Honda Accord vs Acura TSX

midnightcowboy · October 2005

Greg (kronogoose),

I have the 6-speed in the 2005 Accord Coupe EX V6 w/NAV and it is awesome! The new sedan 6-speed will be the same.

All V6 Hondas (AT or MT) are much, much faster straight line than the TSX

The 6-speed version usually adds a couple of more little features over the A/T versions , I doubt that you will ever see it in anything but an EX V6. I do not belive Honda will put it in the LX model in the future.

See if you can test drive one on a demo.

YMMV,

MidCow

fedlawman · October 2005

"All V6 Hondas (AT or MT) are much, much faster straight line than the TSX"

I was right there with you until here...

Yes, AT to AT and MT to MT, the above statement is true. However, the Accord V-6 with AT weighs 200 lbs more than a TSX with 6MT. I believe most performance testing has shown them to be within a couple 10ths to 60 MPH and in the 1/4 mile.

Since 90% (my guess) of Accords on the road have AT, a TSX with 6MT will likely surprise a great many V-6 drivers at a stop light (yes, I speak from experience). I never pulled ahead, but I caused some surprised looks on more than a few TL and G35 drivers during my 2 years of 6MT TSX ownership - it's a quick car.

johnny420 · October 2005

Follow your heart! :P

haefr · October 2005

"I do not belive Honda will put it [6-sp manual transmission] in the LX model in the future."

You're probably right, though if demand for the manual is generally high enough, there might be a slim chance Honda would do this in some sort of limited availability LX. Several months after I bought my '96 4-cyl LX, Honda came out with a spiffed-up LX with leather, alloy wheels, and several other appearance goodies briefly. It was only about $1,000.00 more - not a bad deal for someone wanting a leathered-up "EX junior" and willing to settle for the base, non-VTEC motor in LXs at the time.

kronogoose · October 2005

MidCow,

Thanks for the insight. I guess in a lot of ways, it always comes down to the test drive.

How's the back seat (for adults) in your coupe?

I hear Honda's manual trannies aresweet!

YMMV?

- Greg

midnightcowboy · October 2005

kronogoose,

Actually the back seats not bad, I can fit back there 6 ft 200+.

The was some discussion about the Accord V6 perfomance compared to TSX I4. Remember the accord V6 is 244 hp compared to 200 for the TSX abiet about 200 lbs heavier.

I had a 98 M3 5-speed and the 6-speed Accord is very close in perfromance, much faster than 215hp 5-speed IS300.

When I test drove TSX and Accord ayear or so back, the Accord even the automatic felt faster than the TSX. I agree the 6-speed TSX is faster than the auto TSX but even so it is proably a second faster than the manual TSX.

My estimates:(0-60 times in seconds) from auto consumer guide*

6-speed Accord V6 : 5.9 (from MT and C&D)
auto Accord V6 : 7.0*
6-speed TSX I4 : 7.9* ( same as the 5-speed man 4 cyl Accord)
auto TSX I4 : 8.4 est.

YMMV,

MidCow

And yes the 6-speed Honda transmisison is sweet. Of course the TSX 6-speed is sweet also!

lmacmil · October 2005

"I believe most performance testing has shown them to be within a couple 10ths to 60 MPH and in the 1/4 mile."

Best published time I've seen for the manual TSX was 15.7 for 1/4 mile. V6 6sp Accord coupes have published times in the mid-14s. AT to AT, the V6 Accord should be almost 1 sec faster in the 1/4. I think the extra torque of the V6 will make it feel a lot faster also unless one is keeping the revs up in the TSX.

Not to say that the TSX isn't perfectly fine for 90% of our daily driving needs and would probably be more fun in the twisties, but 40hp can more than overcome the extra 200 lbs the Accord carries..

fedlawman · October 2005

I was comparing the TSX 6MT with the Accord V-6 AT.

TSX 6-speed: 0-60 in 7.2 secs, 1/4 mile in 15.6 secs
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=6742&page_number=2

Accord V-6 AT: 0-60 in 7.0 secs, 1/4 mile in 15.5 secs. (isn't it amazing how much performance 200 lbs and a torque converter rob from a car?)
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=39&article_id=2488&page_number=2

I think it's great that you can get the Accord V-6 sedan with the MT now. With the MT and it's new-found good looks, I can definitely see it stealing some TSX and TL sales. Unfortunately, I see it mainly stealing Accord V-6 Coupe sales.

lmacmil · October 2005

"I was comparing the TSX 6MT with the Accord V-6 AT."

