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The 2.4L in the TSX should offer much greater drivability than the 1.8L used in the Matrix. The 2.4L has a very wide powerband even though peak torque is at relatively high RPM. We have had two 2000 Civic SI's so I know what you are referring to but I think the TSX would be a world better.
"The lack of low-end torque and the need for high RPMs to generate HP"
most of the max torque for the TSX's 2.4l (not 2.0l) is available throughout the rev range. if the TSX has a problem with torque, it's because it just doesn't generate enough torque for its weight.
It seems a consistent theme that posters speak only about acceleration/power of Accord vs TSX. The TSX is more than adequate and rewards you with higher revs. The TSX's asset is very close to a BMW in driving dynamics and is actually fun to drive while a Honda Accord is well a family car.... If all care about is straight line acceleration than the Honda V6 is for you and the TSX is not. My Acura salesman neighbor let me take a demo TSX out for a day.
Need a second car for my husband to drive; I drive a Honda Pilot. LOVE the TSX, but, we may on occasion need to put 2 carseats in the back for our toddler boys.
Are we CRAZY even considering this car? We sold our V6 4Motion VW Passat Wagon 6 months ago and seriously think we need another car. The wagon at least had the big trunk...
I do not have a TSX but I do have a 2004 Accord that we bought a few months before our son was born. We thought the sedan would have plenty of room for us and the baby compared to the 2003 coupe that we traded. We ended up buying a 2004 Odyssey to drive for when we were all 3 together.
That said, the Accord is fine for short trips and for when we want to get better gas mileage than the Ody provides. Depending on what car seat you are using (our Alpha Omega takes up a good bit of rear seat room) you should find the TSX fine for what it looks like you are going to use it for.
If I were you I would take both car seats, some stuff that you regularly carry (stroller, diaper bags, etc) and load it all up in the TSX to see if you will all be comfortable.
I assume that the Pilot is going to see most of the kids duty? I think that as long as its not "the family car" the TSX would do fine. Of course my wife and I choose pets instead of kids, and they dont take up much space
We were sticking with the "pets instead of kids" way of life. Times were so much quieter then .. but not nearly as rewarding. Having a child is A LOT of work but all it takes is one smile and you forget about the lack of sleeping, showering, and eating involved. I do have to say that I can't even begin to fathom how people with multiple births manage.
Have the Mazda6, which I think has similar interior dimensions to the TSX. Have two boys, 3 & 7 (both big for their age), & the 6 is more than adequate for buzzing around on weekends for a family of four. Anon hit it on the head by bringing car seats & testing interior comfort at the dealer. My wife did that before she let me get the 6. As long as it's not your main family vehicle, TSX seems like great choice (would have been my choice if it were more in my price range)...
I guess it depends on the person. We have very nice stuff, that is totally not "kid friendly". It would only take one crayon to completely ruin the $2000 black laquer finish on my Dynaudio Confidence C4s. That cat is not even allowed in that room. I also am quite fond of sleeping, going out with friends, vacationing, etc.
Crayons shouldn't be an issue if you train your kid right. Sounds cruel but it's true. Kids will only do what they think they can get away with. I have several friends who laugh when their kid tells them "no". Those same people laugh when their children hit them. And it's those same people who are constantly complaining about crayon marks, destroyed furniture, etc. It's all in how you raise them.
What if I'm not home? Any kid can think they can get away with a lot when Dad's not around. My sister is very good with her kids, but I know how kids are. If I say "DONT touch these" the kid has to touch them. If the door is always closed, the kid will open it. If I lock it, it just makes it ten times worse. I dont care if Mary Poppins raised them, these are $16,000 for the pair, PLUS the cost of the fancy, super easy to scratch laquer paint. No kids.
Hey Definitive is nothing to scoff at. I myself used to own a pair of BP2000TLs, great speakers, even if they owe A LOT to Andrew Welker and the Mirage M1. What this has to do with Acura.. hehehe
I just wanted to contribute my buying experience here. I had it down to buying either a 2004 V-6 Accord Sedan, or a 2004 Acura TSX. When it came down to it, I went with the TSX, and am very happy with my choice. Both models I was considering were automatic, and Non-NAVI. I drove both, and loved both, although I liked the look (both inside and out) of the TSX much, much better. It’s a nicer car. What nearly kept me from getting it, and instead going with the Accord were the following:
Accord was $1500 cheaper Accord did not require premium gas Accord had a V-6 (vice 4 cylinder) and 40 more hp Accord had XM Satellite radio standard
Other than those 4 bullets, I felt the TSX was superior in every other facet. Specifically:
Sport suspension on the TSX, just felt like it handled worlds better than the Accord Styling of the car inside and out. Although similar, the TSX is superior XENON Headlights, sounds extraneous, till you see them, they are awesome Sound system in the TSX was much better at higher volumes, and just sounded better Gauges/display were better and brighter in the TSX
Bottom line is the price was substantial, but over 5 years at 3.9% it’s about $25/month. Gas is a bit of an issue, but the TSX gets 23/32 which is more than adequate, and felt like a $10-15/month difference on gas was not huge, and overall would keep the engine cleaner, and running better. If the Accord is faster, it’s tough to notice. The feel of a V-6 is nice, but the 4 on the TSX is no ordinary 4. Plenty of power for the average driver, and more than adequate off the line and at high speeds. The TSX is slightly smaller in the back seat, but if the folks aren’t 6-6, they’ll never notice.
