"you will be disappointed going to an AT TSX. The added horsepower is diluted by the auto...If you have to buy a new car and have to go AT, you will probably be better off going with the Accord V-6."
I'll have to disagree. I've owned manual Accord 4-cyls and now have an auto TSX. IMO, Honda 4-cyls are always happiest with a manual, and Honda makes some of the slickest manual trannys on the market. I do think the 6MT is much more fun to drive. But, the auto TSX has got more than enough pull under most circumstances, and I think this transmission is relatively well-matched to the 2.4 engine. And, I do feel like I have more power now than I did with the manual Accord with a 4-Cyl (it had a 2.2 L engine, if I recall correctly). Of course, you'll have more power and torque with the V6, but you won't be unhappy with the 2.4L and an auto in either car.
Going to Chicago to visit the kid and have an appt at McGrath Acura of Westmont. I'll report my impressions Sunday. I suppose I should try a 4 cyl manual Accord to just for comparison sake.
I guess from a psychological standpoint, it would be hard for me to trade the 4 cy MT Accord for a V6 Accord. I know there is a lot more to the V6 but the cars would feel very similar on the inside. I would probably get silver and black leather again because I prefer the black leather on the Accord to grays and tans.
So I would spend a good chunk of change for 2 more cylinders, a few interior niceties and roughly the same car. The novelty of a new car has value to me and I think the Accord V6 would feel like too similar a beast to me.
If I was not coming from a nice Accord 4, the V6 is the most logical choice of the TL, TSX, and Accord V6 for me now that the car must not only provide fun for me but also reliable family transport. It is the least expensive of the 3 and has the most space inside.
I like the TSX because it is pretty much buying a similar car to the Accord I have and like. Every spec slightly one ups my Accord as far as hp, stereo, safety features (VSA). But it is cut from the same cloth as the Accord. Just a little nicer bolt of cloth. Its not a drastic change like going to a Honda Ridgeline which also provides a 5 seat Honda auto experience. But with truck bed utility but poor gas mileage and tougher to park.
As for the MT, maybe I can talk her into the 6 MT which does make the car very fun.
When I did test the TSX with the auto, I expected it to sap the joy out of the car but it was actually quite pleasant. More relaxed than the MT Accord or TSX. There are times I am sure I would miss. But it was not a dog. Going to the automatic does make the purchase make a little more sense to my wife.
There is a little voice in the back of my head that says that a TSX auto is a car for a non-enthusiast and that bothers me. I do not go nuts on the road but I do enjoy the tactile experience of shifting the gears.
My commute is very short, urban, and often not even on highways so the MT is not a liability for me. On trips you get it to top gear and hold it there.
It just makes it tough when times arise when my wife could use my car - hers is on the shop or just to move it out of the way of her car in our one lane driveway. Always seems to happen when she is running late for work and I just stepped in the shower!
Remember I am a manual shift oriented person and very strongly biased towards manual shift. Having said that, I test drove the TSX 5-speed auto and it actually was a pretty neat automatic, it downshifted quickly and seem to say in the torque curve if you push your foot on the petal and seemed well matched to the engine as Uncledavid said. My only problem was my left foot and right hand were lost as what to so. You don't want to try an push in the clutch with you left foot and hit the brake or grab the auto-shift selector and shift out of D.
Both are great cars!
Have a good day ( as Paul Harvey would say!),
MidCow the manual Shift Man- Accord Coupe 6-speed
P.S. - How will we survive now that Dan Rather is now longer anchor ??
Basically, I agree with those of you who think the MT is the more fun tranny. The auto in the TSX is the best I've ever driven in a Honda product (I've had both manual Hondas and automatic Hondas in the past - always thought the Honda manuals were great, but found the autos to be kind of rough and slow to downshift). However, no automatic know to man will be as fun to drive as a good manual, and a manual is a much better match for a high RPM type of four cyl.
i don't think you can get a sub-par automatic transmission from honda anymore. the last generation accord was the last of the rough automatics from honda.
now the durability of these transmissions is another question.
i'm looking forward to VW's new DSG transmission - it's supposely a manual acting like an auto as opposed to an auto acting like a manual (current tiptronics).