My mistake. Of course, if I site the MT data, the picture is quite different. They got only 16.0 for the TSX manual and an incredible 14.9 for the Accord V6 AT. MT numbers aside (I think they must have had a slow TSX and an incredibly fast Accord), I will concede that in flat out, straight line acceleration, they aren't much different.

For the majority of the buyers who will go with the AT, the punch of the V6 is hard to beat. I was underwhelmed during my TSX AT test drive when I floored it going about 40, yet again I'll concede that the need for fast acceleration at 40+ doesn't occur all that often for a lot of people (myself included.)

It will be interesting to see how many manual V6 Accord sedans get sold. I'm betting not too many.

vitocorleone · October 2005

I owned a '96 Integra and also compared the TL and the TSX. I loved the sporty, aggressive look of the TL and the thought of a V6 under the hood. However, after a test drive, I chose a TSX; the TSX is truly a natural progression from the Integra. Yes, the V6 is sweet, but the TL seemed in my case to fit me like an overly large, overly padded leather glove. It just lost the "fun" factor of the Integra, whereas the TSX kept it (though the turning radius on the TSX is atrocious compared to the Integra - no matter what, be prepared to relearn how to park) yet added a nice level of refinement and style. Since we only have one car, we also really wanted a folding rear seat, which also helped rule out the TL. The TL was also so wide I've been glad many a time in that I didn't buy it because I never couldn've gotten in/out of some parking spaces and parking garages. Good look on your search - test drive all cars more than once.

fedlawman · October 2005

I was underwhelmed during my TSX AT test drive

Yup, me too. The torque converter sucks the life out of the TSX.

notjafo · October 2005

concept car unveiled at the tokyo auto show. the detroit free press reported the following::
Honda showed a stunning concept, called the Sports 4, that supposedly hints at the direction of the next-generation Accord, coming to market in the next couple of years. The concept features sportier styling than the current Accord. The concept is equipped with the SH-AWD technology, introduced last year on the Acura flagship RL, suggesting the next Accord (and subsequent Acura TL based on the Accord) will have more spirited driving performance to match its look.

you can find photos via web search

harrybush00 · October 2005

Wow this place is dead silent these days. I went to the Civic Live event yesterday to check out the Black Eyed Peas (it was awesome!), and while I didn't get there early enough to drive the cars, I got a chance to sit in a fully loaded Accord Coupe EX V6 6MT with Nav and I have to say that it at least felt every bit as good as a TSX. All the buttons felt solid and the materials inside were just as good as the more expensive Acura counterpart. The seats were firm with good bolsters and the car felt pretty small/cozy compared to my current Solara. A more of a cockpit-like feel. I didn't like the '03-'05 styling too much, even on the coupe, but the '06 revisions on the outside looks far better. It's subtle changes, but the new rear end looks so much more defined. I do have one gripe about the the placement of the moonroof switch on both the Accord and the TSX. It'd be nice to have it, well, next to the moonroof up top. They did that in the TL, why not either of these models? Oh well, at least it's easy to use for the driver. Now I just have to go out and drive the 6MT coupe (let alone find one to drive).

thetoycar · December 2005

kronogoose, I too would like to have the LX trim level on the V6 with the six-speed, but this is an unlikely offering because the demand would be so low. The price point would be very attractive. I think Honda offers it in the EX trim level partly because the higher profit there (vs. LX) can offset some of the production and marketing cost of offering the manual.
I have test driven the '04 TSX auto and was quite underwhelmed with the acceleration, given the 200hp rating. However, this was with 4 people aboard and the a/c on. Compared with the '05 Accord 4-cyl 5spd, which I've also driven, it was too similar, if not slower, in pickup. "Where are the extra 40 horses?" I thought. It seems they all live north of 5000rpm. Granted, I drive a Camry V6 manual on a daily basis and am accustomed to good midrange torque.
I recently drove the '05 Accord V6 6spd coupe and also the '06 sedan 6spd and they are very similar in feel. In choosing between them, I personally would have to go with practicality of the 4-door. It was much quicker than either my Camry V6 or the TSX. The shifter action is short and very precise. The clutch takeup was light and easy in traffic. The handling on the TSX may be sharper, but at least on a cloverleaf coming off the highway in 3rd gear at 3000rpm, the new Accord V6 sedan acquits itself very well. It was solid in composure and did not feel stressed. I could see a lot of people thinking twice about the 6k difference to get a TL. Two things I noted: very good tire grip and lots of extra midrange punch available at just a toe touch away to pull out of the corner. The two contributing factors were that the sedan V6 MT comes with 17-inch Michelin Pilots, a step up from last year's 16-inch Energy MXV4 tires, and the V6 torque.
I can attest to the accuracy of the numbers on other postings when comparing the acceleration of the V6 Accord to the TSX. There is a significant difference in seat-of-the-pants feel.
I intend to test-drive the 6spd TSX soon, as this is what I intend to purchase, but they're hard to find in my area.

