roadman

Some first day impressions of my '04 TL compared to my now returned '02 TL-S (aka: The Tranny Eater).

Pro's:
XM radio is awesome
CD/DVD player w/5.1 sound is the best I have heard
Power Lumbar support is far better that the TL-S
Slightly better power surge vs. TL-S
Cool blue instrument panel and radio dial lights
Dual zone climate control

Con's:
EL42 tires loose traction very easily
Interior materials feel somewhat cheaper than the TL-S.
What happened to the holder for my sunglasses
Trunk lid is short and opens weird
Rolls a bit more than the TL-S
Ride is rock hard
Emergency Brake handle

Most of my complaints are because of the tires. The ride is hard, the car rolls more that I expected it should and for all-season performance tires, the EL42's slide way to much, and this is day one and I am not pushing the car. Somebody definately slipped up when they selected the EL42's for a Luxury Sports Sedan.

I guess the Emergency brake handle is a result of the 6MT models, to many pedals to fit on the floor if they kept the E-brake the old way.

TorontoTL

I can't imagine that the interior materials are better in the second generation TL, having owned one myself and now owning the 04 model. In particular the plastics are much better quality in the 04 TL. The sunglasses holder is now both of the door map pockets. I agree these are not as nice as one in the old TL. I definitely like the hand parking brake better than the foot parking brake. It seems more sporty to have a hand actuated brake.

PetesTL

Is the ride stiffer due to the tires or shocks and/or springs? When I drove a loaner '03 TL, the ride was definately smoother and "cushier"---probably due to the taller tires on the '03 TL. I think Acura intentionally designed the '04 to have a more "European" (i.e. stiffer) ride.

cM3go

sunglass holder in the door "pocket" now...

roadman

Yes but you can only get to them when the door is open. Not the greatest place to have them if the sun comes out while you are driving

joele

i can still get my sunglasses out with the door closed, the side compartment "pops" out to let you get them.

UminChu

I owned a Gen2 TL-S, and I agree that interior materials, surfaces and switchgear are of noticeably higher quality in the 04.

jjtags

I too owned a previous generation TL (02 TL-S) and the interior quality of the 04 is much better than the 02.

The ride of the 04 is stiffer than the 02 but it feels more planted and solid than the 02.

I actually like the e-brake up on the center console since I used to knock my shin on the e-brake pedal on my 02.

I love the interior and the blue dash, ambient lighting and knobs. The feel of the control stalks are more tactile and feel more "luxurious" and not plasticky.

The trunk lid is much taller than the 02 since the rear deck of the 04 is a bit higher. The trunk of the 04 seems deeper downward and deeper inward than the 02 but the shields for the hinges on the 04 cut into the trunk space.

I love this car!

TLVNteacher

TLVNteacher

I really can't agree with any of your complaints. I get up early to go to work just so I can sit that beautiful car!!!

dsc888

jjtags,

Do you have the new AT or the 6MT? How much stiffer, roughly percentage-wise, would you say is the new 04 compared to the 02?

thanks

jjtags

dsc888,

I have the 5AT and it's about 15-20% stiffer. Not more harsh mind you but just stiffer. Less body roll, and dipping. Bump absorption about the same.

The load rating of the tire also allows it to keep it's shape and contributes to the slightly stiffer feel. I made the mistake of getting 91 load rating tires on my 02 TL-S one time and had to keep the tires above 32 psi just to preserve the road holding. I'm making the comparison at 32psi (the recommended pressure for the B'stones on the 04)