The production quality of these reviews is outstanding. Better than most car commercials. Each intro is like a love letter to the model being reviewed whether it's well-reviewed or not.
I'm just wanting to show some support and love for the efforts you and Jack put into the post-production editing/work and the work on getting answers and technical information from the manufacturer. You actually hold the companies "accountable", more so than any other YT auto channel. This gets overlooked I feel, so I wanted to acknowledge my appreciation for your efforts with everything. I know it's difficult work to find that balance between being "savage" and respecting the corporate world, and takes its toll, but please continue your efforts. The subscriber count doesn't reflect the quality, especially compared to the "kiddie" channels, but I guarantee you that your subscriber base is more loyal and devoted to this channel than others. I pretty much consider your reviews up to bible levels in assessing cars.
Yes! There is No One on RU-vid like the Geese - NO ONE! Keep fighting the good fight - pointing out what should be praised and what should not (not a fluff hype video for every car out) and I Love the technical review/In The Shoppe segments. As a loyal viewer of about 3-4 years I came for the early S2k content and stayed for your in-depth, honest and humorous content. Most true driving enthusiasts appreciate you guys!!
Love this car honestly, it looks stunning inside and out, but I don't think I could get over the transmission auto-upshifting; like Mark said, if we don't get a manual at least give us full manual control over the auto transmission.
Not really, at all. Look at the center stack and tell me that’s elegant? Acura has had trouble with their center stacks for years and this is no different. It’s a mess.
It's another "I'm glad someone made it, but I have no plans on ever buying one" from me. No manual, too much tech, too heavy, and "necessary" exterior styling. That being said, I appreciate that it appears to be Honda quality at a (comparatively) Honda price, relative to what Honda used to be in the 80s and 90s. And yes, I know the badge says Acura.
@@cayman9873 (lol) 'the men of Arbys' "Derek! I told you don't ever yell at my kids like that!" "SHUT UP BITCH & get in the car!" oh - sorry that's KFC
The definitive TLX Type-S review. I originally found this channel when searching for reviews of the RDX. The RDX review was class-leading as well. Keep up the great work!
@@squidproquo2241 I think the review makes a compelling case…if you’re looking for an alternative to the S4, AMG/M lite variants that offers attractive styling, reliability, and strong tech at a lower price point, is a super compelling car. It’s a formula I felt Infiniti had dialed in during the early aughts before they lost their way.
@@ericdhadden So, why did you waited to make such a comment for my response to you? As far as i can see that you are biased against this car, and you try to pretend that its existence is insignificant to make even a false comment that somewhat discredits the car. This is quite unethical , are you aware of this?.
@@layne4376 "Except it isn't at the front of the class. It is at the bottom. Which is sad, really." Well, misjudging a superior car that has a superior engineering in its class, by straight line performance is even SADDER.
SavageGeese, your productions skills are insane and the fact that your videos are free on RU-vid is mind boggling. You pushed the bar on car review quality videos and you should be proud of that.
@@rickseibel5904 "I suggest you go test ride one and form your own opinion." I suggest you put this very same remark under the comments that try to discredit this car. Until, then , admit that you are applying double standard by telling me that.
despite their comments, i'm actually suprised how good this car sounds over video. i can only imagine how much better it would sound (for me) in person.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your in-depth analysis of the vehicles you review. Because of the incredible amount of hard work, and honest effort that you and Jack put into these videos, our family has purchased two vehicles based 100% on your opinions. The latest being a 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL, and all I can say is Thank You to Mark, Jack and the entire crew at Savagegeese, your work is highly appreciated!!!
Given price and the value proposition, is not a bad car but its not a track car or a competitor to the german cars. Makes for a great family car so you dont drive a boring 4 door car. Acura missed a few things, should have trimmed the fat with the weight, braking is a bit disappointing and it could have uses about 25 more HP and higher revs to make it a bit more sportier considering its price. Certywe can assume its will beat ANY German car in terms of reliability and resale value..🎉
As an owner of a 2019 model, which is on an inferior platform, I can attest the effectiveness of SH-AWD, and the system on this car is even better. I enjoy mine very much and I’m looking forward to trading up to this one once my lease runs out.
