Honda’s luxury unit, Acura, takes a unique approach to the highly-competitive entry-level sports sedan market: Rather than directly taking on the obvious German and Japanese rivals, the automaker’s TSX sedan undercuts them on price, but not equipment or size, at the expense of underhood might.
Newly redesigned for 2009, the second-generation TSX replaces a successful first attempt at offering a cut-rate BMW 3-Series that doesn’t give up nearly as much as its five-figure price difference might imply. We decided to take a look to see what all the fuss is about.
What is it?
By digging into the corporate parts bin and re-purposing the world-market Honda Accord as an upscale model for North America, Acura successfully tapped into a new segment of the market that the default-choice Germans had abandoned as they moved into pricier territory.
For the second-generation model introduced earlier this year, the TSX grew a few inches in each direction and gained some much-needed interior room. Starting a little under $30,000 for the base model, it offers merely one option, a $3,100 Technology Package with an especially-advanced navigation system, a CD changer and an upgraded audio system. Stay out of the accessories department and you won’t drop more than $33,000 on a fully-loaded TSX like our tester. Visit a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Infiniti dealer with that budget and they’ll direct you to their used car section.
Note that there’s a new V6 TSX headed to North America soon, which will still dramatically undercut the rest of Germany and Japan for an equivalently-powered option.
What’s it up against?
The TSX’s rivals list reads like a Who’s Who of practical choices for decently well-heeled enthusiasts: The Audi A4 2.0T, BMW 328i, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS 250, Mercedes-Benz C300, Saab 9-3 2.0T and Volvo S40 T5.
Until Audi, Ford and GM jacked up A4, S40 and 9-3 prices for 2009, they were the TSX’s most obvious rivals because of their four-cylinder powertrains (five in the S40) and standard front-wheel-drive. The rest of the TSX’s rivals offer bigger engines and rear-wheel-drive.
Any breakthroughs?
With the optional Technology Package, you gain an advanced navigation system that, unfortunately, uses a complex control and a low-resolution screen. It does feature voice-activation and a reverse camera, nice and unexpected treats for the segment.
But the real treat is the ELS audio system, with 10-speakers and DVD audio capability: Without a doubt, it’s one of the best we’ve encountered, eagerly replicating highs and lows in ways that tickled our ears.
How does it look?
Crisp and toned, the TSX doesn’t deviate heavily from its predecessor. From some angles, it is a bit more bulbous than before, but the overall appearance is deceiving: The TSX doesn’t look as big as its 186-inch overall length might imply.
Acura toned down its new corporate snout for the TSX and we think you’ll agree that beak-like matte-silver trim that surrounds the prominent grille badge looks way better integrated here than it does on the TL.
There’s really little to complain about with the TSX’s exterior; it neither offends nor especially excites, which won’t keep people away from showrooms like some more extravagant designs might. It’s a safe, conservative design that works well for this segment.
And on the inside?
Your grandmother won’t like it, but if you’re part of the iPhone generation – or, heck, even the Zach Morris cellular phone generation – you’ll feel right at home inside the TSX. The TSX’s center stack is a button fest reminiscent of the laptop you thought you’d left at work, and though it proves daunting at first, there’s an owner’s manual the size of the Lonely Planet guide to Europe that helps iron out your concerns.
In sunlight, the navigation display and the thin display for the climate and radio display wash out entirely. A non-reflective surface seems like a no-brainer to us, but maybe it’s cloudy all of the time at Acura’s North American headquarters in Southern California. No, probably not.
But things improve dramatically from there. Materials are top-notch all around, even if they don’t quite approach the finely-crafted feel of the class leaders. There’s no glossy wood trim here; in its place, you’ll find painted plastic that reveals the TSX’s lower cost of entry, but we don’t see that as a demerit. We were most impressed by the solid, circa-1980 Mercedes-Benz-like “thunk” you hear when you close the doors – a nice touch that adds to the feeling of quality evident throughout.
Standard perforated leather seats are sports-car grippy, though we found there to be too much lumbar even with the standard adjustment turned all the way down. The leather covering the seats and the three-spoke steering wheel felt especially nice, though. That wheel is home to a pair of plastic paddle shifters on automatic-transmission TSXs – like our tester – as well as a whole host of redundant controls to help keep your hands away from the center stack.
