2001LS8Sport
Dedicated LVC Member
I needed a new car and I got talked into trying an 06 Acura TL. (my son still has my LS) I've had it a couple of weeks now and I wanted to post my thoughts on the two cars. I seriously considered a new LS, but I have never owned a car by any manufacturer other than the Big 3 and let myself get talked into trying the Acura. Here are my thoughts:
The LS flat outhandles the Acura. Not even close. It handles better and stops better.
The 01 LS8 and the Acura have identical horsepower ratings....and the Acura is a V6. That being said, there is no way in God's green earth the Acura will run with the LS...especially above 70 mph. I don't care who says what...the LS8 runs a whole lot stronger.
The LS comes with a lot more amenities than the TL. Auto headlights, an outside temp gauge that actually works above 115 degrees (seriously...the TL quits at 115 degrees) and cooled seats come to mind. Cooled seats are a huge plus here in AZ. Everyone should offer them on their upscale line of cars.
The LS is RWD...the TL FWD. To each his own preference.
Now, here are a few things where the Acura shines:
I got it with navigation. The navigation and all associated functions work with the car in motion. Nothing is locked out. It seems only the Big 3 lock out their navigation systems in motion. The Asian and European manufacturers don't. Strange. But I think it's BS that I have to stop the car to punch something in or find a POI...especially when it can be handled so easily now days with very little danger. I don't have to worry about that with the TL...or the modded AVIC-Z1 I have in my wife's Aviator. However, the TL does not offer XM NavTraffic and that is a HUGE oversight in my book.
The voice recognition system on the Acura is amazing. You can control so much of the car...and get so much information...it's unbelievable. It's almost spooky. For example, if I punch in an address into the navi, at any time along the route I can simply say "how far to destination?" and it will give me the distance. Same with how long it will take. There are a lot more things like that.
The Bluetooth on the TL is very good too. Hooks easily and gives a nice clear conversation on both ends...all 100% hands free from answering to hanging up.
The car is very comfortable to drive and fits me well. There is a lot of adjustments in the seats. I actually fit better in it than I do the LS. It's just a difference in ergonomics between the two manufacturers.
Fuel mileage is better in the TL...but not significantly so. But still, any help here is appreciated!
The resale value on the TL is flat amazing compared to the LS. That is probably the single biggest reason I went with it. It's amazing what one of these cars is worth when it's 2 years old compared to a lot of others.
The main complaints I have against the TL is the outside temp gauge quits at 115 (it's designed to do that) Stupid. There's about 100 days a year here where there will be times it will quit. Really stupid. The a/c system sucks big time in my opinion. When you leave the car sit outside in the sun all day, it can easily take 4 or 5 MILES before it starts cooling...and even longer before it really takes affect. My Cobra, LS, and the wifes Aviator all start cooling in 3 or 4 blocks...not miles. But it's funny...if I leave it in the garage or shade, even if it's 115 degrees...it starts cooling almost immediately. It's like the sun heats the ducting so hot that it takes a lot of time to cool the ducting before it can deliver cool air to the cabin. Tinted windows and a sun screen have helped...but not significantly so.
I have joined an Acura forum to find out about all the little quirks and tricks to the car. They are very technical minded folks...but they are very weird. One guy calls his car his "Precious". GAG! Makes me want to puke! For God's sake...it's a Honda with lock washers!!
The LS flat outhandles the Acura. Not even close. It handles better and stops better.
The 01 LS8 and the Acura have identical horsepower ratings....and the Acura is a V6. That being said, there is no way in God's green earth the Acura will run with the LS...especially above 70 mph. I don't care who says what...the LS8 runs a whole lot stronger.
The LS comes with a lot more amenities than the TL. Auto headlights, an outside temp gauge that actually works above 115 degrees (seriously...the TL quits at 115 degrees) and cooled seats come to mind. Cooled seats are a huge plus here in AZ. Everyone should offer them on their upscale line of cars.
The LS is RWD...the TL FWD. To each his own preference.
Now, here are a few things where the Acura shines:
I got it with navigation. The navigation and all associated functions work with the car in motion. Nothing is locked out. It seems only the Big 3 lock out their navigation systems in motion. The Asian and European manufacturers don't. Strange. But I think it's BS that I have to stop the car to punch something in or find a POI...especially when it can be handled so easily now days with very little danger. I don't have to worry about that with the TL...or the modded AVIC-Z1 I have in my wife's Aviator. However, the TL does not offer XM NavTraffic and that is a HUGE oversight in my book.
The voice recognition system on the Acura is amazing. You can control so much of the car...and get so much information...it's unbelievable. It's almost spooky. For example, if I punch in an address into the navi, at any time along the route I can simply say "how far to destination?" and it will give me the distance. Same with how long it will take. There are a lot more things like that.
The Bluetooth on the TL is very good too. Hooks easily and gives a nice clear conversation on both ends...all 100% hands free from answering to hanging up.
The car is very comfortable to drive and fits me well. There is a lot of adjustments in the seats. I actually fit better in it than I do the LS. It's just a difference in ergonomics between the two manufacturers.
Fuel mileage is better in the TL...but not significantly so. But still, any help here is appreciated!
The resale value on the TL is flat amazing compared to the LS. That is probably the single biggest reason I went with it. It's amazing what one of these cars is worth when it's 2 years old compared to a lot of others.
The main complaints I have against the TL is the outside temp gauge quits at 115 (it's designed to do that) Stupid. There's about 100 days a year here where there will be times it will quit. Really stupid. The a/c system sucks big time in my opinion. When you leave the car sit outside in the sun all day, it can easily take 4 or 5 MILES before it starts cooling...and even longer before it really takes affect. My Cobra, LS, and the wifes Aviator all start cooling in 3 or 4 blocks...not miles. But it's funny...if I leave it in the garage or shade, even if it's 115 degrees...it starts cooling almost immediately. It's like the sun heats the ducting so hot that it takes a lot of time to cool the ducting before it can deliver cool air to the cabin. Tinted windows and a sun screen have helped...but not significantly so.
I have joined an Acura forum to find out about all the little quirks and tricks to the car. They are very technical minded folks...but they are very weird. One guy calls his car his "Precious". GAG! Makes me want to puke! For God's sake...it's a Honda with lock washers!!