The TSX is on my short list for my next buy. Not sure about transmission choice (enjoy driving a stick, but like the convenience of an auto.) Listen to my experiences and let me know.
I used to have a 2003 Acura RSX-S 6-speed, but I sold it after 8 months. It seemed to ride rough and was a little noisey for longer trips. I also had a hard time getting into a comfortable driving position (no tilt seat and no teloscoping steering wheel.) On the flip side the car was a blast to drive around town.
I traded the RSX for a 2004 Mazda 6 V-6 auto. The Mazda is good, but the auto sucks the life out of the driving experience. (I don't know if it's the auto trans that sucks or the electric throttle.)
Anyway, I remember loving the driving experience I had in the 1985 BMW 325 5-speed I had when I was Germany (Army.) It had a good balance of ride, power, handling, etc. I loved the way you could rev the engine to 6,000 and barely hear it.
The TSX has the best manual transmission I've ever driven. I'm about your age, BTW. It truly is a joy to use. Also, the manual helps wring out every last bit of power from the 4-banger engine, which is very smooth all the way up to the 7000+ redline. I believe the manual TSX is more than a second faster to 60 than the auto.
It sounds like you haven't done it yet, so I think a test drive would help you with your decision.
Joe - I've heard that the new 6-speed automatic is far superior to the older automatic in the MZ6. The transmission in the 2004 doesn't do that fine vehicle justice.
I agree with Manavi about the TSX tranny choices. The manual is really nice, and probably about a second faster to 60 than the Auto. I have the automatic, and like it a lot, but the car does seem a lot happier with the manual. But, again, just my opinion.
The 2004 TSX had a problem with the lights on the HVAC controls going dim. That happened to me, and it was quickly replaced by Acura. I also have a front seat that moved around a bit, and one or two other minor problems. All in all, it only had to go to the dealer once.
The biggest complain I have is with the tires. They are mediocre to begin with, and seem to be very vulnerable to blow outs and other damage. I'd also advise you to pass on the foglights (which get damaged far too easily).
Mine has 25,000 miles on it. I get between 23 - 25.
Thanks for your reply. The mpg seems low for a 4-cylinder. Is that mostly city driving or not? The TSX is on my "possible" list along with the I4 Camry and the I4 Accord but I want to get good mpg too.
Yeah, I do a lot of city driving. I think the MPG is typical, even a little better, than other TSX drivers are getting. Also, that is premium fuel. The Accord and Camry get better numbers on regular fuel.
Be aware that the TSX does not ride nearly as well as the Accord or Camry (but handles a lot better).
Hi Imacmil, I'm guessing you're from the CU area, cuz that's where I live and the closest Acura dealership is in Chicago, 105 miles away... whereas Honda is right down the street. I'm torn between an Accord EX-V6 or a TSX, and I believe local dealership will be a major factor in my decision. Is not having a local dealer really that much of an issue? I don't doubt its conveniency at all; but I'd like to know whether there would be all that many problems that specifically require a dealer's attention instead of a local mechanic's.
Another thing; you mentioned Honda can take care of basic maintenance for a TSX? A friend of mine got a pebble in the brake system of his Accord; he had to drive it to the dealer to get it out. Do you think Honda would do the same for a TSX? I don't want to have my car towed all the way to Chicago in an emergency!
I realize it's a silly question, but it's my first new car that I'll be driving for at least a good five years, so I want to make sure I don't make the wrong decision.
No I'm in South Bend (but both sons graduated from UIUC) so the Acura dealers are in Chicago (100 miles west) or Fort Wayne (100 east). For anything other than warranty work, the Honda dealer could do the job. An acquaintance of mine had a slight accident in his TL that required rear suspension work and the local Honda dealer did it (it wasn't warranty work).
