Article Comments - 2009 Acura TSX First Drive and Full Test

83 messages, Last post on Jul 28, 2009 at 2:15 PM

You are in the Acura TSX Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Acura TSX, Sedan

First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX - First Impressions: Acura builds a better TSX for 2009, but it forgets to add a couple must-have ingredients (like chic styling, competitive power and raw desirability) to entice the young, sophisticated buyers it seeks. (more)

Full Test: 2009 Acura TSX - Bottom Line: A more relaxed and sophisticated commuter device than the original TSX, but it no longer makes the cut as a driver's car. (more)

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#17 of 83 Re: Honda Way [tbone12] by fedlawman Mar 22, 2008 (8:03 pm)
Replying to: tbone12 (Mar 22, 2008 1:03 pm) "I believe it is more of a direct competitor with the Lexus IS250. These same buyers will want the tech package and aren't as concerned about performance (smaller engines). Likely, female, empty nesters driving more of the TSX's now." Couldn't agree more with your entire post. Well said.
#18 of 83 Re: Honda Way [tbone12] by thundrbunny Mar 22, 2008 (8:26 pm)
Replying to: tbone12 (Mar 22, 2008 1:03 pm) People tend to be "brand loyal". I don't know if that is necessarily a good thing. I have owned Toyota, Honda, Subaru and VW cars. Japanese cars WERE as reliable as bricks a few years ago, but that halo is beginning to fade. The last brand new Civic Si I bought 3 years ago was problematic from day one. My Subaru WRX had a body that felt like it was made from recycled beer cans - the entire car shuddered when I closed the driver's door. The European car makers have realized that they had reliability issues in the past, and - while the Japanese rest on their laurels - are quietly and quickly closing the quality gap. The latest car buying guide from Consumer Reports gave the VW Rabbit high marks in initial quality, and my R32 came with a 4 year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance. It's important for automotive consumers to stay current with quality trends - and to keep an open mind. Replies to this message: fedlawman (Mar 22, 2008 9:11 pm) tbone12 (Mar 23, 2008 6:46 pm) pat (Mar 24, 2008 12:35 am)
#19 of 83 Re: Honda Way [thundrbunny] by fedlawman Mar 22, 2008 (9:11 pm)
Replying to: thundrbunny (Mar 22, 2008 8:26 pm) "It's important for automotive consumers to stay current with quality trends - and to keep an open mind." And believe empirical data rather than anecdotes.
#20 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [fedlawman] by jay108 Mar 23, 2008 (3:28 am)
Replying to: fedlawman (Mar 22, 2008 7:57 pm) Dear Fedlawman, I guess we can disagree on the value of the TSX. We are looking for a mini van replacement and with three kids, need a pretty good back seat, so the accord is the direction I want to go in. An accord with V6 and leather seems like a good deal at around $30K for us. My friends wife has the TSX and it's a bit tight for adult in the back, but it's fast and handles great. I'm probably too much of a tight wad to understand the value of 'near-luxury' cars. I look more at $/lb. Replies to this message: nj2pa2nc (Mar 23, 2008 4:26 am) fedlawman (Mar 23, 2008 6:58 am) jay108 (Mar 23, 2008 9:39 am)
#21 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [jay108] by nj2pa2nc Mar 23, 2008 (4:26 am)
Replying to: jay108 (Mar 23, 2008 3:28 am) I do like the looks of the 08 accord but I am the proud owner of a 06 6MT/wnav Milano red/ ebony tsx. I bought it new 11/17/06 and it has almost 40,000 miles. Most of the time I am the only one in the car. My husband has his own car, 05 hyundai elantra GT 5MT which is his commuter car. We also have a 07 Mitsubishi Raider 6MT Raider truck for hauling. IMO the tsx has enough room for two adult back seat passengers. We have tried it and no complaints. The warranty on the acura is a bit longer which for me is great. I think I got my money's worth on the tsx.
#22 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [jay108] by fedlawman Mar 23, 2008 (6:58 am)
Replying to: jay108 (Mar 23, 2008 3:28 am) I understand Jay I think the perceived "value" of a car decreases rapidly as you climb up the luxury ladder. Down close to the luxury "bottom," I think $28,000 is a more than fair price for the TSX 's bigger/more powerful engine, more sophisticated suspension, electronic brake assist, auto transmission w/sport-shift, heated power leather seats, xenon headlights, trip computer, illuminated vanity mirrors, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, 360W 8 speaker 6CD stereo w/2 subwoofers, Bluetooth, 2 driver memory settings, fog lights, more comfortable/luxuriously trimmed cabin, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote operating sunroof, smoother/quieter ride, etc. It's a whole lot more car than a $21,000 Civic. On the other hand, park an Accord EX-L V6 next to a Mercedes E350 and, although the Merc is a beautiful car, you have to wonder what you get for the extra $25,000 it costs over the Honda. Bottom line - value is a personal judgment that is on sliding scale. Your definition of luxury, your income level, your vehicle priorities, etc. will all determine what you think is a "good deal." Replies to this message: jay108 (Mar 23, 2008 9:39 am)
#23 of 83 Article by pat HOST Mar 23, 2008 (8:33 am)
Let's get some feedback on the article which is the subject of this discussion. Check the link at the top of the page. Replies to this message: nj2pa2nc (Mar 23, 2008 12:21 pm) pat (Mar 23, 2008 12:32 pm) nj2pa2nc (Mar 23, 2008 12:42 pm)
#24 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [fedlawman] by jay108 Mar 23, 2008 (9:39 am)
Replying to: fedlawman (Mar 23, 2008 6:58 am) Fedlawman: My mind is made up. We are getting a 2006 or 2007 Accord EX-L w/V-6 for around $20k and Honda warranty. She doesn't drive but 8k miles per year, so new doesn't make enough sense; and it should be a good highway car for vacation. Don't like the larger CUVs or SUVs; so accord is a practical answer. Thanks, Jay
#25 of 83 car choices by balance2 Mar 23, 2008 (11:05 am)
A year ago I bought a 2007 Civic Si sedan after looking at used Acuras. I was interested in a 6 speed TSX, but couldn't find any to test drive easily. TLs were easier to find and not much more money, and very nice, but I thought I wanted something less overtly luxurious and more fuel efficient. The Si is great in many ways, but the lack of torque is a pain, especially compared to the 2003 Altima V6 that my daughter now drives. The Si is wonderful over 6000 rpm, but that is something that is not appropriate very often. I suspect the TSX would be similar in some ways, and I would probably like the TL better. The Si handles very well, and is a maneuverable size. With more sound insulation and torque, as well as an Acura style interior, it would be fabulous. Maybe if they drop in the RDX turbo motor into the TSX without it costing $35K, that would be enticing.
#26 of 83 Re: Article [pat] by nj2pa2nc Mar 23, 2008 (12:21 pm)
Replying to: pat (Mar 23, 2008 8:33 am) I will give my honest opinion of the 09 after I see it and can test drive it. From the pictures of it I am not overly impressed with it but that could change. Replies to this message: pat (Mar 23, 2008 12:32 pm) nj2pa2nc (Mar 23, 2008 12:42 pm)