dougpt10

Went to put some long objects in the TL yesterday for a soccer tournament and realized the back seats don't fold down just the pass through. WTF? I kinda feel stupid I didn't know this when I bought it but I havn't seen a car without folding rear seats in over 10 years. Is there a "reason" that they don't or was Acura lazy?

argoldst

I'm with you on that one. I have no idea why all car manufactueres do not do this.

I can't imagine it being an expensive add on and it really can make life easier.

What gives? My first car 95 gsr had it why not the tl?

Tuetatesu

I'm just guessing, but because they wanted the TL to be a very safe car. I think they fixed the rear seats for childeren seats. If you notice there are mounting areas on the seat for child seat anchors and installation. Being a parent myself the safer the better and having those anchors is very handy. Thus, you get a portal instead. I think most people who buy this car are at the age where they begin family's.

Just my guess though.

cM3go

most people lug 2x4s in their trucks or SUVs, not their luxury sport sedans

dougpt10

I got one of those too but it's nice to ba able to fold down theseats in a pinch to throw in that long object. I had nore trunk space in my TT!

GaleForce

I heard its because there are metal bars behind the seats to keep the chassis even stiffer.

dsc888

Here is the link of my post explaining why Acura didn't add folding rear seats:


http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...225#post918225


dsc888

dougpt10

Thanks! where does the bar actually run and where did you get the info?

Tuetatesu

That makes sence. Reinforceing that area of the chassis does increase handling performance. Understanding how race cars are built the less body flex the better I say.

I do notice that the TL's ride does feel firm.

missmyprelude

With 2 car seats in the back, I can't fold 'em down anyway with out the hassle of taking the seats out and leaving the kids at home. So, it doesn't matter all that much to me. I agree that it would be nice to have though.

dsc888

doug, the "X" bar runs from the top corners of the packaging shelf at the top diagonally across downwards(left and right)to the center back of the rear seats where the edge of the small ski pass through is located. It acts as a brace of sorts to reduce flexing of the car frame as you corner of while driving at an angle onto an inclined driveway.

I found out about the brace while reading about someone who had to remove their rear seat backs for a suspension install. Someone with the shop manual may be able to find the illustation for the cross member.

dsc888

Pot80h

The 2nd Gen was the same. Had a heck of a time running the cable from the CD changer we installed past the back seats. Those metal edges back there are sharp - cut myself jamming my fingers between the back shelf and the seat.