OK, first of all, I have to say that I find the interior of the 04 TL to be one of the finest that I've seen (certainly at this price point). The ergonomics in general are excellent. However, I have found 3 things that completely drive me nuts. I wonder what the Honda engineers were thinking. Then I realize that no one else ever complains about them, so maybe it's just me. Anyway, here's my short list of ergonomic beefs:

1) Can't reach side mirror controls without leaning forward. When I adjust my mirrors, I need to lean forward, but since that's not where I am when I'm driving, it takes me several tries to get the mirrors adjusted where I want them. Luckily, I don't have to do this often.

2) Can't "mist" the wipers seamlessly during an intermittent cycle. If I have my wipers on "Intermittent", I have to push them up past Off to get to the "mist" feature (i.e. a manual swipe). Then, when I'm done, I need to push back down to get them back onto Intermittent. Ideally, these would be on separate controls so that you can keep them on intermittent and "mist" as much as you want without moving it away from Intermittent.

3) Can't see all gauges through steering wheel. Because of the setup with 3 large gauges, I can't see all three without the two side ones being partially obstructed by the steering wheel. I'd much rather 2 large gauges (tach and speedo of course) with 2 other smaller gauges to the sides, allowing all gauges to be seen unobstructed.

Like I said, these are minor quibbles, but they still drive me crazy.

Anyone else have any minor gripes other than the typical rattles, brake squeal, and tire shimmy?

 

I agree with you on #3. That's one of my biggest gripes too. Mind you, the gripe is really really small, but it is there nonetheless. Also, I have to say, the wiper mechanism on my 2000 Accord was much smarter than the TL - it did just what you recommended - two different settings for wiper control and mist.

All in all though .... I LOVE THIS FRIGGIN CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Gauge obstruction depends on how you placed the steering wheel; pushing it in, out, to the side, up, down. The wya mine is set up, i am able ot perfectly see all 3 gausges without anything blocking my view to them.

 

Maybe it's just me. I'm 6' tall and there is no comfortable position for my steering wheel that will adequately display all 3 guages. I stress comfortable because there are probably positions that would work, but I would need a chiropractor within a few days.

 

I have not experienced problems (1) or (3). Both are within easy reach for me.

Problem (2) I haven't been too concerned about. Living in Arizona, I always have to hunt for and relearn the wiper controls whenever rain actually occurs (which ain't very often).

So far, 4.5 total inches of rain in my area ... Wooohooo! It's been a soaker this year!

 

im confused with 2... on my car its misleading becayse mist mode only does a quick swipe and dosnt "mist", so if you are in intermitant why would you need to manual it?

If it is to clean the winsheild just pull the thingy towards you and it will spray that windsheild stuff on... well your windsheild.

 

Jazz, stay away from North Carolina then. We had almost 6" of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Charley last weekend. I think we're sitting at somewhere around 40+" already for the year. It has been wet. But on the plus side, the summer has been cooler than normal.

Now I've just got to get some "dry time" to wash my TL!!

 

My top ergonomic beef:

The "channel +" button is not easily reachable by the left thumb when gripping the wheel. It bugs the hell out of me. I find myself only using the "-" button and going backwards through all the stations. Dammit!

 

I'm not too thrilled with the ergonomics of the MID (information display). Mainly, it is hard to get to the information I want. I have a few specific changes that I'd make.

First, I'd get rid of the mileage/trip meter and mileage/trip meter/maintenance screens, leaving only the mileage/trip meter/temperature screen. I'd move the maintenance data to the miles to empty screen.

Second, I'd get rid of the Trip Computer top level menu. In other words, the first screen would be mileage/trip meter/temperature, the second screen would be miles per gallon, etc, the third screen would be distance to empty, and then the next two would be the configuration menus. Currently, you can be in the miles per gallon screen and shut off the car. When you restart the car, you are now at the Trip Computer menu instead of the miles per gallon screen. I hate that.

I'd also like to see an improvment on the XM display on non-navi cars. There is no convenient way to see the artist and the song title. It would be nice to either have a mode which toggles between the two pieces of information, or up and down buttons for the mode so you can easily move between them. Currently, it takes one button press to switch from artist to song title and then four or five button presses to switch back.

 

My quibbles so far :

1. The emergency brake really is too far away on the passenger's side.

2. I agree about the trip computer complaint. I usually keep mine on the mileage
screen and I need to reset every time I restart the car.

3. No windshield wiper fluid guage

4. No split rear seat

But, when its all said and done, I love this car!!

 

Yes, the MID is my #2 complaint!

There's obviously a trade-off there, as any time you have only 3 buttons controlling multiple menus you will have some navigation issues.

That's annoying. But what I don't like is that every time I start the car the MID comes up with "Trip Computer" and I have to hit the damn Select key. Is there a way to leave it on one of the screens or have it remember where it was when you turned the car off???

Any time you have to press the same button over and over again....

The same goes for the OK button at the NAV startup.

 

Yes, I would definitely agree with the MID thing as well.

The steering wheel and mirror controls must be an issue for anyone about 6 feet tall (as I am). I can't get into a comfortable spot and see the gauges regardless of where I put the wheel.

 

I agree with the MID operation. It does not seem to be normal operation. Something seems funny that I can not put my finger on. Something like I expect to push the +/- button, but I need to push the select button.

But what bothers me is I can not see the MID or brightness buttons from my position. They are right behind the steering wheel. I am 6', so my seat is all the way back. The wheel is setup to see the gauges, but not these buttons.

And yes, this car is awesome. We are nit picking (sp?), but that is why we have a forum.

 

I think Acura should have placed the Tachometer in the center of the gauge cluster (a'la Porsche) and put the speedo to the left...on the 6MT only of course. I too find that I can't see all gauges. I do take snapshot looks at the Tach and it would be nice to have it in front of me. Some people say "never look at the Tach," but I think it is unrealistic and it is necessary to glance at it at appropriate times.

 

I agree completely. I actually hit fuel cutoff twice on Sunday in 1st gear, because I didn't look at the tach enough. I was a little pissed because I should be paying more attention to it. Still I would've loved to have the tach in the center...

edit:
Also, I just thought of the e-brake positioning. I always end up brushing my front-passengers thigh. Not sure if that's what Acura intended by the positioning...

 

HI Jazz, my windshield wipers have been getting a major work out here in SE AZ too. Lots of rain this monsoon season for us.

 

Also, I just thought of the e-brake positioning. I always end up brushing my front-passengers thigh. Not sure if that's what Acura intended by the positioning... [/QUOTE]

Yeah, depending on who is sitting in the passenger seat that e-brake is either a blessing or a curse.

 

Yeah, depending on who is sitting in the passenger seat, that e-brake is either a blessing or a curse.