fusiongt

is it just me feelin that SH suspension kinna sux?? It cant takes road imperfections, and makes the car jumpy... kinna feels like it's about to slide all over on bumpy roads. I cant wait to get a aftermarket coilover!

yngdiego

I feel quite the opposite. While it's not a smooth luxury ride, it handles very well I don't feel any 'slop' in the handling. Actually, I think it is very responsive and really sticks to the road. Could the ride be a bit softer? Yes, would that take away from the tight handling? Probably so.

Tigmd99

Have you check air pressures in your tires?

PsychDoc

Bingo

I was all set to buy the SH-AWD car until I drove it.

Holy crap, does it ever have a punishing ride. I've driven BMW's and Volvo's (notoriously firm) and none was anywhere near as rough as that car. I then took out a FWD/tech car and it was "love at first road imperfection." ;-) A perfect blend of firm and comfortable. Decidedly more firm than the ES 350 I was coming from, but comfortable and precise. And it sticks to the road like it's riding on rails. Only the tiniest bit of torque steer perceptable on full acceleration, none whatsoever on anything less than that. And the power from about 30mph up is simply awesome. It feels like you can get to 100mph in the blink of an eye. And the car is built like a s*** brickhouse. Not a rattle or squeak anywhere. I've never driven such a well engineered or well put together car in my life.

cyberbro

+1

PetesTL

Coming from a BMW 545i, the ride on my SH-AWD comes pretty close. In my opinion, the 5 series always had the perfect combination of sporty handling and ride comfort in any sedan. The SH-AWD's ride is a little firmer that the 5 series, but it's never punishing. The combination of the AWD model's sports suspension and 19" summer tires will give you the firmest ride....however, the upside is the excellent handling and traction. (not to mention, the better looks with the bigger rims). To me, the FWD car felt way too soft and handling was sloppy at times.

Olu

Ride is so subjective it's not even worth trying to come up with a "correct" answer. As for being jumpy, all reviews from professional drivers (and in my own experience) this car shines in turns WITH bumps. I've gone around some corners very quickly in this car that would have unsettled most other cars.

Coming from my Lexus GS300 the ride of the TL-SHAWD is better. I agree that there is less travel in the springs, but bumps are absorbed gracefully with no transmission through the steering wheel or into the cabin.

To each their own.


Punishing?? I used to have a Jetta VR6 slammed with Spax shocks and springs. Now that was punishing. You pay for handling. Not sure which Bimmer you're describing, but SH-AWD pulls 0.92gs. Don't know of many Volvo's that can do that.

dshahs420

It is definately unforgiving but it's a welcome change for now especially coming from a Lexus. Maybe after a year I'll get tired of it. We'll see.

KeithL

I guess it depends on what you are looking for, what you are used to and what kind of roads you drive on. Coming from a Type-S whcih I thought road good, but was jolty on some bumps, the AWD is an awesome improvement. It is a tad stiffer, but handles the bumps better. It is smoother on decent roads, but is rather stiff on bad roads. I'm lucky here in the ATL as 99% of the roads I use are really good. I found the FWD TL too soft and mushy.

fusiongt

I wish Acura use magnatic shock just like in RL or MDX. oh yea i forgot to mention one more thing. the Steering wheel... wayyyy too loose esp on high speed. I kinna have to wiggle the steering to keep the car go straight... ?

venom550pm

Coming from a WRX, the TL SH-AWD out handles it with the 18's or 19's. It is also a smoother more comfortable ride.

i agree with olu, ride quality is so subjective, that we just have to agree to disagree. To each there own.

Both TL's are great cars, just what you prefer.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

OP- did you test drive it before you bought it?

cornelius

The suspension in the AWD isnt too harsh. Certain aftermarket coilovers will give you whiplash, and certain ones are so tight, it feels like the tires are made out of boulders. My FWD suspension feels extra soft. Wanna trade suspensions?

TL|GTX

lol funny guy.

Eli

These things are pretty subjective. I come from driving Toyotas, and the Camry is quieter (road noise) and soaks up imperfections better than the base TL does. But on the other hand Toyota/Lexus vehicles are way too "floaty". I think the TL is the best balance, although to nitpick I do wish it was a bit quieter.

ktran3991

What is the difference of SH suspension on TLs?
I know when SH first came on in preludes back in 1996, only difference from base model was it was 1in lower with the atts technology.

Haelous

Agreed. The luxurious AWD ride belongs to the RL. The TL SH-AWD suspension is designed for a more sporty driving style.

I imagine if the TL SH-AWD had 17" wheels it would aid the ride in being smoother as well, but it still wouldn't be an RL.

White92

Most of the complaints I've heard come from driver error. Acura enthusiasts are not used to anything like SH-AWD. They are used to the FWD layout that we've put up with forever. People drive the car into a corner and let up close to what they think is the limit. SH-AWD cars like to be pushed through the turn. Accelerating through a turn will actually smooth most of the issues out. Letting up will hurt it.