Am loving my Carbon Gray/Quartz TSX (THE color combo to get in this car, just look at one). The car gets a ton of looks, and is nice to own something that you don’t see every 5-10 seconds while out on the road. Definitely liked the Honda, but LOVE the TSX.
i just bought an artic blue tsx, and i love it. around the northern va/washington dc area, tons of people drive the accord.... for good reason, theyre awesome. but the tsx is another type of animal... it has sportier handling, looks classier, carries premium acura services, has better interior, comes standard with a lot of goodies.
The TSX does not require premium fuel, it recommends it for the best performance but can be run using regular fuel with a slight degradation in performance. This info according to website and also stated by Acura dealer on my test drive.
Thanks for clarifying snarks, I believe you are correct. I have seen the same info as you mentioned, although the manual says 91 octane is recommended (although I have gone exclusively with 93 to this point) And when it comes down to it, would you really want to save .10 a gallon and suffer any degradation to performance? Not me.
if you were talking about a manual TSX, than maybe. but an automatic TSX, that's laughable.
i thought the TSX was peppy enough when i initially test drove the car. but that was before i purchased the accord. test drove the car again after i had my for accord for 6 months and it's IMPOSSIBLE not to notice the difference in thrust.
i think the TSX is a very appealing car but when it's saddled with the automatic, straight line acceleration is ummm, average.
We run regular octane 87 in our company TSX. I have not noticed any degradation in performance over using Premium when we used to use that prior to finding out it was recommended not required. In our area premium is $0.20-$0.30 more per gallon.
I guess when I refer to acceleration not being much different between the two, I meant for the average driver. If people really feel that going 0-60 in 8.9 as opposed to 8.2 (we're talkin tenths of a second here folks!!), is a huge problem, then maybe the Accord is for you. For normal day to day driving, I think most will agree the TSX is more than adequate, and not at all underpowered. Plus this car is just beautiful. No regrets. Honda Accord is also very nice, in my opinion there isn't worlds of difference between the two, can't go wrong with either.
i love the TSX and almost got one. it's just misinformation (not intentional on your part though) to say the acceleration times are similar (auto to auto). the difference in time to 60 is more like a 1.5 seconds. more importantly is the difference in real world driving.
i believe motorweek had a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds for the accord but virtually every other publication/show have had times in the 7-7.4 second range for the accord. 8.9 seems a little high for an auto tsx also.
Because i live in a major city, i chose the automatic over stick, to which i regret still. however, i believe the automatic will post about a high 7 or low 8 sec, 0-60. I've read about every review of the TSX, all of which were stickshifts, and the times ranged from 7.0-7.2 secs. With the auto, I'd figure about a .8 sec differential, taking into account www.acura.com's estimate too of the automatic.
Re: power. Are you saying the manual Accord was about the same as the auto TSX? I drove an auto TSX and didn't think it had much ooomph. I didn't try shifting it manually.
I think he's comparing 4 cyl's against each other. The Auto V6 Accord blows away the TSX in performance even in manual form.
Sharp car, but a little small. FYI for those interested...the TSX is the Euro Accord. Same car, no size difference.
I added a few goodies and have what I consider value priced TL-ish Accord. Greddy E-Manage Fuel/VTEC Control to up the power, control VTEC better, 17" Honda Rims / Michellin Pilots , 04 TL Sway Bars along with the AV6 6spd Strut Tower Brace to firm up the corners & Catz Rising White 4300k HID's to light up the night & new Sound of course
That's a nice looking Accord! I'm still not thrilled about the rear end compared to the TL or TSX but with a spoiler it doesn't look so choppy. Great rims.
Did you put the strut tower brace on yourself? I assume you have to take off the windshield wiper cover to bolt it on.(?) I just got one, but have not attempted to install it yet.
I am also getting Brembo rotors on Monday with PBR pads. I think my rotors are slightly warped at 25k. The sway bar is on order. I probably should have went with the CL bar since everyone wants the TL. I put the 17" wheels from the 6-speed on last year. I got a deal on eBay, but I was really torn between the wheels you put on (they look nice), as well as the Factory Performance wheels. I'm looking forward to the improved braking and handling, and I like that it looks completely stock.
