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Honda Accord vs Acura TSX

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Comments

  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I have been in situations where I activated them on purpose, but not in am emergency situation. Drive defensively and cautiously and ABS and ESC are superfluous. Especially on a car with limited sporty intentions like an Accord.

    You must not drive in congested areas or have too many slick roads often... Where I live, people run red-lights and stop signs like crazy, so frequent emergency stops are normal - in wet weather, I've activated ABS probably 6 times in my 15,000 miles of driving in my new Accord. Hasn't been a life or death thing without it, but it certainly helped me control the car in evasive maneuvers.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Most of my driving done far out in the suburbs. Not much city driving here. Actually I'm all for ABS. But stability control should at best be an option on a car like the 4 cylinder Accord. I don't think stability control is necessary enough to justify it being made standard across the board.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I think stability control is going on all cars eventually, I think it's going to be the law. :confuse:
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Maybe on trucks. But I doubt the systems add enough safety to warrant the expense on cars.
  • econoboxjockeyeconoboxjockey Member Posts: 17
    From what I just read in Automobile magazine, ESC will be required on all cars, but not until 2012.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    We had snowstorm #3 here in Seattle this weekend, and on the snow and ice near my home, I have needed to turn off STC (Volvo V70) several times to make it up a shallow hill to my home.

    These mandatory ESC systems better come with an "off" button.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    As of lately, Honda's Stability Control systems always offer an override (off) button, while Toyota never seems to (and always gets grief because of it).
  • scubaduscubadu Member Posts: 17
    Last week I experienced stability control for the first time in my SE V6. It was over before I knew it- driving in the left lane at 60MPH. The car started to hydroplane and the light on the dash came on for a second. I don't think it really made a difference this time, but it's nice to know how quick it was.
  • johnny420johnny420 Member Posts: 473
    Incredibly, even the new MT-equipped BMW M5 doesn't let you turn it off, just select an option with a higher intervention threshold. Go figure.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    We had a big rainstorm a couple weekends ago and there was so much standing water on the freeway that STC was engaging almost constantly - to the point that my car gradually slowed down to less than 30 MPH (by automatic brake application and throttle retardation). At the rate I was going, my car would have eventually come to an involuntary stop. I had to switch STC off in order to speed back up to the flow of traffic.

    ESC is a great boon to automotive safety, but it's not the panacea many people think it is. There MUST BE an off switch that gives throttle/brake authority to the driver in certain circumstances.
  • bothofthembothofthem Member Posts: 7
    New to this chat. I have a 04 Accord EX-V6 and am about to take delivery of an 06 TSX. My wife will drive the Accord. I'm in kinda a unique position since I will own/drive both, and I'll post my impressions fyi.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Great, welcome!! We'll look forward to hearing your thoughts.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    My 53K mile 04 Accord and 8K mile 06 TSX started right up. Our demo 06 BMW 325 didn't.
  • bothofthembothofthem Member Posts: 7
    Took delivery of my silver tsx a/tranny yesterday, and my first comparo is: 2004 accord exv6 is a suit, and the tsx is a wetsuit. The accord is smooth, with light steering and a light, torquey response. The tsx is quicker to respond to steering and brake inputs. The tsx is quieter over the road, and actually has a more compliant ride. It has a much more rigid body.
    The accord cabin is more 'plasticky', the tsx more metal. I'd say that 99% of the time the tsx has all the power I need; only those times on the highway, especially on 6+ percent grade hills passing several semi's in a row, will I need the awesome thrust of the accord. The rest of the time I predict the tsx will respond with all I need. From stoplights, both cars have the wrong rubber!
    More later, after the tsx is broken in, and I've used the top half of the rev range.
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    Good post 'bothofthem'. It seems to depend on what you want out of a car. Personally, I'd rather take the bus than drive an accord (ok,ok i'm pushing it there!). In Canada, a V6 accord will run you about 34k. Throw some good ol' GST and PST on the car and you're spending 40K on an Accord. Well built machine and certainly more space than the TSX. But, besides being bigger, I can't think of any other reason to buy this car over and TSX. Can you tell I don't have kids?! It's mainly a styling issue for me. Big fat bum on the car..(looks a little better now in 07') and I can't find one angle that car looks remotely cool. It's a great quailty car, just need more fun for my 40k.
  • carleton3carleton3 Member Posts: 12
    can anyone tell me if the seats in the tsx are the same as in the honda accord. actually, i'm comparing and '04 accord to an '07 tsx. they look the same, other than the perforated leather of the tsx. i've sat in the accord and find the seats to be too hard. is the tsx the same?
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I guess if style and extras are what turns you on, the TSX would be the car for you. When I was younger, I decided to buy one car over another based on "It looks cooler". I will not make that mistake again. Turns out the car was nice to look at, and not so nice to drive. As we get older, the priorities change (for some of us anyway).
  • johnny420johnny420 Member Posts: 473
    I think gdoc's point was that the TSX is more fun and nicer to drive. It's not the style and extras alone that make it more desireable to own than the excellent Accord, it's the fun-to-drive factor, the one that's not easily quantified on paper.

