9000revs

Should be called a wagon, NOT a sports wagon! It needs a V6 with auto or a stick before it can be called Sport.

Ken1997TL

It was fun to drive, auto or not. I might still buy one even if its chained to a slushbox.

TSX69

Auto Word:
Acura TSX Sport Wagon has Premium Presence w/out Puffery

The TSX wagon has a strong stance. Inside and out, the design has clean lines and lean styling, almost like the latest 4G electronic device.

It isn't easy being a wagon in this country. The baby boomers ruined it for generations of drivers who are now missing out on small-is-better function in crisphandling cars. The boomers grew up with wagons and grew to despise them as the predecessors to the soccer-mom-minivan image.

Wagons today are still popular, but they're just camouflaged as swoopy "crossover" vehicles. Acura already has a swoopy crossover, the RDX, but decided to add a wagon based on its TSX sport sedan.

The wagon is 3.6 inches longer than the sedan, but all other size specs are about the same, such as rear legroom and headroom. The space went into the cargo area, which is squared off and useful at 25.8 cubic behind the back seat and 60.5 with the seats folded. And for toting a kayak, surfboard, snowboard or bikes, a wagon's roof rack is a lot easier to load than a 6-foot-tall SUV.

There are 2 models of the TSX wagon with one transmission and a 4-cylinder engine. The base model starts at $31,820 and comes with such extras as a moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with turn signals, fog lights, Bluetooth phone connection and a roller cargo cover.

The TSX Wagon Tech, today's test car, starts at $35,470 and had no options, nor needed any. The uplevel model adds Acura's Tech package of voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates, rearview camera, 10-speaker surround- sound audio system with hard-disk drive and USB and iPod inputs, automatic climate control and power tailgate. Allwheel drive is not offered, nor are a manual transmission or V-6.

The wagon's 201-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and fivespeed SportShift automatic is quick and to the point. Fuel economy is 22 mpg city and 30 highway on premium, which is recommended but not required. The power range is good from takeoff to scooting through interstate traffic. The Sport mode and paddle shifters are surprisingly swift to click off a downshift, which isn't usually expected or demanded of a wagon. The powertrain is well matched, but a 6-speed auto would eke out better fuel economy.

There are good sightlines over the shoulder, and the Tech's rearview camera gives a better view than any human craning a neck. The switches and controls are simply arranged, and the armrests are soft and comfy. There are handy little storage areas as well as a cargo-area basement. The leather-trimmed seats with perforated centers are rich in appearance and soft to the touch.

Back seat space is snug for transporting adults. The seatbacks fold with a one-handed maneuver, but the space is not flat. The tailgate opening is compact, about 42.5 inches wide and 29 inches deep, but the low loading height is back friendly and a good bench to change shoes for boots. And the tailgate rises high enough, so 6-foot-plus sports fans won't chip a forehead.

Acura could be just in time with its wagon. There is a trend of consumers downsizing their vehicles but not wishing to downsize in amenities and features.

For those in the market for a compact wagon, Acura's TSX will hold just about everything except foolish pride.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard @uniontrib.com.

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Arrival: 201 Acura TSX Sport Wagon
Hello, we love you. Yes, you.

If you've ever heaped a forkful of well-made coq au vin into your mouth, you already understand what I'm about to tell you. Coq au vin, or, in English, "rooster in wine," is a simple dish of basic, if not ignoble ingredients: 1 tough old rooster, some fatty bacon, mushrooms, an onion (perhaps), and a bottle of mediocre table wine. Again, nothing special; all things you have lying around. But prepared the right way, the quite ordinary becomes the extraordinary. In that vein, allow me to introduce our newest long-termer, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

Like the French peasant staple, on paper our new long-term TSX Wagon doesn't have much going for it. 1st, of course, it's a station wagon, a style of motorized conveyance so dreaded that (A) minivans, SUVs, and CUVs exist; and (B) our wagon-loving German friends won't even say the phrase. Instead, you get nonsensical synonyms like Avant, Touring, and Shooting-Brake. Acura isn't calling its 5-door a station wagon, either, instead opting for the euphemism "sport wagon." Fine.

Under the hood, there isn't much to get excited about. As with the entry TSX sedan, there's a 2.4-liter inline-4 good for 201 horsepower and a lowly 170 pound-feet of torque. But unlike the 4-door, there is no optional 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower, 254-pound-foot V-6. You want big power, get the sedan. Likewise, the transmission falls into also-ran status. Just 5 forward gears and a torque converter. And you can't get a manual like you can in the sedan. 1 final seeming black eye: The TSX Wagon comes only with front drive. But mix all these ho-hum ingredients together, and you get motoring magic.

Our editor at large, Ron Kiino, after 10 days with the Acura Wagon: "I gotta say, I really, really like this car. I might even go so far as to say I love it." Ron goes on, "Relative to its competitors, the TSX SW is a bit low on power, but you wouldn't really know it from behind the wheel. The 5-speed autobox, like the power output, is lagging against the competition, but again it performs well enough that I never yearned for a 6th gear."

Assistant art director William Walker says, "Winding quickly through canyon roads as well as a couple hundred highway miles reconfirmed how much I enjoy sporty wagons. I also think the Acura gives the Audi Avant a run for its money on style. Overall, it's great." I couldn't agree more, and eagerly look forward to the next 12 months.

