Took my car in for service today so I spent a few minutes taking a look at the '04.

I wasn't looking forward to doing this because I expected to love the new one over my '03 TL-S that I'd start finding ways to fit the new one into my budget.

Anyhow, although it's definitely a nice car, I didn't feel bad at all about being in the '03. There were surprisingly many things I didn't like about it.

I didn't like that the car looked smaller outside. Although it's more aggressive and sporty looking, I think it's lost some of it's luxury demeaner, at least in terms of looks. I prefer the look of the '03... the trunk is smaller on the '04, which is definitely a negative for me when you have kids. The more space, the more utility, which is important too. If you have to carry a lot of stuff, you'll really appreciate the bigger trunk of the '03. Engine bay looked fine, very german like with all the plastic covers and so forth, but no major decision maker there.

The interior, especially the dash reminded me of a BMW. Although great looking and probably larger inside (I haven't compared the specs), it feels smaller inside. The car feels more narrow, the dash is closer to you, and you feel more IN the car than the old TL. Although this may be a preference for some, I prefer the airy feel of the older model, size is luxury up to a point, at least that's my perception. I sat in the back seat and found head room to be less. My head came dangerously close to the headliner (I'm only 5' 10"), and getting out was very weird. Your knee hits the seat on the way out and you have to twist oddly to get out of this car from the back. Definitely a negative, as I have people in my back seat all the time, and I'd hate to see them scraping themselves and my car in an effort to get out of the car.

I didn't drive it, so I can't tell you my impressions on that, but after spending a little time with it in the showroom, I didn't have that much desire to test drive it. It made me feel good to know I had the chance to buy a new '03 a year ago. Not a lot of people have that chance anymore, the new '03's are almost all sold and your only choice will be to opt for a used one, or buy the '04.

Does the '04 drive better than the '03? Maybe.
Is it sportier? Definitely.
Is it faster? Maybe, but not significantly when comparing auto to auto.
Are the electronic toys better in it? Yes.
Is the drivetrain better? Hardly, they're too similar to derive any major differences.

Is the '04 an overall better car?? That's the big question. Who knows. I'll say this, depending on your needs, opinion, and personal preference, it's very easy to like the '03 better than the '04, and vise versa. Both are great cars, and there's no reason to feel like you're driving an inferior car just because you have the prior generation...

Probably most of this banter is common sense to most, but I had to compare it myself in order to realize things myself.... just my .02c.

Dirk Diggler.

 

If they are so close, why spend 8k extra to buy the 04?

 

Before the 04 came out, I test drove the 03 TL and didn't buy it mainly for two reasons: 1) It wasn't comfortable for me. If I set the seat where it was comfortable for my legs, the steering wheel was too far. I didn't have this problem with other cars I tested including the G35 and both the 3 and 5 BMW's. 2) Compared to other "near-luxury" cars, the 2nd Gen TL looked non-luxury, not much different than an Accord. Even taking into considering the plastic-metal in the G35, it looked much nicer than the 03 TL.

I wasn't expecting a big improvement in the 04 TL, but it completely solved both my major issues. I can now get as comfortable a driving position as any car I've driven. The interior isn't just a little better than the 03 TL. As far as I'm concerned, it leaped past all competition in this price range and some more expensive cars. All the additional features, the shorter length, and the better, but not great, looking exterior were all icing on the cake. I had my deposit on the new TL in less than one minute after I got back from the test drive.

You couldn't get me in a new car showroom within a few years after I buy a new car. When I bring in my car for service I'll make sure I stay clear of any newer cars. Why would I want to torture myself? When Acura comes out with new models in the next couple years, like the new RL, you won't be seeing me in any of those forums.

 

Yeah I test Drove an 04(black) today at lunch and I am hard pressed to tell the difference in acceleration compared to a TLS with similiar mileage. I am usually good at picking that up but in this case it felt no quicker up to the 90 I took it up to.

 

The 10 hp isnt going to be much of a difference. The 6 speed manual is for the speed freaks

As for me, I took an '04 for a spin today and while it was fun to drive, I just didn't like it for whatever reason. It didn't feel like a Honda product to me. The dash just seemed totally out of place. I've just been raised on the traditional low hood, low dash. Also, the steering wheel is almost too much like a toy, its too small and thick.

I liked a lot of other things, the gadgets and gizmos of course. The exterior was fine, the materials overall seemed more upscale and expensive than previous TL's. I would have prefered the RL's leather myself.

 

Does anyone know if the passenger's seat in the 04TL has a power height adjustment?? The 2nd gen didnt. Most other cars out there do... Would be nice, since my GF is 5'0..

 

Passenger seat is 4 way adjustable which I assume means no height adjustment.