    :D
  • stevehechtstevehecht Member Posts: 96
    I've been thinking about your "big fat bum" remark regarding the Accord. I agree that the rear restyling is much improved for '06-'07, but I perceive the rear to look muscular rather than flabby, quite like the "big muscular bum" of a running back in the NFL. But unlike the rear ends of NFL players I do find myself admiring the rear end of the restyled Accords regularly. I wouldn't have bought the car that had the flat skinny bum of the earlier Gen7 Accord.
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    Most of what is on here is just opinion, ego and people justifying their purchase (with some technical facts tossed in). With that in mind, I've owned many cars to date. 3 series, now the TSX and about 4 other honda products. The reason I love honda products stems from driving a 1990 Honda Accord EXR. I could not believe how great that car handled and moved for 130hp. I've also owned the Vigor when it first came out and loved it. Certain Honda products give me this feeling everytime I sit inside...you know...excitement and look forward to the drive to work everyday. My TSX has that. Everyday I drive it, I love it. The prelude I owned back in 1997 (1rst year of that body style)was amazing to drive. The accord is missing that...that...whatever you want to call it! It's a honda, but it's just blah for me. I'm sure certain aspects are better than the TSX, but it's just well....hum drum. NFL [non-permissible content removed] or not...I agree the 06' is an improvement from the 05' back end.

    Also, I just drove in the worst snow storm of this year in Toronto. I passed some cars that could not make it up some very bad snow, ice covered hills. The VSA in the TSX is very cool. The tire spin is so minimal and the TSX is a great all year car - winter no exception.

    wow! 3 hour drives in the snow make for one wandering post. Sorry! ;)
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    Ya mon! Thanks Johnny420. Some cars you drive everyday and get that pit of your stomach excitement everyday. Other cars, ya just get nada.

    I see so many posts for more power, more power...not sure how much of this is just male insecurity. God forbid that someone beats you off the line by .7 seconds! :confuse: Who cares. Some pick-up trucks will clean many "sport" sedans off the line.

    I was in a cadilac CTS for a couple days and it has power. It's faster than my TSX no doubt. But, holy crap was I happy to get back in my car! Don't even get me started with the domestic car scene :lemon:
  • mf15mf15 Member Posts: 158
    Comming of a Jeep GC lease in August, I have leased Jeeps since 1996 but now would like a car, kids are grown just me and the wife. Wife has also leased accord I4's last one we had was an 02. Anyhow my point is that I just test drove and auto TSX, loved the car especially the interior, but,but
    it seemed so slow. It even seems slower that when I remember driving the 02 accord. Am I crazy.
    The real dilema is when the 08 accord comes out with the new v6 engine and I am sure many other improvements, also the possibility of a new TSX. Just might have to lease the GC for a few extra months into the fall to see what the new models have to offer. Old Mike
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    We have 3 Honda in our driveway. Our 04 EX-L 5MT, a 06 TSX NAV 6MT, and a 06 Civic Si NAV coupe. And to tell the truth, my favorite car is the Civic. It's the perfect car for commuting. And the 2.0 has the perfect zingyness that's missing in the larger 2.4 in the TSX.
    That engine sounds amazing running up to 8000 rpm. The only thing I miss in the Civic is the climate control.
  • neteng101neteng101 Member Posts: 176
    Me - I'm hoping the next TSX gets a 6 instead of have to make do with a 4. And no, forget the turbo 4, too thirsty. Put a J30 in there and tune it to produce 260+hp (doable, since they can tune it to use premium gas, etc). Add SH-AWD, and there'll be a nice lineup at the Acura sales office. :shades:
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Me - I'm hoping the next TSX gets a 6 instead of have to make do with a 4. And no, forget the turbo 4, too thirsty. Put a J30 in there and tune it to produce 260+hp (doable, since they can tune it to use premium gas, etc).

