I took delivery of my 04TL/silv/eb/auto/nav last week.
I really like the car, so far so good. I miss the power tilt and telescoping steering wheel from my GS4. I also miss the lack of side-rearview self-dimming mirrors.

With that said, I like every feature the TL has to offer, and i believe its the best bang for your buck (if you dont mind driving a fwd car).

The one thing I cannot really understand is why the Honda Accord comes with the alarm fob integrated into the key, and the TL doesn't. Also, why does the Accord offer an MP3 player as an option (instead of a tape deck), and not the TL? One more thing, last night I was trying to find the heated-rearview mirror button, and noticed that it didnt light up, so i was having problems finding it. On the Accord, the heated rearview mirror button actually lights up with the rest of the cluster.
All the other brands usually introduce features in their higher-end cars, and eventually pass it down to the lower-end ones. No, Honda does the opposite with the Accord and TL.

I dont think these features make the accord a better car, but I just dont understand why Honda would do such a thing. Regardless of those options I would never choose the accord over the TL, mainly because of the body style.

Sorry, i just needed to get this out of my system. Now back to enjoying my 04 TL

 

Only some certain levels of Accords have that kind of key, right? It may come to TL soon, but not this year. In Japan, not all Honda's cars get that key yet... Maybe not everyone loves to have that type of key fob.

MP3, there are many discussion threads already. You can search and take a look...

That light may be on next year...?

We all agree TL lacks of some necessary but not-so-critical features or accessories. It's still the TL though...

 

Wow, a power telescoping steering wheel??

lol, I'd use that maybe 3-4 times in the life of my car! The non-power version on the TL is fine by me - one less mechanical component to break...

 

The telescoping steering IS a great feature to set ONCE when you get the car....

But who would want a power one.. I mean how often do you need to change that setting, unless you grow or shrink or get real fat or real skinny on a regular basis.

 

This is true

 

The power telescoping and tilt wheel would be handy with the memory functions.....husband gets in car with husband's key and seat, wheel, etc... goes to correct spot. Wife gets in the next morning and wife puts in her key and the same.

That's it.

I'm a sole driver so I could care less about such a power option.

 

a good thing about the power steering column is that it moves up and out of the way for easier entry and exit.

 

If the TL had every feature we all want, it would no longer be the best bang for the buck. It would cost a lot more money.

Hey moderators...We need a new category called "COMPLAINERS" so all the negativity could be channeled to one place, and the rest of us wouldn't have to see a new complaint thread every day.

 

I'd like to have it though. My old cars have it all...

No complaint...

 

Or maybe we could have big warning at the top that says "Read at your own risk."

As for Accord features not on the TL, the one that bothers me the most is a lack of a folding rear seat. I rarely use it, but the few times that I've moved, it came in real handy. Since the TL has a smaller trunk, a folding rear seat makes even more sense.

The integrated key was cool at first, but I actually miss having the separate remote. It was easier to carry the keys in my pocket. The integrated key is a bit bulky. If you're going to do it, do it right and have a folding key like what Audi has. Another problem with the integrated key is that the metal part is very hot when you take it out of the ignition. This is due to the chip inside.

 

I'll second that.

RB

 

Audi and VW have an integrated key and remote where the key folds into the fob when not in use, this is very handy and less bulky.

I wish Acura would evolve to this type of key/remote.

 

Wow, people seem to be too sensitive around here. I posted about not understanding why Honda would remove features that the accord has from the TL and people start catching feelings ...asking moderators to create a new "complaint" forum.
You guys are too much.

I shouldve specified "No complaint" like rets did.

As far as the power tilt & telescoping wheel, I dont think the TL needs it. I was just spoiled by the GS4. It comes in handy for getting in and out of the car (the wheel telescopes all the way IN and tilts up, like LSIII mentioned), and also for memory settings (just like trip11 pointed out). By the same token, my GS4 didn't have rearview mirrors that tilt down when in reverse and the TL does (which i really like) , so, you give and you take.

I really like my 04 TL and if some of you dont like constructive criticism , do not enter nor reply to this thread

 

Considering its content - dollar for dollar the TL is light-years ahead compared to any other car.