Your comment that the auto Accord V6 blows away the TSX in performance is in error. You are speaking strictly in terms of straight line speed, and that is but a small part of any cars overall performance.
In stock form, the TSX is a much sharper handling car than the Accord, with quicker steering and better road feel. The TSX rails through turns, whereas the Accord tends more to understeer and feels more nose-heavy in general. Adding the extra weight of the V6 to the mix further detracts from the cars cornering ability.
The Accords softer suspension tuning also makes it more prone to body roll in hard cornering.
Stoplight to stoplight, you win; in the twisties, it's sayonara Accord.
The Accord is a fine automobile, with an excellent V6 motor, buy it is not in the TSX's class as an overall performer, the modifications you made to your car notwithstanding.
I've owned both cars. The 6 MT TSX is more fun to drive.
I was speaking from mainly an acceleration standpoint. From a stop or a roll, in everday driving the V6 is much more enjoyable to me. The power difference throughout is very noticable.
hi, im about to decide between the tsx and the 2 door v6 ex accord. i need help deciding. i like the tsxs looks better, and im not all that concerned with speed and handling...they are both more than adequate to me. so as you can imagine, i am leaning towards the tsx. however, im concerned that it was only released this year, and that it will have a lot of problems. i dont intend on buyinga car for the next 8-10 years, so this is it. can i trust the tsx for reliability? will it make it 100k miles? also, ive heard a lot of issues with noises and rattling, etc. are these rare cases, or should i expect to have them as well? id really like to get the tsx, but it has to be able to last me a long time. i know acura is made by honda, but i still question whether its the right decision. your opinions are appreciated. thank you.
I wouldn't give a 2nd thought to the quality of either of these vehicles. Here's my take: Acura: longer warranty, better looking (totally subjective), 4 doors, probably slightly better handling, luxury brand prestige. Accord: better power (especially with automatic), better ride, lower cost. Tough call. For me, the V6 power (and lack of a local Acura dealer) would make me pick the Honda but you've got to make the final call for yourself. You can't go wrong with either.
I wouldn't base a decision on anything I read on Edmunds. This is all anecdotal data. You've got a couple dozen people posting and 3 or 4 have problems so it seems like a high percentage. If you want data based on thousands of owners, look at JD Power or Consumer Reports. JD Power is available on the web and gives the quality edge to Acura.
What complaints? I've had my TSX for 6 months now, and it's been the absolutely most rock solid, fun to drive car I've ever owned. It's very well-built and as zippy and sharp-handling as I need a daily driver to be.
It has a beautiful, well-appointed interior, the engine is smooth, refined and powerful, and the 6 MT is an absolute joy to operate. I will say, if you get a TSX, get it with the manual tranny. Anything else would be a shame.
Has anyone compared the TSX vs the Accord V6 Coupe? I haven`t driven the v6 coupe but understand that it handles better than the standard accord. I prefer the style of the TSX, love the low cowl and outstanding visibility out (like accords of old) but would prefer saving some dough. Also I have really short on ramps to the highway and the better low end torque of the V6 would be beneficial. One other item is that real world highway mileage seems similiar so there isn`t much difference there except in the city. Does the 6spd manual of the the Accord Coupe have as sweet a linkage and shifting behavior as the TSX?
I have never driven a TSX 6-speed but I know the manual traany in our 04 EX-L Accord is like butter. Smooth and direct as most Honda/Acuras are.
If you do not need the 2 extra doors of the TSX and are willing to give up a little handling to gain power you can't go wrong with the V6 6-speed. And the 6-speed Accord will have XM which is awesome.
I drove both the automatic TSX and the Accord V-6 Coupe automatic and 6-speed. I was soured on the TSX simply because of my dealer experience but other than that I found the auto TSX a bit sluggish. The 6-speed I feel would be a more responsive car but I never got a chance to drive one ("we don't have one in stock, see ya"). Anyway I can say the V6 Accord Coupe automatic does have considerably more pulling power; however, the handling isn't up to the TSX. I traded a 2001 BMW325 coupe for my Accord coupe so handling was a consideration. I swapped the stock wheels for 17" and bought better rubber and it has made a big difference. I really do enjoy this car. Note the 6-speed Accord V6 coupe has the 17" wheels and a stiffer suspension so it does handle much better. The bottom line is you are correct. If you want more torque and a smoother ride go with the Accord V6, but you sacrifice some handling ability. Either way they are both great cars.
After debating the Acura TL, TSX, Accord and Accord Coupe, I bought the Accord coupe. I really loved the TL but couldn't justify the cost at this time. I liked the TSX especially with the 6spd manual. Practically I liked the Accord 4 door for it's room and price factor.
After driving the V6 coupe tonight, I thought it represented a good compromise between all the cars. The engine and ride felt like the TL 6spd. The manual transmission felt smooth and almost like the TSXs'. The rear seat room was about the same as the TSX. As my son is 3.5 he can get out of the car by himself allowing me to get the coupe. I much prefer the firmer ride of the 6spd vs the Accord. I was awed by the cars acceleration.