speedracer3 · January 2006

The Accord V6 may get from 0-60 in a flash but it also screams mommy mobile and it is not that fun to drive. The TSX is no rocket, but it's nible, quick enough for spiritied driving and looks great. There is more to a car than 0-60, and I keep seeing post after where 0-60 is the only consideration. I got a TSX and never bothered with the Accord, I was shopping for a sporty sedan, not a family car.

thegraduate · January 2006

The TSX is more of an image maker than the Accord (better exterior styling). I am single, but got the Accord because of the extra room afforded inside, and the better overall value that came with the Honda Accord.

speedracer3 · January 2006

1) Longer Warranty
2) It's made in Japan (yeah, I prefer Japanese cars made there)
3) Has features not even offered in an Accord (Bluetooth, Xenons, MP3 imput, Memory Seats, Shiftable automatic)
4) Better, more powerful sound system.

midnightcowboy · January 2006

I never considered the TSX compared to the accord 6-speed V6. I looked at the TL but the actual cost was about $8k higher.

Accord versus TSX

Accord wins
(1) much more power
(2) better mileage
(3) more room
(4) lower cost of service
(5) regular gas
(6) even V6 6-speed is a sleeper on insurance

TSX wins
(1) Handling- only slightly better than 6-speed V6
(2) Xexons
(3) memory seats
(4) longer warranty
(5)- bluetooth- but my personal opinion that using cell phone while driving is a large cuase of accidents and should be completley banned.

Equal:
(1) stereo - EX v6 6-speed I call about equal
(2) leather
(3) cost is about a push, TSX is a little higher
(4) both have Honda's relability

NA:
(1) shiftable automatic; Boo hiss the TSX is almost a decent car with a 6-speed with an automatic well ...

YOMV,

MidCow

speedracer3 · January 2006

Just a a few corrections:

Gas mileage: TSX auto: 22/31 Accord V6 auto: 20/29. TSX wins. Their 6 speeds are the same.

Stereo: Accord has a 6 speaker 180 watt stereo. TSX has a 8 speaker 360 watt stereo.

thegraduate · January 2006

The TSX requires premium, does it not? If that's so, then I'd call Fuel Eco. a push, as midcow said.

midnightcowboy · January 2006

Speedracer3,

Thanks for the input.

Okay the mileage specs of the TSX has been raised but the people I talked too say the Accord easily makes the mileage specs, while the TSX doesn't. But with the published figures it is about a push.

Stereo power is a funny animal; It is a logrithmic scale. While it sounds far apart 6 speaker 180 watt versus 8 pseaker 360 watt. They are much closer than the implied double difference, actually only 30% better. From an audiophile standpoint both are very good stereos.

Cheers,

MidCow

P.S.- both are great cars, enjoy your TSX

johnny420 · January 2006

"The Accord V6 may get from 0-60 in a flash but it also screams mommy mobile and it is not that fun to drive. The TSX is no rocket, but it's nible, quick enough for spiritied driving and looks great. There is more to a car than 0-60, and I keep seeing post after where 0-60 is the only consideration. I got a TSX and never bothered with the Accord, I was shopping for a sporty sedan, not a family car."

Thank you and very well said! Finally someone around here with the cajones to call it like they see it.

Unfortunately, it will probably fall on deaf ears, because, here in America, we like our cars to go fast in a straight line. Period!

johnny420 · January 2006

(1) Handling- only slightly better than 6-speed V6

Sorry, the TSX has substantially better handling than the six speed Accord! I've owned and driven both. TSX = quicker steering, better steering feel and considerably sharper handling. Much more tossable. And much more fun to drive. If you disagree, then you can't see the forest for the trees.