But does it go?
On paper, with just a tick over 200 horsepower on tap – 201, peaking at a wild 7,000 rpm – the TSX is certainly down on power compared to its pricier rivals. And its mere 172 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm doesn’t help matters. Further, it tips the scales at 3,417 lbs., a linebacker or so more than the lithe Germans. Things aren’t looking good.
But then you turn the key.
Yet the TSX still manages to feel quite spritely despite the fairly modest specs for this class, especially keeping in mind that when the current BMW 3-Series was introduced in 2006, the entry-level (for the U.S.-market) 325i put out 215-horsepower, or that the 323i still offered in the Canadian market offers an even 200 ponies. The TSX isn’t down by much.
The 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder is buttery smooth at idle and happily revved all the way up to its 7,100 rpm redline. Drivers used to the low-end torque of a larger-displacement motor, or a turbocharged motor in a Saab or Audi, will find there’s a bit to get used to with the tach needle’s desire to tickle the far end of its range. Performance isn’t blistering off the line, but above 3,000 rpm, the TSX is certainly class-competitive. It won’t struggle to merge or pass, it just won’t quite do it with the alacrity some buyers might expect in this segment.
Even with all this revving, we averaged a solid 24.5 mpg over a week of mixed driving. That’s about right, given the 21/30 city/highway rating the EPA gives automatic-transmission models, making the TSX among the most efficient in its class.
The five-speed automatic (a six-cog manual is a no-cost option) furnished smooth, prompt shifts, though its sport mode – pull the stubby lever all the way back – was a little reluctant to shift into fifth gear at highway speeds. Consider it best for around-town performance runs or country roads.
It’s in those country roads where the TSX really shows off. Torque steer is negligible thanks to nicely-weighted steering that wasn’t overly eager to return to center. The TSX’s stiff chassis and compliant suspension smothered bumps while keeping the car firmly planted on the road, making it a genuine joy to throw around on curvy roads. It doesn’t let you forget it is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, but it comes closer than almost anything we’ve driven. There’s not quite the tossability of the Saab 9-3 here, but the TSX is tighter and more balanced, making it a more fun-to-drive car overall.
Why you would buy it:
An equivalent BMW 328i will set you back at least an additional $10,000. Besides, the TSX offers few, if any, compromises, as well as its own unique flavor.
Why you wouldn’t:
You’re a bird and you love the big brother TL’s beak, or you’re so brand-conscious that a non-German sedan just won’t cut it. Get real, man.
Leftlane’s bottom line
No, the TSX isn’t quite as complete as the BMW 3-Series or the Audi A4 2.0T. But it sure is close – and it offers a personality all its own. It’s a fresher design than the Saab 9-3 or Volvo S40 that, in these penny-pinching times, makes a lot of sense for those looking to step out of a more-established luxury design without losing much. The TSX is an intelligent choice made better for 2009.
2009 Acura TSX Technology Package base price, $32,060. As tested, $32,820.
Destionation, $760.
Words and photos by Andrew Ganz.
04/03, 5:21 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
It’s just an accord
04/03, 5:32 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
Look a lot better than that stupid TL
04/03, 5:35 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
Put that RDX engine in this car and honda have themself a winner
04/03, 5:37 PM
posted by:
Vosotros
jackjimturkey, for someone who posts on an enthusiasts’ site, you sure are misinformed a lot! The TSX is the Euro accord, like the article says, but that’s a whole different beast than the US Accord.
I’ve been seeing a lot of these lately, they must be selling well. They look decent but I liked the simpler, old car more. I thought about buying one when I got my 9-3, but the Saab dealer’s discount made it hard for me to consider the TSX. Then again, my 9-3 is worth pennies these days, so I might have made the wrong purchase.
Nice review, good points made. Enjoyed the read.
