Now that we have official pictures of the 2nd gen TSX, do you like it?

 

First vote... I hate it! They really made my decision of 2008 vs. 2009 extremely easy.

 

From purely a design standpoint, I do not like it. Driving dynamics do not sound like they are going to be a saving grace for this car either, so there really isn't a whole lot to be pleased with right now. Even a V6 and SH-AWD may not be enough to save this car, especially if they are serious about the price point.

 

Still don't like the grill, I miss the style of the mirror indicators. I love the design of them now, very distinct and you can see em a mile away. The '09's are barely visable.

Something about that front chin piece too, it just doesn't quite flow with the rest of the car.

As me old pappy used to say, 'the proof is in the puddin'. i still want to see it up close and personal.

 

It reminds me of the current generation Nissan Altima in the wheel-well treatment and proportions (the part forward of the A-pillar looks too large to me). IOW, I don't like it.

My biggest complaint about the current car are road noise and brakes. If they improved those, and kept the same price, I would consider it. Unfortunately it sounds like the price is going up.

 

I like it. I'm glad I do, because I have a problem with nearly every new car I see these days.

 

I HATE that grille! It's SO UGLY! Ugh!

And those tail lights bother me. Look at all those crazy geometric shapes. I thought only Toyota/Lexus ES would have something crazy and ugly like that.... Ugh!

Overall, it's a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!!!!

 

If it was a minute thing like a bad location of the the VSA button, I wouldn't mind.

But my big NO comes from the mis-execution of the exterior styling which is a BIG dealmaker or dealbreaker for potential car buyers including me.



I fit into the category of buyers that put EXTERIOR styling #1 on my list over other things like POWER and DRIVETRAIN.


I bought my TSX knowing well that it is a FWD, but I INSTANTLY fell in love with the clean sharp design.


Now that "Trump card" is gone in the TSX so it broke my deal.

 

I don't hate it but I'm not close to liking it either.

 

I don't love it, but I'm not a hardcore enthusiast....softcore perhaps.

I like the fuel efficiency ratings, the power is good enough for me and I'll probably grow to like the design. Probably not too different from the vast majority of North American buyers out there...I'll probably end up with a 2010 version when they iron out the 1st year bugs...

But those rims have got to go!

 

i don't hate the new deisgn but I do think its a step backwards. One big step backwards is the same basic interior as a USDM accord. The center consule is ugly and the big knob in the middle for the Nav looks out of place The deep set nav screen or info display for non navs just doesn't fit the reset of the interior lines. Acura did a very good job with the 1st gen interior and I was hoping they would have built off of that but they didn't, they where lazy and just used the same as the Euro accord. Exterior wise the front end is ugly. Its not just because of the grill, it is also that rectangular plastic they used around the fogs, lower air inlet and under the ugly silvery plate. It looks cheap and should not be on a $30000+ car. The 1st gen had non of that, and it made the front end look a lot sharper. The Mirror turn signals are bad too, way too small and they just don't fit the car. I guess they wanted to cut costs. The wheels SUCK, but I am willing to look past thoughs. Taillights, what ever happened to getting full LEDs and a high mount (along the interior roof line) 3rd brake light? From the sounds of performance and road handling Acrua took a step back with more weight and electronic power sterring, who knows I could be wrong.

It seams a lot like acura took many steps backwards in order to take a few steps forward. I hope a type s comes out to save our beloved TSX.

 

I always knew that Acuras had good resale value, but it looks like they're going the extra mile to assure the resale value of the 1G TSX and 2G RL

Seriously I don't think the design is a step forward, but it's not ugly either. I really want to see what it looks like in person. There are surprises sometimes. But inasmuch as it's a overbaked version of the current TSX it's still better than most of the other cars out there.

I'm much more skeptical of the inside. Once again not bad on its own, but is it really that much better than an Accord?

 

This silver is really nice. I feel this one is much nicer than the other pictures even though its the same car lol. If the A on the grill was moved down a bit, it might look really nice.

 

Wow...the more I read of the reviews, the more I think that this car is going to be a huge disappointment.

 

dom, I moved this from the other closed poll so we could discuss it here. Just for the record, I am interested in the driving dynamics! Remember that I've only driven 2 seat sports cars for the last .... (does math) 21 years. I only selected the 'bare minimum' of features I feel are necessary in my next car.

I want leather, I want HIDs and I want bluetooth. The BMW I built was selected to have these things. And ,yes the post had a 'regional adjustment' but it reflects the reality of Hawaii living. Everything costs more here.

