Questions about the Solara

[silversurfer220]

I also test drove the TSX, which is basically a "luxury honda civic". It does have some get up and go with only 2 people in it. My neighbors actually bought one, fully loaded. They do not like the navi system in it. It does not understand voice commands very well. Theirs rattles like no tomorrow and has also blown 1 HID capsule already. Its a 2004 with 8,000 miles on it.

You can get the voice option on the Solara- its a 50 dollar kit you buy online and plug into the back. I have it on mine and love it. I think the v6 in the solara is a great engine. It has a lot of power to get you up to speed, even when the car is loaded with people. I like the solara better because its a coupe, ive never owned a sedan.

fyi, my neighbors (50 year old and 48 year old) said that ins on the TSX is very expensive for some reason. They have the 6 speed in thiers.

[MikeATL]

My 2 cents:

1) The TSX is a european accord. Understand this. This is also funny because where the TSX should have the Honda badge, I think you will find many Solara owners (including myself) who think the Solara should have a Lexus badge.

2) Power-wise, the Solara V6 is way better than the 4 banger, PERIOD.


Sit in both cars as many times as you can. See which one feels, looks, sounds and smells the best. Then make a decision. Both are good cars, both have their flaws, in the end you can't really go wrong.

[FLUXEMAG]

I haven't heard someone harp on Honda quality in a long time.

My Integra had a large number of serious problems.
My CivicDX was fine, it met expectations for a people mover with no power.
My Acura 2.3CL was a piece of sh$t that I was sorry for buying day after day.

I had to give up, sorry Honda. Not to mention you have zero sense of independent style in a Honda.

Someone said buy a TL if they want a V6. That's great if you don't mind the extra 15 grand.

No manufacturer has zero defect lines, and manufacturing processes lead to these weird issues like drift and rattles and tire cupping (350Z owners). Sometimes there is a known design flaw, but that's just poor ethics to pass on crappy product (350Z owners).

I love my Solara for the style, the smooth ride, and the affordable luxury Toyota provides. I honestly wish Honda had done the same for me. But on the plus side, I know how to:

Change an automatic transmission
replace an ECM
replace CV/ball joint
connect radiator hoses that blow off repeatedly
replace a radiator while the car is hot in AZ summer
fix a stuck caliper and replace a single rotor that is destroyed
burn my arm trying to reach the oil filter
replace a starter motor
install a cheesy knock off intake
trade a car in that has a second auto tranny crap out

[Turbosolara]

lol thats right, honda engineering were so creatively place the damn oil filter under the intake maniford and right at center of back side motor. everytime when i change the oil i always had suprise warm liquid drip on my face and all over my hand and exhaust.

when i change my gf's 04 solara, i dont even have to lift the car...i can done the change in 15min..

[Somedude]

I would get the TSX because it is lighter and probably faster than the Gen 2 V6. You get better gas milage too with the TSX.

[Turbosolara]

I would get the TSX because it is lighter and probably faster than the Gen 2 V6. You get better gas milage too with the TSX.

For sure, TSX had higher performance protential because of weight and more advance design. But down to the line, solara would be more reliable as daily drive. because for TSX the true 200hp comes out at high rpm with weak torque.

Horsepower (SAE net)

200-hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque

166 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm

for performance, high rpm would be nice, but i am not sure if it is good for car to reach high rpm often.

and i believe tsx strictly require 91 octane (just like prelude and newer accord v6) due to high compression

[stockae92]

i won't worry about the high reving 4 bangings from Honda

afterall, they have been making them for so long and the engines are still good

but i have to say (and hate to say) "there is no replacement for displacement" [for low end tq]

if i am after performance only, then high reving small displacement engine is wonderful (RSX-S, S2K, RX8, if you count 360 Modena and E46 M3 as well. lol). but for more comfortable & quite ride, those won't be my first choice.

[mmcdonald]

Any mechanical engineer can tell you that the longer a system (engine in this case) has to run near peak output and load, the shorter it's lifespan. So you may be able to get the 4 banger to sing with a lot of tranny stroking, but you get the same effect from the Toyota V6 without making it hump so much, and therefore it will last longer.

I take my ride on long trips frequently (2 to 3 - 500+ mile trips per year) and it cruises along at 80mph and still gets 31mpg with two and three adults and luggage with plenty of power in reserve running below about 2.6G's. Just try that in a Honda.

Besides... HOMO Co? Honestly.

[Somedude]

a high revving motor might be a short lived motor as some of you have said but look at the S2000, I have never seen them on the side of the road.

[mmcdonald]

I rarely ever see S2000's ever anyway. The point is, if the system is run at or near capacity most of the time, then it will live longer, period. Most S2000 owners I have seen are old dudes who don't drive with it revved up all the time. Most of the younger dudes I know who rat race around all the time are constantly dealing with issues.

Just my observation, and just stating basic engineering principals.

[mmcdonald]

Sorry, it will NOT live longer.

If a motor is made to have a 14K red line, then stroking it the 7K range is not near capacity, just halfway. What is the redline of the S2000, and what is the 60mph rev?

[dvdchris45]

S2000 makes 240hp @8300rpm

Torque is a mere 153 lb. ft. @7500. You gotta keep it singing HIGH to get her to go!

[DatSRBoi]

High rev does kill an engine. You just think civic last long because its been going for years and they claim to last long. But I seen many of them hit junk yards or had a rebuilt motor drop in. Thast why they keep their so call "Long lasting car".. Also most of them 4 banger owners spend huge money on their car to keep that car going strong.. The rest are poeple who doesnt even redline that it and is cheap cars to them so it seems to last long... Also ever tried popping the hoods on a high rev driver? Theres bound to be oil leaks or compression lost or oil on sparkplugs

Solara on the other hand spreads out their power over 6 cylinders. So the car takes less stress and last longer. The acura would be a nice car since its so known and all, but the solara will always have the better hand in all areas IMO.

I dont think anyone understand my typing hehe. I know I need to practice my writin again.

[Somedude]

Then I guess the solara v6 would be the better choice.

[DatSRBoi]

Then I guess the solara v6 would be the better choice.

Eh Im not saying its a better choice. Its just my opinion and how I see it from myself. Ive driving a high power 4 banger then switched to a v6... 4banger felt fun, but the v6 still does the same thing only its rpm isnt high up there so it doesnt feel like its alive. The v6 on the solara is well balanced out for comfort with power and doesnt put stress on the motor...thats just my opinion.