No question about it. :shades:

midnightcowboy · January 2006

Hey Johnny,

Didn't you have a 2000 Accord and looked at the 2004 Accord before you got the 2004 TSX ?

johnny420, "Honda Accord Sedan" #13180, 24 Dec 2003 5:07 pm

It seems to me that you wanted a sedan. The 2000 Accord had much less tire, horswepower, handling ectera than the 7th generation.

I have a 2005 EX V6 6-speed w NAV Coupe and it handles very well. I will admit, it does not handle quite as well as the 1998 BMW M3 sedan I had, but close enough for 90% of the time.

I just love the power and it just isn't straight line! But if you had to have a sedan, I would have gotten the TL 6-speed instead, but I couldn't see it being worth $8k more.

Cruis'n in 6th :shades: ,

MidCow

P.S.- I have a more tossible "commuter car" on order, a 2006 Civic Si. But you probably don't like the handling of that car either! I also have a 5-speed 2002 IS300; you looked at the new IS250

P.S.S. I guess I am too busy looking at trees, I didn't realize I was in a forest

I enjoy driviing more than just going form point A to B; its the other cars that interfere.

rooskie · January 2006

Well, my 68 year-old father-in-law drives a very common, yet dependable Accord. I seriously doubt I could see him driving a TSX.

That's why I like the TSX!

midnightcowboy · January 2006

What the heck does that mean? There are different models of Honda, but none of them are for old folks like Buicks are design for.

I bet you father-in-law doesn't drive a 6-speed either LOL

double sixes,

MidCow

P.S.- I understand if you don't want to let you in-laws drive YOUR car though

thegraduate · January 2006

I think a lot of it has to do with image. If you want other people to see what you drive and notice, the TSX is more likely (though not much so, IMO) to be noticed as the 'premium car'. I personally feel that the Accord offers more car for the money (except for image, which I couldn't care less about). But, I'm 6'5", which means more car is actually "MORE" car. I drive a 4-cyl Accord (which I feel has better balanced handling than the V-6 (which I believe has more weight over the front). Around town, I couldn't tell a difference in the power of the TSX vs Accord.

I guess what I mean, long story short, is that with the Acura you pay for prestige and image. As long as I like the car, I don't care what others think.

redbugeye · January 2006

TSX is made in Japan and it is "Accord" in Japan (and Europe). American Accord is made in US and sold as "Inspire" in Japan (with only V6 engine). All with some modifications, of course. "Accord" is considered as (sporty) family sedan and "Inspire" is ranked between Accord (TSX)and Legend (RL) in Honda hierarchy in Japan. It's all image created by Honda (or Acura or any company).

thegraduate · January 2006

Cool info, no doubt. Thanks for the facts there. I didn't know about the "Inspire" sedan (US Accord V6).

I guess it is true...You learn something new everyday.

midnightcowboy · January 2006

I thought the TSX was the replacement for the 4-door Integra which was a up-level Civic not an up-level Accord.

People I know generally opt for the TSX if they cannot afford or at least do want to pay the additional cost of the TL but want an Acura. The same peoepl normally compare the Accord and the TL, not the Accord and the TSX.

Concerning demographics, women seem to really like the looks of the TSX over the TL or RL.

However, most of the particpants on this thread are either already owners of a TSX or an Accord and you are not going to change their minds or convince them that their choice was wrong.

Both are excellent choices by the way!

So long,

MidCow

speedracer3 · January 2006

FYI....I have a 06 TSX auto, and I average 25 mpg mixed driving, Hwy. I make ~30 mpg. I can vouche for the specs. My only complaint is that for a 4 cyl. the gas mileage should be better, but when you are squeezing over 200 ponies the engine you are gonna give up some fuel efficiency.

I am not trying to persuade anybody to buy a TSX over an Accord. All I am saying is that for me there were a lot of objective factors that steered me towards a TSX. In terms of the subjective stuff. "Fun" (not just a big engine) factor was a big deal for me, others less important were Exterior Looks, Interior, and Luxury feel. Both are great cars, but I think they appeal to totally different buyers.

thegraduate · January 2006

The TSX is a slot-filler for the old Integra sedan, but when looking at its price, it is almost identical to an Accord EX-V6's. (both 27.5k-29.5k).

