Short review:
engine:
interior: DIFFERENT FROM THE CAR SHOWS!!!!!!! This is why they locked up the TSXs at the shows. The interior they had in there wasn't going to be the one released with the car.


gadgets: Navigation/Stereo....
fit/finish: YOu can tell it is a TRUE IMPORT.

Long review:

Engine
It was tight. Not many miles on the car at all. It the engine/exhaust note is not at all what you'd expect. I'm 210lbs and the sales dude was a bit more so it was about 460lbs of extra weight. The engine pulled. Despite all the doubters the torque curve BEAUTIFAL. It does what it needs to do without much fuss. At no point does it feel like it's going to run out of breath.

Transmission
The clutch is light and engages low and hard. VERY VERY NICE! The point at which it finally let's go is a little high.....cough bmw cough....... But I fell in love with it. The clutch travel is very short, which is nice change from the 6 speed CLS.
The shifter. This is where i missed the CLS. The throws in the TSX are a little longer. Similar to the RSX-S if you've driven one. Nothing bad, but just different.


interior
I sat in a Black TSX and baby blue TSX. The baby blue had a beige interior......WOW!!! Acura REALLY did a FANTASTIC JOB!!!!! You can see the European pedigree.
Back-lit gauges

Acura has done an excellent job integrating controls onto the steering wheel. You can now control the Mode.....switch back and forth from radio to CD using the steering wheel controls.


Seats
Comforatble. I didn't sit in them long enough to say if they are better than the CLS seats overall. I did notice that my thighs weren't supported as much as i like. It might be an issue for the taller crowd. Short term comfort.....very nice. They hold in you place.

Leather
Finally NICE LEATHER!!!! Again, if you've ever been in a European car before you'll know what I'm talking about! From the feel to the stiching. All top quality. You know what market segment that Acura is trying to go after without a doubt. I was VERY IMPRESSED.

Electronics
The navigation is the best I've seen....EVER. The screen is monsterous. Total voice control over the navigation and radio. All you do is price the voice command button on the steering wheel and say "RADIO 94.1" and the radio switches to it. The voice is DEAD SEXY!!!!! The stereo is nice. You can tell they added more power. I didn't take any cd's with me to test out.
I only have two negatives. 1- no heated mirror 2- no memory seats


I don't think I could trade in the CLS for the standard TSX. If they come out with a TSX-S w/240-250hp w/ HLSD then I'd have a tough tough decision to make.




Quick side note. There was a G35 automatic sitting on the Acura lot and i commented somebody already traded the car in? He told me the guy had it for month and came to trade it in. Why? RWD. What did he drive out with? CLS

 

great review zaps!


what abt exterior impressions? i.e. head turner etc?

 

Acura made some nice color choices. The baby blue looks nice. I wouldn't buy it but I know that MANY GIRLS will love the CUTENESS of the color. The black looks hot. I don't really like black on most cars but it looks VERY nice. I was picturing it with windon tint and some nice rims. It's not a 350z but it'll do just fine


Acura needs to get whoever made the decisions on the TSX and put that person in charge of the CL redesign!

 

I was thinking of testing one myself today.

Thanks for the nice review. I just knew I'd hear positive things about this car, despite the nay-sayers. I'm thinking it'll be a tough decision in 6 months - 1 year when my wife will be in the market for a new four door. New (2004) TL or TSX?? I wonder how the competitors will stack up against these new Acuras.

 

It's nice little car. The interior is just butter. Engine is nice. I can see this car....IF THEY ADD MORE POWER.......taking the place of the TLS for the YOUNGER crowd. They say the TLS will move up in price which will put out of reach for most of the younger people in here.

 

I drove an Automatic TSX today. Silver on Quartz (a new pale gray interior color)

That thing was slow as balls. I never felt the VTEC engage and at WOT and in Sport Shift, it felt like a RSX that I had as a loaner a while ago.

The suspension was very impressive for an Acura. I was expecting a soft and cushy ride, but in the back roads it handled beautifully.

The interior looked good up front, but the rear passengers are treated to a bland sedan look. Not too much room in the back either, definitely not where I would want to be on a long trip.

I would NEVER buy this car though...

 

good writeup

 

hehehe, my 6th sense tells me there's a certain someone purchasing a TSX in the not-to-distant future after all

by the way, Zap, i'm goin to PAA next Fri if u can make it up...if anyone else can make it up also, love to meet yas

 

As I have been saying, this car needs a V-6. The majority of customers will want an automatic. "The car is slow as balls". They are not going to pay 27 - 30K for that.

 

I was just looking at the car, I think we need a picture comparison with the TSX and the European Accord. From my quick glance at the Acura website they both look alike. Can someone else verify this?

 

Beelzebub,
TSX is the Euro-Accord TypeR. You are correct.