2011 Acura TSX Wagon
Base price $31,820
Price as tested $35,470
Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door wagon
Engine 2.4L/201-hp/170-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Curb weight (dist, f/r) 3035 lb (67/33%)
Wheelbase 106.4 in
Length x width x height 189.2 x 72.4 x 57.9 in
0-60 mph 8.2 sec
Quarter mile 16.4 sec @ 85.3 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 120 ft
Lateral accel 0.85 g (avg)
MT figure eight 28.0 sec @ 0.59 g (avg)
EPA city/hwy econ 22/30 mpg
Energy cons, city/hwy 153/112 kW-hrs/ 100 mi
CO2 emissions 0.78 lb/mile
Total mileage 2620 miles
Average fuel economy 25.4 mpg

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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

Comfort: 8.0
Performance: 6.0
Design: 7.0

The good: Voice command in the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon lets you select songs from an iPod or the car's hard drive, and dial phone numbers by name. The wagon body style is very practical.

The bad: The automatic transmission is only a 5 speed, and the engine tech is only average.

The bottom line: The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon boasts a very practical body style along with a modern cabin tech suite, but the power train doesn't take advantage of recent efficiency innovations.

Automotive journalists love wagons because they mix sport sedan handling with the practical interior space of an SUV. It comes as a great surprise to us that there are not more wagons available. But Acura just upped the count by one with its 2011 TSX Sport Wagon.

As the model name suggests, this car is based on Acura's TSX sedan, using the same engine and cabin tech. But Acura added the wagon format to the model line, keeping its 5-seat capacity but adding a spacious cargo area. Fold down the rear seats, and the cargo area gains considerable length.

Following the TSX sedan's recent styling update, the TSX Sport Wagon gets the same "Transformers"-like grille and angular headlight openings, the front of the car showing a mecha face straight out of Japanimation. In creating the rear hatchback, Acura designers did an excellent job seamlessly blending it with the sedan front, and adding some attractive curvature along the roofline.

Slick interface
With its tech package, the TSX Sport Wagon features very modern navigation, phone, and stereo systems. Acura fits a hard drive into the dashboard to store maps for the navigation system as well as reserving some space for music storage. The result is a system that responds quickly to user input, and quickly recalculates routes after a missed turn.

Acura's interface controller works well, but doesn't help the car's luxury image.

Sitting below the car's LCD is the familiar Acura interface controller, a protruding joystick/dial that, though ugly, is very usable. Past Acura models have an addiction to buttons across their dashboards, but the TSX Sport Wagon shows an honest commitment to cut down.

The onscreen interface is a refreshing change from days of old. Although it uses a similar paradigm, the look is much nicer than on the previous generation, which can still be seen in the Acura RL. Instead of gray buttons with jagged lines, the new interface shows higher-resolution graphics with a more pleasing color scheme.

Although the navigation system's maps have a higher resolution, they are still 2D-only, with no perspective view or 3D elements. Under route guidance, the system does not read out street names, either, but traffic data is incorporated into the system, and it will attempt to keep you clear of traffic jams.

Some particularly nice things about the navigation system are the Zagat restaurant guide included with the points of interest database and the listing of scenic routes throughout the country. Both of these features make the TSX Sport Wagon an excellent road trip car. Weather data is also a useful feature.

The Bluetooth phone system is full-featured, downloading a paired phone's contact list and making it possible to dial by name with the voice command system. And another advanced feature Acura has been rolling out in its various models is what it calls Song By Voice, a feature that lets you request music from a paired iPod or the car's own hard drive by artist, album, or song name. This feature works well and had no trouble with a difficult artist name such as Blitzen Trapper.

Acura's new voice command allows music requests by song, artist, and album name.

Along with hard-drive storage and iPod connectivity, the stereo also offers satellite radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. But the 2 former audio sources offer the best indexing and voice command capabilities. The car's disc player also reads DVDs.

The TSX Sport Wagon, with the tech package, also gets Acura's ELS audio system, which includes a 360-watt amp and 8 speakers. This system produces a rich sound and is capable of delicate high frequencies, such as acoustic guitar strumming or satisfying bass. Cranking up both the subwoofer and the bass levels delivers chest-thumping sound.

Eager to run
The engine, a 2.4-liter 4 cylinder, is less cause for chest thumping. With 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, it doesn't offer much in the way of bragging rights, but from behind the wheel it feels surprisingly eager. Put the 5-speed automatic transmission in Drive, and it feels like the brakes can barely hold the TSX Sport Wagon back.

Beyond Acura's i-VTEC variable valve timing, this is not a technically advanced engine. There is no direct injection or turbocharger, but it offers reasonably efficient operation and no-fuss acceleration. The EPA rates it at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, not exactly reaching for the stars but within most drivers' expectations.

This engine feels like a V-6, given the TSX Sport Wagon's get up and go.

Acura has just begun to increase gears in its other models, but the TSX Sport Wagon lags behind the pack with its 5-speed automatic. With the engine running above 3,000rpm at freeway speeds, the car could use a 6th gear. This transmission features Sport and Manual modes along with standard Drive mode. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel make for easy manual shifting.

In keeping with its model name, the TSX Sport Wagon does drive with sporty flair, but it falls short of hard-core performance. Casual drivers will enjoy its acceleration and the transmission's readiness to downshift under braking while in Sport mode. Manual shifting turns in satisfying gear changes that are quick enough to keep the power up while cornering.

As 1 advanced piece of performance tech, the TSX Sport Wagon uses an electric-power-steering unit, making for uninterrupted power assist no matter at what speed the engine is running. Acura tunes this steering unit exceptionally well, giving it plenty of road feel and tight response.