@@mikeabel7577 My local dealer had one unit in stock, and it had a mark-up of $17,000 (and it was already sold). It was at the bleeding edge of my price-range before the mark up. So I figured I would step down to the advance trim with the four cycliner. But, because of the chip shortage, they are literally out of cars. As in the lot is empty. The sales person told me that every car that is allocated to them is already sold for 6 months out. I'm going to let the lease run-out on my TLX (September) and then probably buy a used car or switch brands unless things drastically change.
@@ohadparan2853 Hi. Could you share what you like and dislike about your current Acura? I think the 18-20 is beautiful. I’d be very content with the V6 FWD.
@@davidrich4758 I like the looks very much--can't complain there. Likes: -The Brand: Acuras are just upmarket enough to make you look good but they are not flashy. I am a school teacher: I can't show up at school in a brand new BMW--people would ask questions, its just not a good look in my line of work. -The engine. The 3.5 liter "big six" is soldiering on in the Honda Pilot and the MDX but its days are numbered. It's very smooth and powerful and sounds great. It's thirsty though. -The 9 speed auto. People hate, hate this transmission but I think it's great. The super short 1st gear lets the car leap off the line, and the tall 9th gear is good on the highway. I did say the engine is thirsty in traffic, but on an overnight blast from San Francisco to San Diego at speeds which I will not mention here, and which I did almost 20 times during the pandemic, I got 33 on the highway, which is good for such a heavy car. In early '21 it got a software update that totally reprogrammed it and made it gear-hunt less, which made it even better. -The stereo. The ELS Surround which comes with the advance package (which I have) is the best sounding stereo at this price point. The Bowers and Wilkins in the Volvo is better, but the car itself is more expensive. -Apple Car Play control. The 18-20 TLX uses a central dial to control the screen projection. It's old school, but you don't have to think about it. Some people, especially Doug DeMuro really trash this system, but then turn around and say the new touch-pad system is worse, so...make a decision people. -The headlights. The "jewels" that make-up the lights themselves look awesome and at night, especially when its really, really dark, cast excellent light at a good distance while not blinding other drivers. -Finally, SH-AWD. I cannot talk about this system enough. I can throw this big, heavy car around tight 25MPH corners at 50 and it rotates right under me without chirping the tires. On the freeway, in a passing maneuver from 75 to 95 in the fast lane, if I mash the gas, the trans bangs down 5-6 gears in one second, the rear-end squats down a bit, and the car just shoots forward. -The dislikes: the steering. The wheel is heavy and the front end is really twitchy. I have to have a firm grip on the wheel with both hands at all times--it is not relaxing to drive, even in eco mode. Turning on the lane-centering system helps, but not enough. -The camera system and the safety suite in general. The whole system is obviously tacked on. All the cameras are low resolution, and everything is constantly beeping, and loudly. Honda claims the car has reverse brake assist but it never worked for me. Maybe I don't know if it is working. -The front seats. They adjust in 100 ways and look beautiful but they are too wide with too little bolstering in the seat bottom and I could never get the lumbar support in the right position. I was never able to find a comfortable seating position in 3 years of ownership. -The trunk is too small considering how big the car is. -The visibility: the car itself is already very low, and you sit low in it. Honda also lowered the roofline, raised the sill height, and raked the windshield and the rear glass to make the car look sporty. While you feel like you are sitting in a jet fighter, the visibility is really bad. There is not enough glass. The thick pillars in the A, B and C positions create blind spots. The raked rear window and tall deck-lid make it really hard to see out the back. If you're short, like my wife, you can't see at all. This means you have to rely on the safety suite and the cameras to guide you. But like I said the system isn't great, so lane changes at high speed can be nerve-wracking. The hood is tall and it actually tilts upward. On the one hand, that's what it gives it the cool "ribbed" effect on the body, but on the other hand you absolutely cannot see the trailing edges of the front. Combine that with the engine hanging way out in front of the front axle means it feels like you are sitting