04/03, 5:58 PM
posted by:
ASIMO
I’ve come around to the new TSX design. I like it, now, but I still prefer my 2005 carbon grey. Nevertheless, when I had an 09 as a loaner, there is nary a complaint from me. For a model that’s heavier than my 05 and supposedly negligible gain in hp, this thing sure moves better all around than my 05. Conventional wisdom loses again.
A very respectable car, folks.
04/03, 6:06 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I just don’t understand why you would get this over a regular Accord with the V6 for about the same money? Wait, let me answer that before someone else chimes in: because the Accord is ugly. Well sorry, but I’m not seeing the reincarnation of the original NSX here either.
04/03, 6:13 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I’ve always wanted a TSX for a couple years now, and I like the ‘09 too.
Problem is that these cost sooo much, when you consider you can buy many nicer used cars for less money. A year old G35, for example, goes for around $27k around these parts. I just don’t see paying more for what is basically a FWD Accord albeit better styling and nicer service departments. I miss the TSX price tag being at $26k, that was a helluva car for the money – mentally for me if it’s over $30k it’s got to be more special than this, like the A4 is.
04/03, 6:16 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Hey JohnnyC –
How about your thoughts on the Canadian CSX???
04/03, 6:46 PM
posted by:
3 2 1 GO
I agree with johnny – our Accord is ugly, and this car ain’t a beauty pageant winner either. However, this car with the euro-spec grille is much nicer.
Although our Accord coupe is a very nice looking car…..
04/03, 6:48 PM
posted by:
3 2 1 GO
The redesigned ‘09 CSX has the new “blade of grille” armour-effect….
…if you don’t like the TSX, the CSX ain’t gonna do it for ya.
04/03, 6:55 PM
posted by:
Copperbottoms
It’s what the U.S. spec Accord should be… ’stead of that horrific boxy monstrosity.
04/03, 6:57 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Jake, I’m afraid I have to pull a jackjimturkey in response to your question. It’s just a Civic.
321 GO, yes the Accord Coupe with the right options is striking.
04/03, 7:02 PM
posted by:
Copperbottoms
3 2 1 GO: agreed. The US Accord Coupe is a real looker.. too bad the styling translated horribly to the Sedan.
I also agree that the RDX engine would make a really sweet option for the TSX, but Acura seems to have a penchant for only offering one engine per model…
04/03, 7:12 PM
posted by:
save saab
I agree with everyone about we needing the euro Accord. It’s a lot nicer than this as there is a wagon version and no stupid grille like in the TSX. I was going to get this, but my 9-5 which was slightly used (had around 2,000 miles on it) only costs me around 19,000 when I got it last November.
04/03, 7:29 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
The reasons why I like it is it’s available with both a good auto and manual, great four cylinder, good suspension system and lots of stuff standard. Simple but sharp looking
Reasons why I don’t is all the controls are very confusing, no customization and no performance model
04/04, 9:05 AM
posted by:
cire_1wb
If Acura can sell a rebadged Euro market Accord here as a premium compact sedan, then there is no reason Buick can’t do the same thing with the rebadged next gen Opel Astra sedan (actually, they probably could have done the same thing with the current Opel Astra sedan). There might not be a huge market for FWD premium compact sedans, but I think one exists. I would think that an Opel based Buick premium compact sedan would be much better looking than the TSX if the 2010 LaCrosse and Insignia are indications of the design direction of Buick and Opel. If GM builds it at the same North American facility where they are planning to produce the Cruze, then GM can avoid the negative exchange rate effect that bloated the price of the current Astra hatchbacks. GM can then load the car with the appropriate amount of tech and features to enable the car to compete in the premium compact sedan segment.
As far as the exterior design of this car, I think LLN nailed it. The design is neither offensive nor exciting. Except for the grille, it does somewhat favor the bland side of auto design though. I would still put it on my list if I was in the market for a compact premium sedan, but it would probably not be one of my top choices.
04/04, 9:52 AM
posted by:
MiniMan
I’m buying one. I had a 2004 and loved it and i’m really feeling the 2nd generation and the snout isn’t as bad as the other Acura models and looks good in person.
04/04, 11:17 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
Why on earth they don’t put an engine with more oomph under the hood I’ll never know.