The suspension is tuned to a compromise between comfort and sporting capability. Never soft, the suspension damps out bumps reasonably and never suffers from oscillation. When putting the TSX Sport Wagon into a corner at speed, the suspension allows a limited amount of body roll.

In sum
The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon's cabin tech, with its hard-drive-based navigation, advanced voice command, and ELS audio system, earns the car an excellent score for electronics. The car offers a full range of audio sources and external data including traffic and weather.

The performance tech is mostly average, although we do like how well the engine and suspension are tuned. The car earns extra credit for just being easily drivable. But its electronic-power-steering unit is the most advanced feature when it comes to driving gear.

The electronics interface is very refreshing, especially after having recently tested the Acura RL. Acura still overdoes it with the buttons. The exterior aesthetics are quite nice, although the car falls short of stunning. Its wagon body style is what really earns it design points.

TSX69

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF7sx8wTJRQ

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Acura Elevates Wagon w/ Sporty, Elegant Wagon

I've met a lot of automotive journalists. It comes with the job.

If we, as a group, had to recommend a single vehicle for America, one to please the greatest number at the same time, we'd stand before the nation, open a giant white envelope and announce the winner: a diesel sport wagon with a manual gearbox.

Cue the orchestra, run the credits, the world has been saved.

Of course, that choice is completely disconnected from reality. Most Americans dislike diesels and think that neither cars nor bicycles should have more than 2 pedals. So forget the diesel engine and the silky smooth manual transmission. It's going to take some convincing just to push Americans into wagons.

But Honda Motor Co.'s luxury Acura brand may do just that with its 2011 TSX sport wagon. It's not a diesel, doesn't have a stick shift but provides all that wagon utility, a luxury ride and arrives with a new grille people won't laugh at when they see it.

It's a wagon that provides enough sportiness to get most drivers in trouble and have the car mentioned in the same sentence with German Avants and American Cadillac CTS wagons. With a starting price of $31,000, it's cheaper than all of them.

Acurauses its sporty-enough TSX sedan as a starting point, adds 4 inches to the body, and drops its ever-efficient 2.4-liter DOHC with variable valve timing I-4 under the hood. The engine provides 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque to keep up with most anything on the highway, though it lacks the power of its rivals — which use 6 and 8 cylinders.

Its independent suspension shies toward a smooth luxury ride. But the wagon still holds itself well through corners with excellent steering feel through its electric power steering with variable assist rack-and-pinion.

Really, the TSX sport wagon is a very good ride through and through. It keeps the same 106.4-inch wheelbase as the TSX sedan — this is pretty common for the few sedans converted to wagons; all of the changes happen from the rear door back.

There were a few times during my week-long test drive that I wished the Acura had a little more juice to pull the car from a standing stop. The engine would whine for a moment until it found its groove and peak torque, then catch up. This seemed to happen when heading up a hill or when it was loaded with more than 2 people. No telling how it would perform if you folded down the 2nd row and filled the 60.5 cubic feet of space with bags of cement.

That little engine, however, did provide some good fuel economy. According to Acura, the TSX wagon gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway — 1 mpg better in both categories than the TSX sedan with a manual transmission. While that mathematically comes out to an overall average of 25 mpg, I managed 28 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. Rarely do I beat the combined number. I'm just not that kind of driver.

The TSX sport wagon only comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission, which is too bad, because the smaller engine might feel sportier if it had a 6-speed manual. At least I think most auto critics think so. There are paddle shifters that allow for some gear holding and downshifting, but it's just not the same. As soon as you realize they're there, you forget about them.

Puts a better face forward

Acura has cleaned up its exterior to provide a good-looking wagon. Acura has tacitly admitted that its original new face was so deformed and ugly the carmaker should have issued a recall in the name of public decency. New Acuras have a thinner and less sharp grille. It's still distinctive, but not as bad as before. (Even the TSX sedan has benefited from the new fascia, fog lamps and chin spoiler.)

The rest of the exterior is nicely done with sharp lines and elegant folds. See how the A-line moves from the sculpted fender through the door handles to the back. There's symmetry, there's order, there's a true athletic stance.

Then there's inside the TSX sport wagon.

The instrument gauges look as if they are set within well-machined gears. The dash looks as if it's a single piece with nice curves that flow around the deep-set 8-inch VGA color screen. Mounting the screen deep into the dash reminds people they don't have to touch it or leave fingerprints on it to make it work. It's operated with a slightly confusing knob that juts out of the dash and looks like you could hang your hat on it.

But it does work and provides for all the functionality a driver would want, from hands-free phone operation via Bluetooth to iPod connection via a USB connection. While the navigation system offers high resolution, some other functions are still displayed in dated-looking graphics.

My biggest complaint with the TSX Wagon is the center stack. If this Acura has a knob to control everything, why are there so many buttons surrounding it? It creates a confusing space in the middle of the car. Then there's the steering wheel that has nearly as many buttons. If you're not careful, you can call your mother, set cruise control and change radio stations when all you wanted to do was honk your horn.

But there's rarely a reason to blast your horn. The seats are extremely comfortable and I glided from place to place in it. Adult passengers in the 2nd row are nearly as comfortable in the leather seats.

This wagon is a welcome addition to the Acura family, and, maybe, it can go a long way in showing America the goodness of a wagon.

If only consumers could realize how wagons were the 1st crossovers, before there were crossovers. If they just knew wagons can ride like sports sedans and, in a pinch, offer lots of cargo space.

Then, they might start to see the light. They might see the enlightened logic automotive journalists apply when selecting them as the true all-purpose modern vehicle.

