Acura TSX

johnny420

"Almost forgot - The other thing I'd look into is finding a way to move the battery from the engine compartment back to the trunk."

 

Because? More weight to the rear?

 

Interesting discussion on possble mods for the TSX. When you mention that some modest suspension mods (A Spec) wouldn't degrade ride quality too much, how do you define too much?

 

I have to say, the one thing about the TSX I wouldn't want more of is ride stiffness. I know a lot of guys on the "other" site like to drop their cars down to fill the wheel gap and improve handling and looks, but it always seemed to me that would take away some from the everyday useability of the car, i.e. getting in and out of driveways and driving on textured road surfaces, etc. That might be the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on such an upgrade. I like being able to hammer into driveway aprons with aplomb, without having to take an angle.

 

Upgrading the tires though, definitely.

 

Personally I find the handling for general street use to be just about perfect right out of the box, even with the stock tires.

indydriver

Yes, I have to temper my desire for ultimate handling against the practicality of how I will actually use the car: as a five state sales transportation device, i.e., lots of highway miles. Through my employer, I do have the opportunity to swap tires at any Firestone store. Currently thinking I will change out for Bridgestone Turanza LS-Vs.

newtonma

Who can give me feedback on highway cruising?

 

I'm about to replace my '99 VW VR6 with a TSX. VW has been in the shop 9 times (for 8 different problems) in 12 weeks. Ugh! Can't touch the Integra I had for 10 years before that.

 

I love the TSX, and I'm a confirmed manual transmission driver. My only concern with the MT6 is the gear ratios. Half of my 60 mile/day commute is clear highway at 80mpg. The MT spins faster and gets poorer mileage than the AT in top gear.

 

Three questions to TSX-MT drivers:

1) Is it noisy at 80mpg?

2) Does it feel like the car is straining and itching to shift again?

3) What's real mileage at 80?

johnny420

1. No.

2. No. It doesn't feel like it's straining at 100.

3. I have no idea about fuel economy at that

   specific speed. Overall, it's pretty good,

   though maybe not as phenomenal as you might

   expect from a four-banger. The engine is pretty

   well tuned for performance.

 

Johnny

prefisso

I agree that the OEM tires are weak. While I too plan on swapping over to a summer tire I won't go for maximum traction. I still want some mileage and comfort from the new rubber. I've dealt with Tire Rack in the past with good results. But looking on their web sight there doesn't seem to be much choice for the TSX stock size. Kumho Ecsta 711 is about the best I can find from the reviews. Opinions?

squirreljam

Newtonma - highway at 80 is exceptionally smooth in MT TSX. The engine is so well balanced that at about 3100 rpms (@80mph i think) it has less noise and vibration than other cars at 2100. I really like highway cruising in the TSX.

 

Example - My onramp to work dumps me onto the interstate in 4th gear at about 3500 rpms, and if I need to get the jump on traffic I often find myself a mile down the road still in 4th at 5000 or higher rpm and go "oh yeah, I still have 2 gears."

 

As to mlg, johnny420's spot on - not bad but not as good as you might think at first. My experience is around 28-29 mpg at 80-85 on highway. Others have noted that it goes up once you have around 10K miles on the car but I didn't see that.

 

Squirreljam

indydriver

28-29 at 80-85 mph is pretty darn good.

fedlawman

I'm very interested in 2 high performance all season tires known for their above average noise level and comfort.

 

According to Tire Rack, the Yokohama AVS dB S2 and Pirelli PZero Nero M&S are both outstanding tires that will fit the stock TSX wheels in 225/45-17 size.

 

These are the two tires I would choose between if I were shopping right now.

lmacmil

I have the TSX on my short list. I've only tested an automatic and that didn't have enough pickup for me (I'm currently driving a 3.5l V6). I'm hoping the manual will be better but I'm wondering if anyone who owns a manual finds the power lacking, especially if you've driven a V6 in the past.

anonymousposts

I will be keeping a close eye on the TSX. My other half has determined that we should not buy our 04 Accord at the end of the lease and instead we should get a TSX.

johnny420

Hey imacmil,

 

I definitely don't find the power lacking in my 6MT. You can always deal with more power, and I'd certainly take more in future TSX's, but, as it is, the car is peppy and strong. On the freeway I always have the passing power I need.