    They have that, it's called a TL! :) The TSX would lose many of its great handling characteristics with the addition of 3.0L + engine weight. The 2.4L TSX is probably the best balanced FWD car I've experienced. The country is getting hooked on horsepower though (270 hp in a Camry? C'mon, I-20 runs past Talladega Speedway, but we don't have to pretend that I-20 IS the speedway, do we?
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    I hear ya. I love that motor in the Civic Si. I also love the TSX engine as it is. If it had an 8000rpm redline, I'd probably never get out of the car....well....not for that long anyway :P I had a prelude back in 97'. The v-tec in all 3 cars mentioned is a blast when it hits around 6grand.
  • neteng101neteng101 Member Posts: 176
    No the TL is too big, and its FWD. The TL is more like a sporty ES350.

    The TSX may be balanced but it is no match for the RWD IS350/335i and will be left in the dust. Even the 328i packs more punch than the TSX. SH-AWD will shift the bias of weight, allowing a smaller V6 to go into the TSX. And the TL has the J32 already, its a bigger engine.
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    The IS350 also costs about $20,000 more than a TSX. "left in the dust"??? Is this just about who's car is faster?? Dude, a neon with 240hp packs a punch! You're logic is warped. It's about a vehicle fitting in a market segment and giving customers a balance of performance, luxury and quailty. The TSX is a car that offers a great car for the money. A SL600 benz will eat up a IS350.....who ^&^%$*& cares?! Give me a better 4 door car for 36k in Canada (sorry, I work in Canadian dollars) that gives you all the luxury, quality, features and performance of the TSX?? There's about 4-5 cars i can think of...and for me the TSX is hands down ahead. Oh god...i'm going to hear from the Jetta and Mazda fans now :lemon:
  • neteng101neteng101 Member Posts: 176
    Except for handling, the Accord V6 already has everything the TSX has and way more power, plus with current discounts, is a far better value. And for 4 doors, a Civic Si sedan will be a better blast to drive IMO, compared to the TSX, and costs less... but you lose a bit of the luxury.
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    No worries. You buy a V-6 accord and I'll stick with the TSX ;) Can't argue with the Civic Si being fun to drive. But, in my mid 30's, I'm not interested in driving a Civic. You lose a lot in luxury not a "bit" and personally I think the dash in the civic is craptacular. Hope you enjoy the discounts on the Accord. Get them to toss in a TSX with the deal and I may just buy one :shades:
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    "Except for handling, the Accord V6 already has everything the TSX has and way more power...a Civic Si sedan will be a better blast to drive IMO"

    You just unknowingly expressed the raison d'etre of the TSX. It's got the comfort of the Accord and the driving thrill of the Civic.
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    Only if clapping outloud could only be expressed on a message board.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    But after living with one for the last 3 weeks, I have grown to find the reason for the madness. The speedometer becomes subliminal. Those big red numbers in your peripheral vision just seem to register without even having to lok at them. And you can drive the car from the exhaust tone. The tach is just there for show. The SI is an awesome piece.

    I turned it back in yesterday though. I'm gonna drive a Benz E500 for a while. One thing the SI made me want was a turbo for our 04 EX-L. About a month ago, we had a 05 6MT TL. That car was a beast. I'd rather just have a Turbo EX-L Accord 4 cyl.
  • dairyshickdairyshick Member Posts: 129
    I'll do my best to be completely objective in this comparison since I chose the '06 Accord V6 6MT sedan over the TSX 6MT...

    I don't think you can go wrong with either car. My car search was narrowed down to these two after several exhausting months and a bunch of test drives in both of these cars and some more (volvo S40 - too small, engine didn't feel as refined / VW jetta GLI - exterior looks hideous, nav system not impressive, overpriced after some basic options and reliability an issue / TL - very nice and more toys, but ultimately to choose that over the Accord would have mostly been a look-at-me in my Acura decision...performance no better than Accord. To me, not worth the extra $5-7K)

    Anyway, back to the Accord & TSX...
    The interiors of each are extremely similar in appearance and layout barring a few more luxury touches in the TSX, mainly the metallic trim pieces. It also has more electronic gadgets like the blue tooth and Aux input. Nav systems in both are the same. The front seats on the Accord are definitely roomier and felt better over time, but the TSX seats have a sportier feel and keep you in your place a bit better. The Accord wins the backseat space battle hands down.