If I demand the three features above, and add in a 6-mt, what are my choices? I need two cars this year. (sincerely, I'd like to know if I'm missing something)

 

At what price point? At or around the $30k mark I see:

Audi A3
Audi A4 (maybe too expensive)
The aforementioned BMW 328i, or the 128i if you can spare two doors
Infiniti G35
Lexus IS250
Mini Cooper Clubman (you only have to give up one door!)
Nissan Altima
VW GTI (you can get the Motorola Bluetooth kit installed at the dealer)
Volvo C30/S40/V50 (Bluetooth is dealer-installed)

Your options expand significantly if you're willing to get a standalone Bluetooth speakerphone instead of having it wired in.

I'm expecting the '09 Mazda6 to have all of these, too. Also, ask your local Saab dealer about installed Bluetooth options for the 9-3.

 

... and I completely forgot about the C300, though $37k may be out of your range.

 

Colin, I think you and I have very similar needs in a car. I agree on the demand for HIDs, bluetooth, and the MT. Everything else is icing on the cake.

Honestly, the number of vehicles that carry these options is incredibly slim when you are trying to hold everything to price point.

I must admit though, I am getting back some really insanely good numbers on a TL-S that is very much tempting me to give that a shot. I do not like the fact that it is a larger car, but if the new TSX is about the same size, I'd rather take the one with the 286-hp engine if the payment is right.

 

OK we'll whittle this down a little bit. No to any Audi or VW product. Too unreliable and local dealers really suck.

No to G35 for the poor fuel economy and on price (Journey + pemium package = 35K)

No to the 3 series on price (as mentioned)

Clubman, or Mini, maybe a little too small, my experience wth the previous generation leads me to suspect their overall quality. Otherwise, close on price and fuel economy.

Altima, Camry and Accord are all too large for my tastes and no HID right?

Volvo? Nah, I think I'd rather have a Mazda 3 (on which it's based)

The 1 series will probably require a number of option packages to get my requirements and I'm not optimistic that it will stay under 30K.

It really comes down to IS 250 and TSX. Locally, you can't lease a Lexus because the local dealer is not a part of Toyota USA, however it is the closest.

CGTSX2004, on your points: If you can live with the TL-S' clutch, the car is pretty impressive. It also continues with the touch screen navi if that is important to you.

 

^ Sounds like your getting a TSX.

I'm afraid to see Canadian pricing. The current car can run 45K on the road. I really can't imagine dishing out 50 for this car.

 

You are right, I am! But the exercise had another point. No matter what we or the press say, this car fills a unique 'hole' in the marketplace.

 

Won't argue with you on that...

You want the Sport 6MT right? I left out some good cars because they only had a 6AT. Even so you're at $35,865, but invoice is $32,900. You might be able to get a good deal.

What, you don't want to pay 40K to get all the features of our TSX?

Probably not much better reliability-wise than a VW.

Nah, the Altima has everything you want. The Altima Coupe is about the right size, too. My only beef is that you can't get stability control on the 4-cylinder. Still, 19/27 on the V6/6MT isn't bad. It's a nice looking car, too. Do check it out.

Much different character on the road. The Volvo feels planted and European. The Mazda is light and uber-tossable. I left the Mazdaspeed3 off the list due to lack of Bluetooth. If that wasn't an issue I'd suggest the RX-8 too.

Heck no. You can build one on their site right now, and it comes to $33,775 with premium package and Xenons. I took the liberty of assuming you wanted fire engine red to avoid the absurd metallic paint charge.

Also, I forgot the 350Z. The Touring model has everything you want.

 

Can you define "insanely good numbers" for the benefit of the curious?

 

Hmmmm, @ 35K that hole got a lot smaller.

But it will be filled.....

 

It's amazing whenever a new design comes out for a car, how negative some people can get if they own the current model or a competitors.
I remember about two years ago when the 06 refresh happened, everybody was crying foul stating that the TSX is done and Acura has killed TSX.(or when the new Lexus IS came out) Don't believe me? Go back to those theads. Some of the statements are hilarious and extreme. Now, all of a sudden, 06-08 TSX is so classic compared to the new one. Please..Let me give you a bold statement and prediction here.
In six months after the release of the 09 TSX, which would be in OCT. The second gen TSX forum is going to be huge, and I bet you a bunch of 1st gen owners are going to upgrade. Nicer wheels, a little tint, the new Apect body kit will make the 09 look killer. You know why? Because the cars LOOK similiar!! lol..They just made some changes to make it look modern.
I personally like all new tech toys. The current model was really bare of tech compared to the other Acuras.
Flame away!!