 

Actually Audi/VW, Jaguar, MB all have this kind of key. This is the best kind of key out there. Its compact, and you press a button and the key comes out of the keyfob.

Im surprised acura still uses the separate key-fob from key setup that most so-called "luxury" brands stopped using about 6 years ago. At least throw in the integrated fob as an option for users that would prefer this setup (most Accords already have it).

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the key fob. I'm positive Acura will offer it as an add-on later in the TL's current cycle as it's pretty simple to update. I'd even be happy to pay a little $$ for it. Until then, I'm just gonna drive the heck out of my doggone car, that's the reason I bought it after all!

I can live without power telecoping steering wheel, because I am a sole driver (again, that's why I bought the wife her own car, so she can't touch mine!!!). I haven't touched that feature of the steering wheel since I adjusted it when I took delivery.

 

*you people* want too much.


I'm surprised you guys don't want the Prius KeyFob that starts the car without the use of a key. You just insert the keyfob into the dash and hit a button to start.

Fold-down seats... Like you're going to move a whole house in your TL. Answer: Get an SUV

Telescoping steering wheel would only be of value if you share the car with someone and the memory seats would recall the position for them. Other than that.. there is no point. Actually we are pretty lucky to have a telescoping steering wheel because (in the past) the AirBag would prohibit the telescoping feature.

We do need a complaint forum. I'm sure I would add to it.

 

That would be cool!!

 

Funny how people nit pick little things, just be happy you have a fob to unlock the door etc. Remember when we did'nt even have key fobs, the only way to unlock your car was if you an alarm remote.

 

Sorry, can't relate. I never owned a car without a key fob (actually out of the 5 cars I've owned, all of them had an integrated keyfob )

Also, I think we are going off on a tangent here. With the original post I meant to get your opinions on why you think Honda would give the cheaper version of the TL (the accord) items not available on the more expensive and supposedly "luxury" version of the Accord (the TL). It's not like the redesigned Accord was introduced after the 04TL.
To me it just doesn't make sense. And I am 100% positive that these items will be offered on the TL in the very near future.

Did they do this to have things to add-on to the 05 TL? Probably.

 

It's not a nit-pick just a wish list item. I wouldn't have bought the car if I didn't think it was a great value and a pleasure to drive.

My only nit-pick item would be the sh*t tires they put on this car but that's been covered numerous times.

 

Since when is it complaining and nitpicking to ask a car to offer the same features that are offered by its cousin which happens to be 10K less?

 

Correction: Answer: Get an SUV

Should be

Answer: Get a SUV

 

Exactly!

 

First of all, your name is HondaOnly, so we can all guess which car you prefer.

Second, the Acura TL is so much more car than the Honda Accord. We can all agree on that, right? Even you, HondaOnly??

The answer to your question is, yes, it is nitpicking and complaining to ask for the Acura to have the exact same features as the Honda. And you saying the honda is 10K less is an exaggeration.

I don't want the key with the transmitter built in. I like my transmitters just the way they are...separate, cheap, plastic, easily scratched, and...separate! It makes a perfect keychain. If I didn't have the transmitter, I'd have to go out and spend money on a keychain.

Can you imagine how many Acura owners would post threads on this website complaining that they have to buy a separate keychain now that Acura took away our transmitters and gave us the same big, bulky, warm, key that the lowly Honda Accord has. Someone please stop this madness!!! There is no end in sight!:wow:

 

Quick question, after reading through the TL brochure I was under the impression that the various controls on the steering wheel (i.e. volume, cruise, etc.) light up -- is this correct?

The controls on the steering wheel of the Accord do not light up and I've found that to be problematic on a few occassions, particularly in the case of the cruise controls.

 

Go a wierd request. People keep talking about thie Honda integraded key fob. Anyone have a pic they could post, I've never seen one. Thanks. Personally I would have preferred the thing u keep in your pocket and never need to take out like a key

 

Correct...

 

Give to u... Apparently it's only for LX & EX?

Ppl complained it's not foldable as some German vehicles'...