    The TSX edges the Accord on exterior styling with a sportier look and sharper edges. The refreshed exterior on the Accord from '05 to '06 helped diminish this a bit.

    What I definitely do like about the Accord are the subtle differences they added for the 6MT version as opposed to the automatic. The wheels (from the last gen TL-type S), the red V6 badge, the carbon fiber look trim, and the perforated leather accents remind me that I'm driving a car that's just a bit unique to your typical V6 accord. In my 6 months of owning my car, I've seen only 1 other V6 6MT Accord on the road. Obviously, these differences are minute, but I appreciate them nonetheless!
    On the flip side, the TSX offers no distinction between its 6MT and automatic models...same interior trim, same wheels..etc.
    Straight performance definitely goes to the Accord when it comes to acceleration, which was proven by my smoking a TSX just recently that thought they were too cool for school.
    As far as handling, I liked the TSX's tighter steering and sportier feel overall, which the Accord somewhat lacks when it comes to twists and turns. The TSX basically felt like a smaller car that took a bit less effort to handle, which was nice. As far as the clutches in each, they both have the same silky smooth feel. (my old Accord, a 2001 4-cyl 5spd was anything but sporty when it came to shifting)

    I can't accurately compare fuel economy since I only have real world experience with the Accord, but from the EPA's for each, they are just about identical and the Accord only needs regular, which I've been using thus far. On my 100+ mile road trips with the Accord, I average ~30-31 MPG, and my daily city driving has been between 23-25 MPG, so I definitely can't complain about that for a lively V6.
    As far as price, my offers for both cars were within $1,000 of each, which pretty much ruled affordability for one or the other out of the equation.

    Lastly, you can't forget the ego factor. I know for sure that there are plenty of people that wouldn't make their decision based on thinking they look cooler driving an Acura over a Honda, but there are plenty more that do use that as a big factor. I have learned quickly over the years that it's not worth making a decision on luxury status because it means nothing anymore, especially when I can safely say a solid half of the people driving upscale/luxury cars are making 1/2 of what I make and working OT just to impress people. Don't get me wrong, for some, their decision IS based on just liking a car better than another for reasons other than brand, but that's usually not the case.

    In summary, for what each car offers, it was a close decision, and, if I had bought the TSX instead, I wouldn't have regretted it. But, to me, the space and power advantages of the Accord led to my decision. The additional toys and the sportier handling on the TSX were its biggest advantages, but not enough to sacrifice space and a strong engine. I would never say the Accord is a better car than the TSX or vice versa, it just comes down to your particular wants and needs. I hope this helps anyone torn between the two.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Congrats - the most valid, impartial post of the month, if not the year. Thank you for your info!
  • bodybuiltbrockbodybuiltbrock Member Posts: 13
    I agree with thegraduate, that was a good post. The TSX just doesn't work for me (I'm 6'5" and around 240 lbs, pretty broad guy) because of its size, made me feel like a clown relative to my Accord. Great car, just too small for me.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    DANG! 6'5" 240 is a big guy! I'm surprised you are comfortable in an Accord.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I'm 220 6'6". I like driving the Accord more than the TSX. But I liked the Civic SI more than both. The Civic is surprisingly roomy. Okay maybe not roomy, but it fits like a well made glove.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'd think y'all would be at the roof of these cars! And at 240, Brock is probably strecthing the width limit too. I'm 6'4" 180, and have about 2 inches of headroom to spare in my EX Accord (06)
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Thegrad and I are built differently.... I'm 6'4" and my head fits under the sunroof but hits the roof. My 95 Accord doesn't have the roof come over as far as my 06.
  • nj2pa2ncnj2pa2nc Member Posts: 811
    I liked reading your review on the accord vs. tsx. It was interesting. I am glad you are as happy with your accord as I am with my 06 TSX 6 spd/w nav. I chose the tsx, not to impress anyone, but for what I wanted. I do alot of driving back and forth from Nc to Nj. It has enough power and I average 33-36 mpg on those trips using regular gas. around town it is around 30 mpg. I have owned the tsx almost 4 months and it has over 7,000 miles. I also own an 05 Hyundai elantra which is really a great car for the price. If hyundai had a 4-door car with 6 speed I probably would have bought that. Happy safe motoring
  • dairyshickdairyshick Member Posts: 129
    There probably would have also been other cars I would have looked at if they had manual transmissions on their V6's because the MT was my one requirement. It was just annoying when I stopped at a few dealerships, told them I only wanted a manual transmission, but they'd continue to push their automatics on me because they didn't have manuals!...it was very annoying!! Anyway, I think every single American brand car was ruled out because of the lack of the MT. I'm not really an American carmaker fan because they lack the refinement and style of most foreign makes, but I would have atleast looked at a few models if they offered the right transmission.
    I agree with the elantra being a good car for the price. I had a 2000 elantra and couldn't complain about it. My only problems were a couple of blown fuel pumps and wheel bearings, but that's what warranty coverage is for!