Also swaying me was the the deal I got. $23,583 before TTL. Probably could have gotten another $250 off if I wasn't so tired. I bought the car here in Northern California.
I completely agree that the Accord V6 6 spd Coupe is a good compromise between the Accord and TSX.
I have owned a 98 Accord 4dr V6 auto and 98 Acura 2.3 CL 5 spd. Stock, the Honda V6 felt smooth/powerful but the turning/handling was boring. The Acura 2.3 5 spd lacked lower end power but was fun/lighter in daily driving.
Choosing between the Accord V6 6 spd and the TSX 6 spd is a tuff call. The Accord 6 spd power train is a sleeping wolf and would suprise any unsuspecting red light challenger. The TSX has nice enhancements but aren't Acura's suppose to have power under the hood? In the end the Accord V6 6 spd is a better value ($23,600). If you must have the name then choose the TSX. Note, a V6 is worth more at trade-in and a automatic is worth more at trade-in.
Interesting how often on these boards the four cylinder Accord is talked up in terms of its ample peformance.
Fellow board posters (and car mags and Edmunds testers, too) often urge prospective Accord buyers to test drive the I4 because they may well find that it provides all the performance they need, so much so that they may find that they don't need the 240 ponies of the V6.
However, when it comes to the TSX and its stout, buttery smooth 200HP I4, coupled with superb, tight handling and marvelous tranny, the car suddenly becomes underpowered.
I don't get it. I think this country is obsessed with horsepower and straight-line speed. When did 200HP become underpowered?
The TSX's forte is its outstanding balance.
All I know is, the more I drive it, the more I love it.
Test drove Accord V-6, TSX, and TL. Love the TL, but cannot bring myself to spend $33K. I haven't driven a V-6 Coupe. Is it significantly different than the Sedan? The three things keeping me from buying the Accord V-6 Sedan: 1. Ugly back end, 2. No Xenon, 3. No Vehical Stability Assist. Need your help. I currently own a 2000 M-B ML320, and I feel like I'm taking it to the shop every month for one problem or another. Help. Thanks.
For me, Automobile magazine hit the nail on the head when they wrote, "the TSX is blandly styled, and some buyers may balk at paying 27 large for a smallish four-banger". Still, they go on with great praise and conclude, "more than the sum of it's parts".
If you're looking for an entertaining drive on a twisty two-lane road, the TSX is the obvious choice over a four-door Accord (assuming that you've got $27k to spend).
I suspect that suburban commuters with families will likewise find the Accord sedan an obvious choice over the TSX and delight in getting a larger car, available with a powerful V6, for less money.
Everybody should get to own a sports car once and I already have thanks.
I had an Accord once (a 1993 4-door EX). It was in the family for ten years, and it was arguably the best car I ever owned - and I'll never buy another one.
I don't think the Accord will seriously be shopped against the TSX. The Accord is a large, softly sprung family tourer that's fine for rush hour traffic or a trip to the market, but it protests when the road gets twisty.
If "fun" isn't a part of your automotive vocabulary, just write the TSX off your list, because you won't appreciate it. You're better off shopping the Accord against the Toyota Camry, Buick LaCrosse and Ford Five Hundred.
I actually sat in the new Buick and Ford several weeks ago at the Seattle Auto Show, and came away pretty impressed with both of them. They are both roomy and upscale looking/feeling family cars. If I didn't enjoy driving so much, I might even consider them.
first...replace the rear sway bar with the 04 TL 6spd bar. It's less than $100 and easy as four bolts to install and replace. That alone will firm up the rear to the point where you will notice it in even lane changes on the highway. No more rear end wagging/following.
next...sedan owners...add the 6spd Accord's Strut Tower Brace. Again, $60 and about 1hr to put it on. Big difference on the S curves.
Rubber...86 the stock rubber and rims....go wtih 17's and good tires. Huge difference once good tires are in place.
Lastly, you can buy the HFP suspension for the sedans for about $800 just search. Nice 1" drop...not kiddie punk looking but clean.
Add in the above and the Accord Sedan will out auto x a TSX easily. I know, I spent all summer having fun with mine and two TSX's and a handful of RSX's at the local SCCA events.
I have been reading about how the Accord I4 handles much more balanced at the limits with the TL’s 17 mm sway bar vs. the TL-S’ 20 mm one in the rear. The pricing I saw was more along the lines of $34.00 including the TL 17 mm bar, bushings, and clamps.
What does the strut tower brace do and does it harm the Accord’s relatively smooth ride?
