Acura TSX--Underwhelmed

fossil · 07-03-06, 04:30

I found the TSX gutless ,noisy(road and tire noise),and spongy handling. Braking was average,too.
The automatic trans. doesn't work well with the peaky motor,(8100 RPM redline).
The motor is great in the RSX-S,so is the 6spd tranny.

The TSX does have a beautiful interior. It would be a great car with the TL V6. Just like Nissan did with the Altima,stuffing the Maxima V6 in it.

Just my non-professional opinion,worth what you paid for it.

BoxsterCharlie · 07-03-06, 05:07

I gave up on waiting for Honda to go to RWD. I just don't understand their stubborness when it comes to this, and I can't take a FWD seriously.

JohnnyDaJackal · 07-03-06, 05:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by fossil

I found the TSX gutless ,noisy(road and tire noise),and spongy handling. Braking was average,too.
The automatic trans. doesn't work well with the peaky motor,(8100 RPM redline).
The motor is great in the RSX-S,so is the 6spd tranny.

The TSX does have a beautiful interior. It would be a great car with the TL V6. Just like Nissan did with the Altima,stuffing the Maxima V6 in it.

Just my non-professional opinion,worth what you paid for it.

Thanks for the opinion, most of it I heard before; gutless motor, really slow with the auto tranny, etc. This is the first time I'm reading of road and tire noise though. My Acura RSX has pretty bad road noise on the highway; I'm surprised the TSX has it too as its more of a luxury sedan, not sports car. TSXs are nice, but I do think there are better cars in that range. If Acura addressed those issues I'm sure it would be more popular with the "gear heads".

Do you own a TSX or did you rent/borrow one?

SpoiledMan · 07-03-06, 05:58

TSX's come alive with a Hondata reflash. I don't know if it's available for the auto or not as a friend of mine has had it done on his 6 speed and it's a night and day difference. I don't know why Honda continues to leave that motor so lifeless. Maybe the RDX turbo motor will find it's way.

Amused · 07-03-06, 06:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxsterCharlie

I gave up on waiting for Honda to go to RWD. I just don't understand their stubborness when it comes to this, and I can't take a FWD seriously.

This is exactly how I feel. I've owned 2 Hondas previously('98 GS-R, '00 Prelude Type-SH) and although they're reliable etc, they just don't ever excite me, except for the S2k(NSX not for the average person). VTEC is nice, but most people are afraid to hit the higher revs and even I got tired of riding above 5250 to get the car going strong.

My aunt has an auto '05 TSX. It's comfy and handles better than most sedans. I haven't noticed the road noise issue however...fairly quiet to me, but obviously it doesn't deaden like a Lexus. It doesn't have the kick I would have liked, but honestly, what do you expect from a car tailored for the entry level luxury market? Expect more refinement than performance.

JohnnyDaJackal · 07-03-06, 06:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoiledMan

TSX's come alive with a Hondata reflash. I don't know if it's available for the auto or not as a friend of mine has had it done on his 6 speed and it's a night and day difference. I don't know why Honda continues to leave that motor so lifeless. Maybe the RDX turbo motor will find it's way.

I've heard that too with Hondata, it's quite costly though, no?
Unfortunately Hondata wouldn't decrease road/tire noise

SpoiledMan · 07-03-06, 06:36

$600

http://www.hondata.com/reflash_tsx_06.html

velobard · 07-03-06, 07:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyDaJackal

I've heard that too with Hondata, it's quite costly though, no?
Unfortunately Hondata wouldn't decrease road/tire noise

Yeah, but what would a better choice of tires do? Don't you think they're at least patially to blame?

fossil · 07-03-06, 01:47

JohnnyD, It was a loaner car,had 4000k miles on it. The tires could very well be the road noise culprit.

SpoiledM, That MDX motor sure would be sweet in it.

I'm not a Honda hater,(love those V-Tech motors),but the Honda R&D guys should go drive the new VW's. They might learn a few things.

Again,
My 2 cents.

SpoiledMan · 07-03-06, 02:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by fossil

SpoiledM, That MDX motor sure would be sweet in it.

I'm not a Honda hater,(love those V-Tech motors),but the Honda R&D guys should go drive the new VW's. They might learn a few things.

Again,
My 2 cents.

RDX = The new turbo four from Honda.

If VW could get the reliability of the Asian makes they'd have something going on. Til then, I'll take a small hit in the driving experience in exchange.

fossil · 07-03-06, 06:43

RDX,MDX,RSX,TSX,NSX--Whew! Too many X's to keep straight,(for me,anyway).

Now: Jetstar,Bel Air,Galaxy,Imperial,Catalina,Falcon,etc. Those I can remember.

I agree with you about the reliability aspect.

BoxsterCharlie · 07-03-06, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by FujiFast

This is exactly how I feel. I've owned 2 Hondas previously('98 GS-R, '00 Prelude Type-SH) and although they're reliable etc, they just don't ever excite me, except for the S2k(NSX not for the average person). VTEC is nice, but most people are afraid to hit the higher revs and even I got tired of riding above 5250 to get the car going strong.

I was very disappointed when, after waiting 7(?) years for a 4th generation Integra (I owned a '92 gen 2), the RSX showed up. I had hoped that they would base it on the S2000 platform, but no such luck. Can you imagine the impact that that would have had on the sport compact industry, instead of the decent but forgettable RSX?