at a reclined angle looking UP at the front, not down. The window sills are high so you can't do the "elbow out the window fingers on the wheel" maneuver. I only rolled down the windows to pay tolls. I never rolled them down just for fun, and I never opened the sunroof even once. No kidding: I never even touched the button. -The button shifter. It took me two years to get used to it. When I was parallel parking in heavy traffic or during a Y-turn I was still looking down at the switches after two years, and if I was stressed or flustered I would accidentally pull for drive or reverse depending on the circumstance, and almost got into accidents multiple times. If you have a car with a more traditional shifter, your muscle memory for the buttons goes away very fast, and you have to retrain your hand. Overall: what sold me on the car in the first place, was, of all things, shutting the doors. The doors are thick and heavy. The car is very quiet and the engine is nearly silent, even under throttle. You feel very safe in the car. I was coming out of a Miata so it was VERY pronounced for me. For cruising at very high speed, over long distances, and especially at night, it's perfect. Honda was able to do a lot with basically a modified Accord chassis. The new TLX on its own platform is probably even better. Having said ALL of that, If I could go back I would not have bought it, and when my lease ended in September I let it go and did not upgrade to a new one. I don't think the price premium of the Acura brand is worth it. The new cars, especially the MDX look awesome but are pricey and compromised in some ways. If I could I would stretch my finances and upgrade to Volvo or I would move down a bit and go to Mazda. Ironically, I still drive an Acura: we inherited a 2003 MDX from my mother-in-law which has the same engine but with less power and a simpler AWD system, but that's a terrific car, even though it's very basic by today's standards..
@@ohadparan2853 Thank you so much for the in depth analysis! I’ve gone over and read once. I’ll be sure to go over it several more times. I hope you do not mind if I have additional questions?! Appreciate your time.
Can I just say... I love the way you guys discuss when you disagree about something. It gives a richer and more interesting description to hear each of your opinions/angles on the same topic. And excellent content, as always.
As usual, the only channel to give us really useful information from an enthusiast's perspective. Too many others test a sporty car the same as an SUV. Just terrible. Thank you.
This is a 6 sp manual and 1500 rpm from being perfect. I am sure someone at Acura/Honda begged for the 6 speed just like I am. My last 06 TL with 6 speed was a dream to drive.
With all that AWD torque vectoring fakeness and the weight... This will never be anything more than a pretender. The RWD propositions are better and more engaging, period. American Honda keeps creating underwhelming "sporty" vehicles.
Quite possibly the best duo and one of the few go to's that I use to research Cars. Second to none production and technical info and I love how they talk about how it drives as they drive it and how it feels to actually drive it. Another amazing review, Gentlemen.
I like how Acura didn't want to just chase BMW like so many automakers. They kept their own ethos and design philosophy. Yes, it is FWD-based and not exactly perfect, BUT it excels in so many other valuable metrics. LOVE the design, sound of the exhaust, and other attributes. I would certainly choose this over an S4 and G70 3.3t.
do note that the SH-AWD isn't actually FWD based Honda created the SH-AWD system by overdriving the rear wheels which means the car functions similar to an AWD system with RWD biased control. Only problem is that a burnout on them causes the clutch pack to wear out more. Regardless, it's not really FWD based
I agree, I definitely like the TLX Type S over the G70, S4 or Stinger in all categories. Plus I simply have zero interest in purchasing a Hyundai or Kia regardless of straight line speed. I just cant do it.
@@alexnutcasio936 The old one yes, this one is on its own platform and shares no similarities with the Accord. But yeah I'll be keeping my Accord because I love it so much.
Watching this video answers all the questions I had about knowing if the TLX Type S were the right car for me. It is. I love this car. No car is perfect but for my needs and driving style, I think it will suit me perfectly. Great, honest review. I appreciate the Type S for what it is and what it isn't.
My thoughts exactly. It’s the perfect car for me. It’s not trying to be a track car, it’s not trying to be what it’s not. It’s a sports sedan with power when you want. It will be here forever.