Lastly, I have read about the HFP kit but I was wondering if you have read that dropping the Accord by an inch improves its aerodynamics any? I would assume another .01 or .02 off of its rather high .30 Cd but I really don’t know? Do you have to purchase the whole kit to drop her down by an inch or just a few of the parts? The boy racer garb is not what I would be interested in at all
It is good to hear that with these few mods you have basically created a TL like handler out of your V6. Have you ever driven the I4 with these mods applied? Some in other Accord forums say the I4 is more nimble given the lighter weight ICE up front but I know very little about handling improvements and the mods that help in this regard.
I've not read or followed any I4 discussions here or on the other boards so I can't comment. The STB won't affect the ride at all. That will be something the HFP Kit, Tires and Rim Choice will do.
The bottom line is my sedan is noticably firmer, but like the TSX, if I were to put touring tires on it and not have dropped 1" but rather just upgraded the struts only, it would ride smoother. My preference though is a firm ride and more nimble handling.
Can't comment on the Cd findings. I don't think it is going to be affected much at all. The HFP Kit came to me all as one kit through a dealer that remains nameless as they did get caught parting it out...oh well...they are in Indy if that matters. Search around...you can get it. Basically upgrading the Koni Yellows will improve the stock handling tremendously.
I do enjoy showing of my little TL now too I surprise my fair share of new TL owners both off the line and especially on the road. They actually handle like the very unbalanced FWD cars they are. Torque steer is a problem which is sad as they are heavier and yet still can't outpace me. All I've done engine wise is tweak the air/fuel ratios and vtec settings via a piggy back computer unit and had it dyno tuned with my Cold Air Intake. Pulls strong.
"rear sway bar...less than $100. Strut Tower Brace...$60. 17's and good tires. HFP suspension...$800. Total cost....far less than a TSX too."
Let's see:
Accord EX-V6 (no Nav) is $26,700. Add $100 for the sway bar, $60 for the strut brace, $1200 for wheels/tires, and $800 for HFP (Honda Factory Performance) suspension.
I get a total of $28,860, which is $1,870 MORE than a TSX, and the Accord V-6 still weighs 150 lbs more, has a 6" longer wheelbase, 1.5" wider track, slower steering ratio, and no 6-speed, VSA, HID's, etc.
New 05 Accord V6 EX 4-door w/ Auto: $23,588 including dest. Just add TTL. You can begin adding the upgrades to this lower actual cost The rear sway bar mod cost just $30.00 including the bar, the bushings, and clamps.
Sure the TSX/TL has more features but the TSX surely doesn’t have the straight line performance and since the RL and Accord use very similar underpinnings, do the mods improve the Accord’s handling to TL type spec’s? Some think they actually surpass the TL in the handling department. Maybe the TL needs to add some $’s to catch the EX V6’s spec’s after the minimal modifications? The TL is no svelte runway model in the weight department either TL: 3,570 #’s vs. EX V6: 3,384 #’s (both w/ Auto’s) to be exact.
well let's see, I paid $27,538 for my fully loaded EX V6 with Nav including the 17" wheels and performance tires from my local dealer back in July of 03. The HFP kit was just recently added and bought at a dealer in Indy for less than $700 total. All the mods you list added up to under $31k and were not at all difficult to install myself. In fact it would do others good to lean how to do it themselves. Oh, and the HID's came from a wrecked Import sitting at a auto yard in SE Ohio. Nice $700 system for $150.
It will also out handle the TL and speed wise, it's right there with them. I've yet to see an auto TL pull consistant 14.7's at the track and even touch the 14.6's as two other 7th Gen. Accords here locally have. The previous Gen Type S units actually post about .1-.2 better 1320 times & 1-2mph better too. The new one thus doesn't benefit from the extra hp at all. On the road course, TL's are unbalanced and sloppy. Even basic road reviews that don't push them as I do make note of that. That's putting track shoes on a pig if I've ever seen it. What's really funny was watching one at a locall SCCA event this summer on stock Potenza tires and getting frustrated thinking his Stability Control was going to help him perform better on the track.
Sure, I could have paid a bit more for a TL which at the time were barely launched and commanding a premium, but personally, the outside is rather unattractive to me...to wedgy like the Pontiac Bonnivilles. No more attractive than my Accord, which isn't my favorite either. Sweet Dash gauge package though. Perhaps Acura feels that as well as evidence in the refined styling of the RL. They really should have taken TL styling cues from the TSX. It looks better IMO. Besides, I'm not one for driving the same exact TL as everyone else. I'd rather have a slightly unique Accord. The TSX as I said is nice, but it's nothing more than a very entry level car just like the Integra it replaced. No thanks. I'd rather go buy a loaded up Honda. My guess is that will be evident on the used market in a few years too.
Comments
most of the max torque for the TSX's 2.4l (not 2.0l) is available throughout the rev range. if the TSX has a problem with torque, it's because it just doesn't generate enough torque for its weight.