You should check with the Honda dealer to verify that he would do normal TSX maintenance.
In the end, my decision was based more on my desire for a V6 engine and to not pay over $30K which ruled out both the TSX and TL.
FYI, I had very pleasant email dealings with the internet manager of Continental Acura in Naperville so I'd recommend them as a potential dealer.
(We had our last Papa Del's pizza last night. I'm going to miss those now that our boys are gone from Champaign).
My Honda dealer has been doing most of my TSX upkeep since I bougth the car. He changes the oil, and does other routine repairs. But, Honda can not do warranty work on an Acura, and they don't have access to some Acura parts and the Acura computer codes. So, do not buy an Acura and plan on having all your work done at the Honda dealer.
I just called up the Honda dealer in town and they told me they don't so much as touch Acuras. I guess it's partly because they claim they're not certified for Acura, but more because they're swamped with Honda work as it is, being the only dealer in town. I was gonna call the Acura dealer today and drive to IN tomorrow, but I guess I'm back to sqaure one. No wonder there are so many Accords around.
I have my car service at the downtown Honda dealer here every few months. And, the last time I was there, I saw a couple of Integras, TLs, etc waiting to be serviced.
Checking the situation out where you live ahead of time makes a lot of sense to me.
I have a 2004 accord coupe 6 speed that come with the HFP package. The car is incredible, good handling, fast. I have raced with a 1996 corvette and burned 6 cars behind. With HFP package help the handling of the car so much. Making fast cornering, the car stick to the road. I paid 36,000 for the car because its come the nav and HFP package. I love the car. When I take on the road, other drive on the road stair at my coupe. The navi is so cool with voice command. I don't think I will get lose driving with the navi unless I don't update the software. The accord coupe 6 speed with HFP package is a sweet ride. With 36,000 dollars I could get a BMW 325ic but whether have the 6speed. 325ic is nothing compare the accord 6 speed, the accord is alot faster.
I made a disastrous decision in 2001 when an immigrant maid ran a stopsign and creamed my 1988 Acura Legend coupe, mint -- for which I was paid $2400 by Allstate. I was in tight financial circumstances, and bought a Mitsubishi Galant LS. It was a passible car, but horribly noisy and very boring. But cheap to run -- its 3-liter engine got almost 30 mpg on regular gas on long drives.
This week, after 140,000 well-cared-for miles, the AT gave up the ghost, and a rebuilt unit costs more than $2500, more than the car was worth. It's still parked in the North Plainfield dealer lot where I was towed.
I'm again in tough straits, but have to have a good car, since my 2 teenage kids live with my ex 125 miles away. I do a lot of driving (~35K/year), almost all highway. I love music. I am 62, and while I still love sporty driving, the reality is, I will likely put whichever car I buy in 6th gear and turn up the stereo on Lara Fabian love ballads. I hate having to crank up the volume and still hear road noise.
I also hate having to very closely manage a car in those circumstances. A 6-lane highway is no place to have to hunch over the steering wheel for 5 hours.
I rarely have more than one or 2 people in the car with me, usually my 5-foot-2 girlfriend on long drives, or one or two business people from a company to a restaurant.
I've bought only a few new cars in the past 20 years, because I take good care of them. So I am a novice.
Don't repeat your last mistake by buying in a hurry. Get a cheap rental for a couple of weeks so you can take your time. Either of these cars will be a huge improvement. In my test drives, I personally thought the auto TSX was a little anemic although many find it just fine. I really liked the 6 sp TSX but didn't want to get back into a manual trans. The V6 Accords are very nice also. I ended up with a Camry SE-V6 mainly because the Accord didn't offer stability control. Good luck.
You will love the EX V-6 Coupe. You won't have to turn up the radio volume to hear your favorites. The XM Satellite Radio is great. Since you do so much driving, consider getting the vehicle with the OEM voice-controlled navigation system. You'll get over 30 mpg on the highway, and in the low to mid 20's in stop & go driving (on regular gas). The TSX is a fine car too, but you'll get more bang for the buck with the Accord.
