Ok so my wife got her first drive in our '08 TSX 6-MT. She called me on her way home:

"I hate this car! I can't feel the clutch engage, I can't hear the engine. The gas pedal is too stiff. The steering wheel is so huge, I feel like I'm driving a bus! The car bobs around a lot. It's slow. It has no power."

As you can see, everybody has a hard time with change! She has 6 more months in her S2000 then we need a new car. If I go with a G2 TSX, she'll end up with the '08. Or I go with a S2000 and she ends up with the '08. Or I keep the '08 and she gets another S2000. Hmmmm wonder what it will be?

Also, I did end up getting my review up on my page along with a few pics. I have a Tech AT home with me this weekend and I'm hoping to shoot some video. Anyway, check out my site:

http://satoauto.com/cblog/index.php?...pressions.html

 

Man!! I that my fellow forum members were hard to please.

Looking forward to me video.

 

My wife has a decent history of sporting vehicles, and the TSX is arguably the most luxury oriented of them. She's had a '87 Celica GT-S, '94 Integra GS-R, '97 GS-R, '99 GS-R, 2000 S2000, and the current 2004 S2000.

I was laughing after our conversation because she sounded like the current TSX owners complaining about the new TSX. Only difference is that she's complaining about the car that you all love! It just goes to show it depends on your point of view and many folks here would do well to remember that.

 

lol , if I had a S2000, I think I'd feel the same way as she did.

 

Thanks for the writeup Colin. I just dropped by my dealer and test drove an 09 TSX. I am very impressed. I won't get into my impression of the looks. That's all in the eyes of the beholder. However, the car is MUCH quieter then the old TSX, handles fantastic, and generally feels more luxurious inside. I think it's a huge improvement over the 08.

 

Did you drive the 5AT or 6MT?

 

I drove both for the review, but the photos were of the AT/Tech. We didn't get any MT/Techs in our first batch. Well off to shoot some video, this is going to be two days of hard work!

 

Sorry Colin, My message was meant for SpicyMikey

 

Whew, I though I/you were losing it for a second, I could have sworn I'd already answered that one.

 

Didn't drive one, but went up to the dealership today for some work on my 06 TSX. If we would have had more time , I would have taken the 09 out. I did get some time sitting in it, and I think I am in love with the seats...WAY better than my 06, IMO. Also, the steering wheel is incredible, and I love the instrument layout.

The front grill....sort of reminds me of the old TSX, with hillbilly teeth. Other than that, the exterior looks better in person than the few pics I've seen, little more muscular.

When I go up next week to pick up my 06, I'm going to look into seeing if the steering wheels could be swapped, along with the seats. Most likely not, but how GREAT would that be!!!??!! The seats would be VERY picey, but the steering wheel may not be that big a deal. I'll let you guys know what I find out.

 

It was the AT. They only had a limited allocation. Will be getting more in the coming month.

I don't own a TSX. I have an RL and an MDX, so take my opinion for what it's worth. But, I've had good seat time in everything Acura makes including the 07 and 08 TSX. Power feels about the same, but it's much smoother getting to 60. Also, much quieter. The suspension has been improved and includes an electronic damper now that makes it drive much more luxurious (better then the TL). I felt like I was driving my RL to a certain extent. Torque steer was more evident when I jumped on it then with the current TL. One other thing I noticed was how much space was available under the hood. They could easily drop a much bigger engine in there. I could actually look through the compartment and see the ground. They didn't leave that much space for nothing. I'm definitely expecting a TSX-s with a 6cyl in this cars future NOT the 2.3 turbo from the RDX. Just a hunch.

By the way, sales manager saw the TL at that conference a few weeks ago and we were talking about it today. He seemed to have the same impression most have had who saw it. The new TL is hot. Said it's very different. Revolutionary change. Almost too radical for Honda's style. Looks like a prototype (his words) but in a good way. Should be out in September (also his words).

 

Thanks for your responce. Torque steer? I forgot to mention that on my comments on the 5AT. I didn't feel any torque steer in the 6MT or at least no more than my 04.

I am still scratching my head over the 5AT

 

Oh yea, one more observation. I parked the 09 TSX right next to an 08 TL. I know their about the same size now, but the TSX actually looked a bit more beefy to me. The TL looked skinny next to it. Aside from the grill (which will have to grow on me) I think the new exterior is a winner. The interior could be more upscale but it's also a big improvement. I'm definitely going to vote with those who say it looks much better in person then then the photos.

 

Fixed!

One can always get a JDM or perhaps Mugen "Element". The new EuroAccord comes out it June.

I like the interior better than the TL. Of course I liked the 1st gen TSx better than the TL as well.

 

Saw the new TSX today too. spicy mentions all the engine room. Car mag review I read today states that the increased width of the car was mainly done for Europe of all places. the diesel engines going in for Europe (and USA?) required a larger space. plus the Audi4 and BMW3 went up in size too.
car looked okay, but for over $30k I'd want more, (but I buy used, so I'm biased against sticker prices.)

Interesting colors, silver, griot silver and the darker silver grey. never saw so many grey/silver colors in one Acura model.

 

I stopped by the dealer near my house this afternoon to see if they had an 09 to drive. I didn't see one anywhere on the lot, so I just sat in the one they had in the showroom. I really like the interior and honestly didn't notice any significant difference in width or length. The leather felt softer to me, though, and the seats were more comfortable than my 04. I also really like the smaller size of the steering wheel. It feels much more natural than the first gen steering wheel. Rear leg room also seemed improved. I sat back there behind the driver's seat, and had way more room than in my 04. The color they had was grigio metallic. It's not one of my favorite colors in the lineup, but it's ok.

 

My wife is still complaining that the '08 TSX wheel feels like a bus! This is seriously starting to worry me that I won't be able to 'pawn' off this car on her in July, and get our 5th S2000 for myself!

 

colin,
thanks for the info and great reviews.