@Thor Odin son Different perspectives. I find its price undercuts a lot of the other cars in the segment and see it as a thrilling, handsome car. Obviously it isn't the fastest in the segment but like I said originally, it suits me perfectly. I unapologetically want one.
@Thor Odin son You just don't get it, do you? Beating other cars is simply not my goal. I don't care that there are other cars that are faster. Why is it a crime for me to like the Type S? Using your logic, why would anyone buy a Q50 when they could buy a faster car elsewhere? And why would anyone buy the next car when there's another one out there to beat it? Get a Bugatti and don't look back. Everything else will get DESTROYED by it. Unless you have one of those, I suppose you're a loser.
I hope you’re right, Andy. I can’t think of a reasonable competitor at that price point if absolute performance is not your be-all and end-all. I hope to find you in the comments after you get yours.
I waited 3 years to get this exact car, but I had to hand in my lease (2017 RLX Tech) on November 20th 2020. Unfortunately I had to "settle" for the 2021 A-SPEC (Same color combo). I have to say, I am absolutely in love with the car. It may only be a turbo 4 cylinder, but it's a beast. If I could have held out to May 2021, I'd have had the S-Type. I'm almost a year in, and I've been driving ACURA's exclusively since 1997 and I will never drive a different brand of car. In two years, the S-Type will be in my garage. Eventually, the elusive NSX will make it in there as well. I can't say enough good about this car. My favorite of the nine ACURA's I've had. My first was a 1997 CL. The only thing I am sad about, is the exhaust sound. The S-Type sounds like a beast! Great review guys!
I need to drive it. Most people buying this won’t take it to the track. It’s a daily driver, Acura don’t want you beating up the car so they restrict you from taking full control of the transmission. It’s built on reliability and longevity. It will be around for a long time. I can’t say the same for Its competitors.
@Thor Odin son Well I’ll laugh my way with this joke of a car for years to come because I know, Acura WILL outlast any Infinity and always does. . The original TL TypeS is still going strong. My co worker has an Infinity product and the car shut off on him 3 different times, the dealership still can’t figure it out. YOU can have all the horsepower you want to make your case at this level. I’d buy a Stinger over any Q50s.
@Thor Odin son That kind of reply doesn’t surprise me coming from someone like you. You like what you like, I like what I like. It just so happens what I like is more reliable than what you like. Cheers 🍻.
Truly one of the best videos on the TLX Type S. Wanted to thank the Savagegeese team on the production quality, but also the amount of detail on the driving dynamics and the mechanics!
@@squidproquo2241 it’s not perfect, but I think what you’re getting for the price point is incredible. Lots of standard features, a really nice interior, and the speed is more than enough for a lot of people. I wished Acura would’ve given us the option to have a 360 camera and/or a HUD
@@pxpixels Perfect is an abstract concept, however, excellent is not. An excellent car is a purpose built product. Therefore, if you try to build a car that is not that expensive in its class, quite a good value, sporty enough, luxurious enough, not the best in everything but above average in everything, eventually an optimum car with which you could do everything you want to do efficiently, and if, you build a car that satisfies all these, then you realized that purpose and therefore you built the excellent car, for that purpose. I think this TLX is "perfect" in this sense. "I wished Acura would’ve given us the option to have a 360 camera and/or a HUD" If, this affected the total package negatively, then putting these on would have made the TLX not excellent anymore.
@@devongee1776 A lot of "American" cars are made in Mexico. The Acura TLX is made in Honda's Marysville, Ohio plant, located in Union County, northwest of Columbus.
@@hamsterama which cars are made in Mexico? Ford doesn’t make cars anymore ! The Mexican plants are not making vehicles right now. All of American brand sedans are made in the United States. The Cadillac CT5-V twin turbo v6 360 hp and 400 pound TQ which is the closest competitor to the 355hp/345hp Acura Type S is made in Lansing, MI. All of Tesla cars that are made for the American market are manufactured in Fremont, California,
Fantastic review. Balanced, informative, informed, entertaining. And, oh, my, the production quality. The epitome of what a video car review should be.