My car choice list is the TSX, 05 BMW 3 Series, Lexus ES330, and maybe the TL. I dropped the Accord off my initial list b/c the TSX has VSA electronic stability control. My last two cars were Acuras (86 Integra and 92 Vigor), and I didn't have a single mechanical issue w/either one of them.
I have had both these cars, and bought another TSX..because the accord has no style and s lacking in the looks dept(here in the US) I love th TSX even much better then my BMW
Putting a lot of money into a depreciating asset (which is depreciating especially fast at 35K miles/year) at 62 is probably not a good idea. Get yourself an LX Accord 4cyl (good deals on those now), set the cruise and enjoy the 35+MPG while listening to your favorite tunes.
I did a back to back test drive of both last weekend. As soon as I sat inside the TSX, I felt it was a totally different car compared to the accord we get here. The accord already has fine interiors but the TSX is even better. As far as handling is concerned, the TSX felt slightly better until it hit an uphill slope. The accordV6 seemed to be able to pull better. The brakes on both seemed a little weak. Except for the low end V6 power, the TSX beats the accord in every other detail. Accord V6 + power + trunk space + interior space - road noise - interiors (compared to the TSX)
TSX + interiors + low road noise + luxury feel - low end power
The bottom line is, with the TSX, you are really paying for an I4 accord with a finer tuned engine, more luxurious interiors, better finish and the "made in Japan"
Does anyone know what the difference is in the braking distance between the V6 and the TSX? I get conflicting numbers from websites.
I've posted earlier in this forum... I own a 2004 Accord EX-V6 with navi and a 2005 TSX Automatic with navi. We have had about 6 or 7 months to drive extensively in each car, both around town and on longer trips. I have found that both cars have their strengths and weaknesses, but between my wife and I we prefer the TSX for driving around town and the Accord for road trips (which explains why the Accord is already approaching 50k trouble-free miles). As has been posted by others here, the Accord has several clear advantages over the TSX... more space, smoother ride, and basically a more refined powertrain. There are times that the TSX has kind of a rough idle at stop signs and red lights when the engine is cold, and even though it seems to work itself out as the car warms up, the V6 Accord is always smooth... all the time. However, in every other category the TSX is superior to the Accord. The black/parchment color combination of the TSX gets compliment after compliment, not to mention that the TSX in our opinion is just a better looking car. But we believe that we have two of the best cars available, and despite a few small problems with the TSX that the dealer was able to fix, we would not hesitate to repeat the purchase of either car.
I just bought a TL today, but the dealer couldn't put on the body side molding in time for us and gave us a TSX loaner. I was not impressed, a Camry, which is cheaper, is a far better ride but not very sporty. But the Camry is an excellent bargining chip.
If you go to the Acura dealer saying you are comparing the TSX to a Camry they probably will tell you hat you need to reevaluate your priorities. They both have 4 doors and 4 cylinder engines. After that, they couldn't be more different.
doesn't belong in the same sentence as TSX. The two couldn't be completely different. A TSX is a small sports the sedan while the Camry is a larger, far from sporty, family sedan.
"...the Camry is a larger, far from sporty, family sedan."
I suppose one could make the same statement about the Accord
I actually drove both the auto and manual TSX but I ended up with a Camry SE-V6. In the end I opted for the larger, roomier, better riding family sedan with lots of low end torque. The Accord EX-V6 was my second choice.
is closer to sporty than the Camry. Nothing personal against the Camry it's just not for me. Maybe in 10-15 years. Even my Odyssey has a dose of sportiness, something that I don't think can be said for ANY Camry, regardless of trim line.
This might be a better comparison than the Accord. The Accord is like the Camry, not very sporty, but a great car. The TL is a lot more expensive than a TSX, but they are more in the sporty car family, and the TL is more sporty than the Accord. Any of these cars are an outstanding choice.
