Review: Acura TSX

By Russ Heaps - MyCarData

You have to start somewhere. For luxury marques that usually means offering at least one automobile that is affordable enough to lure first-time luxury buyers into the brand. Often compromises are made to achieve that entry-level price point. Those compromises take many forms such as simply putting lipstick on a model from a sister division; using smaller, less sophisticated engines; or offering fewer standard amenities. No matter the avenue taken, an image problem often results. That’s where the last generation Acura TSX found itself. Although a perfectly capable automobile, it was never completely convincing as an Acura. Acura redesigned the TSX for 2009 with a goal of making it a better fit within the family. For the most part, it was successful.

Rare is the redesign that doesn’t involve upsizing. No doubt there is some psychological explanation for it, but typically we equate bigger with better. Why else would nearly every new generation of a vehicle be bigger than those that have gone before? In the case of the redesigned TSX, super sizing is a better description of its growth spurt than just upsizing. The distance between wheels on the same axle (track) is wider by 2.6 inches while the wheelbase stretches an extra 1.4 inches. Its exterior is 2.2 inches longer and 3 inches wider than last year’s version. It is also about half an inch taller at the roofline. Marginally larger, luggage capacity is up from 12.6 cu.-ft. to just over 13 cu.-ft. It should follow that such increases in iron would translate into a hefty weight gain, but not so much for the TSX. Curb weight is up less than 150 pounds to 3,486.

Gone are the rather vanilla styling cues, replaced by a more sculpted lines. The grille includes the familial chrome knife-blade. A defined beltline runs from the chiseled front fender blister along the side continuing up to the trunk lid and around to the other side. Generally creases replace the soft corners on the previous TSX. Reshaped tail lights play a part in adding to the more upscale appearance.

Inside, Acura retained the dual-pod layout up front. The basic flow of the dashboard remains as well; however, the new look relies less on bright accents. The mix of materials is more sophisticated and elegant. A dizzying array of buttons, knobs and controls clog up the center stack. Keep the owner’s manual handy. My test TSX was the $32,775 edition that includes the Technology Package. There is also a $29,675 base version. Both models feature dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power passenger seat, leather seating, power accessories, and a seven-speaker audio system with CD player, auxiliary input jack and USB port.

Well bolstered, the front seats snug around their occupants. The 60/40 split rear seat folds down creating more cargo space. Overall the interior space is generous and all but the tallest rear-seat passengers should be quite comfortable.

For the $3,100 premium the Technology Package commands, comes not only the same navigation system as higher-priced Acuras with real-time traffic and weather, but it also includes an advanced Elliot Scheiner-designed 10-speaker surround sound system with a six-disc CD changer, eight-inch subwoofer and voice recognition. XM satellite radio is also included in the package. In this XM application there is a note feature that allows you to store the name, 10 seconds of the song, the XM station on which it appeared and a time stamp for up to 30 songs. So if you hear a song you want to remember, you just hit a button and it’s saved for future recall.

Despite its larger size, the new TSX retains its athleticism. Once again this is achieved through a superbly matched powertrain and a well-balanced suspension. A new four-banger powers the TSX. Displacement is the same 2.4-liters, but horsepower is down four ponies to 201. Peak torque is up a few pound feet, but it arrives earlier in the rpm band for improved mid-range power. Available for hustling engine output to the front wheels is either a six-speed manual or a no-extra-charge five-speed automatic transmission. The automatic has a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Fuel economy is essentially unchanged with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the manual. The automatic gains two additional mpg on the highway.

Acura has built more strength into the frame and body. The result is not only a quieter cabin, but enhanced control. This sedan responds well to the throttle, running true on the straights and cornering with a tenacious grip. The four-wheel independent suspension is tuned more toward the handling end of the spectrum, but ride quality is still very good. The steering is light and responsive. All in all, the last TSX was fun to drive and the 2009 is no disappointment.

Here’s the bottom line: If you liked the 2008 TSX, you will like the redesigned 2009. It is still priced right, fun to drive and shares the Acura cachet. And unlike the previous generation, it seems more at home in the Acura family.

Acura TSX

Jim Meachen, www.car-data.com

Gaining that wonderful feeling that all is right with the world can be achieved without thebenefit of mind-altering substances.

It’s possible to reach this level of nirvana on the open road behind the wheel of an automobilethat fits like a glove. A car that has the rare ability to become one with the driver; a vehiclethat answers all requests with a can-do attitude.

The Acura TSX has been that car since it was introduced in 2004.

Now an all-new 2009 edition comes along that loses none of the first generation’s attributeswhile gaining the most up-to-date automotive, information and audio technology available.