Now, about diesels ...

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217

2011 Acura TSX sport wagon

Price: $30,960
Type: 5-passenger FWD wagon
Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC,
iVTE inline 4-cylinder
Power: 201 horsepower;
172 pound-feet torque
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
EPA gas mileage: 22 mpg city /
30 mpg highway
Report Card

Overall: *** 1/2
Exterior: Good. Crisp lines and new front end make the TSX sport wagon very nice looking.
Interior: Good. Well laid out and very functional. The center stack is crowded with too many buttons but versatility of cargo space is good.
Performance: Good. Smooth ride, good performance. Engine underpowered at moments, but quickly recovers.
Pros: Excellent for people who want luxury amenities along with a vehicle that offers versatility.
Cons: Many people shy away from wagons and the people who drive them.
**** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor

From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/autorev...#ixzz1JXrvCAvP

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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon
an AW Drivers Log

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: What a nice little wagon. The 4-cylinder is smooth, smooth, smooth and the power is a bit more than adequate. Comfortable seats, good driving position, smooth gearbox and quick steering--what's not to like? Too many buttons on the center console stack? Hmmm. Maybe.

The exterior styling didn't blow me away, but I wouldn't call it ugly as some have. Everything inside feels good, tight, solid and well built from good materials.

The ride is a wee bit harsh, but not overly so.

Overall, this is a more than pleasant practical little hauler.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: Wes took the words right out of my mouth--what a nice little wagon. Though the 4-banger might be on the light side with a full load, for most driving with 1 or 2 people on board, it's more than adequate. It's a high-revver that pulls strong right up to redline.

The seating position is instantly right, with minimal fiddling, which seems to set the car up for spirited driving right out of box. Like its sedan sibling, the TSX wagon delivers on performance handling--it's planted and goes where it's pointed, despite its underlying front-drive chassis. Does anyone make a better entry-luxe front-driver than Acura? Maybe Audi, maybe not. There's a lot to love here.

As much as we'd like Acura to give us a stick with this engine, the paddles help get the most out of the automatic. But even then, I'd like a more refined way to get in and out of manual mode, not just via shifting the center shift level in and out of S (I assume for Sport) mode to access manual paddle shifting.

Finally, the exterior size belies the amount of space in the interior--the real cargo hold, even without the seats folded down, seems huge. That kind of utility, combined with Acura performance and underlying Honda reliability, make this car a winner on several levels.

1 minor annoyance: For an upscale model, the lack of an extending sun visor to block the side window seems like an oversight. Even much less expensive cars now offer significantly better functionality than this Acura's visors.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: This car is a double dip for me. It's no secret around these parts that the Acura TSX is 1 of my favorite cars, and I happen to like wagons a lot, too. I subscribe to the ideology that a good number of families can get away with a wagon for most of their cargo-carrying needs and that many people who have SUVs don't really need them.

Before people start banging away on their keyboards in anger in the Comments section telling me I'm an idiot, please note that I do understand that there are households out there that do need the features offered by larger and more capable vehicle for various reasons (like towing or to haul a family of 8).

But as I said, I like wagons for the added versatility while maintaining a carlike drive character. From a drive standpoint, everything from the sedan carries over, including the almost hyperactive steering response (that takes some acclimating, but I like a lot), tight handling and comfortable ride quality. That's not too much of a surprise as there is only a minimal weight gain of 129 pounds for the wagon when compared with the sedan.

The 2.4-liter is the best 4-cylinder on the market, in my opinion. It's smooth, loves to rev and has sensational throttle response. Of course, more power would always be welcome, but at no time did I find myself thinking that the car felt slow and underpowered. However, here's where I have to shed a few tears. The slick 6-speed manual transmission is unfortunately not offered on the wagon model. Instead, the 5-speed automatic is the only transmission choice, which operates just fine with quick and crisp shifts and is entertaining with a good manual mode, but it's still a downer for drivers. I do understand Acura's reasoning behind not offering it, as sales would certainly be quite low for a clutch-pedal-equipped TSX wagon.

As for the added cargo-carrying space, there's a fair amount here. With the rear seats folded, there's 60.5 cubic feet of space, which is actually more than the BMW 328i wagon (54.7 cubic feet) and the Audi A4 Avant (56.5 cubic feet). Then there's additional storage underneath the floor in the trunk and a couple of other nooks and crannies back there to the side.

Cabin materials are high-quality, the front bucket seats offer good side support and the driving position is very comfortable. The center stack is busy with buttons, but learning where everything is doesn't take long.

I like the exterior profile, too. Overall, this is a handsome little wagon Acura has here. But Acura still needs to do something about the blade/beak grille. I'm getting a little used to it, but it's still a sore spot on all Acura vehicles. Hopefully, this blade grille goes away soon.

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Base Price: $35,470

As-Tested Price: $35,470

Drivetrain: 2.4-liter I4; FWD, five-speed automatic

Output: 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,599 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 25/22.4 mpg

Options: None

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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon: Car Seat Check

Wagons have come a long way. Gone is the faux-wood paneling (thank goodness). It’s been replaced by sleek lines and powerful engines in a package that still offers room for the kids and all their gear. New for 2011 is the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, which we recently put through our Car Seat Check. The TSX Sport Wagon can carry 5 passengers.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-8 passenger. The 3 child seats are installed in the 2nd row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant seat and convertible seats are installed behind the passenger seat. We also install the infant seat in the second row’s middle seat with the booster and convertible in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit. If there’s a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible.