I drive an Accord, and I honestly find the looks of the TSX be-u-tee-ful! It has an italitan butt that I really like. I couldn't pony up 27k for a car, and if I could, I'm not sure I'd pay the same for a car with a 4-cyl, and smaller interior. Both are great choices, though. THAT, we can agree on!

heejoman · January 2006

I would say it depends. Both are good cars.

I tested drove both cars w/o navigation and didn't try out the bluetooth features.

Keep in mind I test drove the 2006 Accord EX V6 and 2005 Acura TSX. I believe there are number of improvement for both cars since the 2003 Accord and 2004 TSX was tested at the start of this Discussion.

TSX: When you sit inside the TSX, you feel like everything I need is here in the car. That feeling of 'oh I wish it had this or that', you just feel happy that just about everything is standard.

TSX's interior is very nice. It is lux-sporty like the Audi A4 actually I may go ahead and say a bit better.

Power, since it's a 4 banger, it'a busy engine. Power is adequate but it is as about as smooth as it gets for a 4 banger.

The handling was very good, not great but very good. Better than the Accord. When I did a quick lane change and back (like the way I do with my friend's 325), it fishtailed. Perhaps it's the tires but regardless it fishtailed. Acura Integra handles better. BMW 325 is too tight for me. When it comes to handling, I would take the 2001 Prelude any day. It may not be a fair comparison as TSX does (sit up higher) have a higher road clearance.

Since it is smaller than the Accord, very easy to change lanes, turn and park. Obviously Acura dealer will treat you better than the Accord.

Accord: When you sit inside the Accord, no surprise, all the buttons are where they should be as it's been for the past 20+ years.

Power is when Accord definitely has the edge. V6 is smooth and it gets up and go.

Good handling. Now I didn't even attempt that quick lane change that caused the fishtail in the TSX. Accord is a bigger car, so I didn't even try it. Turns and cornering was plenty enough for me to say, Accord handling is good but TSX is better. Again, 2001 Prelude . . .

Conclusion: You can't go wrong with both cars.

TSX is unique where Accords are dime a dozen with a bit better handling.

Accord holds its own with better power and roomier interior and lower price.

Gas milage (TSX) vs. insurance cost (Accord) off set each other IMO.

I personally, I like the 2006 Accord V6 EX better only because more room and bigger trunk to me is more important than the positives of the TSX.

Price is a factor too for most people. If Acura lowers the TSX price to Accord V6 EX, I there may be more TSX owners than the Accord V6 EX.

thegraduate · January 2006

Very good points in your message. I hope you don't mind if I add something to it...

The TSX requires premium unleaded, making what tiny advantage it had in mileage all but dissappear, if not giving it to the Accord V-6. The TSX engine has similar torque figures as the 4-cylinder Accord, but the Accord's actually peaks several hundred RPM lower, giving it a slight advantage in the lower rev range (under 4k RPM). The TSX obviously out does it in power overall, though. The Accords is just slightly more flexible.

johnny420 · January 2006

Perhaps I should've been clearer. I've driven the 7th gen Accord 5-6 times, owned a 2000 Accord EX-V6, and currently own the TSX.

My quibble was with this statement: Handling (TSX)- only slightly better than 6-speed V6

Whether or not you own/drive a 7th gen Accord sedan or coupe, the TSX is not just "slightly better" in the handling department than either Accord. It is substantially better in stock form, for the reasons I listed above.

How can you say the 6th gen Accord has "much less" handling then the 7th gen, then turn around and say that the TSX's handling is only "slightly" better than the current Accord?

Accord (sedan with either tranny)= boring, TSX = fun-to-drive. I never made any mention of the Civic Si, nor I have I driven one. By all accounts it is excellent, and is much closer to the TSX in demeanor than the Accord.

The six speed coupe is very nice, albeit a tad homely. I shopped one and would be happy in one. Can't hang with the TSX in the tight stuff though.

johnny420, who also likes cruis'n in 6th, even though 3rd is the TSX's magic gear. :shades:

xkiddx13 · January 2006

go with the accord ex i have a 2002 ex v6 accord and love it though it is a 2d coupe.

speedracer3 · January 2006

When looking for a sporty sedan about 2 years ago was between two cars, the Audi A4 1.8T and the Acura TSX. Two years ago I got the A4 my first car, a few months ago I got the TSX for my second car. The Accord is not even a consideration in this category. I am not looking for a family car with a big engine. I don't care how many kids I can fit in the back, or how many groceries go in the trunk. I am looking for a car that is fun to drive, the A4 and TSX are each a blast to drive in their own way. Again, we are comparing cars that appeal to totally different buyers.

thegraduate · January 2006

Some see it your way, others (like myself) see it like this.