In this age of horsepower wars, when power seems to equal driving excitement, it’s interestingto drive an entry luxury-segment sedan that provides so much entertainment from a four-cylinderengine.

As a daily driver the entry-level luxury TSX is a pleasant compact sedan with a solid buildquality and a pleasingly quiet interior.

To bring the TSX to its full potential it takes a winding rural road and a cutting-edge CD ormusic DVD cranked up in the remarkable 10- speaker 415-watt ELS Premium surround sound system. Werecommend your TSX be outfitted with the short-throw six-speed manual transmission to get theultimate experience.

We drove the five-speed automatic early in the year in the San Diego area and found it agreeable, but without the excitement a manual transmission brings to a high-revving four-cylinder. Paddleshifters are provided for those who want to shift the automatic for themselves.

Either way, you will be housed in some of the most comfortable front seats in the business.Volvo may still be the leader in seat comfort, but the TSX is very close.

The front-driven Acura, derived from the European Honda Accord, is exceptionally well balanced.It’s a combination of a perfectly tuned suspension, a smallish but wonderfully nimble mid-size,with a high- revving engine that was born to run. It’s enough to make a car enthusiast’s mouthwater.

This TSX responds like putty in a master craftsman’s hands. The sedan is responsive to allinputs whether from the steering wheel or throttle or brakes. Everything works to precision.

Some have knocked Acura’s high-revving 2.4-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, which makes 201horsepower for a sedan in this segment. But the TSX’s unique personality would be severely alteredwith a more conventional V-6.

The TSX must be wound out to a race-car-like 7,000 rpm to hit max horsepower. To get the mostout of the 4-cylinder, it must tickle redline through the gears. Low-end torque is lacking comparedto bigger engines, but much of the fun comes from winding up the sweet- sounding engine andmatching the six gears to the torque range. This is a sedan that responds best in the hands of adriver who desires finesse over brute strength.

Run through the gears in expert fashion and the TSX will break into the upper ranges of 6seconds from 0-to-60.

Like we said, this isn’t one of the new rocketships that are appearing in showrooms faster thanfront-yard dandelions.

And some have criticized the electric power steering as too highly boosted at slow speeds andwith a lack of on-center feel on the highway. We don’t mind easy turns in a parking lot and wethink this new TSX exhibits exceptional feedback when taking back-road twists and turns atexhilarating speeds. We didn’t notice any fall off from the previous version.

The new TSX is slightly larger than the one it replaces, but for all practical purposes thesedan retains its ‘just-right’ size; being smaller than the American Honda Accord. Four adults fitnicely and a

12.6 cubic foot trunk easily swallows two golf bags or several pieces of luggage.

Styling has been tweaked to a more edgy appearance, but if you know what a TSX looks like, the2009 model is instantly recognizable.

On the inside TSX has a handsome dashboard layout and materials, are for the most part, firstclass. Fit and finish is excellent.

While most of the switchgear used in everyday driving is intuitive, the TSX unfortunately hasgained some of the convoluted qualities of German luxury cars with a myriad of buttons. We thinkthis will result into a forced trip to the owner’s manual for most people who want to changesettings such as power door locks and automatic headlights.

We’ve always been fond of Honda/Acura navigation for its accuracy and ease of use, and thelatest iteration of the system lived up to our high expectations. It now includes an extensive listof Zagat-related restaurant listings, XM real-time traffic, and weather conditions.

The voice-recognition system works well and now recognizes 100,000 words.

But the technological highlight comes with the upgraded audio system that plays either standardCDs or music DVDs. We were blown away several years ago when we first heard Acura’s cutting-edgesound in a TL. The new 10-speaker 415-watt premium surround system in the TSX takes the music intoa new dimension.

The system rivals what you would find in most home entertainment set- ups with its sweepingsound with outstanding treble and base clarity and separation. In a word ‘ awesome!

Like all Acura vehicles in recent years there are no options. Buyers can pick between two trimlevels, Base for $29,675 including destination charge or Base with Technology Package for $32,775.Both come with either the automatic or manual for the same price.

We highly recommend the extra $3,000 outlay which not only brings the startlingly good soundsystem, but navigation and a backup camera.

If you’re not a fan of navigation, you will have to forego the premium sound, but the basesystem is no slouch. It features 360 watts of output, seven speakers, a subwoofer and XM satelliteradio.

All Acuras are loaded up with good stuff including such safety features as side airbags,side-curtain airbags, active head restraints, antilock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist, tractioncontrol, and tire monitoring.

Things that might be optional on other cars in the 30-grand price range are standard across thelineup such as power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, one-touch up and down power windows andleather upholstery.