Are we CRAZY even considering this car? We sold our V6 4Motion VW Passat Wagon 6 months ago and seriously think we need another car. The wagon at least had the big trunk...
Anyone ever have kids in the TSX?
That said, the Accord is fine for short trips and for when we want to get better gas mileage than the Ody provides. Depending on what car seat you are using (our Alpha Omega takes up a good bit of rear seat room) you should find the TSX fine for what it looks like you are going to use it for.
If I were you I would take both car seats, some stuff that you regularly carry (stroller, diaper bags, etc) and load it all up in the TSX to see if you will all be comfortable.
I can live with my Def Techs for a few years...
Accord was $1500 cheaper
Accord did not require premium gas
Accord had a V-6 (vice 4 cylinder) and 40 more hp
Accord had XM Satellite radio standard
Other than those 4 bullets, I felt the TSX was superior in every other facet. Specifically:
Sport suspension on the TSX, just felt like it handled worlds better than the Accord
Styling of the car inside and out. Although similar, the TSX is superior
XENON Headlights, sounds extraneous, till you see them, they are awesome
Sound system in the TSX was much better at higher volumes, and just sounded better
Gauges/display were better and brighter in the TSX
Bottom line is the price was substantial, but over 5 years at 3.9% it’s about $25/month. Gas is a bit of an issue, but the TSX gets 23/32 which is more than adequate, and felt like a $10-15/month difference on gas was not huge, and overall would keep the engine cleaner, and running better. If the Accord is faster, it’s tough to notice. The feel of a V-6 is nice, but the 4 on the TSX is no ordinary 4. Plenty of power for the average driver, and more than adequate off the line and at high speeds. The TSX is slightly smaller in the back seat, but if the folks aren’t 6-6, they’ll never notice.
Am loving my Carbon Gray/Quartz TSX (THE color combo to get in this car, just look at one). The car gets a ton of looks, and is nice to own something that you don’t see every 5-10 seconds while out on the road. Definitely liked the Honda, but LOVE the TSX.
if you were talking about a manual TSX, than maybe. but an automatic TSX, that's laughable.
i thought the TSX was peppy enough when i initially test drove the car. but that was before i purchased the accord. test drove the car again after i had my for accord for 6 months and it's IMPOSSIBLE not to notice the difference in thrust.
i think the TSX is a very appealing car but when it's saddled with the automatic, straight line acceleration is ummm, average.
i believe motorweek had a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds for the accord but virtually every other publication/show have had times in the 7-7.4 second range for the accord. 8.9 seems a little high for an auto tsx also.
I think he's comparing 4 cyl's against each other. The Auto V6 Accord blows away the TSX in performance even in manual form.
Sharp car, but a little small. FYI for those interested...the TSX is the Euro Accord. Same car, no size difference.
I added a few goodies and have what I consider value priced TL-ish Accord. Greddy E-Manage Fuel/VTEC Control to up the power, control VTEC better, 17" Honda Rims / Michellin Pilots , 04 TL Sway Bars along with the AV6 6spd Strut Tower Brace to firm up the corners & Catz Rising White 4300k HID's to light up the night & new Sound of course
Details on Complete list of mods Here: http://www.pbase.com/image/29307733
I am also getting Brembo rotors on Monday with PBR pads. I think my rotors are slightly warped at 25k. The sway bar is on order. I probably should have went with the CL bar since everyone wants the TL. I put the 17" wheels from the 6-speed on last year. I got a deal on eBay, but I was really torn between the wheels you put on (they look nice), as well as the Factory Performance wheels. I'm looking forward to the improved braking and handling, and I like that it looks completely stock.
In stock form, the TSX is a much sharper handling car than the Accord, with quicker steering and better road feel. The TSX rails through turns, whereas the Accord tends more to understeer and feels more nose-heavy in general. Adding the extra weight of the V6 to the mix further detracts from the cars cornering ability.
The Accords softer suspension tuning also makes it more prone to body roll in hard cornering.
Stoplight to stoplight, you win; in the twisties, it's sayonara Accord.
The Accord is a fine automobile, with an excellent V6 motor, buy it is not in the TSX's class as an overall performer, the modifications you made to your car notwithstanding.
I've owned both cars. The 6 MT TSX is more fun to drive.
Johnny
im about to decide between the tsx and the 2 door v6 ex accord. i need help deciding. i like the tsxs looks better, and im not all that concerned with speed and handling...they are both more than adequate to me. so as you can imagine, i am leaning towards the tsx. however, im concerned that it was only released this year, and that it will have a lot of problems. i dont intend on buyinga car for the next 8-10 years, so this is it. can i trust the tsx for reliability? will it make it 100k miles? also, ive heard a lot of issues with noises and rattling, etc. are these rare cases, or should i expect to have them as well? id really like to get the tsx, but it has to be able to last me a long time. i know acura is made by honda, but i still question whether its the right decision. your opinions are appreciated. thank you.
