Can anyone provide the web address for a forum on the Honda Accord? I want to compare problems between those identified in this forum (peeling paint, tires, multiple rattles, engine vibration, headliner, seat leather, visibility, mats, speaker buzz, seat memory) and the Acccord. Opinions, though subjective, are still welcome. Again, the comparison should be between these two cars, not between the TL and BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G35. Thanks.

 

I test drove both cars on the same day twice. I liked everything about the TL better, some a little, some a lot. More power, nicer leather, better stereo, stability control, etc. I had thought a lot about whether the TL was worth the extra money. In the end it was an easy decision. The Accord is a great choice if you don't want to spend the money though.

 

I've gone to Edmunds and sifted through the Honda Accord forum to find similar paint issues and complaints as the TL. Tires are different and is a non issue on the Accord. The paint issues are really a show stopper for me purchasing this vehicle. I've seen posts on various forums that all have the same failure mode, excessive peeling or chipping at very low mileage. The paint seems to have adhesion problems. I've had cars with 190K on them and not the level of chipping I read about, not what I expect from a modern day vehicle in any price range.

 

I had 2003 Accord EX which I traded in for 2004 TL/Auto/Nav. In my opinion, TL is far far better than Accord despite tire flatspotting, etc. If you have money, go with TL-you won't regret it.

 

www.v6performance.net

 

kevd: I think the paint problem is overstated, though clearly people do have this issue. The only paint problem I've had on my early build car, I caused. Maybe they changed the paint forumulation for more recent cars? (and used worse headliner glue? )

 

neuronbob,
I don't agree, I see the same pattern, bumper chips at intersecting edges, large dime sized chips in the hood, just the other day someones paint peeled off in a 2"x4" swath! That is an adhesion problem, properly bonded paint should only suffer damage at the point of impact. If the impact causes the paint to lift from a large surrounding area, there's a problem, it's not adhering. I live in the northeast where road debris and sand are commonplace, this is not an environment you want to have paint adhesion issues in.... Between the headliner and the paint, they just can't seem to get things to stick to good. :toothless

 

OK, don't buy a TL.

 

I think it's safe to say that a big reason why many people opted for the TL over the Accord is because of the way the Accord looks. If Acura's goal was to make the TL look less like a dressed-up Accord, they succeeded. But I wonder what would've happened if the Accord looked more like the TL and offered manual transmission on the sedan. I bet a lot of the TL buyers would've settled on the Accord instead.

 

I tested both cars and felt the TL was much more car and much more fun and enjoyable to be in. "Hondaonly" has a point hough. The Honda Inspire of Asia/Honda Accord with a nose job looks real nice. Has anyone seen it. The hood has some beautiful lines in it and the grill in front makes it look far more up/class. Maybe in 2005 or 6 they will add that to the Accord makeover. It really looks good and would help change my mind on purchasing one but, I already have my new TL.

 

I own one of each. The TL is mine; the Accord, my wife's. They are even the same color (silver/leather). To me, the biggest differences are the obvious; suspension (tighter and more aggressive in the TL, yet it doesn't seem to take bumps any worse), acceleration, etc. To me, the driver's seat in the Accord sits higher, and therefore, visibility may be a bit better. Of course, the TL has a lot more bells and whistles. To me, it's worth the extra money, as long as one isn't overextending oneself. I have had no problems with the Accord yet, but the paint started peeling off the front bumper of the TL. The dealer is taking care of that for me, though.

Has anyone noticed the difference in smell? I loooooooove the smell of my TL, but the Accord has a wierd, unnatractive smell.

 

Nothing a little vinegar and water can't cure.

 

Read my other threads, I am not happy with my TL, BUT I did look at an Accord first and hands down the TL is a better car. Better ride, more luxurious interior (even if it squeaks). The sound system in the Accord is weak. Again, while I have come to regret my TL, it is worth the extra bling over the Accord for a Honda/Acura fan.

 

Is it 30% better and why you are not happy?