For what it's worth...
In Feb 09 issue of Consumer Reports, they rate the 2009 upscale sedans including Hyundai Genenis, Maxima, Pontiac G8, Lincoln MKS and the TL (Base).

The ratings were:
1. Genesis
2. Lexus ES
3. Avalon
4. TL
5. Maxima
6. Azera

Overall they liked the 4G TL but 'not as impressive' when compared to the
3G. They said 'Vague steering saps the fun out of it's handling'.

 

It will be interesting to read the article. Their website still has only the January issue available to on line subscribers. Based upon their general write up of the TL, CR seems to like it very much.

One thing to keep in mind with CR, they seem to rate the cars on what you get for the price paid. This is different than THE best car of the group. When they rated a group of sporty sedans, under $30K, in 2006 they came up with #1) TSX #2) Suburu Legacy #3) BMW 3 series #4) Audi A4. I'm going by memory but I'm pretty sure I got them in the right order.

How many of us would think that the Suburu is #2 of this group? But because of the lower MSRP, CR felt it a better value.

What's the MSRP of the Genesis compared to the TL?

 

The Genesis ranges from ~$32,000 to $37,000; then there is up to $7,000 more in their premium & technology packages.

The TL ranges from ~$35,000 to $43,000; the various packages are included in these prices.

As Acura migrates away from sportiness and more towards luxury, my guess would be that they will be less and less successful in these magazine comparos.

 

Again, this is still just an opinion. I moved from a 3G to a 4G, and I feel the 4G is more impressive in every field inside and out, especially the inside. I can't get enough of the interior improvements.

 

They are 100% correct though. The handling on my G35x was faaaaaaaaaar superior to this car. Granted, that's an AWD car on a sport-tuned platform, but you really see a night and day difference when driving a car like that and then moving to a car like this. This car is way more luxe than that one though.

They are right in that the steering is very floaty, or as they said, "vague."

Don't care though, still love it more than anything =) I barely want to get out of it when I get home from work lol.

 

i am an avid CR reader, and they have never steered me wrong (pun not really intended)

They are not a car mag, but their reviews of the 1G TSX were spot on - and I love my TSX.

When looking for a new car in 2 or 3 years, I will definitely be looking for a used SH AWD (I have decided that new cars are not a luxury i require)