Great review, it's not about break neck speed it's about refinement and exceptional dynamic handling. The experience was so good even Jack, who bashed the TLX 2.0L, had to pay homage to most balanced and best handling car in the segment.
I was pretty excited for this car when it was announced. Looks great inside and out but what really kills it for me is the weight, tiny turbo, and transmission
A good tune and maybe an exhaust tweak and it would be right there. But unless you plan on drag racing every weekend it won’t disappoint the average driver one bit when it comes to fun.
It's honestly a bargain with the luxury. The engine is just detune too far back, like 355 for a v6 and 315 for a 4cyl? But at least it has awd, and a couple of mods with ktuner should be 500, with 580 being my goal.
There are tons of reviews on the 2021 TLX out there, however, this is by far the most informative with the most pertinent information! The quality of the video, and the level of technical detail does not exist in any other reviews. The factual information provided, coupled with the ongoing, honest opinion dialog between the two reviewers provides all of the information one needs.
"superior product" is a very very very vague description. They are not the same market, not the same ideology, and their "goals" are different. Lexus is NOT a sports car. Honda is never "really" luxury. They both are absolutely the best in terms of reliability and are quality built.
This was absolutely phenomenal. This is so beyond anything the lying, grifting, influencer videos produce. And for an Acura TLX, no less. Even with the shortcomings, you guys put them down constructively and practically so buyers know what to expect and manufacturers know what they can tweak or fix. As for the transmission, it's probably torque limiting to protect itself, but the fact that you guys discussed the upside with the handling in upper gears is what people should be looking for. It's just beyond annoying that everywhere in the world, the priority is on drag racing and not handling. Even for the GTR. Just drag racing and very, very little track stuff. I would also love to see you guys put this up against the Stinger GT2. I feel it's a very conspicuous omission to not put that in there.
Definitely, this car is great in a vaccuum but the G70 and Stinger GT2 AWD offer more power, speed, and equivalent value. This looks the best of the three but that G70 seems to be leading the competition to the German 3.
Just wanted you guys to know that your review of the type s persuaded me to decide on this model vs the Lexus IS 350 and the bmw m340. The value this car brings compared to the other competitors far exceeds them. Thank you for a very through analysis and information that was provided with unbiased review.
I’m trying to decide between this and the is350. Would love to know why you went with this over an is350. Also is this as reliable as the Lexus? Considering this is a turbo while the is350 is NA
@@grandmastagrimm8773 I wrote this two years ago and my opinion changed. I ended up buying the Lexus is 350 f sport this year. The reasons I chose this car came down to wanting a naturally aspirated v6 engine and not wanting a turbo. Turbo engines get hot and didn’t want to have major repairs down the road. Plus the other factors were the Lexus is 350 exterior appealed to me more. The interior of the Acura type s I didn’t like. The infotainment screen is not touch and the Lexus is. I wanted a smaller car and the Acura seems too big for my needs.
can we please get SG more subscribers please? these guys make the best and most technical and most well rounded car reviews on the internet. this channel is so underrated. much love fellas
The insane duckman, making the best reviews on RU-vid. The only time, I get off of the computer and watch videos via the 50 inch screen. This eposide will determine whether I purchase this car or not. Acura/Honda listen to the Savageese, he's knows his stuff.
@@miloslogic The only other brand I would consider is Lexus. Waiting on the new IS500. I know it's a long shot but I hope Acura comes out with a Type-R variant that's twin turbo-ed and produces 450 hp. I think Acura really needs to produce something similar to BMW's M division to get the brand more recognition.
