nickpoore

Reason to NOT buy the TLX.

The TLX is a great car, but it has issues.

I hate the HFL (phone interface).
The HFL does not work with three phones that I've tried, and Acura do not stand behind their product.

The navigation system sucks.
You cannot enter an address while driving - I can do this in my older TL and my Honda's.
Their "concierge" service are very helpful, in the "I don't know how to use google to find the address you're looking for" kind of way. I've called them several times to find a business address, and they tell me there is no such listing. I then pull over and look it up on my phone (goolge maps) in about 5 seconds.

The new gear-lever is stupid.
Okay, personal preference here.
With a stick, when I shift from reverse to drive, I know by feel that it has worked.
If you press the wrong button on the transmission, there is no way to tell until you press on the gas...

So many of the screens are cumbersom to navigate.
It's like the designers of these cars are still using blackberry phones, and have never used modern phone to understand intuitive user interfaces.
(Sorry blackberry - much love!)

They cheaped out everywhere on the interior.
The seat-backs are cheap vinyl, not the durable plastic (with hinged pull-out pockets) that they once were.
The rear seat room in minimal.
They did away with rear storage in the doors.
They are too cheap to include a spare tire.

LASTLY.
WHEN I HAD A COMPLAINT ABOUT A TECHNICAL ISSUE, THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT.
They burried their head in the sand, and even though it did not work in the way the manual said it would, they insisted that the system was working as designed.

I do like the car.
I like the styling, and way it drives.
I do not like the electronics.

sbillard

"The HFL does not work with three phones that I've tried, and Acura do not stand behind their product."

You neglect to mention that it works perfectly well for others with these same phones. Maybe not a generic issue?

"You cannot enter an address while driving"

Blame the Feds for this--safety feature. Also never had any issues with the "concierge" service.

"Okay, personal preference here."

You bet. To me the push button is wonderful. But then I do not have a negative bias to start with.

"So many of the screens are cumbersom[sic] to navigate."

Not meant for Ludites

"WHEN I HAD A COMPLAINT ABOUT A TECHNICAL ISSUE, THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT."

Shouldn't happen, but people tend to be human. I am sure that if you presented the attitude you show here when talking to them you did not encourage them to see your point of view.

advan031

Well, I found enough reasons to buy and actually like the car. I hope you find another car you like.

Eli

You guys are way too defensive, I think most of the OP's criticisms are pretty fair and good to know if you're coming from a 4G (like me). I didn't realize there was so much cost cutting in the interior.

Also, Tesla is the only automaker I've seen who "gets it" as far as infotainment stuff goes. Honda (and most other automakers), deserve plenty of criticism for the way they implement the interfaces. They're a far cry from what you'd expect on a smartphone or tablet these days.

mondster

When it's not within your budget....

Stew4HD

What cost cutting are you talking about?

nore03

Is this a real post? I don't think I have ever seen any other site bash their own cars as much as it happens on this site.... smh!

Hoosier_TLX

Saturno_V.............. where are you? These are the threads you live for based on what I've noticed.

If the OP is unhappy with the quality and functionality of the car then it's well within his right as the owner to fell that way.

I wouldn't agree with several of his comments, but that's just because I don't feel that way. I do have some minor issues with the car, but nothing that I didn't know as I was researching it and NO car within this price range will have EVERYTHING we want and work perfectly for EVERYONE. It's always a give and take thing and that's just the way it is these days.

Drei

iTrader: (2)

I agree with you on the cheap materials used in the TLX

Material wise

3G TL > 4G TL > TLX

youngTL

The Milano leather on the TLX is nicer than the seats in my 3G after sitting in both back-to-back. The only place I felt wasn't great was the upper part of the door interior, between the armrest and the window glass.

The 3G has a lot of hard plastics if you look for them. I would know, I drive one every day. Top of the dash in front of driver (TLX is rubberized/softer), centre stack, cupholder area, glove box, seat backs.

The TLX doesn't have rear door pockets though, but it has a better designed centre console that fits more stuff. I wish it slid forward like the 3G's does though.


The 4G probably wins on materials over both though. Except the fuel economy is horrendous and in my opinion so is the styling (exterior) or I would have bought one.

kixo

Can you clarify? Did the USDOT or NHTSA pass a rule that requires these nanny features? Or is that the vehicle manufacturers are scared of lawsuits?