 

ah, thanks/. I am not impressed. Smart key thing is much better

 

Yep, it is better. Honda has this on the Accord in Japan and Europe I believe. Maybe it'll come here starting with the new RL this spring.

 

foldable key is the way to go.
these keys keep opening holes in my pockets, plus they hurt your leg if they are in the wrong position!

Mercedes E500 and up have an optional Card you keep in your pocket, as you get closer to the vehicle and touch the handle, the car opens, same thing with the trunk.
Then all you need to do is push the start button and the car is ready to go.
And if you forget the card inside the car,
it's impossible to lock the car!

http://www.mbusa.com/byo/pop_opt_pac...=o&model=E500W

A hot option with a hot price ($1,040.00)

 

Power steering wheel is way better than manual, sometimes you might find out that the steeringwheel isnt in its perfect location while you are driving and you want to change it while driving, also while entering/leaving the car the steering wheel should go up to makie it easier for you to leave.

Also It would be nice if the seats would go back when you want to exit or leave the car, this isnt really hard to do..


eh oh well

 

I support you, Tajam. It's not bad to have these features...


Also, due to we talked about the key, I don't want to smash the topic of this thread, so I create another one. Thanks...

CLICK HERE! TO GO "The dream key for your TL..."

 

I beleive that people are not "complaining". The fact is that this is a fantastic car, and it is frustrating that so much attention was paid to some things, while other OBVIOUS things were left out.

There are even some great items that are on the Acura TSX that are not on the TL! Why this backwards thinking, Acura?

To add ALL the items that people have suggested would probably only change the MSRP by $2000 or less. I'd pay it!

Maybe this is their way to get it to trade in the OLD TL for a NEW TL is a couple of years?

 

my friend has a C class and it doesnt have a metal key... it is a control similar to that key up there ^ except it doesnt have a metal key, its just the buttons, and at the tip theres a laser and you just stick it into the ignition.

 

I go by HondaOnly cause I don't distinguish between Honda and Acura. Acura is a just a name Honda marketing people came up with. As far as I'm concerned, the TL is a Honda. That's not a bad thing since Hondas are such great cars. HondaOnly means I only buy cars manufactured by Honda Motors including Acura.

I think it says a lot about a person when he picks apart someone's screen name.

The TL is much more than a Honda Accord. If you'd go back and read this thread, you'd realize that's not the issue. The issue is what features are included on the Accord but not on the TL.

It's not nitpicking to expect a car that is in Acura's own words based on the Accord to offer the same things that the Accord does. The TL is around 35K. The Accord can be bought for arounf 25K.

That's great that you like the separate key, but a lot of people don't. They come from Audi and BMW and expect the similar features.

I think the madness we need to stop is your nitpicking over other people's comments. If you don't like what other people have to say, then don't reply.

 

I happen to like the key & remote/alarm not being built into the key. I have the key with the alarm built in the key in my gs300. This key was broken by a car wash and cost almost 300$ to replace. Granite the car wash paid for my key but it was a pain in the arse.

CSRX I am sure you find the alarm on the tl much better than the alarm on the gs. I have to be right on top of my gs to get set the alarm or unlock the car. The TL you can lock or unlock the car from along way away. This will definitely be my last Lexus purchase. Acura all the way !!!

 

Guys everybody wants more,more, more. The car is not a Maybach!! Its only 33 K with out navi. In the grand scheme of cardom, this is a relatively "cheap" car!!!! It definitely beats any car in the goodies per buck category. The comparisons to the accord are OK since this is really a very, very nice (and pricier)Accord. If the price of this car is a little steep for your budget an accord is no shame at all you'll be getting at least 90% of the TL experience (in the auto tranny anyway).

 

I haven't really checked how far the Acura alarm can be detected.

The GS4's alarm range was perfect in the beginning, and then started giving me problems (a couple of years later). I just changed the battery and it went back to normal, so maybe you should try that too.

One of the things i LIKE about the TL is that you can change all the alarm settings within the car (like unlockall doors with 1 press, lock doors after driving 10mph, etc)! The way lexus (for the GS4) does it, the dealer has to change the CBEST alarm settings for you, that sucks.