 

It's certainly not going to pin you back in the seat, but the TSX has an excellent powertrain. Very smooth and strong. I think you'll find that the manual is quite a bit better than the AT. I wouldn't own this car any other way.

 

Whatever complaints there have been about the cars power are largely myth, if you ask me. I suspect a lot of people that squawk about the power have never even driven the car. That's just the impression I get from frequenting boards like this.

 

For reference, my previous car was a 2000 Accord EX V6.

 

Johnny

richyl

TSX OEM tire is P215/50 R17, is it possible to put R225/55 R17 on it? I read a review of high-performance tires on consumer reports and the best ones don't come in R215/50 size, just wondering if other size close to it would fit too.

gee35coupe

225/45/17. The 55-series would have a too tall sidewall.

fedlawman

A P225/55-17 tire would fit, but it's not a close match to the OEM size. (edit: see above)

 

A P225/45-17 tire would be a better choice, and there are many tires available in that size.

 

Almost forgot another highly regarded choice for the TSX...

 

The Toyo Proxes T1-S is available in both 215/50-17 (stock) and 225/45-17, and it has the added benefit of being about 5 lbs. lighter than the OEM Michelin. Combined with lightweight wheels, you could shed up to 15 lbs. of rotational mass per corner.

 

The combination of added grip and reduced unsprung weight should have a profound effect on the TSX's performance.

richyl

From what people have said here I get a feeling that TSX is a noisier than Accord V6, but is that only during acceleration? What's the engine noise at highway cuising (say at 65mph), and what's the RPM at that speed. I read all the posts in Accord vs. TSX forum, I think Accord V6 is a nice car for sure but TSX has brighter lamps, VSA, directional light on the side mirrors and a few other things which I like very much. Accord is bigger but I am 21 and single, so I guess TSX size is good enough for me. My job will start this summer in a pretty far place, so on weekends I will most likely to explore the area and drive to other cities and towns to have fun. Otherwise I will mostly use it to commute (should be <30 minutes one-way) during weekdays. I realize that the ride on Accord (and Camry) is better for commuters, and I kinda favor a quiet, relaxed driving experience before (I am a new driver so that could change later on =D), but the features on TSX are just too sweet. So what can I expect if I drive a TSX? Right now I am just trying to discover all the negative "surprises" and "unexpected things" that could happen later on based on my taste because there is a 95% chance TSX will be my first new car, so any comment from y'all experienced TSX owners is appreciated.

cchen777

Hi, i bought a 05 TSX 1 month ago. To answer your

question, the TSX is NOT noisy at all, you only

notice the engine sound when revving >5k RPM, and

that was the sweetest sound from 4 cylinder

i ever heard. I don't know about the accord,

to me the all-red taillight alone on '05 would

be a good reason not to even think about it.

(for the record, my previous car was an accord

EX)

 

BTW, you may want to pay attention to MPG; I only

managed to get about 20-21 in mixed city/freeway

w/ 91 octane. Accord v6 can probablt do about

the same w/ regular 87.

fredvh

How do you like the ride quality of the TSX vs. Accord? How about noise level for each one?

     What is wrong with the Accord's new red taillight?

richyl

Car and Driver Magazine conducted an interior sound level measurement for TSX, the result is 40dB for idling, 74dB for full throttle and 69dB for curising at 70mph. Honda Accord Hybrid gets 69dB at full throttle and 68dB at 70-mph cruising. I can only find bits and pieces of information there but from the data collected in 2000 and 2002, high-end models from BMW and Lexus have the lowest sound level at 70 mphs, which was about 65dB. So TSX is not a bad performer here.

 

p.s. Just found that MERCEDES-BENZ S600 has a cruising noise of 67dB, pretty interesting.

 

Also in the review for TSX, they said that "The steering has a similar light-to-the-touch quickness, making the TSX feel alive and agile for urban maneuvers. At higher speeds, when straight down the road is the goal, the mood turns a little nervous; the path weaves in response to unseen forces." What does this suggest? You can't drive it straight?

 

xplorx4

Going on tire diameter alone, the closer match to the OEM 215/50R17 is a 235/45R17 not a 225/45R17.

