My '05 TSX review (and comparisons to lude 5th gen)

[Phasers]

Well after 4 months with the '05 TSX, I have a personal analysis/ review.

1) It is definitely NOT as fun to drive as the 5-Spd 'lude I had. Feels 95% as sturdy though.

2) It may handle "as well" but it doesn't feel like it and I doubt it. I mean it is a 4-dr sport SEDAN, not a 2-dr sports car voted the best handling car under 30k. Keep in mind, it does handle quite well, but it is hard to compare that to a lude though.

3) It has a lot of little touches that make it feel quite luxurious. I particularly like the leather, HID Projectors, and dual-zone climate control, as well as the XM Radio, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Also, we can't forget the power seats and strategically placed interior LEDs which give you just that little bit of light to find that something at night, yet don't interfere with driving visibility. And finally, the homelink for my apartment gate so I didn't have to spend $50 'deposit' on a transmitter.

4) I raced a prelude and lost by about a car length in about 1/4 mile. Nothing scientific mind you, but the lude is def faster.

5) 5-spd auto is boring on the TSX, 6-spd gearing is only slightly better than the prelude 5-spd which means that like all hondas, your RPMs are high doing 80 on road trips. Noticable lack of torque on both (esp the auto), but still better than the lude. Car is heavier though, so it offsets alot of it, you really notice the benefit when you have 3 people in the car vs. a lude with 3 people. Roomy car/trunk compared to the lude.

6) I miss my lude. Except I didn't have climate control on that.

7) Gas mileage on mine avgs about 22-23mpg, driving a little agressively around both the city/ a little hwy. Keep in mind I am in TX and dont drive in that much traffic, although I do catch my share of lights. All HWY from here to Austin doing around 80-90ish, I avg 26mpg. But I'm doing 80-90 the whole way in 6th gear.

8) Minor, but i dont like the 3 spoke steering wheel having a bar right down the middle in the bottom. on the 'lude, i used to drive by holding the bottom middle of the wheel when I was just relaxing, and now I can't do that.

9) On a side note, best headlights I've ever had. Definitely NO need for foglights. Honda got the HIDs more than perfect on this one- you'll never need the brights.


Overall, if it is what you're looking for, I'd give it a 9.25/10.0- It succeeds at what it aims to do, and succeeds quite well. It is a sporty car, with more than a touch of refinement and luxury. But it is *not* a sports car. You can take 4 people to lunch in it, and have fun doing so. But don't expect to race anyone on the way.

[Samson]

the 5 spd auto felt pretty torquey to me.. but im used to my rsx-s. the auto was sloooow though..

i like em.

[GotBoost98]

its a 0-60 7secs.......I believe thats the Stick trim.....its not horrible . your just use to your lude and comparing a 4 sedan to a sport compact..........

[AcidLotus]

while I've never driven nor even rode in a 5th gen lude, the TSX is a great machine. Sports luxury with plenty of torque for a N/A 4 cylinder.

[98vtec]

i really like the looks of the TSX. My favorite part of it is the headlights.

[csharp57]

Hey Phasers I current own a 4th gen and I'm thinking of moving up to the TSX. But after reading your thread you're making me think. As a sport compact freak do you think I should shell out more money for an EVO???

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by csharp57

Hey Phasers I current own a 4th gen and I'm thinking of moving up to the TSX. But after reading your thread you're making me think. As a sport compact freak do you think I should shell out more money for an EVO???

Honestly, if you don't care about the luxury, I would go with the Evo. But the more I drive the TSX, the more I appreciate all the little things. Like the Leather Heated Seats, HIDs, Dual Climate Control, Homelink, etc. But I do miss being able to take right hand turns at 45 mph, and driving more of a 'sports car' with better handling, and better overall feel. The TSX surprises me by doing things I don't expect it to everyday, but then again, I miss expecting those those things from the 'lude. Don't know if that makes sense. I guess the lude just drove better, and I had more confidence in it.

The EVO I think would be funner to drive, but the TSX is definitely gonna be more comfortable.

I'm actually selling mine right now to go back to a 2 door. Maybe a G35?

[csharp57]

Originally Posted by Phasers

Honestly, if you don't care about the luxury, I would go with the Evo. But the more I drive the TSX, the more I appreciate all the little things. Like the Leather Heated Seats, HIDs, Dual Climate Control, Homelink, etc. But I do miss being able to take right hand turns at 45 mph, and driving more of a 'sports car' with better handling, and better overall feel. The TSX surprises me by doing things I don't expect it to everyday, but then again, I miss expecting those those things from the 'lude. Don't know if that makes sense. I guess the lude just drove better, and I had more confidence in it.

The EVO I think would be funner to drive, but the TSX is definitely gonna be more comfortable.

I'm actually selling mine right now to go back to a 2 door. Maybe a G35?

I have nothing negative to say about my TSX. I didn't have the H22 vtec in my 4th gen lude so the TSX is much quicker and fun to drive. I get more stares and the ladies LOVE my car. I got a new shorty trying to get with me because of this car. My only problem is now I have a car note.

OH WELL, you gotta pay to play!!!! :w00t

[Peteex]

Originally Posted by Phasers

I'm actually selling mine right now to go back to a 2 door. Maybe a G35?

want to sell it to me?

[2000redCIVICsi]

what color interior/extreior do you have?

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by Peteex

want to sell it to me?

lol... thanks but i think i'll keep it for now. i did buy a 95 prelude vtec as a side car though

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by 2000redCIVICsi

what color interior/extreior do you have?

Black on Black. (Nighthawk Black Pearl I believe it is.)

One thing about the heat, aside from the fact that the black on black is hot as hell, is that the 6-spds have metal (titanium i think) shift knobs. Hot TX summer, metal shift knob... you the the idea. I have to keep a rag handy to shift sometimes.

Love the way it looks... especially in fall and winter!

[2000redCIVICsi]

Originally Posted by Phasers

Black on Black. (Nighthawk Black Pearl I believe it is.)

One thing about the heat, aside from the fact that the black on black is hot as hell, is that the 6-spds have metal (titanium i think) shift knobs. Hot TX summer, metal shift knob... you the the idea. I have to keep a rag handy to shift sometimes.

Love the way it looks... especially in fall and winter!

add tint and big black rims with polished lip and damn that sounds nice...

[playboyillusion]

well, i used to own a 98 prelude, it was a fun car but man the 5th gen. has so many problem, especially the tranny. anyway, i trade it in for a tsx and man i appreciate the little things that the tsx has. its luxury to the ladies and well, to me its quicker than the prelude or about the same cause its heavier. oh, if yall want more power, just get the comptech supercharger. lol.

[wushu4u]

This topic hits home with me. I had a 2001 Prelude and currently own a 2006 TSX. Here is what I think:

1.) Lude was faster, no doubt about it. Nothing compares to the feel and agressive sound of the H22 once it gets into that range, especially with an intake and exhaust.

2.) Looks to me are a tossup...the lude was more agressive, just looked faster, but thats the difference between a coupe and a sedan. I LOVE the looks of the TSX too, just in a different way...gotta find a way to get rid of all of the chrome though...not my style.

3.) For sheer luxury and comfort level, the TSX whores the Prelude.

In the end...I think I will end up getting another 2001 Lude as well for my daily beater and keep the 06 for the nights out.

BTW, Here was the lude before the accident: