Article Comments - 2009 Acura TSX First Drive and Full Test

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

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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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#64 of 83 09 TSX - Continued Disappointment by eljefe68 May 19, 2008 (9:27 am)
As I have posted elsewhere, from the pics and the specs, we see Acura ill-advisedly chose to give the new TSX a funky restyle and no increase in power. Now I read that they have pretty much neutered its fun to drive nature. HERESY!! Why do we all love our first-gen TSX despite the modest HP? Because the first-gen car is way fun to drive. I swear my 05 has the same spiritthat my 98 Prelude had, but now, as I read it, all Honda has done is turn the TSX into the car for all those driving poseurs who think they are sporty with their slushboxes and the ladies who like gadgets. Simply pathetic. Replies to this message: bjcman (May 19, 2008 2:48 pm)
#65 of 83 Re: 09 TSX - Continued Disappointment [eljefe68] by bjcman May 19, 2008 (2:48 pm)
Replying to: eljefe68 (May 19, 2008 9:27 am) I have to say that the TSX is an ugly car, but I have some disagreements with the review. First off, when did an AWD IS 250 with Navi cost $32K? Can edmunds.com find me one? Second, I have no idea why edmunds.com is disappointed about the TSX not being a driver's car. There are rumors of a Type-S version and a coupe version of the TSX. Also, watching the recent TSX commercials, it would appear to me that Acura is targeting young individuals that will buy their first entry-level luxury sedan, not a sport-sedan. In addition, I live in the bay area, and I almost never see any driver really use their car. There are so many BMW drivers that take turns extremely slow. Heck, I went mountain driving with friends, and someone who drove an E46 M3, attacked corners at an incredibly slow speed.
#66 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [cz75] by ocg35man May 19, 2008 (4:56 pm)
Replying to: cz75 (May 16, 2008 10:53 pm) Top of the line TSX costs not much less than well equiped G35 or IS250. In terms of performance, it has 4 cy. engine and much slower than Camry V6 or Accord V6. This car is only for someone who truly loves Acura and wants more gadget/luxury than performance. If gas price in U.S. goes well over $4/gal., it might be a little more attractive for some people. Otherwise, it would be a tough sell against some other nicer cars that cost about the same or slightly more than TSX.
#67 of 83 I'm disappointed too, but the review is too harsh. by nedmundo May 26, 2008 (8:09 pm)
I've been eagerly awaiting the new TSX, because after a 1995 Jetta GLX and 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero (wonderful, but not trouble-free), I wouldn't mind returning to Honda reliability. Like many, I was hoping for the turbo motor from the RDX, and was diappointed that Acura retained the previous engine with modest tweaks. And I didn't like what I was reading about the steering. So I've test driven it twice, first on straight roads around an automall, then on back roads in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Both had the 6M. I agree with the Edmunds editor that the transmission and clutch are a high point of the driving experience, but I was also very impressed with the suspension tuning and handling. The ride remained composed over slightly rough pavement, and body motions were well-controlled on the back roads. I noticed little body roll, and found the car agile and responsive. For reference, it positively blows away the Saab 9-3 2.0T on the back roads, but can't match the 9-3 Aero's aggressive feel. So for front drive, I think it's very good. On the first drive, I thought the steering felt funny a couple of times, but on the second I noticed nothing troubling at all. Does it have the wonderful feedback of a BMW or Saab? No, but it seemed fine to me. I had no trouble placing the car on narrow, winding country roads, at speeds that could have added points to my license. On this point, I suspect the Edmunds review goes over the top, because most drivers, including some enthusiasts, will probably be happy with it. I'd like more seat time for a more definitive judgment, but I was paying close attention to this on the second drive, and had no complaints. Consumer Reports commented that the previous TSX "straddles" the family and sport sedan categories. I agreed then, and I think the same characterization is apt with the 2009 model. It's not a full-blown sport sedan, but has just enough performance to be more entertaining than a conventional family sedan. And it has just enough utility to serve as a family sedan. To me, it's an attractive package for a daily driver, though it should cost at least $2,000 less. I'm not sure I'd give up Saab turbo torque and steering feel for the TSX, but I'd consider it.
