After having the new EL-42's (0804) for two weeks, and getting a high-speed balance (to remove vibration > 70 MPH), I can honestly say that there are a couple of flaws:

1. Tires. They're garbage. I'll never purchase a Bridgestone/Firestone product again.

2. Suspension. Tuned for the tourer, not the sport driver. In other words - for grandma and not for the enthusiast. Hit a road flaw while accelerating or turning and you have to correct/overcorrect (common FWD issue).

3. Steering. It's light, it's unsettling (at times) and the thin-rim steering wheel sucks. Someone at Honda/Acura should drive a German car and feel what a real steering wheel feels like.

4. Transmission. There's still transmission vibration due to low RPM's in 5th gear (auto).

So, all in all, I'm not all that pleased about the whole setup. Suspension problems and some steering issues can be ironed out with 18" wheels and a stiffer suspension setup...

 

If only these were everyone's final thoughts on the EL-42's. Maybe someday if Acura doesn't use them anymore and everyone has either worn theirs out and replaced them or just replaced them anyway.

I agree with 1 and 4, but 2 and 3 don't bother me. I am a grandpa and drive fast but not at the limits so the suspension and steering are good for me.

 

I have new EL-42s as well (1104s), and I would agree with your number 4 - still some 55mph vibration.

 

I worry this won't be fixed due to it's really related to body structure/design of exhaust system as well as Acura/Honda is gonna set the additional plant of possibly having extra TL/Accord production lines. Since Acura has such the good sales so far, there is no way to make any modification at this point although some of us (1000-2000 04TLers) of 37,000 04TLers in the real world complaining over here.

IMO. Acura says it all, CHARACTERISTIC.