Used 2015 Acura TLX Consumer Reviews
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Best Acura YET. Tranny ok. Nav = DINOSAUR
I have owned or leased four Acuras before this one: 2003 TL Type S; 2004 TL; 2007 TL; 2006 RL. All great cars. This one is the best, IMO. Yet it is still not good enough to keep me loyal. I've had my 2015 TLX for 14 mos. Generally happy with it. Common themes bring me back to Acura: 1. Drive and handling with descent fuel economy for MY driving style; 2. Sufficient amount of tech; 3. Unparalled reliability and durability; 4. Dealer experience; 5. Value. If you are an avid Acura owner like me, then I am sure you get where I am coming from. Brand loyalty is a funny thing, though. You can look across many car groups (Subaru, Mercedes, Jeep, etc.), and it is interesting to notice the "Seth Goden Tribal" phenomenon with so many. Humorous almost. I am sure it applies to me, until I open my mind to something else, right? That said, here is my review, and I will start with the bad. First, I think Acura dealerships and the OEM need to get a clue about their NAV system and the entire user experience on the dash. They need to stop boasting about being the inventors of NAV and that they have the best, most awarded technology. This is utter [non-permissible content removed] and so 1991. This system absolutely sucks! It is difficult to use, the voice prompts are useless and complicated, the menu structure on the touchscreen requires way too much attention for the simplest of tasks, the NAV won't integrate with any smart phone without a paid subscription (really, Acura?) and the on-board NAV system is absolutely HORRIBLE, in fact worse than past years. The 2-screen system is very cool and has potential for a well-designed solution, and it helps mitigate the user experience trainwreck that is like a tractor beam from the ditch. Anything that doesn't offer Apple Carplay or Android Auto (or both) is a dinosaur. Period. Hey Acura, these players own the space. Get on board already. Stop charging for it. Looking across the digital car technology ecosystem, this is downright insulting. You are going to have to invent another business model for upside. My hope is that Acura will provide an upgrade, and soon. This system alone will keep me from buying another Acura after this, as on-board tech is the new differentiator for car brands. This is where GM got it right, but I would have to own a GM, which is a non-starter. Training a device to bluetooth is tedious, should be easier. There are $29 bluetooth accessories that do better. Phone control once in bluetooth is also extremely tedious. Voice prompts are useless here. Next, the transmission was annoying at first, but like other owners, I got used to it. I drive in sport mode all the time and it seems to do okay. There is *slightly* noticeable lag, but quite frankly, it is not a deal killer. This car is "very fast enough". Now the good. I love how this car handles. I love how it feels. The acceleration is there, even if in need of minor refinement. To me, this car is the best of both worlds: good, smooth torque like my '06 RL and superb handling like my TLs. The car feels big, smooth and solid, yet nimble. Viva la SH-AWD. The engine sound is throaty, yet car looks like a lion in sheep's clothing. The fold-down rear seat was a huge seller for me, and a deal breaker without. (Hey cyclists, I can get my 56 cm road bike or medium size 29er MTB removing only the front wheel. Huge!) Despite my desire to haul my bike without an external rack, I love cars and how they drive, which is why I didn't look at Grand Cherokees, MDXs or Explorers, etc. I have the Advance package. The adaptive cruise is very nice, once you get used to it. I find the lane control feature a little flaky and still in need of refinement - will be looking for an update on next trip to dealer. I also love the rear and blindspot warnings and associated audible indicators. They are especially useful in the Costco parking lot where worst parking lot drivers on earth tend to congregate at velocity. Good looks, steering wheel controls, fit & finish. No noise w/sunroof open during bluetooth call. Here is what it comes down to for me: Acura, don't be arrogant. You have done great things to build the brand over the course of decades. I am a living example. But times are changing. Even your loyalest followers will look elsewhere. Pay close attention to the evolving definition of what makes the car/owner experience. Tech is a huge part of that. Gather quantifiable market and usability research, don't deny the findings, and keep up with rapidly changing consumer desires. In fact, get out in front of the curve. I am mainly referring to the touchscreen nightmare. But styling and tranny too. There are ways to improve this, to do things others have not, make it safer, and even more compelling. Otherwise you could end up in the disrupted pile. Yours truly, 14 year Acura loyalist slowly turning surfer of tinder for cars.
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Objective Review
Test drove the front wheel drive V6. For a little more I bought the Super Handling All Wheel Drive model. Compared to Lexus ES, IS and GS350, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Mercedes CLA and C class. Without a doubt, the TLX is a winner. It offers this 41 year old everything I could want in a car. It offers very comfortable seats and the quietest ride of all the competition. It offers safety surpassed by no one. Top Safety Pick + by the Insurance Institute. When I feel like driving more aggressively, it simply asks how aggressive? It lets me choose between Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport + mode that completely changes the character of the car. The direct injection engine offers -.
- Technology Package SedanMSRP: $14,37214 mi away
- Technology Package SedanMSRP: $18,9909 mi away
- SH-AWD Sedan w/Technology PackageMSRP: $18,9544 mi away
It's that kind of thrill
I was impressed with the new ad campaign for the Acura TLX. This brought me into the showroom and as a long-time purchaser of this brand, I looked forward to the test drive. I have since purchased a 2015 Acura TLX and am extremely impressed with the drivability, power and efficiency of the 2.4L engine. The TLX is every bit the Audi, BMW or Mercedes in its class. This brand is fun to drive, efficient and safe. Don't spend thousands more for a European car when the Acura TLX will beat any of them at their game. It is "that" kind of thrill to drive.
It's Not a Thrill
Acura advertises that the TLX is "Some kind of Thrill." A better descriptor is "Some kind of Numb." My previous Acura was a TSX V6. The TLX is also a V6. Nothing about the TLX's performance connotes sportiness or performance. At worst, it's a souped up Accord or it's the best Oldsmobile ever made. It has no feeling of connectivity to the road. This is due to the poor steering, suspension, and tire combination. Rubbery describes it best. All wheel steer creates an odd feeling and a feature to coverup engineering design flaws. The brakes are average. The pushbutton 9 speed transmission is silly, slow to engage, and has lots of travel when placed into park. The touch screen infotainment is abysmal. It's a design copout. The engine is Honda quality. Strong and gets great gas mileage on the highway. It's quiet. The headlights work well. Acura took 6 years to release the TLX. It's supposed to be smaller than the prior TL except it sits on the same wheel base. Park next to an Accord and it's hard to distinguish the two. That's why the TLX suffers. Nothing about it makes it a distinctive sports sedan ready to fight the German competition. If you want a fancier Accord at Honda value, this is the car for you. Otherwise, look carefully at the alternatives.
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A Dream to Drive
TYou simply can't go wrong with Acura! The TLX with AWD is a dream to drive. This car is sleek and beautiful, handles extremely well as it hugs the road. Great power to accelerate as needed. Amazing sound system. This car holds it's value!
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value