It has a beautiful, well-appointed interior, the engine is smooth, refined and powerful, and the 6 MT is an absolute joy to operate. I will say, if you get a TSX, get it with the manual tranny. Anything else would be a shame.
I've had zero problems with it.
I prefer the style of the TSX, love the low cowl and outstanding visibility out (like accords of old) but would prefer saving some dough. Also I have really short on ramps to the highway and the better low end torque of the V6 would be beneficial. One other item is that real world highway mileage seems similiar so there isn`t much difference there except in the city. Does the 6spd manual of the the Accord Coupe have as sweet a linkage and shifting behavior as the TSX?
Your thoughts and input are appreciated.
If you do not need the 2 extra doors of the TSX and are willing to give up a little handling to gain power you can't go wrong with the V6 6-speed. And the 6-speed Accord will have XM which is awesome.
Anyway I can say the V6 Accord Coupe automatic does have considerably more pulling power; however, the handling isn't up to the TSX. I traded a 2001 BMW325 coupe for my Accord coupe so handling was a consideration. I swapped the stock wheels for 17" and bought better rubber and it has made a big difference. I really do enjoy this car. Note the 6-speed Accord V6 coupe has the 17" wheels and a stiffer suspension so it does handle much better. The bottom line is you are correct. If you want more torque and a smoother ride go with the Accord V6, but you sacrifice some handling ability. Either way they are both great cars.
After driving the V6 coupe tonight, I thought it represented a good compromise between all the cars. The engine and ride felt like the TL 6spd. The manual transmission felt smooth and almost like the TSXs'. The rear seat room was about the same as the TSX. As my son is 3.5 he can get out of the car by himself allowing me to get the coupe. I much prefer the firmer ride of the 6spd vs the Accord. I was awed by the cars acceleration.
Also swaying me was the the deal I got. $23,583 before TTL. Probably could have gotten another $250 off if I wasn't so tired. I bought the car here in Northern California.
Thanks for your input!
I have owned a 98 Accord 4dr V6 auto and 98 Acura 2.3 CL 5 spd. Stock, the Honda V6 felt smooth/powerful but the turning/handling was boring. The Acura 2.3 5 spd lacked lower end power but was fun/lighter in daily driving.
Choosing between the Accord V6 6 spd and the TSX 6 spd is a tuff call. The Accord 6 spd power train is a sleeping wolf and would suprise any unsuspecting red light challenger. The TSX has nice enhancements but aren't Acura's suppose to have power under the hood? In the end the Accord V6 6 spd is a better value ($23,600). If you must have the name then choose the TSX. Note, a V6 is worth more at trade-in and a automatic is worth more at trade-in.
Isn't 200 hp enough?
"If you must have the name then choose the TSX."
Why are so many people hung up on the name? You choose the TSX if you want an upscale, 6-speed Honda sedan that corners on rails. Period.
Interesting how often on these boards the four cylinder Accord is talked up in terms of its ample peformance.
Fellow board posters (and car mags and Edmunds testers, too) often urge prospective Accord buyers to test drive the I4 because they may well find that it provides all the performance they need, so much so that they may find that they don't need the 240 ponies of the V6.
However, when it comes to the TSX and its stout, buttery smooth 200HP I4, coupled with superb, tight handling and marvelous tranny, the car suddenly becomes underpowered.
I don't get it. I think this country is obsessed with horsepower and straight-line speed. When did 200HP become underpowered?
The TSX's forte is its outstanding balance.
All I know is, the more I drive it, the more I love it.
Johnny
Need your help.
I currently own a 2000 M-B ML320, and I feel like I'm taking it to the shop every month for one problem or another.
Help.
Thanks.
If you're looking for an entertaining drive on a twisty two-lane road, the TSX is the obvious choice over a four-door Accord (assuming that you've got $27k to spend).
I suspect that suburban commuters with families will likewise find the Accord sedan an obvious choice over the TSX and delight in getting a larger car, available with a powerful V6, for less money.
Everybody should get to own a sports car once and I already have thanks.
I don't think the Accord will seriously be shopped against the TSX. The Accord is a large, softly sprung family tourer that's fine for rush hour traffic or a trip to the market, but it protests when the road gets twisty.
If "fun" isn't a part of your automotive vocabulary, just write the TSX off your list, because you won't appreciate it. You're better off shopping the Accord against the Toyota Camry, Buick LaCrosse and Ford Five Hundred.
I actually sat in the new Buick and Ford several weeks ago at the Seattle Auto Show, and came away pretty impressed with both of them. They are both roomy and upscale looking/feeling family cars. If I didn't enjoy driving so much, I might even consider them.
next...sedan owners...add the 6spd Accord's Strut Tower Brace. Again, $60 and about 1hr to put it on. Big difference on the S curves.