AZuser

NHTSA guideline (based upon those drafted by the automakers' industry association, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers)

U.S. State and Federal Laws Targeting Distracted Driving


It's also something Honda has been doing since 2012

Feds limit driver distractions in cars

mapleloaf

I really don't get the exaggerated (IMHO) comments posted here, particularly regarding cheap materials. The leather is as nice or nicer than the leather in the TL Elite, the woodgrain and aluminum type accents look good and are durable, the technology is better. It takes 20 - 30 seconds or less to enter the address, and I have often done it when stopped at a light. THe one step voice that is available in US cars would be great but c'est la vie. The Acura Concierge service has always been fast and efficient for my needs. The rear seat room is more than adequate for two adults and compares more than favourably with other cars in the class.

The Navigation system provides very clear visual and oral directions and includes a very handy display in front of the driver to minimize distracted driving. Are there prettier systems…absolutely, but it does what it's supposed to do, so again, I don't get the "sucks" comment.

Is the car perfect….no….nothing below a 100k is. Is this car a great value for it's price…absolutely. Is everything the best in it's class, NO…but if it was, it wouldn't cost what it does. There are certain folks that have a hard time dealing with shades of grey and tend to categorize things in two categories…those that suck and those that don't. I believe the same type of thinking is pervasive in other walks of life, but regardless, I get frustrated with exaggeration and over simplification.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I do question when hyperbole seems to stretch credibility.

Stew4HD

Personally, I disagree with all of the "reasons" mentioned here.

The only issue I have with the TLX is the funky shifting issues that only effect me intermittently. 99% of the time, I love this car!

This is one of those types of posts Quandry had mentioned. Why is necessary to write a thread like this?

I guess I need to go to Infiniti Q50 forums and tell them why I didn't like that car, same for 3 Series and MB, just to cover the bases.

chris03tl

Slightly OT, but what didnt you like about the Q? (take it to PM if you like)

AZuser

You make it seem like the OP just joined to make this post. OP's been a member here since Nov 2003.

saturno_v

Everything I had to say about the TLX is already out...no need to repeat. By now there is a generalized consensus that the TLX is a downgrade from the 4G and it is not that exciting.

By the way, did you guys read the C&D review about the ILX?? Pretty harsh, Acura is really adrift when it comes to non SUV/Crossovers.

a35tl

^^^^
This guy...........lol!! So predictable.

saturno_v

Someone actually asked my comment....did you read the thread??

Stew4HD

You make your own assumptions.. no shock here

TacoBello

dafuq you talkin bout?

radman71

In my TLX there's a big 'D' in the MID when the transmission is on Drive. 'R' for reverse and so on.... I don't need to look to the gear shifter or, heaven forbid, press on the gas without knowing what gear the car is in. Also, the 'D' button is a different shape and is oriented differently from the others as is the 'R'. I'm sure all 9ATs are the same. But as was mentioned before, we are all entitled to our own opinion and preference. Admittedly, my hand sometimes ends up in the cup holder when I try to shift from reverse into drive, but it's not bothersome.

I did love the shifter on my 2012 TL, though. Always felt like a baseball to me.

mapleloaf

There are also lots of positive reviews about the new ILX. You might also find the article in the link below interesting about C & D's long standing bias towards all things German.

https://jimsgarage.wordpress.com/200...pisses-me-off/

Stew4HD

First, the looks. I can't help but see the Ultima every time I see a Q50.

I didn't like the way it handles, like a boat. Come hard into a corner and the car didn't feel like it was going to stop or turn.

The interior layout felt cramped as well. I test drove a couple of them. I wanted to like the Q50S but I kept going back to the TLX.

IMO, the Q50 is trying way too hard to be a Lexus and not making it.

BEAR-AvHistory

If it was not for "difference of opinions" threads this forum would be dead.

Differences are very good for people who have not bought the car but are looking to do so to see both sides of potential ownership.

Expect there will be a bit of traffic with the release of the new Accord. As for the TLX nothing to be afraid of, if the person truly likes the car they will buy it.

keith7120

I have yet to pull the trigger on the TLX, its a nice car and all but I have not seen a TLX that make me wish I was out of my 2013 4G SH-AWD. In addition, I was behind a TLX and a Audi and for some reason, the TLX looked unfinished from the rear. Could it be the pipes? How many luxury makers are hiding the pipes? I'm confused, they were going for a green look but advertise "thrill". In my opinion, the prototype was awesome and provided hope for those that hated the 4g, they then watered it down to a lexus ES300, the older ones!

