On the USA Today website, in the transcript of today’s chat session with automobile writer James Healey, there are two questions about the TSX with positive comments in the answers.

“Charlotte, NC: Acura TSX the best sedan under 30k?

James R. Healey: Best is a slippery word. But in my mind the TSX probably is the sportiest, classiest one. It's small, though, and those who need more room might prefer a Maxima or uplevel Accord (much different feel, however; not as sporty as TSX).”



“Edison, NJ: Love the column. I'm looking to buy a used C320, C240 w/kompressor, IS300, or new TSX. Can you assist, based on a)comfort, b) reliability , c)performance? Thanks in advance.

James R. Healey: Thank you. Kindness gladly accepted at this address.

I'd buy the TSX. It's really classy inside, a screamer to drive and distinctive-looking in a way that pleases my eye. (Reasonable people often disagree on matters of taste.)

I'm sour on M-B for its mediocre quality scores lately, and the IS is dated and tight inside. It is, however, rear drive, if that's important to you. And you don't have to rev the daylights out of it to get some scoot, as the TSX prefers (though some folks LIKE to rev the engine hard). Just don't get the navigation system, whatever you do. Unless you're a masochist, and we believe in the don't-ask, don't-tell approach to such matters....”

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/20040123001/tscript.htm