 

215/50R17 = 25.46" diameter

225/45R17 = 24.97" diameter

235/45R17 = 25.32" diameter

 

Are there significantly more tire choices in 235 sizes than in 225 sizes?

kyfdx

Significantly less choice with 235/45-17.. BMW 3-series use 225/45-17 for a few models.. So, it is a popular size..

 

You are right, though.. 235/45-17 is a much closer match in diameter... but you are getting into a significantly wider tire... 0.8" wider...

indydriver

How much does the stock tire (only) weigh? Michelin doesn't post on their website. Bridgestone does post weights on their site.

indydriver

I am a dedicated 6MT shopper so admittedly biased. I drove the 5AT when my dealer had no MTs on the lot. Prepared to be underwhelmed, I was pleasantly surprised with its peppiness, especially in manumatic mode. But, there truly is no comparison to the 6MT. I too am coming from a 250 hp/250 lb.ft. V-6. I found the 6MT so entertaining to drive (maybe true of any MT) that I didn't notice or care about the difference in horsepower. This is the true power of driving a lively manual.

firstcar

I test drove the Accord V6 and just purchased a 2004 TSX.

 

In terms of ride I find the TSX very smooth and extreamly quite. It does have a certain stiff quality to it which may not be a present in the V6, but when I went with TSX I did so for partly because I wanted a sport car that was not a sports car so for me its the best of both wolrd. Plus, I don't think you will find more features and overall luxury for the $ and you have honda quality.

 

I will have to echo the premium gas as a negative for me. I don't like spending a lot of money on gas and while the TSX get decent mileage, you have to put in at least mid grade fuel.

lmacmil

"I found the 6MT so entertaining to drive (maybe true of any MT) that I didn't notice or care about the difference in horsepower."

 

You're probably right about this. I drive my son's Matrix XRS around town and it never seems underpowered. Of course, I've never had to merge into freeway traffic or pass someone on a two lane road but I'm sure the TSX will be fine. I didn't try manual shifting the auto I drove to I missed out on that.

 

I will probably try to get a used 2004 and save $3000 or so.

indydriver

My two cents on two of your comments.

 

If you drive 6 and 4 cyl Hondas/Acuras back to back you will find a noticeable nose-heavy feel in the 6s that is much less prevalent in the 4s. It is not just weight distribution because they are within 1 or 2%. But the front suspension on the 6's (especially Accords) has less travel and is noticeably less compliant. From a handling/ride standpoint, the 4s are superior. So, with the HO 4 in the TSX, you get much closer to the power of the six without this penalty.

 

As far as premium goes, it really grates me to have to pay $.20 more but, if you run your numbers, you'll realize it really isn't much of a penalty. If you drive a TSX 25,000 miles per year (a lot for most people) and average 25 mpg (not too difficult), you will buy 1,000 gal of gas times .20 equals only $200/yr. And if you are still comparing to V-6 Accord which will get lower gas mileage, the differential will be less than that.

cchen777

Good point, but just want to recap

some numbers :

 

MPG (city/highway)

TSX AT: 22/31 (from my window sticker)

Accord V6 AT: 21/30

 

Horsepower/Torque

TSX : 200/166

Accord V6 : 240/212

 

With 20% more horse power, accord V6 os only

1 mpg worse (on regular unleaded). It's hard

to claim that TSX is very fuel efficient.

robr2

With 20% more horse power, accord V6 os only

1 mpg worse (on regular unleaded). It's hard

to claim that TSX is very fuel efficient.

 

But IMHO, it's not going to drive the same. The Accord is a nice highway cruiser with good handling. The TSX is in a different class handling wise.

napoleandyno

Just to respond to the question about whether or not the TSX feels underpowered, i am a new owner of a 2004 6MT as of last week and i can say that the car has plenty of power - although for reference i'm coming from 2.0L jetta. To echo the others, the 6MT is a model for smoothness and you will love rowing through the gears to stay in the power band. what i'll concede, though, is that the car is weak on low-end torque, and you need to adjust your driving style accordingly - for me it took about 60 seconds in the car ;-)

ggs2

i would appreciate any feedback on this topic. i am currently considering a new tsx or a 2002 or 2003 325xi. my heart says go with the bmw but my brain says go with the acura. i have driven both and am impressed with both.i do like the exterior of the bmw better but prefer the tsx interior more.any comments would be helpful. thanks

indydriver

I never claimed the TSX is fuel efficient, I said the cost of using premium fuel at $200/yr is not much of a penalty. But...since you brought it up, the TSX is very capable of being a high mileage car (many MT drivers are reporting low to mid-30's during steady hwy crusing). But, the bottom line has nothing to do with fuel cost or mileage if you've driven both cars. If you appreciate sportiness in an automobile, TSX wins hands down.