Here’s how the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon did in MotherProof.com’s Car Seat Check:

Latch system: There are 2 sets of lower Latch anchors in the outboard seats. The anchors are behind large, vertical slits in the leather seats. It’s easy to use these anchors because there’s lots of room around them.

The wagon has three tether anchors. The outboard anchors are about 2-3rds down the seatback. The middle seat’s tether anchor is in the ceiling. We’re not fans of this placement because when in use, the child-safety seat’s tether strap will obscure the driver’s rear view. All of the tether anchors have plenty of clearance around them, making them easy to use.

Booster seat: The wagon’s aggressive outboard seat bolsters pushed our booster seat so far inboard that it ended up nearly sitting on top of the seat belt buckle. The buckles are recessed into the seat cushion, which worsens the problem. We removed the head restraint because it pushed the back of the booster seat forward.

Convertible seat: We also had to remove the head restraint when installing the forward-facing convertible. After doing so, the convertible fit well in the TSX Sport Wagon. The rear-facing convertible also fit well.

Infant-safety seat: We installed this rear-facing car seat without moving the front passenger seat forward.

How many car seats fit in the 2nd row? 2

Editor’s note: For 3 car seats—infant-safety seat, convertible and booster seats—to fit in a car, our criteria is that a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat.

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Scott Wasser: Going Back to the Future in Acura TSX Wagon

Acura’s TSX Sport Wagon is one of the latest attempts by automakers to convince American car buyers that station wagons can be cool. The TSX wagon is as sleek and stylish inside and outside.

You'd think that after reaping the harvest of cool new station wagons cultivated over the past few years, an auto writer could begin looking to the future instead of thinking about the past.

Not this 1.

Every time I get a new wagon to evaluate, I can't help but think back to when station wagons were a common sight on the nation's roads.

Seeing Acura's new-for-2011 TSX Sport Wagon for the first time launched me again on one of those metaphysical trips back in time. For some reason, my brain started digging through its collection of videotapes and began playing back one of a road trip from Pennsylvania to Florida.

We were traveling in separate vehicles with another family, mine in a minivan and the other family in an early-1980s Chevrolet Caprice Estate station wagon.

That thing was so big its rear bumper was still in Pennsylvania when the front end crossed the North Carolina border.

And it was as ugly as it was big, a bloated blob of sheet metal, glass and that self-stick vinyl stuff that actually looks a tiny bit like wood until the sun starts to fade it. (Which happened about 6 minutes after the vehicle left the dealer showroom.)

I have no clue how my brain works, but in this case I'm pretty sure the TSX Sport Wagon's stunning styling triggered my memories. Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon fans might disagree, but I think the TSX is the first vehicle that looks better as a wagon than a sedan.

If I were Ralph Lauren or Frank Lloyd Wright, I might be able to explain why the TSX Sport Wagon's lines and curves and creases work so well together. But I'm just a schlub who looks at the TSX Sport Wagon and sees cool ... elegant ... sporty.

I see that inside the TSX as well as out. At the risk of getting all Frank O. Gehry-ish on you, I love the way metallic accents swoop up from the console and center stack to a sensuously curved dashboard, creating the imagery of a seagull effortlessly gliding through the air.

Acura doesn't allow form to trump function. The TSX's instruments are legible at a glance, its switches and controls easy to reach and operate. Even its multifunction dial -- one of those features nobody needed that nevertheless became nearly ubiquitous in luxury vehicles -- is in a great spot and works intuitively.

So does the rest of the TSX Sport Wagon. Honda has always been known for building well-mannered and smartly engineered and equipped vehicles, and it created the Acura brand to push handling and luxury a bit further. Those qualities are all reflected in the TSX Sport Wagon.

For example, the Sport Wagon is available in only 2 configurations: Well-equipped and really well-equipped. For its $31,000 base price, the Sport Wagon delivers a slew of goodies. These include leather upholstery, satellite radio with USB audio input, heated power front seats, hands-free cell phone link, heated door mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, fog lights, xenon headlights and a power moonroof.

The only upgrade available is a $3,650 Technology Package. The package consists of a power tailgate, rearview camera, navigation system with 8-inch display and real-time traffic and weather, and an audiophile-caliber surround-sound system. The 10-speaker system includes a DVD-Audio player and a 15-Gb hard drive capable of storing more than 3,500 songs, according to Acura.

A different type of storage is likely to be of more interest to Sport Wagon buyers: The TSX has 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat and 60.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with its 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded.

There's also an additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage space and 3 smaller covered cubbies in the rear of the TSX.

You won't find that much space in the Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series wagons, which figure to be the TSX's main competitors. Perhaps more importantly given America's love affair with SUVs and crossovers, the Acura's cargo capacity compares very favorably with most small versions of those vehicles.

Since it is shorter, sleeker and lower than most SUVs and crossovers, the TSX Sport Wagon outdoes them in driving dynamics and fuel economy.

The TSX lives up to the "Sport" in its name by delivering terrific handling characterized by a beautifully weighted, responsive and linear steering system. The steering is communicative and accurate, enabling a driver to take advantage of a suspension system that keeps the Sport Wagon planted on the choppiest and curviest roads.

That kind of handling prowess can often take a toll on ride comfort, but that's not the case with the Sport Wagon. And the TSX absorbs outside noise about as well as it soaks up bumps. The acoustic damping techniques Acura applied to the windshield and bodywork appears to have paid dividends.