Joeandcarol2,
I think you are wrong. The car doesn't need a v6. The market they are going after doesn't really care.

Scooter,
Possible but not likely. I couldn't trade for the standard TSX. I'd miss the power too much. It doesn't have memory seats either. They'd really need to put an engine with 240-250hp W/ HLSD.....need to control the power, for me to even consider the TSX. The interior is top notch.

 

Just out of curiosity, what were the 1st Gen 4cyl selling for when they first came in 97? Cause i dont think they were too far off them high 20's mark. I could be wrong I didnt buy mine new.

But I can garuntee people will buy. As much as i think it needs a 6 im still itching to test the 6spd.

 

Hey guys ... as a previous CLS owner and a future TSX owner. Let me futher and 2nd zapata's comments ... this car is

For anyone who is an Acura fan, I think the TSX is going to represent the changing to a new dominant era for Acura/Honda. This TSX is just the start and I think the TL will be just unreal and will dethrone the G35's short visit to the top. And we can only hope that Acura's new found "sport" image creates the next big CL replacement down the road

For those interested in a bunch of TSX pics ... here ya go (this includes some from the dealer the other day):

http://www.imagestation.com/mypictures/

 

Agreed. The interior is tits. They just need to really get the power a little higher and get the suspension and HLSD and they'll have a real killer on their hands.

 

I just got back from Acura Pleasanton and they had I think 3 TSX's there. Tell you one thing, pictures do not do it justice. I had my doubts but it looks wayy better in person. I think they actually sold 2 of them today while I was waiting. Anyway, I think this is a great car and they will sell many. One of the couples I saw that purchased one was middle 30's and this is the perfect car for that age group and it's still a modable car. It's got enough power and doesn't eat too much gas, plus it looks good.

 

I, like some others, was skeptic about the TSX. But once you see it in person, it's one beautifully assembled sedan. 100% Japanese built. I haven't seen such awesome fit, finish, and quality in an Honda/Acura in a long time. Now that is what Honda/Acura should be doing for all their cars! Took the 6sp on a drive and wow...

I've never been impressed with such torque response from a 4-cylinder engine. Anyone who has driven a 6sp TSX will know what I mean. It's as if a small-displacement V6 is hiding under the hood. Engine revs were at 3000rpm at 70mph. Hi revver yes, however there is NO engine buzz, even when you accelerate above 70 in top gear. Nothing but a nice, controlled, silent ride. Feels more firmly planted than the CL-S even though they both wear 215/50/17s. Some may complain that the pricing sucks, but for a little over 28K (with NAV), I'd buy one to complement my CLS 6sp. Interior is smallish, similar in volume to the 4th and 5th gen Accords. But regardless, I believe Acura's finally got something worth showing keeping for the long run.

 

This is cool. I've seen so many 4-banger bashers complaining about the TSX. But they've never actually driven one. Those who have driven one (even the skeptics) are now singing praises of the engine. I'm excited about this car and hope to test drive one on Monday. Thanks for the first hand reviews guys.

 

LMAO!! It is a solid car but no segment leader anywhere. I mean Acura's goal is 15,000 TSXs a year. This is a 25k car. That is a lil over 1,000 cars nationwide a month.

It's a gap filler in the line-up ALA the M45. Tl-S will NEVER dethrone any G35. They are 2 different cars. "Sport" image is CLEARLY a red Type-S badge to Acura.

 

I think it's going to be a contender, especially for people like my wife. She's not a big car person, but she's at a point where she wants some luxury, and for some reason, she likes four doors. She doesn't care how many cylinders are under the hood (and I'm not sure she knows what a cylinder is). The engine just has to produce enough torque/HP to accelerate onto the freeway or pass some dufus.

Four door, luxury sport sedan that is on the smallish side. What else is in this market? Audi A4; BMW 3 series; Volvo S40/60; Saab 9-3; Mercedes C class; Lexus IS; Infiniti ?. Her mom has the Volvo, and it's pretty unimpressive. I've driven the Saab, and thought they could do better for the price. The Lexus IS is too ricey. Don't like 3 & 5 series BMWs; Audi and Mercedes are plain boring. I think the TSX is placed in a niche that can use some new blood.

to Acura. I hope the TSX does well.

 

Well - this is certainly an interesting set of comments, but I guess we will just "have to see". I would like for you to go drive the A4 and then the TSX and tell me which one you would buy when equally equipped (for now we will have to leave the quattro out of it, but did you guys know that the TSX is engineered to accept a hybrid config with electric engine for the rear wheels? check out vtec.net for the article). The TSX certainly won't dethrone the BMW in 1 year, but I assure you that if Acura stays the course BMW is going to need to at least consider Acura a bit more especially with AWD hybrid sports sedan path Acura is going down.

