Drove the TL ---->

DETAILKING · 07-12-05, 04:59

Luckily they didn't have a silver 6 speed in stock so I was able to get out of there easily without a sales hassle. I took a good look at the car, and took a black 05 six speed manual for a test run.

First impressions---->After seeing a decked out TL on the showroom floor with the A-spec kit, the stock ones just didn't look right. They almost had a wimpy stance. The stock 17" wheels look too small for that car. It is screaming for 18's taking in consideration the car's overall size. All in all it had a decent sporty look though, even though it could afford to be lowered about 1/2" - 1." The A-spec kit adds a body aero-package that looks pretty slick. I would definately get that and 18" wheels, but not sure about the springs / shocks upgrade...........

Interior-----> My first impression of it can be summed up in one word...AWESOME! The black interior looks killer and very hi tech. Every button/knob looks and feels expensive. The car is loaded with just about every feature and comfort amenity imaginable. I was very impressed with the interior. The front seats were comfortable, but the horizontal portion seemed a bit too short.....I guess I am just used to my BMW sport package seats with the extended leg support (man I am gonna miss those). The rear seat leg room was less than I thought for a car of that size. The rear seats also seemed to be too low to the floor as when your feet were flat on the floor your legs were angled above the seat instead of resting on it. One thing I noticed immediately was a few blind spots due to the A pillars, and a small view out of the rear window. All that being said, when I got back to my 3 series for the ride home, the dash looked plain and "dated" compared to what I had just experienced.

The test drive-----> I almost stalled the car out as I lifted the clutch to engage first gear.....it grabs super low!! The shifter is awesome. Short throws and solid positive shifts with minimal "play." The car rode smooth and stable and took the bumps well. It was so quiet I couldn't even hear the engine while cruising in 6th gear. I got on the throttle up to redline in 2nd gear a few times and noticed that over 3K RPM's the car really pulled hard. I was impresssed with the acceleration and smoothness of the engine, but the low engaging clutch made it hard to row through the gears smoothly....perhaps it is something to get used to. Handling was better than I expected for a car of that size. I didn't push it hard, but it had minimal lean and felt very stable. I did notice a bit of torque steer but to be honest it made the car feel kind of like the old E36 BMW's that had very low assisted power steering....kind of neat.

Misc---> I lifted the hood to see the power plant.......and it was a bit of a disappointment. It was mostly covered in plastic dress panels but underneath was not impressive at all...I guess under all the guise it is still a honda. Trunk space was decent, although smaller than the previous TL and smaller than I expected. I was bummed to see a "safety dounut" for a spare instead a full size.

All and all i liked the car. I liked the way the car drove although it was much more refined than my bmw and lacked the true road feel. I think I can live with the handling and get used to the FWD without much complaint, and I love the powerplant of the 270 HP 3.2L v6.....a considerable difference over my 325i. The interior is just about perfect, but my only complaint is that from the passanger seat the steering column looks clunky and awkward. Another note is that I wish they key and key fob were combined instead of being separate pieces to have to carry around.

I think this car is one of the best value's out there. What kills it is that in order to suffuce my tastes I would have to spend extra on wheels and an aero kit. I guess I am still on the fence about the styling and the fact that you see 75 yr old grandparents driving them too!

G35stilez · 07-12-05, 05:05

Thanks for the writeup!

I'm a big fan of the TL as well.

After driving it I was happy, very happy. The clutch will take some getting used to as well for me. I have a loud car and a high grabbing clutch so I stalled it out on the first move. I like everything about the car but I totally agree with you about the aero kit, IT NEEDS IT! My plans were to look for one, then purchase or lease with the A-spec kit and the rear trunklid lip spoiler (the decklid one is a bit too much for the lines of the car), then smoke the windows. From there a Eibach Pro-Kit (lowest drop without the need of a camber kit)...on the TL I believe its a touch over an inch and some 19's.

Please keep us updated with your choice

.

Corey Bit Spank · 07-12-05, 07:29

They're so nice looking, rarrrr.

But nearly impossible to turbo

hadboosttroy · 07-13-05, 02:28

if you want to see a tl with the aspec kit and 19's not lowered, search under topics created by me and there should be a few pics.