    ...I'm also on the taller side, 6'3", but I actually found the driver seat in the TSX to be pretty comparable, maybe a hair smaller, than that of the Accord.

    For the first time today, I filled up with 93 octane gas. I definitely have no gripes with its acceleration when using regular, but I thought I'd see if I could drive even more recklessly with the better gas. I'm pretty sure it added some kick, but that could always just be my mind thinking it was. Do any other Accord drivers use > regular gas and notice a difference?
  • nj2pa2ncnj2pa2nc Member Posts: 811
    I agree with you. when we were looking for a new car we knew the dealer did not have any 6-speed cars when they tried to tell us how great the automatic transmission was. we would say to them so you do not have what we want then. my mother has a accord v-6 with automatic. There is a difference between auto and manual. we prefer manual.
  • dairyshickdairyshick Member Posts: 129
    There's definitely a difference b/w the two...I first had to drive an automatic TSX for a test drive, which felt completely ordinary and uneventful. The 6-spd in that car, however, makes it the kind of car it's supposed to be...sporty, quick, and fun to drive.

    After another day with the 93 octane, i'm really noticing an extra kick, especially when I get the engine above ~4K rpm's. It just seems to have a more fluid and brisk acceleration...I may have to cough up the extra 15 cents a gallon if i'm still a believer when this tank runs out!
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    The Auto version of the TSX is a blast. Sporty, quick and fun to drive in the auto also. I have a manual TSX, but after hammering the crap out of the auto, it's moves. For busy traffic and a lot of city driving, I'd suggest the TSX or the TL in auto. I do agree with the 93 octane. I just finished a tank of 89'......boy it runs like poop! I'll be dishing out the 1.30/L in Toronto right now. 60 bucks to fill the tank :mad: Good thing I don't drive a Navigator!
  • nj2pa2ncnj2pa2nc Member Posts: 811
    since I feel my tsx has enough power I will continue using regular gas. what gas mileage are you getting?
  • bothofthembothofthem Member Posts: 7
    An update. I just put 150 highway miles on my 04 Accord EX V6 after driving my new a.s. TSX auto for 1000k (600 miles). Love the Accord, but it's softer than the TSX, actually has more road/ wind noise,and is a bit distant when it comes to feeling the speed, road conditions, etc. The TSX wants to be revved, and when I drive it one gear lower than the Accord it goes just as well and sounds happy doing it. No contest on the interior- TSX hands down. Bottom line so far; the Accord for all day on the freeway and the TSX everywhere else. No opinion on gas mileage or grade yet.
  • gdoctsx1gdoctsx1 Member Posts: 60
    Good post 'bothofthem'.
  • stevehechtstevehecht Member Posts: 96
    I believe the V6's suspension was firmed up a bit in '06 (or '05?) because of the larger stock 17" wheels, so that firmed the ride up a bit compared to your TSX.
  • bothofthembothofthem Member Posts: 7
    I agree- I haven't driven the Accord with 17's, but it makes sense. One more thing while I'm posting; my Accord has a suspended gas pedal, while the TSX has an "organ pedal"- hinged at the bottom. This changes my driving style, because if I rotate my right foot to the gas from the brake I'm too low on the TSX gas pedal to get light action. Now I move my heel to the base of the gas pedal and the response is better. If I want to move off the line (in spite of the tires!), I have my left foot on the brake pedal, take it up to 2500, and move off the line in manumatic mode. Around the city (most of my miles) I'm in D3 if not manual. The TSX responds to this approach as well as the Accord does in D, and is more interesting while things unfold. This is more information than most of us want,probably,but I think I can say that with a bit of effort, the TSX moves as well as an Accord, with different driving techniques.Sure- if I drive the Accord the same way as the TSX it's quicker, but I think the Accord encourages drivers to flow along in D.
This discussion has been closed.