2009 Acura TSX Review

The Acura TSX is a relatively new vehicle in the entry-level
luxury sports cars sedan segment. Consumers who want a sedan,
there are traces remain silent and a little more upscale than
the typical family four-door will find plenty to like. The TSX,
which is Acura's least expensive model is a solid choice for daily
use because of its competent driving characteristics, high-quality
interior and generous level of standard features. And like most Acura products,
the TSX boasts a high degree of refinement, a reputation for above-average reliability
and decent value for the dollar.
One drawback to the Acura TSX is that we suspect many people do not perceive it as being
as prestigious as owning more established cars from European carmakers.
It is probably a function of the car's recent arrival on the market,
four-cylinder engine and plebian Honda roots. (The TSX is essentially a
rebadged and prettified version of the Honda Accord.) But all in all,
it has earned our editors' respect, despite some misgivings about the
new second-generation model. We suggest that entry-level luxury sports
sedan customers give the view - even in cases of second-generation TSX,
they should probably only do that if they care more about the "luxury" than "sport".

Significantly larger than its predecessor only about everywhere
except in a suitcase, the second generation of Acura TSX debuted
for the 2009 model year. That leaves room for five passengers and
an impressive array of standard high-end features, including 17-inch
alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, a sunroof, heated power front seats
with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate
control, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker CD audio system with satellite
radio and iPod integration. Models equipped with the technology package
adding such comforts as a navigation system, a rearview camera and a
premium 10-speaker sound system with in-dash six-CD changer. All TSXs
receive Anti-lock brakes, stability control, front airbags and
side-impact curtain air bags for all outboard passengers.
Current Acura TSX
To power the front-wheel-drive TSX employs a revised version of the previous
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet
of torque. Transmission choices consist of an excellent six-speed manual or a
five-speed automatic. While commendably smooth in the Honda tradition,
the 2.4-liter four simply not up to the six-cylinder engines and turbo-charged
four-cylinder engines found in other entry-level luxury sports sedan.

In the test, we have been impressed with the TSX technological features list,
but disappointed with how it drives. While the previous generation TSX reasonably
be described as a front-wheel drive sports sedan, the TSX is more of a lavishly
appointed family car. Steering feel is surprisingly calm for a Honda product -
the new electric steering assist is the likely culprit - and braking at the edge
of the unacceptable. The refined, but lackluster engine is unlikely to impress
customers in the TSX's upscale segment.

Used Acura TSX models

The first generation Acura TSX debuted in 2004. Track Tier than the second
generation model, the original TSX was widely praised for its crisp handling
and entertaining (though off-color) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generated
200 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. Among the regular features were issues such
as 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, a sunroof, heated power front seats with
driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an
eight-speaker audio system.

Anti-lock brakes, stability control, front airbags and side-impact curtain air bags for
all outboard passengers were also standard. An impressive DVD-based navigation system
with touchscreen and voice-activated software was the only available option for the
well-equipped first-generation TSX.

Before the road test, we found that while the original TSX's torque-deficient VTEC
engine was revved hard to get sufficient acceleration, it was still quite fun to
wring out, especially when equipped with the slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission
(a five-speed automatic was also available). Sharp handling and good steering feel made
sleeping cabin TSX sports sedan. The first generation TSX also offered a high quality
and aesthetically pleasing interior design.

There were a handful of changes from the original Acura TSX during its production run.
Satellite radio, heated exterior mirrors and a power passenger seat was added in
2005. 2006 TSX engine features, functionality and styling updates - the four-cylinder
engine was modified to produce 205 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, and the
navigation system achieved faster processing and additional points of interest.
Bluetooth, driver seat memory and MP3 auxiliary jack was also new. Exterior
enhancements include redesigned front and rear fascia, new side thresholds,
foglamps and new alloy wheels.

Posted in: Acura TSX 2009