kyfdx

I had the same decision to make last year.. A new '04 TSX or a used 325i (didn't really consider the 325xi).

 

I was hours away from returning to the Acura dealer to strike a deal on a car that I had driven two days previously, when the owner of the 325i that I had my heart set on.. called back with a lower offer...

 

In retrospect.. it is my wife's car... and she doesn't care about it nearly as much as I do.. She would have been just as happy with the TSX.. In fact, she even mentions that it would be nice to not see 50 cars per day, just like the one you have...

 

If it is a tossup, I'd say go with the TSX.. You'll be in warranty longer.. resale is good.. and you have bulletproof Honda reliability (not that I've had problems).

 

Only get the BMW if you can't live without it.. The only thing that gives me pause... you mention getting AWD.. If you frequently need that kind of traction, the TSX isn't going to be a snow champ, considering the low-profile rubber on it..

 

And, if you do get the BMW, try to stretch the budget to get an '04.. You'll have much more warranty left.. and free maintenance.. You'd be surprised what you could find for $28K-$29K.

fredvh

What kind of mpg can I expect to get if I buy a TSX with the Auto trans? Is over 30 on the highway reasonable? What are the RPM at approximately 70mph?

ronabi

I've had my 05 TSX w auto for a month now, but still haven't make a trip sufficient to calculate MPG on the highway. I'm getting 25-26 in mixed driving and will be pleased with highway MPG over 30. I'm expecting around 32. My tach shows 2400 RPM at 70.

dudleyr

4 snows on a TSX will be much cheaper and much more effective in the winter than getting a BMWxi.

kyfdx

Agreed on the price.. how many people do you think put winter tires on their FWD cars, though? Handling.. probably the Acura (or any car) on winters... but, for not getting stuck, etc... I'd still take the Xi on all-seasons...

dudleyr

Two sides to the coin - the BMW may be slightly less likely to get stuck, but the Acura on snows will be able to stop. Being able to stop is what keeps you from hitting things, or going in the ditch.

 

It does not matter how many other people do it, as long as you (universal) do it.

kyfdx

I guess.. unless he comes back.. and tells us where he lives, we'll just have to guess.. If I were in the Great White North... I'd want AWD and winter tires...

 

But, I have AWD and all-seasons now... My big advantage over cars with snows, is greater ground clearance... I just trust my driving skill (lol) for the rest of it...

 

Most people get AWD, so they don't have to switch tires...

dudleyr

AWD and winter tires are certainly the best.

 

I live in SD though and have never had any need for AWD - even with a low to the ground Integra. They put the big steel gates accross the Interstate and shut it down way before I start to have problems with FWD and snow tires.

 

I test drove an AWD Legacy in the snow after driving to the dealer in my FWD and snow tire equipped Integra. Very strange feeling to me accelerating with the Legacy. You feel like the car is slipping at all 4 corners but it does move. My car felt much more stable, but was a little slower on takeoff, and much much better at braking and better at cornering. The Legacy might have done a little better with better quality all-seasons though.

kyfdx

Yeah.. my wife's 325i with winter tires and stability control is confidence inspiring in the slick stuff... but, when it gets deep, or the parking lots are unplowed, big trouble... Of course, the sport package doesn't help... rides even lower than the stock car.

 

When your car comes with summer tires, you don't really have the option to not buy winters..