So did the work Acura did to tweak a bit more mileage from the 2.4-liter, in-line, 4-cylinder engine found in the Sport Wagon. The EPA rating of 22 city/30 highway mpg is pretty good, but I was more impressed with averaging around 28 mpg after a week behind the wheel (especially considering my heavy right foot).

I was a little less impressed with the engine's thrust. It responds instantly and generally feels pretty peppy, but like many Honda power plants it prefers high revs. It's not unfair to expect at least a little more low-end thrust in an upscale vehicle.

The 280-horsepower V6 available in the TSX Sedan delivers that, but Acura doesn't offer that engine or the sedan's available 6-speed manual gearbox in the Sport Wagon.

To its credit, the wagon's smooth and fluid five-speed automatic won't shift until the driver tells it to when its in manual override mode. But I have to believe the 6-speed manual could wring even more performance and better mileage out of the engine.

In addition to a bit more low-end power, I wish the TSX were available with all-wheel drive. But there's little else I'd ask for from Acura's TSX Sport Wagon. It's the type of vehicle that could help bring America's past of utilitarian station wagons back to the future.

Even the base Acura TSX wagon comes with leather upholstery, satellite radio with USB audio input, heated power front seats, hands-free cell phone link, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power moonroof.

NUTS AND BOLTS

WHAT IS IT? 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon, a stylish, sporty and luxurious alternative to small SUVs and crossovers.

WHAT’S IT COST? Starting price is $30,960, and the only option/upgrade is the $3,650 Technology Package included on the test car. As-tested MSRP was $35,470.

WHAT I LIKED BEST: Styling, utility, performance, fuel economy.

WHAT I LIKED LEAST: Not a lot of low-end thrust, no AWD option.

WHO’S IT FOR? Anyone in the market for a compact touring sedan who can appreciate the extra cargo carrying capacity and flexibility of a wagon.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS: 2.4-liter, 16-valve, iVTEC in-line 4 cylinder produces 201 horsepower, 170 pounds-feet of torque. Five-speed automatic. 106.4-inch wheelbase. 3,599-pound curb weight. Zero to 60 in 8.0 sec. (stopwatch). 22 city/30 highway mpg (EPA). Cargo space: 25.8/60.5 cubic feet with rear seatbacks up/folded.

Scott Wasser is executive editor of MaineToday Media. He writes a weekly auto column for the Sunday Telegram and other newspapers. He can be reached at

swasser@pressherald.com.

Aloha27

http://www.examiner/com/honda-and-ac...sx-sport-wagon

K100Fran

http://drivencarreviews.com/2011/03/...-video-review/

I didn't see this one posted, so I thought I'd add it. What I like the best about this video is, not only is it a great color choice, but it was filmed in my old neighborhood of Fort Lawton in Seattle.

Kronos595

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10RQg0SRPZw

It seems most reviewers have mentioned the 5 speed auto as the main downside. I am surprised Honda didn't put in the 6 speed auto for the 2011 year. It'll be pretty ridiculous if it isn't at least in the 2012.

cisobe

http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...io-review.html

DunedinBG

Yeah the Acura Sports Wagon is sharp. I agree with some of you...it is a must see in person fo' sho'!!! I work for Acura and have driven the sedan and the wagon...you will loose some pick up speed in the wagon. Kinday funny it has an electronic rear hatch and yet the RDX still does not offer this feature boo boo :-(

spd_freak

That is some good info there - going in to the dealershipto test drive one later today.

Thanks for the informative posts.

Praks

Hammer97e

Just a warning, if you do, you will buy it.

cisobe

If you can find one...

cisobe

http://www.carguydad.com/2011-acura-...t-it-could-be/

TSX69

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Road Test

ProsAgile handling; generous cargo room; stylish, ergonomic cabin; impressive standard features.

Cons
Underpowered 4-cylinder engine; weak braking; stiff ride for some.

View Edmunds Ratings
View Road Test Specs

Do Americans Still Want a Wagon?
By Dan Frio, Automotive Editor

If you forget for a moment Acura's controversial styling direction of the last half decade, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon may actually be the luxury automaker's boldest move in recent memory. Testing a 5-door edition of its bread-and-butter sedan in a market generally averse to wagons, Acura opens itself up to distraction and embarrassment. After all, times are tough for wagons, as the crossover sport-utilities have pushed them off the buying consideration list for many. Indeed, the Volvo wagon that once was an icon of the American landscape is gradually disappearing with the decision to discontinue the V70 wagon for 2011 and the impending end to the smaller V50.

Then again, Acura has hedged its bet with modest sales goals and ease of production; the TSX Sport Wagon is already sold in Japan and Europe as a Honda Accord wagon. And on 2nd look, the company's strategy seems sound. At $35,470, a fully featured TSX Sport Wagon costs less than a base Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series wagon, has more room for stuff than the Audi, and gets better fuel economy than the BMW.

Then again, the TSX won't exactly quicken your pulse, nor does it offer all-wheel drive like its premium rivals. The Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, meanwhile, offers more cargo room for less money, but is decidedly stodgier in its look and drive. The slightly smaller Volvo V50 is also worth consideration. At almost the same cost, the Volvo puts up better performance numbers than the TSX Sport Wagon and matches it for style.

Performance
The 4-cylinder engine in the new 2011 TSX Sport Wagon makes enough power to get by, but not much more. The 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque generated by the 2.4-liter inline-4 are just enough to hustle this 3,594-pound wagon out of its own way. Fortunately, the standard 5-speed automatic transmission makes the TSX feel faster than it is. Once you engage the Sport mode, the transmission hangs onto gears until the driver commands a shift from the paddles on the steering wheel. (The paddles also work in standard Drive mode, although the transmission will still shift at its own discretion.)