 

"Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra" I'll skip requoting everything in your post, but the Nissans with the VQ are all not preferable due to thier chronically poor fuel economy. Honestly, I'd look at the Accord coupe before either of those, but I just don't like the clutch.

The 1 series is interesting, but if I was going there, I think I'd rather spend the same money and lease another S2000 (our 5th). I'd give up bluetooth but thats it. Good overall economy, excellent power to weight and excellent reliability.

 

Don't really remember that but I'll take your word for it.

I'll have to disagree on that one on all counts.


That I agree with. The basic formula has remained which means it should sell in similar numbers to the 04-08.

 

Hopefully, it will continue to bring new customers into the Acura family that we have been losing to the IS250. If all goes according to plan, the current owners will move to the new TL when it's out in the fall.

 

Hey Dom

In October, I am going to pull this thread back out for you. We shall see who eats crow.
Again, you stated that you disagree with that statement on all counts.

 

Look forward to it.

And I don't mind being wrong. In fact I hope I am.

But the higher price along with what seems to be by most accounts a less sporty, larger ride means less enthusiasts will likely be buying this car and as we know, the site is mostly made up of those same enthusiasts.

I can tell you for certain this car doesn't interest me. So I just get the feeling they'll be more current owners either sticking with their car or going elsewhere. Just my opinion.

 

Well, the price hasn't been confirmed yet, but I share your concerns. With the new MDX, people keep saying the base model costs so much more, but it's actually the same (feature/price wise) as the outgoing Touring MDX.

Hopefully the new TSX won't bust 30K in base form, and this would mean 33500 in tech. For the extra money, you'll get the better audio, navi, and back up camera. It might not be that bad. (all bets are off if the base car starts at 31K)

 

^ agreed

I like the new TSX overall. It looks so much more muscular...ESPECIALLY the rear end!
The sides of the car, leading to the rear, has nice lines that make it look just..so much stronger looking than our current TSX.

Negatives..? front and rims. I always thought the front on the current gen tsx was a little lacking compared to the back of our current gen's too. Maybe it's a tsx thing.

 

the front end looks gastly to me. but i guess it's best to not pass judgement unitl i see it in person

 

x2

 

If I recall correctly, everybody hated the Bangle designs when they debuted at BMW. Now they are accepted if not copied.

 

ok, today's my first up-close look of the 2009 and the first thing that came to mind was - yuck to the front grill. the bum is nothing to write home about, but better than the front. liked the side view the best. tires don't look too sporty... reminds me of bizarro, the comic book villain with the 'chiseled' look.

i'm happy that i have the 2006 version. keeps my resale value up!

 

Maybe when they have the minor mid-gen changes (2011?, the third year like last time?) they will make the front grill less ugly and put some decent looking wheels on the car, add some other choices...

Come Fall 2010, I'm sure many here could be looking for a new car, and people will get used to the look and if the car looks better, they will consider getting a new TSX. As for now, i'm happy with my current TSX and am wary about the combination of the looks of the 2009 TSX.

 

I think people will get used to the design in time. That, or the addition of a good sport package will cure all evils. If the car performs well, awkward styling never hurt the WRX.

 

One of the early reviews of the new TSX say it has, if I recall, lifeless steering. That's pretty damning. I think they're specificly moving away from enthusiasts, and I'm having doubts the TSX was ever meant to attract enthusiasts and that any enthusiast who bought one was suckered in by the looks or the initial marketing. Numerous car reviews describe the car as being a good value for entry level luxury, they never describe it as a particularily fun car. One review that sticks out in my mind is the review that pitted it against the VW GLI and said the two cars we neary identical but that the GLI was more fun to drive.

I was initialy happy to move from an Integra to the TSX because the TSX is much much more decadent that the Integra but the Integra made ordinary driving interesting. I feel like this TSX and likely the next TSX is just an Accord or a Camry with a little something extra. You realy have to whip the TSX around to have much fun. My worry is that what I'm looking for is a $40k BMW, a squishy little S2000 or a Civic Si designed for teenagers. Acura is realy breaking my balls by having offed the RSX while replacing it with nothing.

 

Doubtful, I just purchased an 08 and I was really hoping the 09 would turn out to be an awesome car. I don't need the Acura brand image being harmed by shitty next generation cars, especially since I just bought one.

But either way my next car will not be an Acura, but a benz, audi, or bmw, unless something changes in the next 7-10 years.