I'm a '95 Integra driver and I've been looking at the TSX and the TL as my next 4dr car, but the new Accord EX sedan 6cyl 6spd MT seems to be an interesting alternative to the TSX given it has more torque, more hp, and does it on regular gas at the same price.
The posts here all predate the Sept '05 release of the '06 Accord - anybody driven it yet, or have other thoughts?
We are coming off a TL lease and have already driven the 06 accord. Didn't appear to be as secure as our 03 TL. However, was very impressed. Handled well and uses regular gas. Will drive TL and TSX next week. TSX seems to give everything, except it's slightly smaller than the accord and TL.
I think the more interesting comparison is the Accord EX 6cyl versus the TSX since they are priced about the same. Given the price (tho not size) difference a straight up comparison of the TL-Accord should be easily won by the TL
Actually, I can live with the TSX. Has everything you could want and then some,for the same price as the accord. Driving all of them later today. Only compromise is trunk space and back seat having enough room for 2 small children.
I'll have to watch how the pricing of these models develops in the "price paid" posts to see how large the consumer price difference is. The invoice prices on the cars are
TSX 25,751 EX V6 24,568 EX 4cyl w/ leather 21,737
The 2.4L 4cyl Accord has less hp that the 4cyl TSX but essentially the same torque.
The TSX back seat has plenty of room for two small children. It has plenty of room for two full-sized adults, though I'm sure many will debate that notion. :shades:
What I noticed with the TSX over the Accord was the TSX has alot smaller door opening near the floor. Entering/exiting the car was awkward, esp with my size 12 shoes. I did not notice the problem in my 4 door Accord.
I really liked the rest of the TSX, and would have considered it if it was the same size as the Accord.
If you compare EXV6 with Nav vs Tsx w/nav, "sticker" prices are somewhat close. However, it seems that Honda dealers, for now, are getting close to sticker for the EX 6 cylinder w/nav. I agree, have to wait to see what prices really are.
I am most interested in the new six-speed manual tranny on the V6 Accord. I had pretty much written off the V6 because of the lack of manual. Why does it have to be offered in EX trim only? I don't want leather and all of the extra goodies, but I do want the extra performance and control. Maybe the manual will be offered on LX V6 models at a later time?
I would assume the V6 with manual will have better straight-line performance than the TSX.
I would love to hear if anyone has sampled the new six-speed.
Prices will most likely come down after a few months, but I think in the end, the prices for a loaded Accord EX V6 6MT and a loaded TSX 6MT w/ Navi will be within $1000-1500 (the TSX costing more of course), as it has been the case in the past. As far as the comparison goes, it's simply a matter of creature comforts and handling of the TSX vs. the practicality and higher power output from the V6 of the Accord. As with many of you, I am split dead even on these two cars -- my brain says the Accord, but my heart says the TSX. :P
Comments
100% correct.
I guess from a psychological standpoint, it would be hard for me to trade the 4 cy MT Accord for a V6 Accord. I know there is a lot more to the V6 but the cars would feel very similar on the inside. I would probably get silver and black leather again because I prefer the black leather on the Accord to grays and tans.
So I would spend a good chunk of change for 2 more cylinders, a few interior niceties and roughly the same car. The novelty of a new car has value to me and I think the Accord V6 would feel like too similar a beast to me.
If I was not coming from a nice Accord 4, the V6 is the most logical choice of the TL, TSX, and Accord V6 for me now that the car must not only provide fun for me but also reliable family transport. It is the least expensive of the 3 and has the most space inside.
I like the TSX because it is pretty much buying a similar car to the Accord I have and like. Every spec slightly one ups my Accord as far as hp, stereo, safety features (VSA). But it is cut from the same cloth as the Accord. Just a little nicer bolt of cloth. Its not a drastic change like going to a Honda Ridgeline which also provides a 5 seat Honda auto experience. But with truck bed utility but poor gas mileage and tougher to park.
As for the MT, maybe I can talk her into the 6 MT which does make the car very fun.