We agree the TSX is aimed at a limited audience. But for those who desire a great drivingexperience, good gas mileage and one of the auto world’s best sound systems, this may be the one.

Acura TSX – Acura Refines and Polishes Its TSX Gem

By Kelly Foss www.car-data.com

I’ve always liked the TSX. It filled a unique spot in the automotive pallet of choices. Isometimes describe it as the thinking man’s entry luxury model. In the premium compact sedansegment, rear-wheel drive performance models abound and that’s OK. But for the person wanting acompact, upscale sedan that is conservative, reliable and fuel efficient, the choices are limited.

The TSX is the entry model in the Acura lineup. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda. The newTSX is principally the same size as the former model but, within the confines of that package, thevehicle has been optimized and upgraded. The 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine now produces 201horsepower and also delivers up to 30 miles per gallon highway driving according to the newstringent EPA calculations. That means in a real world freeway cruise, on our test drives, we weregetting an indicated 35+ miles per gallon which is very good. Though the TSX is offered with botha 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic, I would recommend the automatic. The manual is fun for awhile but is out of character for this vehicle. Besides, the automatic actually gets bettereconomy than the manual. The TSX has a very engaging driving dynamic. It’s sporty, comfortableand controlled. With a fine suspension, excellent chassis control, it’s both comfortable and funto drive.

The styling of the TSX has added a luxury presence to the vehicle. Its character shows throughand now displays itself with confidence. The interior of the TSX is what really sets it apart. Itis beautiful, expertly crafted, technology laden and functional. The seating is excellent both

front and rear. The materials, fit, finish and feel are superb. The TSX

offers a great seating position for the driver and all controls and indicators are where theyneed to be. An enlarged display screen for the Acura navigation system is still the standard ofthe industry. This year they’ve added real-time traffic reporting which shows congestion on theroads ahead as well as real-time weather forecasting. The climate control is GPS linked so thatthe system monitors the sun’s position and intensity in relation to where you currently are drivingand will automatically adjust each passenger’s fan speed to compensate for it! And, of course, allof this can be controlled by Acura’s excellent voice command system.

The TSX also offers all trip computing functions, an ELS surround sound audio system with XMradio and all the modern MP3 and iPod device plugs.

So, if you want a vehicle that offers quality, reliability, upscale features and is trulyenjoyable to drive and gives you a break at the gas pump, the new Acura TSX may be the right car atthe right time.

Acura TSX – Acura Refines and Polishes Its TSX Gem

By Kelly Foss www.car-data.com

I’ve always liked the TSX. It filled a unique spot in the automotive pallet of choices. Isometimes describe it as the thinking man’s entry luxury model. In the premium compact sedansegment, rear-wheel drive performance models abound and that’s OK. But for the person wanting acompact, upscale sedan that is conservative, reliable and fuel efficient, the choices are limited.

The TSX is the entry model in the Acura lineup. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda. The newTSX is principally the same size as the former model but, within the confines of that package, thevehicle has been optimized and upgraded. The 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine now produces 201horsepower and also delivers up to 30 miles per gallon highway driving according to the newstringent EPA calculations. That means in a real world freeway cruise, on our test drives, we weregetting an indicated 35+ miles per gallon which is very good. Though the TSX is offered with botha 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic, I would recommend the automatic. The manual is fun for awhile but is out of character for this vehicle. Besides, the automatic actually gets bettereconomy than the manual. The TSX has a very engaging driving dynamic. It’s sporty, comfortableand controlled. With a fine suspension, excellent chassis control, it’s both comfortable and funto drive.

The styling of the TSX has added a luxury presence to the vehicle. Its character shows throughand now displays itself with confidence. The interior of the TSX is what really sets it apart. Itis beautiful, expertly crafted, technology laden and functional. The seating is excellent both

front and rear. The materials, fit, finish and feel are superb. The TSX

offers a great seating position for the driver and all controls and indicators are where theyneed to be. An enlarged display screen for the Acura navigation system is still the standard ofthe industry. This year they’ve added real-time traffic reporting which shows congestion on theroads ahead as well as real-time weather forecasting. The climate control is GPS linked so thatthe system monitors the sun’s position and intensity in relation to where you currently are drivingand will automatically adjust each passenger’s fan speed to compensate for it! And, of course, allof this can be controlled by Acura’s excellent voice command system.

The TSX also offers all trip computing functions, an ELS surround sound audio system with XMradio and all the modern MP3 and iPod device plugs.

So, if you want a vehicle that offers quality, reliability, upscale features and is trulyenjoyable to drive and gives you a break at the gas pump, the new Acura TSX may be the right car atthe right time.