Stew4HD

^ MB and Lexus are hiding the pipes.. the GS350 and LS460 have openings but no exposed tips

kurtatx

But they don't have an A on their grille, so obviously they aren't failures.

Stew4HD

I should have realized that! I am such a slow learner!

BEAR-AvHistory

But the to be released Acura brand HALO 2016 NSX does have exhaust finishers, four of them in fact despite being a partial electric. Looks a lot like the 4 on the StingRay

Unless they are battery vents, NAH

Not sure what MB you are referring to but the new release top of the line S-600 Maybach starting at $189,000 like the NSX also has 4 of them.

Quandry

The obsession with pipes is way overblown. People have to decide if they want a sports car where you hear the revs or a quiet luxury ride. Acura designed the latter for the TLX, and I would say it has nothing to do with being green. It is just practical for this car as pipes with no noise is just a "wanna be" look.

If you want pipes with the sound and look go get an Audi R8 Coupe.

mapleloaf

I have two finishers on my 2014 Altima. Prefer the look of my TLX without. I would not mind having the aggressive vents of the TL, but either way the car looks good. It's just not that important, especially with the attractive rear bottom lights and chrome. JMHO.

mondster

Completely OT, but have you guys seen the updated front for the 2016 gs350? Looks like a camry... fugly as hell.

BEAR-AvHistory

Not to beat the point to death but the exhaust tips have nothing to do with sound & are typically called "finishers" for a reason. They are a styling feature most like some don't but nothing more than that.

Personally I like the look as they add texture to what otherwise can be a big flat piece of plastic. Also don't personally care for raw pipe ends.

No right or wrong way just different things for different tastes.

Quandry

^^The rear end of the TLX has been nicely finished and does not need additional texture. But that is my opinion only. I just prefer the clean look, so no air ram scoops on the hood, complex sharp edges on the front end, or spindle grill (had to throw that one in).

ostrich

Having had my TLX SH-AWD for 10 months now, I just love it. It's an UPGRADE from my 4G TL SH-AWD and I love the more refined suspension, the incredibly low noise level inside the cabin, and also the fuel economy! The shifter thing is really nothing - it took me a few days and I got used to it and it is not an issue at all. I guess I learn fast. Of course, it is not a perfect car. I agree that the navigation interface could be much more responsive and intuitive. I agree that the slight hesitation with the transmission from stationary to acceleration is a bit annoying. However, when I looked at the Lexus IS and GS, A4, C class, 3 series, and Q50, they all had something that irritated me in one way or another. So it's just a matter what the priorities are. To me, the things that irritate me about the TLX are not as important as those that I enjoy. So overall, I just love my car and would recommend it to anyone. Just my opinions! :-)

Stew4HD

I almost let the shifting issues get the better of me but decided that I just love the pluses of this car more than the annoying shifting issue. I am going to keep bugging Acura to fix this problem though

MTD

Keeping the pipes tucked away and hidden also keeps the rear of the car cleaner. These new GDI motors do emit a lot of soot from their exhausts which can dirty the rear of the car.

MyT6MT

To OP,

Very fare comments/criticisms . I don't own a TLX for a lot of the reasons you listed + a bunch more. That's why I went with the MDX instead.

I had an 07' 2010 6MT and 2012 6MT TL. I felt very underwhelmed when I saw it in person for the first time at my local Acura dealer. I was there to give a V6 SHAWD a test drive since my 2012's lease was up. I didn't even bother... instead taking the MDX for a test drive and getting that right then and there.

Since they are the same in both vehicles, I mostly agree with your infotainment opinions as well . It's simply not that good but it gets the job done when needed.

Nedmundo

I know this is OT, but I have to defend Car & Driver here. That article is from 2007, before BMW started moving toward luxury and maximum sales, and away from exquisite feel and driving dynamics. Car & Driver has frequently criticized BMW for this, especially the F30 3 Series for its pathetically numb steering and general lack of sharpness, and the F10 5 Series for being overweight and failing to deliver the classic 5 Series driving experience. Heck, the IS350 won a comparison test against a 335i! (I haven't driven the 5, but I've driven a couple of F30 3 Series variants, and think C&D's criticisms are spot on.)

Yes, they do like German cars, but IMO they're fairly objective, and recognize when others have superior dynamics, like the ATS.