When I did test the TSX with the auto, I expected it to sap the joy out of the car but it was actually quite pleasant. More relaxed than the MT Accord or TSX. There are times I am sure I would miss. But it was not a dog. Going to the automatic does make the purchase make a little more sense to my wife.
There is a little voice in the back of my head that says that a TSX auto is a car for a non-enthusiast and that bothers me. I do not go nuts on the road but I do enjoy the tactile experience of shifting the gears.
My commute is very short, urban, and often not even on highways so the MT is not a liability for me. On trips you get it to top gear and hold it there.
It just makes it tough when times arise when my wife could use my car - hers is on the shop or just to move it out of the way of her car in our one lane driveway. Always seems to happen when she is running late for work and I just stepped in the shower!
Both are great cars!
Have a good day ( as Paul Harvey would say!),
MidCow the manual Shift Man- Accord Coupe 6-speed
P.S. - How will we survive now that Dan Rather is now longer anchor ??
now the durability of these transmissions is another question.
i'm looking forward to VW's new DSG transmission - it's supposely a manual acting like an auto as opposed to an auto acting like a manual (current tiptronics).
I used to have a 2003 Acura RSX-S 6-speed, but I sold it after 8 months. It seemed to ride rough and was a little noisey for longer trips. I also had a hard time getting into a comfortable driving position (no tilt seat and no teloscoping steering wheel.) On the flip side the car was a blast to drive around town.
I traded the RSX for a 2004 Mazda 6 V-6 auto. The Mazda is good, but the auto sucks the life out of the driving experience. (I don't know if it's the auto trans that sucks or the electric throttle.)
Anyway, I remember loving the driving experience I had in the 1985 BMW 325 5-speed I had when I was Germany (Army.) It had a good balance of ride, power, handling, etc. I loved the way you could rev the engine to 6,000 and barely hear it.
Joe
Age 33
Male
It sounds like you haven't done it yet, so I think a test drive would help you with your decision.
I agree with Manavi about the TSX tranny choices. The manual is really nice, and probably about a second faster to 60 than the Auto. I have the automatic, and like it a lot, but the car does seem a lot happier with the manual. But, again, just my opinion.
The biggest complain I have is with the tires. They are mediocre to begin with, and seem to be very vulnerable to blow outs and other damage. I'd also advise you to pass on the foglights (which get damaged far too easily).
Mine has 25,000 miles on it. I get between 23 - 25.
Be aware that the TSX does not ride nearly as well as the Accord or Camry (but handles a lot better).
I'm guessing you're from the CU area, cuz that's where I live and the closest Acura dealership is in Chicago, 105 miles away... whereas Honda is right down the street. I'm torn between an Accord EX-V6 or a TSX, and I believe local dealership will be a major factor in my decision. Is not having a local dealer really that much of an issue? I don't doubt its conveniency at all; but I'd like to know whether there would be all that many problems that specifically require a dealer's attention instead of a local mechanic's.
Another thing; you mentioned Honda can take care of basic maintenance for a TSX? A friend of mine got a pebble in the brake system of his Accord; he had to drive it to the dealer to get it out. Do you think Honda would do the same for a TSX? I don't want to have my car towed all the way to Chicago in an emergency!
I realize it's a silly question, but it's my first new car that I'll be driving for at least a good five years, so I want to make sure I don't make the wrong decision.
No I'm in South Bend (but both sons graduated from UIUC) so the Acura dealers are in Chicago (100 miles west) or Fort Wayne (100 east). For anything other than warranty work, the Honda dealer could do the job. An acquaintance of mine had a slight accident in his TL that required rear suspension work and the local Honda dealer did it (it wasn't warranty work).
You should check with the Honda dealer to verify that he would do normal TSX maintenance.
In the end, my decision was based more on my desire for a V6 engine and to not pay over $30K which ruled out both the TSX and TL.
FYI, I had very pleasant email dealings with the internet manager of Continental Acura in Naperville so I'd recommend them as a potential dealer.
(We had our last Papa Del's pizza last night. I'm going to miss those now that our boys are gone from Champaign).
