Article Comments - 2009 Acura TSX First Drive and Full Test

83 messages, Last post on Jul 28, 2009 at 3:15 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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#51 of 83 09 TSX by smacd Apr 18, 2008 (11:55 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.
#52 of 83 The '09 TSX... by bodble2 May 12, 2008 (9:58 pm)
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. Replies to this message: bvdj84 (May 13, 2008 7:49 am)
#53 of 83 Re: The '09 TSX... [bodble2] by bvdj84 May 13, 2008 (7:49 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (May 12, 2008 9:58 pm) Yep, I love the TL, It is a timeless design, I think it is one classy looking car!! Even when being compared to other more expensive models. The 09 TSX, is going to have strict pricing for a long time, just like the Accord. I would get the TL now, and then if you really wanted the TSX, get the TSX later, when pricing is much better. That is my plan, I have another car other than Honda/Acura, but when my lease is up, I am looking closely at the TSX and of course Honda. In about 3yrs the rates will be much better. So, I am not worried. 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.
#54 of 83 Full Test Available! by KarenS HOST May 16, 2008 (11:33 am)
Full Test: 2009 Acura TSX
#55 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [fedlawman] by cz75 May 16, 2008 (9:41 pm)
Replying to: fedlawman (Mar 22, 2008 8:57 pm) A 2900lbs., 197 hp four-door Si is plenty comparison to a 3400lbs. four-door 201hp 2009 TSX. The Si gives better brakes, better handling and a better power-to-weight ratio, along with such goodies like a limited-slip differential. Xenon headlights might be nice, but all that other stuff I don't already have, I can do without. I've had leather and alcantara suits me just fine. Overall, I feel the capabilities of the Si make it an incredible bargain. I feel the 2009 TSX substitutes features for capability. I'm definitely glad I didn't wait for the disappointment that is the 2009 TSX. Replies to this message: fedlawman (May 16, 2008 11:14 pm) cz75 (May 16, 2008 11:53 pm) fedlawman (May 17, 2008 11:07 am) ocg35man (May 19, 2008 5:56 pm)
#56 of 83 SERIOUSLY by cx7lover May 16, 2008 (10:31 pm)
2009 TSX=EPIC fail 2009 A4=Full of WIN
#57 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [cz75] by fedlawman May 16, 2008 (11:14 pm)
Replying to: cz75 (May 16, 2008 9:41 pm) "A 2900lbs., 197 hp four-door Si is plenty comparison to a 3400lbs. four-door 201hp 2009 TSX." "I feel the 2009 TSX substitutes features for capability." You're right! The geniuses in Honda's marketing dept are definitely on to something here. Develop and market a family of cars, starting with a small, affordable, sporty and spartan model and build up with several higher level models - each one a little larger, more expensive, refined and feature-laden,yet less sporting than the one below it. It's an interesting idea - I wonder if BMW, Audi, and Lexus would ever have the courage to try something so radical... Replies to this message: cz75 (May 16, 2008 11:53 pm) fedlawman (May 17, 2008 11:07 am) ocg35man (May 19, 2008 5:56 pm)
#58 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [fedlawman] by cz75 May 16, 2008 (11:53 pm)
Replying to: fedlawman (May 16, 2008 11:14 pm) Too bad Acura's mission is to offer both luxury AND capability. They certainly can't claim to be a top-tier luxury marque and they've always been an also-ran for the sporting market. The 2009 TSX is a less capable car than the one it replaces, so is that also part of the geniuses' in Honda's marketing dept.? BTW, the TSX IS at the bottom of the Acura brand, so why does the TL offer more sport AND more features? Face it. The 2009 TSX is an odd-looking also ran that substitutes feature content for sporting capability in the entry level of the sport luxury sedan market looking to get spanked by the IS or G35 for almost the same money. Replies to this message: fedlawman (May 17, 2008 11:07 am) ocg35man (May 19, 2008 5:56 pm)
#59 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [cz75] by fedlawman May 17, 2008 (11:07 am)
Replying to: cz75 (May 16, 2008 11:53 pm) "They certainly can't claim to be a top-tier luxury marque and they've always been an also-ran for the sporting market." Agreed. But Acura's ace in the hole has always been superior value. They can afford to be an also-ran because 95% of the buying public can't tell the difference between a BMW and an Acura from behind the wheel anyways. "The 2009 TSX is a less capable car than the one it replaces, so is that also part of the geniuses' in Honda's marketing dept.?" Yup, I think Honda blew it with the 2009 also, but I suspect that they know their customers better than we do. The vast majority of TSX buyers are not enthusiasts, and so in designing the 2009, they addressed TSX owners most common complaint - NVH. "BTW, the TSX IS at the bottom of the Acura brand, so why does the TL offer more sport AND more features?" More so with the previous gen TSX than the new one, but the TSX has always been sportier than the TL, which by comparison, is a bloated, floating, understeering pig. The new TSX has lost some of it's edge, but it's still lighter and more nimble than the TL. "The 2009 TSX is an odd-looking (subjective) also ran (agreed) that substitutes feature content for sporting capability (no different than the latest BMW 3-series, Infinity G, Audi A4, and Lexus IS) in the entry level of the sport luxury sedan market..." Unfortunately, that's where the market is going (bigger, heavier, and softer). It alienated me years ago - that's why I drive a 20 year old BMW now. "...looking to get spanked by the IS or G35 for almost the same money." The TSX offers the same performance and luxury of the IS250, but offers more passenger comfort and costs $1500 less. The G35 costs significantly more. Actually, it's pretty obvious that Acura targeted the IS250 as it's performance benchmark for the TSX. None of these cars are sports cars anymore. Too bad...
#60 of 83 I'd Be Driving. . . by cdnpinhead May 17, 2008 (2:03 pm)
a BMW 3-series today, but for the run-flat tires, dipstick issue (not just that - it's the concept that a mere driver shouldn't be opening the hood, besides which the oil level sensors didn't always work) and crappy lease deals on the wagons. So, I've got last year's TSX & enjoy it. I guess that proves I'm not worthy to drive a BMW (or the other "real" sports sedans), unlike the badge-seeking multitudes who can't tell the difference between RFT & real tires and continue to buy the brand. Oh well. The TL doesn't offer fold-down rear seats, which is a deal-breaker for me. I think it's necessary to do an S on the TL to get a manual transmission, also non-negotiable -- with the S, as I recall, you have to take the nav, which I don't want -- I'm very happy with my portable. There actually are reasons why people who like to drive cars (and can, kinda) would choose a TSX, though it sounds like the new one is no prize.