 

She drove Accords for ten years... no problems getting around with all-seasons... but, it sure didn't stop and turn like the BMW on winters..

fredvh

Thanks ronabi. Have you had any troubles with the TSX? I did find the ride a little rough when I test drove. I see that you had a Regal before; how does the ride of the TSX compare with the comfort ride of the Regal?

ronabi

No trouble so far. The TSX has a stiffer ride than the Regal (which had grand touring suspension), but it is not a bad ride and I do not regret the change. Actually the only time I really notice the difference is on a "rub board" road or where there is a major protrusion at a seam in the pavement. I noticed those things in the Regal also, but more of the roughness was absorbed than in the TSX. I think that is due to differences both in the suspension and in the tire which has a lower, wider profile and less cushion between the wheel and the road. The different tire profile probably reduces comfort a bit while it contributes to better handling.

 

Now that I've driven the TSX for almost 1000 miles, it seems that either the ride has improved or I have gotten used to it. Either way, I don't consider it a problem and enjoy driving the car. I am not aware of any difference in the ride on smoother streets and highways.

 

I just remembered that a couple of days after picking up the car I discovered that the tires were over inflated (to 35 psi), so I reduced the tire pressure to the recommended settings (32 front and 30 rear) and that made a discernible difference in the ride. A couple of months ago I drove a newly delivered Accord which had a very harsh ride and reported it to the salesman who called me the following day asking me to return for another test drive saying that when the service people checked the tires they found that they had been inflated to 40 psi! My second drive was an entirely different experience insofar as the ride was concerned. It may be that your test car had over inflated tires as well and did not provide you a true test of the car's ride. If so, you might want to give it another try.

bws1

I have an 2005 TSX Auto, have 1250 miles on the car, and have never averaged more than 23 Mpg in mixed driving.

ronabi

That may be because our "mixes" are different. I have a daily commute (10.5 miles each way) to and from work, 90% of which is freeway, plus the normal errand driving. So I estimate that my normal weekly driving pattern probably includes a hair more than 50% on the freeway. So far, my lowest average mpg has been 24.6. Perhaps you have more stop and go driving in your mix, and/or a heavier foot. I'm told that mileage improves gradually over time during the first 10,000 miles, so maybe we'll both be getting higher figures by year's end.

jrynn

My AT/Nav TSX has averaged 29.52 mpg through 15,597 miles. (That's "real" mileage, not "trip computer" mileage, which tends to report too high a number.)

 

Yes, that's mostly highway miles, but the car has lived in urban South Florida and the urban Mid-Atlantic, so a substantial fraction of it's miles were racked up on city streets, too. 93 Octane, driving "slightly" over the SL.

 

Mileage DEFINITELY improved during the first few thousand miles, but stabilized at an earlier point for me than other posters have reported.

cacevedo

Okay people, both cars are about the same size, have similar torque rating(166ft/lbs), even cost about the same. My 02 Passat lease is up and I can't make up my mind. TSX is a very nice car and the Passat didn't really give me any trouble. Your thoughts, please.

ronabi

If you're comparing, you might want to consider also horsepower (200 for the TSX) and economy. Both use premium gas, but the TSX will likely average an additional 4-5 mpg. My experience with a 5AT TSX gives me around 27 MPG in mixed driving (roughly 55% streets and 45% highway) which is what I think is the EPA for highway mileage on the VW. If all else is equal (I don't have any experience actually driving a Passat, so I don't know) the cost of ownership might weigh heavily in your comparison.

carguy000

I'm looking at the TSX as a possible car to purchase in the next few months. My mom is looking at the just-released '05 Avalon.

 

Why is the gas mileage estimate the same for both vehicles? An AT TSX is rated 22/31, and the new '05 Avalon is rated 22/31. It baffles me that this is the same when the Avalon is a V6 with 280 hp, not to mention having an engine 1.1 liters greater in size. Total weight for the Av is also close to 300 pounds more.

 

How is this possible? Thanks for any input.

lmacmil

A couple of thoughts: the TSX will probably get closer to its EPA rating than the Avalon. They are close because the big V6 doesn't have to work nearly as hard to move the Avalon as the little 4 does to move the TSX.

kyfdx

Just drive them.. IMO, the Passat has a little more interior room.. especially in the back seat, if that is important to you..

 

The TSX has much sportier handling, but also doesn't ride quite as well, due to the low-profile 17" tires...

 

And.. I'd say you got lucky on your Passat, as far as maintenance issues.. but, if you are leasing, not that big of a deal..

 

regards,

kyfdx

kyfdx

One word:

 

Gearing