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Used 2015 Acura TLX Consumer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
102 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

Close to Great... but not Quite There.

HondaDriver, 11/12/2018
2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful

Like the title suggests, this car is close to great, but not quite there. Do your research before you buy. The reviewers here speak the truth about the pros and cons. Read the reviews from the magazines and websites – I find these to be skewed slightly more positive than the car actually delivers. Here are my takes after a year and several thousand miles: 1) The car vibrates on the expressway. If you feel this during the test drive, it is not an imbalanced tire. Many buyers were fooled into thinking it would be an easy fix. Google “TLX vibration” for more on that. It affects all models from I4 FWD to V6 AWD. It happens between 70 and 80mph. It’s not the engine, transmission, VCM or lugging. My dealer minimized my vibrations with two TSBs and road force tire balancing. 2) The transmission makes me nervous, but I trust Honda to know their stuff. The push button does take time to shift, the gears do shift hard when cold, and nine speeds are too many. The car sometimes hunts for the right gear, randomly down or upshifting. At cruising speed between 30 and 50, the transmission picks really low gears and the VCM deactivates cylinders for better MPGs, but it makes a lugging sensation. Google “TLX lugging” for more on that. That isn’t a defect and can’t be fixed, but you’d expect better from an Acura. 3) The TLX was completely unchanged for 15-16-17 model years. The 18-19 was only a facelift (primarily the grill). The mechanical underpinnings remained the same. Nothing should drive you towards any year for any reason. No reason to pay more for a 17 over a 15. They are the same car. There are no “first model year” kinks or glitches to avoid. 18+ added some base model features and standard equipment that were only available on 15-17 Tech and Advance packages. Those aside, the car is a solid 9 out of 10 to me. It looks great inside and out. I get compliments all the time. SH-AWD inspires confidence on the road and is on par with the Audi Quattro and Subaru systems. The V6 pulls hard when I get on the pedal. It’s unbelievably plush and comfortable. It’s not a sports car – it’s too comfy and mushy for that. It’s not a luxury car – it lacks refinement for that. It’s a hybrid of both. The navigation takes getting used to, but I use my phone anyway. The sound system is amazing after my dealer fixed the rattling. This car soaks up miles in style after enabling adaptive cruise and lane keep systems. It’s simply a car I look forward to driving every day after a couple things were fixed. If it lasts as long as I expect from a Honda, I’ll be a satisfied customer.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Vibration at 1500 RPMs

Randy Atkins, 05/06/2016
2015 Acura TLX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

I've had the car for about 6 weeks now and bought it after being extremely pleased with my 2016 MDX Advance. It was a CPO loaner car with 4600 miles. After about 2 weeks I noticed when I was cruising along at 1500 RPMs it felt like I was riding on a rumble strip. At first I thought it was the road, but then it seemed to happen on any road I was on. I took it to the dealer and they said that it was due to the VCM system (variable cylinder management). When it reaches a cruising speed it drops back to 3 cylinders for optimal gas mileage and therefore causes a vibration. The dealer said there was no fix which lead me to call Acura customer care. After talking with them and them talking to the dealer, they told me that was how the car is supposed to operate, to which I told them no $40k luxury car is designed to rumble when you are at cruising speed. They were absolutely no help and offered no assistance to remedy the problem, just repeated that was the way it was supposed to operate. I took it to another dealer and they basically confirmed the findings of the first dealer. In addition, I started to have a vibration when braking. They looked at that issue and ended up having to replace the entire front brake system...not very comforting for a car with 7k miles. I will say the gas mileage is exceptional as I got 38 MPG straight interstate on a 300 mile trip; however, I bought it for the ride more than the MPG and would gladly take a lower MPG for a smooth ride. Probably won't keep it long.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Acura has gone back to their roots!!

Andre Dunlap II, 09/04/2015
2015 Acura TLX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Purchased a 2015 TLX last week. Originally was looking at the ILX but decided to also test drive the TLX. I loved how well the car drove. It doesn't feel like you're driving a midsize at all! The acceleration is very good (Sport and Sport+ are AWESOME!!). I love the interior and all of the little touches (ambient lighting in the rear seats is a nice touch). The car really does feel luxurious yet sporty. Sat in the car today on my lunch break and didn't realize how much there is to customize. I def think Acura/Honda is in the right direction with their new sedans. I would recommend getting the Tech Package, it's def worth it!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Love this car!

mapleloaf, 12/04/2014
2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

To provide contextI, since 2008, we have owned 3 TSXs, a CSX, a Civic, and, currently, an Altima 2.5 SL Tech. This is my first 6 cylinder car, as I decided I wanted the SH-AWD. Before I bought the TLX, I test drove multiple times and read dozens of reviews, in addition to looking various competitor vehicles. I can say with a resounding WOW that this car does not disappoint on any level. It is a wonderful balance of all the things I typically look for in a car, and then some! Luxury, technology, uber quietness, handling, and performance in a classy attractive package for very reasonable $ Driving this car is a joy. Good to be back to Acura!

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5 out of 5 stars

Acura nailed it with the TLX

jmacew, 09/04/2014
2015 Acura TLX Advance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful

Two weeks ago today, I traded in my 2006 Acura TSX. I loved my TSX, but after 18 years I figured it was time for an upgrade. So earlier this year, I started my research for my next car. After researching several options; including BMW 3 series, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS 350, and Acura TL. I read the news that Acura was unveiling the TLX. So I decided to postpone my purchase until late summer. Late summer arrived and I have my new car; the Acura TLX. I am glad that I waited. It has only been two weeks, however it has already exceeded my expectations in an automobile. The ride is smooth and well balanced and performance of the V6 is amazing. I was not expecting 0-60 in 6 seconds.

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