Looking at the transmission I am pleased that it is not a CVT and actually has planetary gears to give you more concrete gear ratios. I also like how the components are engineered to be harder and there is a transmission cooler
These two guys should be reviewing every car in the planet!! Done!!! They give the most detailed drivers review out of any auto journalism program out there
the whole idea that their customers LIVE in that 1400 RPM range was, IMO, brought to popularity by Mazda. when mazda introduced the CX9 with the 4 banger turbo, everybody really questioned their plan. but they stood by this very same philosophy...that MOST people lived and drove in the stop and good, red light to redlight world where pushing a car to 5000 rpm to get the best of the motors NEVER happened.
many people think that you're 'hurting' the car anywhere above 4k rpm because 'it doesn't like it'. No that's just the engine and it just sounds like a vacuum cleaner (typical 4 banger)
I notice that everyone is comparing this to the European cars in this segment. What about the Stinger or even the G70? I've got a Stinger GT2 and a compulsive disorder where I go through cars pretty regularly.....we also bought a new MDX a month ago and really like it so this has peaked my intrigue. I love the SH AWD system, but when I do the head to head on paper vs. the Stinger, the Stinger comes out ahead in too many categories. Space is a big one; not just the trunk vs. hatch, but backseat and while the ELS stereo is really good the Stinger has a good stereo and I prefer the infotainment system because it's a touch screen and everything just works.
The new 10-speed auto is damn good for what it is full manual control would be nice hopefully for the next refresh but its really good its Honda's best yet And I'm sure the new 10-speed auto in the Accord 2.0 will put down a 10 sec quarter mile times with no problem
@@basithph8958 12.96s @ 108 mph from that video is nowhere close to 10! The 992 generation Porsche 911 Turbo S does the quarter mile time at 10.1s @ 137 mph. Don't get me wrong, the new accord is quick for what it is but it's nowhere close to doing a 10s quarter mile.
Running in the 90s, back then woulda been the legendary Acura/Honda Legend/Vigor but they didn't get the _Fine-particle peen hardens surface_ *with an ultra-smooth finish*
I watched a lot if the vids for this car. These guys are the most thorough. As with all the reviews they are “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” when it comes to design and the mechanics they would like. It’s a solid car. Acura always gives you bang for your buck. You just need more bucks!
Your videos are superior to the other car videos I've watched for the same cars. Your analysis is more thorough and in-depth. The other guys tend to focus on more superficial and subjective things while you put a lot more numbers and other factual info. Also, good job comparing it to the S4, which is another car I'm considering. After watching some other guys' video, I had written the TLX Type S off, but I love the way the TLX looks, so I came back for another look and found you. Based on this video, the TLX is definitely back on the short list. Thanks for some great analysis!
My son has the Type S and he loves it. Yeah it's not the fastest but it is an absolute ball to drive. He had a Genius G70 and while it was a wonderful car I personally like the Type S better. Just my opinion so take it for what it's worth.
As a former owner of the 1st and 2nd gen TL Type-S, I always felt it was the underdog in it's class. I am excited to see this latest model finally has the specs of true sports sedan!
This car isn't perfect but it's brilliant from some of your comments. It's built with purpose and the purpose is fulfilled. Honda knows what they are building more than almost any brand. For 50k, you are getting a world class car. For 50k, how much better could you expect? Great review! Better than all the others out there.
I just leased one of these cars recently and when the car is in transmission sport mode (engine can be in sport or normal) it will hold the gear until you manually shift, which is really the only way to get the most out of this car. The car was a bit of a let down initially as I think it could have been lighter and have a little more power (400 hp would have been great!) but the car is actually pretty impressive as a highway cruiser and has good performance for what it is. You just have to reset your expectations and realize this car is a solid value with Honda/Acura reliability, it has good performance and it is quite comfortable but it is not an m340i killer or anything like that. As you all said, it handles incredibly well, the suspension is damped really nicely and the stereo is one of the best you will find in any car! I am actually pretty happy with it!
I wish we had stuff like this in the UK - we’re extremely limited in non-German premium saloons/sedans and with Infiniti leaving the market and Lexus discontinuing the IS for us the future looks dull indeed for those of us not interested in crossovers or SUVs. Great video as ever.
I'm a Honda\Acura fan. One thing they mentioned is, this beauty of a car does compete against the Audi S4, BMW M340i, Mercedes Benz C43, But you need to discuss the 'reliability' of Honda\Acura cars....which Europeans don't have....
Acura did a damn good job on this! I love how they capitalized on their signature front end styling. And Honda/Acura make design some of the best headlights in the industry.
