Just picked up my new 04 TL. In the first 200 miles of city freeway driving (admittedly on rough Minnesota pavement) I am amazed and disappointed at the bone jarring rough ride. Literally every minor rode bump jars the front seat passengers to the point that my back is aching and I’m irritated as can be. I have read all the complaints about the tires. Does changing tires make much difference? Any other thoughts?

 

For the back aches, maybe playing with the seat position and lumbar support will help...

 

Thats what you get for choosing a car with a sporty suspension. Did you test drive?

 

that's kinda what a sports sedan drives like. Its that ability to feel the road that makes the "sport"

 

What did you drive before the TL? If you came from something like a Lexus, Caddy or Buick, then the TL will feel a lot rougher. The TL's low-profile tires and firm suspension also plays a big role in the ride quality. I came from an X5 and FX45 which are known for their rock-hard ride quality, so the TL's ride is like "butter" to me.

 

Ditto here. It all depends on your perspective. I came off a Camaro Z28 and this is a magnitude more confortable ride. The good news is, you'll get used to it. After a month or two, it all feels right with the world.

 

It must be those Minnesota roads. Mine is perfect here in Ohio. One plus is that you'll never have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel.

 

Same here and agreed, we have a Porsche Cayenne with 20's, BMW X5 4.6is with 20's and a Z4 with 18's. The TL is so smooth and soft to me. My A4 that I traded rode rougher. The TL is very pleasing for highway driving and Ohio's roads are not the best in the world by any stretch.

 

check your tire pressure!

 

A WR rated tire must have a very firm sidewall to support the speed levels it is designed for. Unfortunately that also makes the tire very firm. You can switch to a softer tire and get a sofer ride, but tradeoff some handling.

The stock EL-42 tires are a very hard tire, even a different WR tire may ride better

 

oops you picked the wrong car. The TL is a sporty sedan with lots of power and a lot of road feel. My other ride is a Tundra truck that rides like a limousine compared to the TL. If you want a wooshey ride you have to buy a wooshey car. Look at the RL istead. You can get nice buys on left over 04 RL's right now. Otherwise enjoy the sports car ride.

 

I was going to suggest the same. Also, I live in MN and fine the TL ride to actually be quite "cushy" over the crappy roads here and I think you'll get used to it.

 

You could get softer ride after a few thousand miles, and you will get use to it.

 

You call the TL a SPORTY suspension ??? I think it handles like a boat! You really should have looked into the Buick line-up if the Acura TL is giving you a backache!!

 

the ride isnt rough until you go higher than the stock 17 inch wheels. it is in no way cushy. doesnt like bad pavement but its fine all around. dont put bigger rims on it because it doesnt need them.

 

Buy a Caddy!!

 

I know what you mean! There are some vicious potholes and rough roads here in Toronto left ovr from winter ( not to mention the city does a piss poor job of maintaining the roads). My recomendation is slow down.

 

have you guys seen the 2005 RL.. i think it looks Badd A$$. TL with MUSCLES!!!!!! But i bet it will run bout close to 50's. maybe 47's.... BUT it is BADD!!!!!!

 

Buy an STI and you'll know the meaning of bumpy.

 

Yes, one. It's been over 24 hours since your first and only post. When are you coming back to respond to the many replies you've received?

 

Thanks for the many replies. Yes, I have been driving “cushy” cars with big fat tires the last few years, Highlander, Avalon and a 4 Runner. The 4 Runner was rough too but certainly not because of its great road feel. I’m going to change the tires and see where that leads me. Would like better snow and rain traction anyway. I’m thinking most of you are right, just need to get used to it. Yah I know it’s a great car!

 

A boat? You are out of your gord dude. No, it is not a Porsche or Beemer as far as handling - it is a 4 door sedan - many of us forget that. This handles like no boat.

 

I'm in Minnesota too, but can't say I find the TL ride rough.

Firm, to be sure, but it hasn't given me any backaches or other distress. If anything, the TL is a lot more comfortable than the car I came out of which was bigger and American (well, sort of American).

 

I had similar experience when I picked my car. I checked my tire pressures and all four tires were set at 38 psi. I adjusted the pressure to 32 psi and that made big difference.

 

obrienklm - It depends on whether Acura is still shipping cars with the original Bridgestone tires. I did not like the ride on my TL (bought 11/03) and had the tires replaced by Acura for the re-engineered Bridgestones when they became available this year. The ride was significantly improved - it looked to me that the sidewalls were higher on the new ones. So, find out which ones you were given.

 

That's right, the car is a sport sedan. That means it handles like it's on rails and gives nice road feel and feedback while you're driving. The tradeoff with this class of car is tighter suspension and more road noise. If you need a cushie ride get a Buick.

 

I got the "new" EL42's on my car and switched them out for Dunlop SP Sport 5000's and they ride more smoothly on the freeway. Less impact harshness on tar strips or uneven pavement for sure!!! They should also be MUCH better in the snow due to the aggressive (and cool looking) asymetrical tread design. They might be a touch noisier but not really enough to notice. I had 400 miles on the EL42's before I replaced them and now have 850 miles on the car. LOVE IT!!!!!