Conferring the "Sport" designation on the TSX wagon is a generous interpretation of the word, however. In Edmunds performance testing, the TSX Sport Wagon takes a relaxing 8.8 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph — about the same as the diesel-powered Jetta SportWagen (another broad application of "Sport"). But what the TSX wagon lacks in power, it makes up for with respectable fuel economy, since it's rated at 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway — better than the BMW wagon and with the slightest edge on the Audi.

The TSX Sport Wagon's stiff body structure and firm suspension calibration compensate for some of the engine's shortcomings, though. A unique hoop-style body structure reduces chassis flex, while a front double-wishbone and rear multilink suspension (in tandem with electric steering first developed on the Acura NSX supercar), offers crisp reaction in corners or during evasive maneuvers in traffic. Enthusiasts will enjoy the taut control of the suspension dampers, although for many the ride may be too firm.

At the same time, while the TSX Sport Wagon can hide some of its mass on twisty roads, its weight reveals itself fully when trying to stop. In Edmunds brake testing, this car requires 127 feet to stop from 60 mph, just average for its class.

Comfort
Like the sedan, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon envelops the driver and front passenger in a similar cockpit-style layout. It's not tight, but there's a distinct compartment feel that won't suit everyone. But the firm, shapely seats further the wagon's sporting intent, as does the compact leather ring of a steering wheel. Even the leather-topped shift knob and boot feel as though they came from something with a racing pedigree.

Sealed pillars, thicker glass and generous sound-absorbing material hold road and wind noise at bay, making the TSX Sport Wagon quiet transport, but also adding to its overall heft.

Function
A wagon delivers a different kind of utility than a typical crossover. As a vehicle, it is more like a car than a truck, so it's sleeker, lighter and more fuel-efficient. It is a passenger car in people-mover terms, offering easier ingress and egress and a quieter, more luxurious cabin environment. The cargo space it offers isn't necessarily large, but the low liftover height and flat load floor make it slightly more useful on a daily basis, especially because you don't have to get past an enormous crossover-style hatch to get to it.

With nearly 61 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the 60/40-split rear seat folded down, the TSX Sport Wagon beats the Audi A4 and essentially ties the BMW. Only the two bulky housings surrounding the Acura's rear suspension obstruct an otherwise flat load floor. A power liftgate rises to yield an opening that's 28 inches high, while the liftover height into the cargo area is just 24 inches off the ground, which makes lifting and sliding objects into the cargo hold a cinch. The rear area also offers a handful of secret stash compartments that would make a CIA director envious.

Acura marketing centers on advanced technology, and the TSX Sport Wagon features most of the modern convenience trappings you'd expect. The center stack is thick with buttons, most of them shortcuts to functions also controlled through the multimedia display. We found some features were better accessed using the chunky dial stalk and menu screens, while the buttons were saved for the most frequently used functions (like constantly toying with audio frequencies).

Opting for a TSX Sport Wagon with the Technology package not only nets a navigation system, but also a hard drive that stores 15 gigabytes' worth of music. It's a small feature of seemingly limited importance, especially as smartphones proliferate. The digital compression used to store large music files will make audiophiles gnash, but the sound is minimally compromised and most folks will wonder how they lived without it.

Design/Fit and Finish
Inside the TSX Sport Wagon, the driver interfaces — gauges, center stack, navigation — are arrayed with an artist's eye and encased in a wavy dash cowl that curves down into the center stack. Even though the brushed aluminum accents are in fact plastic, the whole presentation from dash to door panel is a muted and classy look. The "floating dials" in the gauge cluster are an additional styling flourish.

Leather-wrapped surfaces like the seats, steering wheel, shift knob and door armrests enhance the TSX Sport Wagon's premium feel. This is a car that could comfortably swallow whole sections of interstate thoroughfares and never leave you feeling tired or cheap after a long day. That said, we did notice that the hard plastic areas most prone to rough contact — seat bases, glovebox door — easily mar and scratch.

Who should consider this vehicle
The formula isn't inventive; take a successful sedan, stretch it and add a hatch. The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon can serve multiple masters, ranging from the couple who rides mountain bikes on the weekend or the busy parent shuttling between soccer and piano lessons to the animal rescue volunteer taking a Great Dane down to the bark park. Anyone who covets civility and versatility — with occasional inspiration to hammer the throttle on two-lanes — will consider the TSX Sport Wagon money well spent.

But the TSX also competes in an inscrutable segment. Americans tend to like wagons of the German sporting persuasion, or those that evoke domestic muscle like the late, lamented Dodge Magnum. Japanese wagons haven't enjoyed much success since Honda dropped its Accord variant back in the mid-1990s. To attract enthusiast buyers to the TSX, Acura might need to offer its turbo 4-cylinder or even a V6 matched to all-wheel drive.

Then again, if you're looking for a slightly more useful sedan — especially one that doesn't carry a penalty in fuel efficiency — then the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a worthy consideration, one that might make Acura's gamble in a new market segment pay off.

TSX69

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon:
What It Is & What It Could Be

Car reviews, much like annual performance reviews, can be tricky to write. Love the car and you’ll be labeled a fan-boy. Hate the car and you’ll be labeled, well, a hater. Most writers find a few things they love, few things they hate, throw all into the mix and bam, a review. A writer whom I respect calls it “The Wobble” and chances are that at some point we all have all been guilty of doing it.

