Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans Acura TSX 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
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)
|
My original post got pulled because I put my place of business in the signature at the end... so without further to-do, I'll repost. I shall call this piece: "Slighty Biased Anonymous Salesman Chiming In..." As an Acura Salesman I'm a bit biased. That being said, the 2009 TSX is an outstanding improvement over what currently exists. As a current TSX owner, I am also a bit biased. That being said, the 2009 is an outstanding improvement over what exists! The power is better, but not over the top. In L.A. you need torque. On these freeways, we're lucky to crack 50 mph unless it's 3 am. I was on the 405 yesterday at 5:30 pm. The Pacific Plate moves faster than that freeway at 5:30! Cars in L.A. need torque. The TSX has that now. I'm not talking G-Force air-craft carrier launch torque, I'm talking no sweat getting on a freeway, pass slow poke in the 72 LTD torque. The 09 is only better. I don't know if Mr Walton actually drove it but when I drove it I noticed significant reduction in road noise and a far superior ride and handling than my 07. The steering is responsive yet softer. Great on a canyon road or parking lot. Most Euro cars are great on Canyon and a bicep workout in the parking lot. TSX is both. The Tech in the car is a perfect improvement to the current Tech. It builds on Acura signature Technology and is far more ergonomic and user friendly. In addition, so much of it is voice activated anyway. Honestly, when I saw the photos and read the specs I was really concerned. I was expecting more as far as performance. Now that I've seen it and driven it I understand. There's just the right amount of performance for this car and in person, inside and out, this car looks great. So for all you out there considering this car, please take the time to go into the dealer and see it and drive it. You will be pleasantly surpised. David
|
|
|
Replying to: jtsaint72 (Mar 28, 2008 6:09 am) The TSX could have hit a special point for people who want a little luxury in a car that gets good gas mileage or it could be for enthusiasts looking for a muscle car with a little luxury. Instead they get the slow engine that sucks gas like it was an SUV - what market niche are they trying to hit?
|
|
|
Replying to: boe_d (Mar 28, 2008 8:59 am) I couldn't believe there were no other 6-spd's in the area. Until I did some research and read 75% of the TSX's built were auto's (in the first year). So many people are missing out on the gem in this car. Boe d: Have you read anything about the TSX in the past five years? Muscle doesn't make a car a good driving experience. Although, Hyundai is banking on it with their 395hp Genesis sedan and coupe. It's the overall dynamics. The TSX excels, because it has the perfect mixture (it won all the awards for being a well executed car - in doing everything well, but not truly being the best at any one thing). it does have plenty of power to make it fun (and quick when revved up), and it handles amazingly. The TSX is a light sports sedan, so the light weight (light aluminum 4 banger) allows it to carve corners better than many RWD sports sedans. In my mind, it performs much better than the AWD and heavier A4. It's the Lotus theory, lightweight = amazing driving dynamics. The TSX is civilized on the highway and in rush hour traffic. And it is ready to go whenever the driver gives the command. A Lotus Exige only has a 1.8L Toyota engine. Yet can outperform any car in a slalom course (even Ferrari's). The TSX does get good gas mileage (high 20's) for a good performing car. And will run for many miles over 100K miles. So, that is why it has won so many awards. It does many things very well (not the fastest, not the slowest, not the most comfortable, not the least comfortable, but is one of the most fun to drive sports sedans and is at the top of most FWD lists). Now, in regards to the new model.... It does just as many things as well as the previous model. It adds technology (if someone wants to pay more for it), adds weight, reduces the trunk space, but is longer and wider. They slightly reduced the hp for more torque. The major changes are on the exterior styling. Looks like Acura answered the critics in one area. The Auto Press said the last model was a bit bland compared to the competition. So, this exterior is a bit edgier. On a side note: Is the TSX the only car that uses "X" in the name that does not offer AWD? Isn't that usually the identifier of an "X" in the name (325IX, Eclipse GS-X, G35X, Jaguar X-type, etc.)?
|
|
|
Replying to: tbone12 (Mar 28, 2008 5:55 pm) The problem arises not in comparison to the previous model, but comparison to its competition. They had better keep the price of this car under control; otherwise, it will not compete well against its competition (BMW 3, Audi A4, etc etc). I was looking forward to considering this car for a future puchase; but, it just doesn't offer anything more than my A4 does. Acura complains about not turbocharging the engine to keep costs down. My A4 is quicker, with more torque, gets 33 mpg on the highway, and costs less than $30k brand new. Why can't Acura accomplish the same?
|
|
|
Replying to: rascal99 (Apr 04, 2008 7:17 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: nj2pa2nc (Apr 04, 2008 9:46 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: rascal99 (Apr 04, 2008 10:58 am) |
|
| I have a Acura CL Type S 03 AT, it has been an awesom car. Looking to add another car, I test drove the Honda coupe EXL V6 AT and Nissan Altima Coupe V6 AT with premium package. Would have bought the Honda coupe in a second if it was not for all the trouble with the VCM (stupid idea for the coupe anyways, who gives a crap about a few miles per gallon when you are spending $30K on what is suppose to be a sport coupe?). Nissan seems cheap inside (and small) but great driving car. I will probably buy the TSX as soon as it comes in. Acura is probably the best overall quality for the money. I did not really want a 4 cylinder or 4 doors but the old TSX drove pretty nice. | |
makes the current TL (which one can get with deep discounts) seems like one hell of a bargain. I realize one is a 4 cyl and the other a V6 (trade off between gas mileage and performance), but I cannot see where the new TSX is a better overall car than the 5-year-old TL. Even in terms of looks, the TL arguably still looks better. And with bigger discounts on the TL, out-the-door prices between TSX Tech and non-Type S TL would not be that far apart.
|
|
|
Replying to: bodble2 (May 12, 2008 8:58 pm) For now, get the TL, for the pricing, get the TSX or the Accord in about 2-3yrs, and you'll see much better rates. But, with that said, its worth the premium. They are truly beautifully made cars. |
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans Acura TSX Article Comments - 2009 Acura TSX First Drive and Full Test
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2011 Acura TSX
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
