Better than: Some of our old Honda race cars
But not as good as: Peter Cunningham's TSX racer
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 89.21
The latest Acura TSX has been with us since the 2009 model year, but something tasty was recently added to the menu: an optional V6. The 201-horsepower inline four is still the standard engine, but a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 can also be ordered.
However, the V6 is only available with a five-speed SportShift transmission--only the four-cylinder engine can be ordered with a manual box. The V6, by the way, doesn't torpedo the TSX's mpg ratings, as they drop from 21/29 to 19/28.
Our car also had the Technology Package. It adds a host of technology to the car, including a navigation system, backup camera and surround sound system. We didn't get a window sticker for this one, so we're going to make the final price the same as the base price for the Technology Package, $38,250.
Other staff views
Tom Heath
UberDork
I don't have anything bad to say about the TSX. It's not really my kind of car (read: it's too nice.) but I thought the controls were well placed, the V6 engine made plenty of power, and it handled well for a luxury car. The downside of all this is that Acura has nothing to offer the performance enthusiast anymore. No Integra, no RSX, no über-NSX. What happened?
Dear Acura-please make me love you again. Remove two doors and a measure of luxury from this fine car, replace it with a heaping spoonful of testosterone and guts, and you'll have me all over again.
Per Schroeder
PowerDork
My wife and I almost bought a TSX right around the change to this bodystyle. We really didn't like the step up in size and weight with the new car. Where the old one felt like the last of the great wishbone Hondas, the new one felt more like a TL—read that as big, heavy and awkwardly styled.
Driving it now a few years later has softened some of that feeling and if I was in the market for a sports-luxury four-door sedan, I'd rock this and would definitely rock the wagon version, if only they'd put the 6-speed manual in the wagon.
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director
I have been a fan of the TSX since its release. The initial press launch, in fact, was right up our alley: a ton of autocross and laps around the Michelin test track. It felt like a big CRX, and I mean that in a good way.
The TSX has grown up, trading some of that nimbleness for comfort. Yes, it's bigger. It's also a bit more, is mature the right word?
Pros: It just gobbles up the highway miles.
Cons: Upper-center part of the dash is a bit busy. I do like the big, rubbery command knob, however.
Is it an autocross car? No. Is it a worthy competitor against the BMW 3 Series? If you don't mind the front-wheel drive, yeah, it could be.
Comments
The latest Acura TSX has been with us since the 2009 model year, but something tasty was recently added to the menu: an optional V6. The 201-horsepower inline four is still the standard engine, but a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 can also be ordered.
However, the V6 is only available with a five-speed SportShift transmission--only the four-cylinder engine can be ordered with a manual box. The V6, by the way, doesn't torpedo the TSX's mpg ratings, as they drop from 21/29 to 19/28.
Our car also had the Technology Package. It adds a host of technology to the car, including a navigation system, backup camera and surround sound system. We didn't get a window sticker for this one, so we're going to make the final price the same as the base price for the Technology Package, $38,250.
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