. I would have figured that this would have offeset any of the difference?

2. Surpirsed that you found the ELS system to be subpar. Its been highly praised by critics, maybe it wasn't set up right?

3. Hope they fixed the tranny too.

 

After having a 2002TLS, and 2004TL....I KNOW something must have been screwed up with the ELS system you heard. There is no comparison between the Bose system and the Pannasonic ELS surround system. Were you listening to AM radio or something? Crap in Crap out as they say in "audio speak"...something wasn't right.

 

Yah, that doesnt sound right about the sound system. XM isnt that great on it either. Oh well, glad you liked it.

 

The bose system in the TL-S has better Bass than the ELS system, but the ELS is clearer.

As far as power, the TL-S is definitely stronger in the the lower RPMs. It has more low end torque than the 04. The 04, however, has a more torquey surge in the higher RPMs.

 

i hate the els give me my BOSE BACK!!!!!!!!!!

 

I was playing a CD and I turned it up all the way and it wasn't LOUD. I have the treble all the way to the right also. In my TLS I really can't turn it up all the way because it is already pretty loud.

 

Regarding the transmission - jury is still out. Some concerns with early build 04's and, I think one 05 so far. Not many 3rd gen have many miles though.

The majority here including me think it's worth the gamble and keep our fingers crossed.

 

No wonder you don't like the sound!!! Try turning down the treble...and volume isn't what determines quality sound.

 

I had an '02 TLS now an '04 TL and the TLS has lower gearing. The TL always seems to be lugging at to low an RPM. Maybe they did this to get better MPG ratings