As for the 2004 TL (actually sources are saying it might be called GV or something) ... go ahead and buy your G35. Wait until you see the new TL at the NY Auto show. From what I understand it will just be the concept car as was seen in Florida by the dealers this past week, but like the TSX it will reflect the new sport inclined Acura. Let me be the first to say THANKS to Acura for leaning sport and not luxo cruiser (like Lexus) as they move forward!

 

I am also an Acura/Honda fan. I just purchased a CL 6 speed. I just think in this market segment a bit more power is appropriate. I have not driven the car. And the only version I would ever consider is the 6 speed. But all you cheerleaders; have you driven the automatic? Its what most will buy. Would you buy THAT car?

 

As it is, the TSX has as much power as the competition. I'm sure it will be as fast or faster than the A4 1.8T and the 325. The Type S will have more power. What's to complain about?

Would I buy a TSX Auto? No. Just as I wouldn't buy a 325 auto....that's not my bag. But it IS for some people. More people buy the Accord 4cyl with auto than buy the V6 6sp. More people buy the 325 auto than the 330 6sp. And more people will buy the TSX auto. That's what the average consumer wants/can afford. It's a big deal to you that the TSX isn't a high performance car...oh well...get over it. The average consumer doesn't care that it's not as fast as a CL.

If I were in the market for a car in this class, I'd wait for the TSX Type S with the 6sp...it will be a much better, cheaper alternative to the 330 6sp. But I couldn't have a TSX Type S w/6sp if there wasn't a TSX to begin with.

 

Acually I'm not a high performance nut. I'm 55, I dont race and drive fairly conservatively.

Yes the 325i is also underpowered. Many buy that car only because the want a status symbol. But it is a 6 cylinder. If Acura had the same mystique maybe they could get away with a 4 cylinder.

The Audi has a turbo. But again it has a certain mystique amonst the entry luxary buyer. Deserved or not.

Again. I think Acuras are better automobiles than BMWs and Audis (by a long shot, Audis are way over rated).

But after the CL they need something to wow the market. Remember that high power is "in" today. While 4 bangers might have been ok in the late 90s, I think today's market is a bit different. I WANT the TSX to succeed. It needs the 3.0 V-6 as at least an option.

Any you all can be as pissed as you like at me. The purpose of forums like this are the express differing opinions. I bet a year from now TSX sales will be lackluster.

Now if the type S has a different powerplant then all bets are off. Everyone have a nice day..

 

I am by no means a BMW fan, and in fact, here in Delaware they are so dang cookie-cutter that it is disgusting. However, a friend at work has a 323 (approx. the same as today's 325) and it hides its lack of power quite well. Although only judging as a passenger, he can make that thing move pretty well, and it's quite refined in its engine performance. He has the 5-speed - as far as interior appointments, it seriously lacks when compared to others. However, that engine seems to defy the laws of physics. In addition, very little body motion in the twisties.

As far as the TSX goes, a 210hp 4-cylinder is right in Acura's bag, assuming that the populace will get the 6-spd. That's entirely necessary to keep that engine hot, and enough to keep it on pace with the competition. I liken it to my old GSR, which was the most pedestrian vehicle until that VTEC cut in. Unfortunately, I bet 70% of the TSX's sold will be auto, which kills any 4 cylinder.

With that being said, I consider the TSX to be the RSX sedan, ala the Integra coupe and sedan. As such, it won't compete with BMW or Audi or the like. I have yet to see one up close though.

Now, a lightened TL-S with better suspension and a 6-spd...that's an enthusiast's car.

 

i took a 6spd for a spin today, and i have to say i was VERY impressed. it may not have much oomph off the the line but it revs very nicely and doesnt buzz a bit. sounds more like my TL-P did stock then an RSX, and the flat torque curve makes it accelerate nicely. no its no speed demon, but it felt quite a bit faster than my moms 325 sports wagon (granted she has an auto). the fit and finish is AMAZING, it totally does not seem like an Acura, worlds above my TL. in my short test drive it felt just as solid as the 325 sports wagon with sports package, and thats saying alot. i was left very impressed, now if only the stock market will recover so i can afford to trade in for one...

 

I'm not pissed at you. I'm just sick of all the nay-sayers that hate on the TSX because they are prejudice against 4-cylinders...especially when they haven't even driven the thing. It's like an article Automobile Magazine ran last month about it. Like so many, they couldn't understand the choice of a 4 cylinder engine. Then they drove it.
"But 'Why?' turns out to be the wrong question. Better to ask 'When?' and 'How much?' and 'What took you so long?'"
And that's not the only reviewer to change his tune after driving one. So why do you have to pass judgement on it so fast?
The TSX isn't going to break any landspeed records...but it is a well built, well designed car that will do quite well for Acura. I'm glad it's in the lineup.