Car and Driver: 2009 Acura TSX - First Drive Review -“Dance, 10. Looks, 3.”

theoptimisticpessimist submitted on 04/01/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:31 PM
from: www.caranddriver.com

[37] user comments | category: New Cars

Tags: Acura, TSX, ,Audi A4, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40

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Car and Driver: 2009 Acura TSX - First Drive Review -“Dance, 10. Looks, 3.”

One of the signature numbers in the musical A Chorus Line features a struggling starlet justifying a bevy of elective medical procedures to bring her looks up to par with her talent. “T*ts and *ss,” she claims, are all she’ll need to bring everything into balance. “Keep the best of ya, do the rest of ya,” she croons.

In much the same spirit, Acura has reworked its talented but image-challenged TSX, which is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Adding—ahem—size and content where it matters, but retaining the previous model’s handling characteristics and essentially the same powertrain, Acura keeps the 2009 TSX in its sweet spot beneath the larger, pricier, and much more powerful TL while making the TSX a far more convincing premium-brand proposition Read Article

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1970toyotamarc - 4/1/2008 4:13:17 PM

+4 Boost

The odd proportions of the 1 actually work in the convertible. It doesnt look as top heavy, and top up or down it looks more sleek and svelte. Now if they would only fix those bug eyes.

Did he say 44 grand??? For the 128??? OMG

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1970toyotamarc - 4/1/2008 4:13:57 PM

+4 Boost

I cannot believe I posted that in the wrong thread. I forgot which one I was reading while I watched the video.

528i - 4/1/2008 5:05:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

LOL..

07G35J - 4/2/2008 5:17:19 PM

+2 Boost

LOL

07G35J - 4/2/2008 5:17:47 PM

+2 Boost

I was like, what the hell is he talking about???!!
LOL

Whelan - 4/1/2008 4:42:42 PM

+11 Boost

I would not give this car those kinds of ratings. They made it bigger, added 106lbs. of weight and kept the same 201hp engine??? The least they could have done was boost power to a bit more than just 201. They are using the same engine found in the Honda Element, a 2.4L. Which btw would easily take a turbo. So why not offer say 215 (so you don't look like your competing against the older RSX and Civic Si. Then create a Type S version with a 280hp turbo. If GM can get the Ecotec to boost at 260, I'm sure Honda can do it to the 2.4L VTec.

That aside, which still irks me, is that the front end got blander. The old chrome had a classy look to it, this is just blunt and ordinary. Something else should have been done there to really clean it up, throwing some polished buttress on the front like the MDX is not going to help this thing. The other angles may look pleasing but god do something for the grille.

A good effort by Honda overall I guess, but they are still just your entry level and not in the same boat in comparison to BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, MB, etc. It's funny cause the MDX could compete with the X5 if Honda decided to finally put the V8 into it as promised 3 years ago. And the RDX is a solid competitor with the X3 (actually beats it in most circumstances). The TL has seemingly been good value but has whittled away and been left behind the others. The plague of having such a large gap in cycles compared to the other companies. And in that I mean they do not come out with new models until the other guys like Lex and Infiniti are already passed the halfway mark on their new guys. e.g. Lexus IS. and the RX.

Fact is Acura will never be a player in these fields bringing over European Hondas and rebadging them for sale in the US as an Acura. They need to do the following.

-create a TRUE Type S for each model, the TSX, TL, RDX, RL (maybe not the MDX). Boost power, slight appearance changes, wheels, suspension, etc. And make it a serious boost, no 15 extra hp. Think more like pushing the TL to 350hp and the RL to 400.

-Offer a V8 in the RL and MDX. It's only logical, even though a small percentage may carry them, it's called brand recognition, and if anyone can make a fuel efficient 8, it should be Honda.

-Bring back the RSX, but make it more upscale to compete with the likes of the G37 Coupe. Give it a V6 and offer a drop top model.

-Where is the NSX? It's been like 15 years in the making and they still have nothing to show us? I am pretty sure most would be potential buyers have picked up their Porsche GT2s by now. Wait even longer it won't be worth bringing the name back.