The Acura TSX and Accord EXV6 are priced right on top of each other. Both have Honda's exceptional reliability, and are "at least" fun to drive. The TSX is the playful one, and the Accord is the powerful one. On the one side, the TSX is more stylish, but the Accord counters its lack of cache with a more commodious interior (roomy, in layman speak). The TSX offers a few more features not available on Accord (HID headlights, for example), while the Honda has a broader dealer network. The TSX will be a rarer commodity on the road (a good thing), but will draw less attention for resale (pure speculation on my part). Hondas seem to draw used car buyers in like a moth to light, often selling for 20%+ over Kelley Blue Book value.

The TSX appeals to a smaller number of people, but those people may cross shop the Accord with its relative price and similar brand heritage.

johnny420 · January 2006

A reasonable assessment. I don't think you, speedracer or myself are that far apart in our views.

I do think, however, that the demand for the TSX in the used market will be vigorous. Maybe not at the level of the Accord, but enthusiasts seeking a practical alternative to the family hauler will some out of the woodwork if they come across this car in the Auto Trader or some similar publication. Especially those seeking a stylish sedan with a sporting nature and a manual gearbox. My two cents worth.

I'm not sure I agree that the Accord regularly sells for 20% over KBB, though. The market for Accords is saturated, and it would seem to defy market economics that demand for such a readily available product would exceed supply. Again, just my two cents worth.

thegraduate · January 2006

I agree that we tend to agree on the same basic ideas. I just make the comment about KBB b/c I got offered $2,500 trade-in for my 96 Accord LX with 156,500 miles on it (it lists for $1,595 in "good" condition for a trade in. We also got $17,000 for a slightly damaged (cosmetic only) 2 year old (it was a 2003) Accord EX 4-cyl Auto/Cloth w/37k miles. It showed up at about $14,000 on the books. Turns out, one of the salesmen wanted to buy it, though, so it is a special case there.

I have personal experience with getting well over kbb, but I'm definitely not saying that Acuras will not garner the same premium, I'm just not experienced with trading those.

Happy motoring...

thegrad

speedracer3 · January 2006

I've never bought cars strictly based on resale value, so why start now. I actually like the fact that TSX's are not a dime a dozen like Accords. There is a certain exclusivity factor (albeit minor) when not every person on the road is driving the same car you are. Call me the black sheep, but my sheep has a spoiler

thegraduate · January 2006

Call me the black sheep, but my sheep has a spoiler

Oh speedracer, you are so baaaaad.

Haha, a lot of people feel this way about wanting to drive something outside the "norm". Nothing wrong with that, it is your dollar after all!

zeetea · February 2006

Hi all. I'm a brand new and v. happy owner of a 2006 arctic blue Acura TSX (AT w/navi). I test drove both the TSX and Accord EX (4 and V6). I liked the Accord very much, but I couldn't love it like I love my TSX. Here's what I think makes the TSX well worth the extra $$$ over the Honda (which in the case of the V6 is barely any extra $$ at all):

1. Body style. OK, so the Accord did spiff itself up a little with that lip/spoiler thingie on the trunk, but overall the car just looks ordinary -- probably just because there are just so doggone many of them on the road! No question that the most common sedan on the roads in my part of the world (Pacific NW) is the Accord followed closely by the Camry. To me the TSX looks a little sportier, a little more luxe, and definitely a little unique in the sea of Accords & Camrys. (And this is coming from someone who has driven an Accord for the past 6 years!)

2. Interior feel. The Accord's interior is better than its exterior, but the interior is not as eye-catching and inviting as the TSX's. I love the TSX's cool blue instrumentation lighting and the blue overhead penlight that shines down onto the center console in the dark. It makes me feel more stylish or hip or in my 20's or something.

3. I bought an AT and no question the TSX's sportronic AT beats the Honda's AT (which doesn't have the sport shift feature at all). This is one of the biggest pluses for me, actually; I drive an AT for practicality but in my heart I long for a MT -- the sportronic at least gives me a little taste of a MT!

4. Drive/Handling. IMO the TSX is a far better driving experience than the Accord. The TSX feels much more responsive/intuitive than the Accord. I think the Accord's seats and suspension are a tad softer but I like the firmer feeling of the TSX's seat/suspension.

