So, I finally got a chance to sit in an 09. I current have a PWP 05. Here are my observations:

1) The head rest on the driver's and front passenger's seats is way better designed than the one in a 1st gen TSX. The new head rest supports my head perfectly. I wonder if it's interchangeable.

2) The logo etching on the glass is now Acura instead of Honda.

3) The truck is a lot smaller.

4) The top shallow storage compartment in the centre arm rest is gone. It now only has the deep one below.

5) Still don't like the front. A darker colour might work better in gen 2 imo.

6) The front mud guard is painted.

 

1. I bet they are

2. They started that in like 06 or 07

3. Yeah, the trunk is indeed smaller

4. Man, I noticed so much more than this....

 

You noticed the difference in the trunk sizes? According to Edmunds.com, the trunk is only .2 cubic feet smaller than the 2004-08 model. I'd think that's hardly noticeable, if at all.

The one thing I see there that I like is the turning radius has decreased by 3.3 feet. Now that's something I've been waiting for.

 

you forgot to add that teh car now has NOS and rocket boosters in teh exhaust

 

I just had my 2008 in for an oil change/tire rotation so I took some time with the 2009. I only tinkered in the showroom - I'll take a test drive once they start adding to the loaner fleet. Let me preface this stating I love my 2008. I love the exterior styling and the interior's sleek yet minimalistic approach, and handling is the closer.

Observations:

I was really blown away with the amount of room on the car. It doesn't look that much bigger on the outside, but inside it's almost on par with the TL. I've alway judged how the size "feels" inside by sitting in the driver's seat and sticking my right arm across the car to see where my fingertips reach in relation to the passenger door. Definitely several inches in width more than the current gen. Doesn't feel overly big, though - I'd say perfect size. Driving impressions will seal the deal on how big it "feels".

Outside, I like the styling more and more. This grill is still iffy, but overall I like it. Definitely more aggressive looking. Wheels look better in person also.

The interior is really slick. When sitting in the car, I realized how dated the 2008 looks. I'm not sure why, but the interior is just that much nicer. Much higher quality leather. I see what everyone is saying about the dash grain. However, I like it. Quality feels good. Love the steering wheel. It's like the RSX wheel - small and fat in your hands.

Switchgear is, of course, top-notch. Everything has a solid feel. The plastic door handles and the darker silver trim that curves from the doors around to the center console are a bit of a disappointment. It's not something that detracts too much, but every other Acura has chrome handles - not plastic. And the trim feels and looks much better in the 2008 than the 2009.

Trunk space really looks unchanged. I can see where some might think it looks smaller as there are a few additional humps in the floor sides, but I didn't look at it and feel it was really smaller.

Rear seat room is the same. In fact, I almost think it was slightly smaller, but I'm big (6' 1") and I usually have the drivers seat back pretty far.

Overall, I felt a little disappointed that I jumped on the 2008 after spending time inside the 2009. I haven't driven it yet, of course, so the jury's still out. When the 2009 was coming out, I was really hoping I would hate the 2009.

But then I remembered the 1st year blues and the fact that I got mine cheap. I also would want a bit more power if I could do it over again. I would definitely consider a second gen for the replacement in 4 years or so (once that add that bigger engine that everyone says will never come).