-troy

Way2SSlow · 07-23-05, 07:39

I've driven a few 6 speed cars and a few autos (I work for a glass shop) and I have to say, I really like that car. I would definitely consider it if I had the money and if it were RWD. I think it would be a lot more fun to drive if when you powershift it, it didnt try to pull you off the road.

suzukas2k · 07-25-05, 09:48

My dad has one. I take it out every once in a while. Its very very comfortable to drive, well compared to my s2000 almost any car is. The sound system is amazing you have to listen to the sample dvd-a it will blow you away, at night it is very nice inside with the blue lights every where. PowerWise it has too much power from a stop if you hit the gas hard it will spin even with traction on I dont think the stock tires help any. Taking turns is not as fun as my s2000 but then again it is a big fwd 4 door car.
Overall it is a great car.

Pontman43 · 07-25-05, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by DETAILKING

Another note is that I wish they key and key fob were combined instead of being separate pieces to have to carry around.

Really?? The new Honda Accord coupes (top of the line) have the all in one key fob and key. Wonder why Acura doesn't do the same, especially since it is suposed to be the higher end version of a Honda.

maecrispy · 07-27-05, 07:02

Glad you liked the TL. I love mine... good compromise between fun driving and still having enough room to drive friends/family/clients around comfortably.

The short seats (horizontally) is a common complaint with Hondas in general. Makes sense I guess since the typical American is taller than the avg. Japanese.

And you're right about the TL pulling hard at med-high revs. Honda engines tend to have a lot of power in the upper band. It's awesome when you're driving 80, drop it, and have so much power available. Some complain about not enough low-end torque but that's for line jumpers which I have no user for anymore.

Occasionally, I turn off VSA just to have abit more fun. Yeah, you'll get some torque steer but nothing you can't handle.

Stock tires suck!! Trade-em in *immediately* (some will give you a decent trade in price) . I like P-Zero Nero's. Size up to 245/40's. A little more rubber, makes a drop a little less necessary (appearance wise anyway), and get a bit more rim protection.

Toss in BT handsfree, DVD-A/6.1/XM, and the overall interior design and it's pretty much unbeatable in the <$40K range.

mrzeee · 07-27-05, 03:31

two probs:

1. should be rear wheel drive
2. dressed up accord

but those aren't horrible problems....test drove an accord V6 coupe(cousin of the TL)
but got a 350Z instead...maybe a two door TL would've sold me??? any photochops??

maecrispy · 07-28-05, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrzeee

two probs:

1. should be rear wheel drive
2. dressed up accord

but those aren't horrible problems....test drove an accord V6 coupe(cousin of the TL)
but got a 350Z instead...maybe a two door TL would've sold me??? any photochops??

#1: probably. However, the front wheel drive is nice for me at least as I find them easier to drive in the winter than rear-wheel drives

#2: can't agree with you there. I used to own Accord EX-V6 and they're really not comparable. Handling is completley different, very litle body sway, engine on the TL totally outclasses the Accord's V6... just completely different beasts really.

350Z was on my short list (as well as the G35 coupe) when I went shopping. The interior on the TL just outclassed the 350Z and the G35 and since that's important to me, I went with the TL. All the tech goodies on the TL didn't hurt either.

I get my Z fix from my buddy who lets me take it for a spin every now and then. Damn that's a fun car to drive...

SK2003TypeS · 07-28-05, 07:38

Major plus of the 3rd Gen TL compared with the 2nd Gen TL....no tranny issues.
I would've went for a 350Z, but I need a car for NY winters....I couldn't do that to a 350Z.

jnmttu · 07-28-05, 07:48

I agree with Maecrispy. I don't really mind a front-wheel drive car. Also, my TL is a completely different car from my wife's Accord. In fact, every time she borrows my car, she say stuff like, your car is so nice or it is so much smoother. The TL just seems to "feel" nicer and more substantial. Also the handling isn't even in the same ballpark. I briefly looked at a 350Z. I just could not deal with an interior that looked like that for $30K. I do wish the remote was integrated into the key and I don't really like the stock tires, but the key is no big deal and I can eventually replace the tires when they wear out (soon hopefully).