5. Bluetooth, Homelink, memory driver seating (linked to the key remote -- TOO cool!), and the extra power seating for driver and front seat passenger on the TSX (OK, I know Homelink comes on the V6 but not the V4 Accord -- and the Accord doesn't have Bluetooth and the other seating functionality at all).

6. I adore my iPod and appreciate the no-cost port in the TSX (vs. the $400 iPod hookup in the Accord). I know the Honda's iPod port has more functionality but I don't think it's worth $400.

7. Acura Roadside Assistance, great peace of mind!

Other observations: I've seen a comments about the TSX having a smaller rear door and much smaller back seating area than the Accord, and while I don't dispute that, personally I don't notice it (I'm 5'2" and both the TSX and Accord's back seats are plenty spacious for me.) My husband is not super tall and he doesn't have a problem with the back seat, either. Since we have no kids or regular backseat passengers, this was a non-factor for us.

Car insurance is $9 more per month for the TSX than the Accord, which to me is not a big deal. The extra cost for premium fuel for the TSX will probably cost me no more than an extra $10 per month over a regular unleaded fueled Accord (I only put about 1,000 miles on my vehicle each month). However, for people who are very cost-conscious, these factors could make the Accord a better deal.

Dealerships in my area are willing to give much better discounts on the Accord than on the Acura. The price difference between a 4 cylinder Accord EX AT w/Navi and an Acura AT w/Navi is about $4,000. I believe with the Accord EX V6 the price difference is about $1,500 or so. I did think long and hard about this aspect of the two vehicles. I am planning to own my TSX 8 - 10 years, and when I thought of the price difference over that amount of time (less than $50 a month) it seemed truly an insignificant considering how I felt about both cars (like the Accord vs. love the TSX).

Bottom line is both the Accord and TSX are great vehicles. For me the TSX was an irresistable combination of luxury, sportiness, great functionality and uniqueness. Happy trails! :shades:

lisa2863 · February 2006

Hi... I'm trying to decide on the Accord EXV6 or the 2006 Acura TSX... My concern is that the TSX is a 4 cylindar.... I have been driving the Accord EX V6 Coupe for three years... I love the car. Now I was looking into a four door and love the look and feel of the TSX... again my concern is "Will it have the pick up when I need it to"

Any input is greatly appreciated...

:confuse:

johnny420 · February 2006

^^The TSX has ample acceleration. Do a search. You'll find a plethora of info on this topic.

midnightcowboy · February 2006

Hondata has a reflash for MT 2005 and 2006 TSXs that adds 32 horsepower and 28 ft-lbs of torque. Cost $595

See :http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=501871

With that upgrade you should have plenty of pick-up.

Driving my little ole 2.2L 4 cylinder, 237 Hp with Invidia exhaust!,

MidCow

lisa2863 · February 2006

I can upgade the 2006 TSX with this factory install????

This is great...

lisa2863 · February 2006

Just realized ... you're talking manual.. I was looking at the auto transmission...

My concern is getting on and off the highway.. will I be able to move ... it's an important factor.. :confuse:

thegraduate · February 2006

Congrats on the new TSX, but I wanted to clarify just a couple of small details for the readers of this forum.

You mention in point number 2 that the TSX has the pinlight that shines on the console and the backlit blue gauges that make it feel more hip. The Accord has both of these features (pinlight over console w/WHITE backlit gauges). Maybe the blue was what you were stressing, I dunno. Just thought I'd mention it.

For the rest of it I generally agree, except for the interior room factor. While I'm young (18 actually), the Accord was the much better car for me for the price of gas ($2.11 right now vs $2.31 for premium in the TSX) and the much larger interior (I'm 6'4"ish).

Happy driving. You'll probably never see me since I'm one of the 400,000 or so people that will have a 2006 Accord by year's end, but mine is Graphite Pearl in EX trim!

thegrad

lmacmil · February 2006

You really need to drive both to decide. I thought the TSX auto was pretty anemic compared to my 3.5 liter Olds Intrigue, which isn't nearly as fast as the Accord V6. The manual was better but in the end, I didn't want to be constantly shifting during my 8 mile commute with at least 12 lights or stop signs.

I ended up with a Camry SE-V6 only because in 2005, the Accord didn't have stability control. The new Camry is much more stylish and probably worth checking out too.

Honda Accord vs Acura TSX

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