[Freq18Hz]

So I'm considering buying a V6 coupe.


First off just to get them out of the way...


DISLIKES:

1. Shifter lever sits way too high, shift action is spongey with long throws.

2. Suspension is too soft, and the car sits up too high.

3. Clutch is mediocre at best, with the engagement point WAY too high off the floor. Clutch travel is very long, with poor feedback.

4. Arm rests slightly too low.


LIKES:

1. Engine has plenty of torque down low, and revs silky smooth all the way to redline.

2. Virtually no torque steer.

3. Even though the car is pretty heavy, it feels nimble. Not as nimble as the SI, but close enough for weighing 600 lbs more.

4. Given the ride height, and soft suspension, the car corners well. Again, not as tight as the SI, but grip is much better than I thought.

5. Seats are very comfortable, with the support of the SI seats, but more luxury/plushness.


Overall impression:

It's obvious that Honda has intended this car to appeal to the automatic transmission crowd, as the clutch and gearbox seem almost like an after thought in such a high horsepower honda. All this said, the car is very comfortable, and has more than enough power for an all around sport duty. Sure we are not talking 135i power, but given the increased gas mileage and reliability, its a fair trade off. Civic SI or S2k owners who want more low end grunt, without stepping up to the fat curb weight and price of the TL will be pleased.

Honestly this car could end up a tuners wet dream. As an SI owner, one of the things that somewhat sucks about the SI (from a tuning perspective) is that the car is already tuned within and inch of its life from the factory. Most bolt-ons available add little performance, and create a much poorer driving car. The accord feels like the opposite. With a lower redline, and needy clutch/gearbox, it seems like the perfect playground to add intakes, exhaust, firmer suspension, short shift kits etc.

It is unfortunate though that Honda didn't make the V6 manual version more of an SI/Type-S/R car, and engineer factory tuning in, as they did with the SI, because the end result is a somewhat sloppy sports car. I do think however, that this car will eventually be wicked, and I can't wait to see a twin turbo version. I guess time will tell if the ECU is as locked down on this car as the Civic's? Time will tell...



-Freq