-Where is the roadster. Lexus has the SC430 (albeit larger), BMW has the Z4, MB has the CLK. Why not make an upscale Honda S2000, edge the paneling with a knife a bit, throw an Acura badge on it, offer some extra goodies to make it more plush, and you've got a sure winner.

-Enlarge the RL. Make it more like a 7 series Lexu

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lexusrox123 - 4/1/2008 6:33:29 PM

+3 Boost

agreed. and yes, acura really, really does need to fix that atrocious grille (yuk) however the headlights look nice and keeps it from being REALLY ugly.
but jeez.. the grille...yuck!

soopakrn - 4/1/2008 6:33:59 PM

+1 Boost

Acura needs to fire the current VP and hire Bob Lutz.

theoptimisticpessimist - 4/1/2008 6:46:11 PM

+2 Boost

DITTO

Lavic - 4/2/2008 3:48:42 PM

+2 Boost

A successor to the RSX to compete with the 1 Series would be a good idea.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/1/2008 4:50:02 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

"We look forward to a more thorough test in coming months to see exactly how this new model and the old one compare, but based on this drive, if Acura’s goal—as it claims—was to deliver the best in front-drive driving satisfaction for the near-lux set, we would say it has succeeded. “Dance, 10,” indeed."

Audi A3!!!

Anyway, the A4 grew six inches over the old model but LOST weight. That's what I call progress.

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lexusis350 - 4/1/2008 5:10:01 PM

0 Boost

Or cheaper materials.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/2/2008 3:47:00 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Incorrect; in fact, exactly the opposite.

lexusis350 - 4/2/2008 10:02:08 PM

+1 Boost

Then how is it lighter? Heavy = expensive.

lexusis350 - 4/1/2008 5:09:44 PM

+6 Boost

Still no SmartKey!

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jeeka715 - 4/1/2008 5:38:31 PM

+1 Boost

They took a great looking vehicle and made it look like poo.

It's like the designers were only allowed to use 6 cruves in the whole design and that's it: the wheel well archs and the side window treatment.

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theoptimisticpessimist - 4/1/2008 6:45:45 PM

+2 Boost

MESSAGE TO ACURA MANAGEMENT FIRE YOU DESIGN TEAM.

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Spectator - 4/2/2008 11:25:30 AM

0 Boost

That goes to honda in general

lexusrox123 - 4/1/2008 8:33:44 PM

+1 Boost

if the grille was better, i mite actually consider buying it...but no, g35 or 37 or IS-f for me, at least THEY look half decent.

heck i might actually buy a bimmer instead of the tsx!!!!

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Dave - 4/1/2008 10:31:54 PM

+4 Boost

Car and Driver seem very biased towards Acura and BMW. While I think BMW fully deserves it's awards, there's no way the new TSX should get this kind of rating. It's lacking in so many places.
Acura has so many chances to do the right thing and people really thought they would finally do it at the 2008 NY auto show. Instead, Dick Colliver comes out and praises the new TSX which is STILL front wheel drive and has less horsepower than the competition, even less horsepower than the current TSX!!! What is this guy thinking? Forget offering all the fancy technology such as XM traffic/weather, ELS sound system...etc... For crying out loud, give us REAR wheel drive, a REAR wheel drive based SH-AWD system, a V-8 engine, and a powerful V-6 option in the TSX to run with the G35 and IS 350!!! BMW is coming out with the 1 series to undercut the 3 and even that has rear wheel drive and a twin turbo inline 6 option!! Acura had better get it's act together or it will BE LEFT IN THE DUST soon.

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Spectator - 4/2/2008 11:34:16 AM

+2 Boost

Dave, that first point has been blatently obvious for a long long time. Honda and BMW ALWAYS fare well with Car&Driver magazine.

I think there is a good correlation between this statment and what Jay Leno said recently about a US version of Top Gear. In the US you cannot make fun of a paying sponsors anything (even if it deserves it) withought severe repercussions. I know quite a few car manufacturers contribute to C&D however BMW and Honda do appear to carry quite a bit of the contributions overall.