They’ve got a perfectly good turbo-4 sitting in the RDX that would be wonderful in this car. 200hp just doesn’t cut it for a “sports” sedan anymore… even an entry level one.
04/04, 11:50 AM
posted by:
SHOspeed
Very bland, not a true “sport” sedan in any concern, and its just a re badged accord for the most part. Isnt this what american companies had so much trouble with? Even though its a little more picey the new Ford Taurus SHO beats the hell out of this car. I liked the older TSX’s though!
04/04, 1:48 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
this is no re-badged ACCORD!! the accord isn’t even the same. this is one of the best handling cars with front wheel drive on the road! LOL at comparing honda badging with opel and buick!!!!!!
04/04, 2:55 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Vosotros: you didn’t make the wrom purchase if you like your Saab.
Copperbottoms: Both H-Accords are attractive. Coupe doesn’t look like much in photos, but when you’re up on the thing ….
I’ll soon be in the “TL SH-AWD.”
Raineman: “200hp just doesn’t cut it for a ’sports’ sedan anymore… even an entry level one.”
You’re right. That’s uplevel commuter-coffin output
04/04, 3:48 PM
posted by:
sundi
fail
04/04, 6:58 PM
posted by:
student
Why does this car STILL use keys? for 30 G’s I dont want to ever see a key, thats why i got an Is 250
04/04, 7:12 PM
posted by:
Copperbottoms
jackjim: I know that, I love the new Accord Coupe. I meant ‘looker’ in a good way. Not as big a fan of the sedan though.
student: You don’t like keys?? I can’t stand push-buttons. I drive my grandmother around in her new Altima once in awhile, and it feels like I’m just powering on any old electronic gadget when I start it up.
04/04, 10:02 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Cire_1bw- So you would buy a small sports compact badged Buick that originated from Europe?
I get what your saying, but unfortunately there isn’t really any way GM could do that and get past any stigmas of it’s brands. Problem is each of GM’s brands have a stigma attached to them, and rebadging does nothing to help that.
04/04, 11:09 PM
posted by:
Vosotros
student, the IS250 equipped like the TSX LLN drove is 38k! That’s 15% more… I’d hope it comes with a few more features!
I think the point the review makes is that the TSX is like a bargain basement IS or 3-series. Down on power and some specs, but also a lot cheaper, so its a trade off.
04/05, 11:32 PM
posted by:
inspire
Not enough power for you? A V6 TSX will be coming this year after all (as debuted at the Chicago Autoshow). Is 280 hp “enough” for the naysayers? It’s the J35 engine borrowed from the TL. I wonder how this engine will affect driving dynamics (ie even more front heavy). We’ll see in a subsequent review???
04/06, 9:24 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Sh1tty import reliability and ugliness, the trademark of all Honda products. Cire, the 2010 Lacrosse is going to eat this POS alive and there will be millions of disgruntled import owners lined up to buy one. Buick is back baby!
General Motors, an American Revolution
04/06, 12:42 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
A Pontiac G6 is better built and better looking vehicle. Acuras aren’t built with quality or relibility.
GM VEHICLES WILL OUTLAST ANY HONDA PRODUCT BY 10 YEARS AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES. LONG AFTER THE HONDA IS IN THE JUNKYARD.
Buy American. buy GM
04/06, 12:57 PM
posted by:
Copperbottoms
ha! G6 lol
04/06, 4:47 PM
posted by:
ricky_b
Copperbottoms – I second the HA!
04/06, 7:29 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Acura SUCKS!
05/16, 1:31 PM
posted by:
aggie531
i just saw a G6 on an ad and it looked so lame and boring. i compared it to the tsx and the TSX looked ebout 3x better. Acura knows what its doing. just judging by all the nitpicky ness of other people go back to the old grille. (01-06ish)
05/16, 1:39 PM
posted by:
aggie531
@ need more oil for gm–”Acuras aren’t built with quality or relibility.
theres a 2001 MDX sitting in the garage and guess how many times its broken down?
3?
4?
5?
nope– once
im sure if there was a tahoe in the garage, then that would be a different story
BTW- its got 112000k miles on it and it will last at least 200000k more unless it gets wrecked