Rubber...86 the stock rubber and rims....go wtih 17's and good tires. Huge difference once good tires are in place.
Lastly, you can buy the HFP suspension for the sedans for about $800 just search. Nice 1" drop...not kiddie punk looking but clean.
Add in the above and the Accord Sedan will out auto x a TSX easily. I know, I spent all summer having fun with mine and two TSX's and a handful of RSX's at the local SCCA events.
Total cost....far less than a TSX too.
I have been reading about how the Accord I4 handles much more balanced at the limits with the TL’s 17 mm sway bar vs. the TL-S’ 20 mm one in the rear. The pricing I saw was more along the lines of $34.00 including the TL 17 mm bar, bushings, and clamps.
What does the strut tower brace do and does it harm the Accord’s relatively smooth ride?
Lastly, I have read about the HFP kit but I was wondering if you have read that dropping the Accord by an inch improves its aerodynamics any? I would assume another .01 or .02 off of its rather high .30 Cd but I really don’t know? Do you have to purchase the whole kit to drop her down by an inch or just a few of the parts? The boy racer garb is not what I would be interested in at all
It is good to hear that with these few mods you have basically created a TL like handler out of your V6. Have you ever driven the I4 with these mods applied? Some in other Accord forums say the I4 is more nimble given the lighter weight ICE up front but I know very little about handling improvements and the mods that help in this regard.
Thanks in advance
Wayne R. Gerdes
I've not read or followed any I4 discussions here or on the other boards so I can't comment. The STB won't affect the ride at all. That will be something the HFP Kit, Tires and Rim Choice will do.
The bottom line is my sedan is noticably firmer, but like the TSX, if I were to put touring tires on it and not have dropped 1" but rather just upgraded the struts only, it would ride smoother. My preference though is a firm ride and more nimble handling.
Can't comment on the Cd findings. I don't think it is going to be affected much at all. The HFP Kit came to me all as one kit through a dealer that remains nameless as they did get caught parting it out...oh well...they are in Indy if that matters. Search around...you can get it. Basically upgrading the Koni Yellows will improve the stock handling tremendously.
I do enjoy showing of my little TL now too
God luck and enjoy the upcoming mods.
Here's my ride & mods
http://upload.pbase.com/image/29307733
Let's see:
Accord EX-V6 (no Nav) is $26,700. Add $100 for the sway bar, $60 for the strut brace, $1200 for wheels/tires, and $800 for HFP (Honda Factory Performance) suspension.
I get a total of $28,860, which is $1,870 MORE than a TSX, and the Accord V-6 still weighs 150 lbs more, has a 6" longer wheelbase, 1.5" wider track, slower steering ratio, and no 6-speed, VSA, HID's, etc.
You can put track shoes on a pig...
Grand Honda in Elmhurst, IL.
New 05 Accord V6 EX 4-door w/ Auto: $23,588 including dest. Just add TTL. You can begin adding the upgrades to this lower actual cost The rear sway bar mod cost just $30.00 including the bar, the bushings, and clamps.
Sure the TSX/TL has more features but the TSX surely doesn’t have the straight line performance and since the RL and Accord use very similar underpinnings, do the mods improve the Accord’s handling to TL type spec’s? Some think they actually surpass the TL in the handling department. Maybe the TL needs to add some $’s to catch the EX V6’s spec’s after the minimal modifications? The TL is no svelte runway model in the weight department either TL: 3,570 #’s vs. EX V6: 3,384 #’s (both w/ Auto’s) to be exact.
Good Luck
Wayne R. Gerdes
It will also out handle the TL and speed wise, it's right there with them. I've yet to see an auto TL pull consistant 14.7's at the track and even touch the 14.6's as two other 7th Gen. Accords here locally have. The previous Gen Type S units actually post about .1-.2 better 1320 times & 1-2mph better too. The new one thus doesn't benefit from the extra hp at all. On the road course, TL's are unbalanced and sloppy. Even basic road reviews that don't push them as I do make note of that. That's putting track shoes on a pig if I've ever seen it. What's really funny was watching one at a locall SCCA event this summer on stock Potenza tires and getting frustrated thinking his Stability Control was going to help him perform better on the track.
Sure, I could have paid a bit more for a TL which at the time were barely launched and commanding a premium, but personally, the outside is rather unattractive to me...to wedgy like the Pontiac Bonnivilles. No more attractive than my Accord, which isn't my favorite either. Sweet Dash gauge package though. Perhaps Acura feels that as well as evidence in the refined styling of the RL. They really should have taken TL styling cues from the TSX. It looks better IMO. Besides, I'm not one for driving the same exact TL as everyone else. I'd rather have a slightly unique Accord. The TSX as I said is nice, but it's nothing more than a very entry level car just like the Integra it replaced. No thanks. I'd rather go buy a loaded up Honda. My guess is that will be evident on the used market in a few years too.