Thats why there are very few US automotive journalists whose input I take as gospel.

(+1)

S2000VS911 - 4/1/2008 11:52:26 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

TSX only 201hp ? honda, r u kidding ?

i will buy new accord V6 268hp instead.

what is the selling point ? we all know they both has same name "accord".

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Htay7500 - 4/2/2008 6:36:29 AM

+1 Boost

there is a diesel available soon I'm looking forward too.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/2/2008 3:51:08 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

And not only do they lack a V8... But their designs are much worse than Audi's (who says Audis have bad designs?), and Acura interiors are far from class-leading.

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golfer38 - 4/2/2008 11:59:29 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

I still don't understand the article. If you read the whole thing it states in the beginning that looks are a "3". Then, later in the article, it states that looks are a "10" or "maybe 8". Jury for me is still out until I see it in person except for the grill. Thats hideous. However, about the hp, how do you offer less with an increase in size?!

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NISSANINFINITI - 4/2/2008 1:58:21 PM

+2 Boost

I didnt get that part either golfer...I was wondering if I was alone in that one...lol

zorbeeze - 4/2/2008 1:35:04 PM

+2 Boost

"Or cheaper materials."

Nope, it's progress.

And the A3 can run circles around the current TSX. I'm pretty sure the new TSX is slower thus won't stand a chance against the A3.

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golfer38 - 4/2/2008 1:48:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Keep in mind that these idiots at Acura are actually positioning this vehicle to compete with the A4, lol.

We do know that they are coming out with the diesel 4 cyl. with approx. 180hp and 235 lbs. this fall, and then a 6 cyl., awd variant in 09'. This may make it a little more interesting, but that 6 cyl. better be awefully good.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/2/2008 3:56:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The current TSX competes with the A3, not the A4. But FYI, yes the '08 TSX has better handling than the '08 FWD A4, but the new A4 is coming. It grew more than the TSX, but lost weight. It has 10 more horsepower in both engines, but better mileage. It has a better interior design, and far more space. And, last but not least, the new A4 has better handling. So Audi has Acura cornered from both sides.

zorbeeze - 4/2/2008 4:49:08 PM

+2 Boost

"TSX is superior to A4"
Too each their own but i do not think the TSX is in any way better than the A4. It's not worse but to think the TSX is that much better is ridiculous.
The new A4 will be much better than the TSX and finally Audi will be able to compte with BMW, Mercedes, Lexus & Infiniti in the entry luxury segment.
As for Acura, in my eyes they are not even considered luxury. They compete with Volvo, Saab and Lincoln.

golfer38 - 4/3/2008 8:01:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

S4, how does a 4 door sedan compete with a hatchback. Its a great little car but its much smaller than the TSX. I'm only saying that its a fact that Acura is trying to position the TSX with the A4 not the A3. It may not agree with your opinion but that's the fact.

Zorbreeze,
Most of what the Boss said is true. It has more room, it has better resale value, lower cost of ownership, handles better than a FWD A4.

LostinOC - 4/2/2008 3:23:27 PM

+2 Boost

Did people not read the 2nd page of the article?:

Looks, 10

Okay, maybe “Looks, 8.” With its larger dimensions and more expressive sheetmetal, the 2009 TSX has far more road presence to catch people’s eyes. Our jury’s still out on Acura’s new guillotine grille, but everything else on the car seems to work, especially the back end, which may be Acura’s best yet. The road presence finally commands premium-brand respect.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/2/2008 4:02:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It looks like a cheap Lexus ES from its best angle, the rear. That's hardly "premium," but at least Lexus bothered to rebody the Camry.

The current TSX looks more premium, IMO. It's actually a lot like the A3, in that they're both compact, well built, fun, efficient and reasonably priced. The new TSX strays from that. Of goes from being a desirable pocket rocket to an undesirable slightly larger sedan.

Georgemia - 4/3/2008 5:33:23 PM

+2 Boost

What is Car and Driver's obsession with comparing driving to dancing? They've been doing this forever.

When I see people dance, it's not the Tango or a Waltz.

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