#68 of 83 Family sedan by jfavour Jun 16, 2008 (9:07 am)
I am probably the typical buyer for this car. I am mid 30s, owned several Hondas and Acuras, and I have a larger vehicle for family duty (Pilot). I am in the market for a sedan for daily driving to/from work, etc. I would love a serious sport sedan, but paying 40k or more is just too much. I also have 3 kids, who will occasionally use the back seat. This car needs to play multiple roles, get good mpg, be reliable, comfortable and fun for daily use. I drove the 09 last week and my first impression is very positive. I did not notice the numb steering (coming from an 02 CR-V). The car was quiet, steering felt quick, ride was firm, but not uncomfortable. My only complaints were the seating position felt a bit awkward to me (could be that I am used to the higher position of the CR-V) and the back seat is seriously cramped for regular use by normal people. I am guessing I would get used to the seating position, and my kids are still small, so the lack of rear seat space is not a huge hindrance. My nagging question is why should I get this car over a 2008 Accord EX-L? The accord is more "boring", but is probably 90% similar, but cheaper. I don't care about the luxury do dads, as I don't own any dvd audio disks (and don't want to have to buy them just for my car) and I can use a map very effectively. The blue tooth is nice, but couldn't I get that in an Accord? I want the TSX driving experience to overwhelm me into buying it over an Accord, but I am not sure that will be the case. I will have to drive them back to back and judge if the TSX is worth the extra $. Anyone else comparing these two? Replies to this message: nj2pa2nc (Jun 16, 2008 12:28 pm) bodble2 (Jun 19, 2008 1:01 pm) nj2pa2nc (Jun 20, 2008 2:59 am)
#69 of 83 Re: Family sedan [jfavour] by nj2pa2nc Jun 16, 2008 (12:28 pm)
Replying to: jfavour (Jun 16, 2008 9:07 am) my mom owns an 08 honda accord v-6 that I drive when I visit her. I personally own a 06 6MT tsx that I prefer-mostly due to the MT over automatic. I average 30,000 miles a year so the added features (trip computer, memory seats, etc) on the tsx work for me. I think the accord is a good car especially for my mom. She previously owned a 98 accord v-6 with 75,000 miles. She gave it to my daughter when she bought the new accord.
#70 of 83 Re: Family sedan [jfavour] by bodble2 Jun 19, 2008 (1:01 pm)
Replying to: jfavour (Jun 16, 2008 9:07 am) If you don't care for the luxury and tech do-dads, and the TSX's drive does not overwhelm you, I would say go for the 190hp 4-cyl Accord sedan. Now, if you want to venture beyond the Honda family, how about the new Corolla XRS, or the Mitsubishi Lancer GTS? Both fairly sporty models in a more compact, fuel-efficient package. Replies to this message: nj2pa2nc (Jun 20, 2008 2:59 am)
#71 of 83 Re: Family sedan [bodble2] by nj2pa2nc Jun 20, 2008 (2:59 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (Jun 19, 2008 1:01 pm) I am not brand loyal having owned many different ones (mercedes, volvo, mitsubishi, honda, mazda, hyundai and ford). I would suggest test driving a hyundai sonata. I did test drive an 09 6MT w/ tech package. Was impressed with the way it drove but still have to get used to that front grill. Still love my 06 6MT/wnav tsx with almost 54,000 problem free miles.
#72 of 83 Road Noise by ivica Jul 26, 2008 (6:58 am)
In the 2008 Consumers Reports one of the negatives that they mention is road noise for the 17" tires are much different in terms of road noise and ride quality. I will be taking one for a test drive soon as well, but sometimes ownership over a period of time give a more realistic perspective over a 20 minute test drive. Thank you.
#73 of 83 Re: Alot of cash for not much car [jay108] by peterb12 May 26, 2009 (1:17 pm)
Replying to: jay108 (Mar 22, 2008 12:54 pm) Jay108 said "I was thinking more of the civic si with the 200HP engine, it's a lot better deal the the TSX." I thought this too, but it isn't so. When I was shopping for my car recently, I drove a 2009 Acura TSX and then, immediately after, went next door to the Honda dealership to drive the 2009 Civic Si. It was a night and day difference. Both engines may have the same horsepower number attached to them, but they couldn't drive more differently. One would expect the Civic Si to feel more powerful, given that it's a much lighter car. "Anemic" is the only word I can use. There was practically no power at all until you got up about 5500 RPMs, and even at stupidly high RPM you were still just going too damn slow. It was unreal. Terrible. Awful. Intergalactically bad. I was stunned. The automatic Acura TSX accelerated better than the manual civic Si. That's how bad it was. My only working theory is that Honda has intentionally put a ridiculous engine in the Civic Si in order to avoid cannibalizing sales on their other, higher priced models. The major effect of the Civic Si is that you'll have to rev your engine to 7k rpms to make a ton of noise, and still be going slower than every other car on the planet. I eventually did buy the 2009 TSX, by the way, opting for it over a Jetta TDI, because I couldn't bring myself to trust VW reliability. Replies to this message: fedlawman (May 27, 2009 9:20 am) bvdj84 (May 28, 2009 5:07 am) flats (May 28, 2009 5:27 am) peterb12 (May 28, 2009 5:54 am) bvdj84 (May 28, 2009 10:29 am) and 4 more...