Checking the situation out where you live ahead of time makes a lot of sense to me.
With HFP package help the handling of the car so much. Making fast cornering, the car stick to the road. I paid 36,000 for the car because its come the nav and HFP package.
I love the car. When I take on the road, other drive on the road stair at my coupe. The navi
is so cool with voice command. I don't think I will get lose driving with the navi unless I don't
update the software. The accord coupe 6 speed with HFP package is a sweet ride. With 36,000 dollars I could get a BMW 325ic but whether have the 6speed. 325ic is nothing compare the accord 6 speed, the accord is alot faster.
I made a disastrous decision in 2001 when an immigrant maid ran a stopsign and creamed my 1988 Acura Legend coupe, mint -- for which I was paid $2400 by Allstate. I was in tight financial circumstances, and bought a Mitsubishi Galant LS. It was a passible car, but horribly noisy and very boring. But cheap to run -- its 3-liter engine got almost 30 mpg on regular gas on long drives.
This week, after 140,000 well-cared-for miles, the AT gave up the ghost, and a rebuilt unit costs more than $2500, more than the car was worth. It's still parked in the North Plainfield dealer lot where I was towed.
I'm again in tough straits, but have to have a good car, since my 2 teenage kids live with my ex 125 miles away. I do a lot of driving (~35K/year), almost all highway. I love music. I am 62, and while I still love sporty driving, the reality is, I will likely put whichever car I buy in 6th gear and turn up the stereo on Lara Fabian love ballads. I hate having to crank up the volume and still hear road noise.
I also hate having to very closely manage a car in those circumstances. A 6-lane highway is no place to have to hunch over the steering wheel for 5 hours.
I rarely have more than one or 2 people in the car with me, usually my 5-foot-2 girlfriend on long drives, or one or two business people from a company to a restaurant.
I've bought only a few new cars in the past 20 years, because I take good care of them. So I am a novice.
Which car should I buy?
You will love the EX V-6 Coupe. You won't have to turn up the radio volume to hear your favorites. The XM Satellite Radio is great. Since you do so much driving, consider getting the vehicle with the OEM voice-controlled navigation system. You'll get over 30 mpg on the highway, and in the low to mid 20's in stop & go driving (on regular gas). The TSX is a fine car too, but you'll get more bang for the buck with the Accord.
The 2005 model also added back lights to the steering wheel controls.
Some improvements that make the car nicer once you wait for some improvements!
the TSX, I felt it was a totally different car compared to the accord we get here. The accord already has fine interiors but the TSX is even better.
As far as handling is concerned, the TSX felt slightly better until it hit an uphill
slope. The accordV6 seemed to be able to pull better.
The brakes on both seemed a little weak. Except for the low end V6 power, the TSX beats the accord in every other detail.
Accord V6
+ power
+ trunk space
+ interior space
- road noise
- interiors (compared to the TSX)
TSX
+ interiors
+ low road noise
+ luxury feel
- low end power
The bottom line is, with the TSX, you are really paying for an I4 accord with a finer tuned engine, more luxurious interiors, better finish and the "made in Japan"
Does anyone know what the difference is in the braking distance between the V6 and the TSX? I get conflicting numbers from websites.
I suppose one could make the same statement about the Accord
I actually drove both the auto and manual TSX but I ended up with a Camry SE-V6. In the end I opted for the larger, roomier, better riding family sedan with lots of low end torque. The Accord EX-V6 was my second choice.
The posts here all predate the Sept '05 release of the '06 Accord - anybody driven it yet, or have other thoughts?
TSX 25,751
EX V6 24,568
EX 4cyl w/ leather 21,737
The 2.4L 4cyl Accord has less hp that the 4cyl TSX but essentially the same torque.
I really liked the rest of the TSX, and would have considered it if it was the same size as the Accord.
Mrbill
I would assume the V6 with manual will have better straight-line performance than the TSX.
I would love to hear if anyone has sampled the new six-speed.
Thanks,
Greg