It’s easy to be a critic, but it’s tougher to be a constructive critic. I just spent a weekend with the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, and as a critic I’m tempted to write simply that I liked it – but I couldn’t love it. As a constructive critic, however, I’ve decided to offer a solution that would change my opinion, and perhaps the opinion of others as well, from “like” to “love”.

The idea stemmed from looking the TSX over and just realizing that it could look so much better with so little effort. Don’t get me wrong. This is a great car. It drives smoothly. It corners well. The engine and transmission combination is more than adequate. The interior is nice, and if it is not opulent it is at least high quality. The seats are very comfortable, and there is plenty of storage room. Frankly, there isn’t much wrong with the TSX wagon. Still, I couldn’t help imagine how much better it could look with some simple changes.

The fact that Acura launched a wagon version of its popular TSX sedan is a rather brave undertaking considering that wagons are typically not appreciated in the United States. This Sport Wagon comes with a 4-cylinder engine matched to an automatic transmission and propelling the front wheels. Dig around the internet a little and you’ll find reviewers asking for a V6 engine, or a turbo engine, a manual transmission, and/or all-wheel-drive system. Forget it. It’s not going to happen.

Adding a V6 engine and/or the AWD system would drive the TSX Wagon’s price into the $40,000 range. Acura would need to replace their badge with four rings or a blue-and-white propeller in order to move more than a handful of them off the dealer lots. A manual transmission by contrast, would cost less than the automatic does – and it’s already available with the sedan. The question becomes: does it make financial sense to offer a low-volume model such as this wagon with 2 different transmissions?

The simple answer is that it does not, due to costs of EPA testing and production, and that is why Acura is not offering it. However, after spending a long weekend with the TSX Sport Wagon, I am convinced that the Sport Wagon needs a manual transmission. In addition, the car could benefit from a whole sport treatment, not unlike that of the Audi’s S-Line or Acura’s own Type S version. The really good news is that this treatment does not have to cost a significant amount of money but it could lead to a significant increase in sales. It would also increase brand perception to people between thirty and forty year olds. Those buyers – the same people who owned Integras, Civics, and Preludes in the 1990s – have walked away from Acura/Honda in the past few years.

My idea of the more appealing and not much more expensive TSX Sport Wagon is this:

* Remove all chrome/silver trim from door-handles, fog-light bezels, and around windows. Chrome, or this polished metallic trim, has been out of style for decades now, so why is it on a Sport Wagon? Replace with black, gray or body color (as applicable).

* Remove the roof-rack and the visual weight that goes with it. I love the utility of a roof-rack but a vast majority of people will use it once a year to transport their Christmas tree. Make it an option or accessory. This would also reduce production and overall costs (one less part to make and install).

* Paint the grill in body color, and paint the trim around it in deviating dark gray.

Having done all that, it would be rather simple to add a few more elements of sporty appearance:

* Add larger, 18-inch (vs. 17-inch), wheels, also painted gray. I used ’07-’09 Acura TL Type S wheels in the graphic for the sake of simplicity and OEM appearance.

* Lower the car. I could not find any information of payload limits of the wagon vs. sedan but it is fair to assume that they are similar; therefore there are no tricks in designing the suspension to be able to accept additional weight. BMW installs air-suspension on their 5-series Tourings but there is no need for that here. Adjust spring rating and shock valving, done.

* Look carefully at the altered image and you will see the multi-piston calipers from the TL Type-S (and RL). Since those are already in the Honda parts bin, might as well throw them on our improved wagon. The three people who will actually autocross or track this wagon would appreciate them, while the rest would show them off on internet message boards and everyone would be happy, at a very low cost.

The above alternations can be accomplished with minimum research and development costs. While the result would lack the power and more secure handling which a V6 engine and SH AWD, respectively, would provide, it would take a nice wagon and give it a more sporty character. My untrained eye sees the cost of this “package” (the whole treatment could be an option, such as the S-Line or M-Sport Package on German cars) at no more than $2,000 added to the wagon’s base line of $30,960.

This brings us to the topic of price. At $31,820 base price (with “destination” charge) and the only option being the technology package at $3650, the TSX is a great value. Its nearest competitors start at $37,650 and $38,575 for the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 328iT, respectively. Start checking off option boxes and the Germans can swell into the $45,000 range. However, the most unlikely contender to the TSX could be Honda’s own Accord Crosstour, which stickers at $34,000 with a V6 engine and AWD system, albeit not Acura’s Super-Handling 1.

The TSX Technology Package includes a nav system, power tailgate, back-up camera, and an awesome sound system with a 15GB hard-drive. I am not fully convinced that it is worth the money; the car is small enough for anyone to manually operate the tailgate and the visibility is good enough to confidently maneuver in reverse. The nav system is nice, and in a typical Honda fashion overflowing with buttons but it’s nothing you can’t get used to. Did I mention how awesome the ELS Surround audio system is? It should be standard.

Knowing its limited market share, Acura played it safe with the TSX Sport Wagon and offered a car that would appeal to a majority of buyers. This created a car which lacks the ability to live up to the sporting image which was baked into the Acura brand from the moment the first Integra arrived on American shores. The TSX Sport Wagon, with the emphasis on “sport”, has the potential to call out to those lost sheep and bring them back into the fold. Acura needs those people if it wants to regain the credibility it once had.

spd_freak

Test drove both the 2.4 Manual, and the 2.2 Turbo Diesel.

Since the 2011 facelift has been launched here, I am hoping that the old spec will go at a discounted rate, will be going to the dealership to see what they can do for me.

Just sold my 06 Type S today, already suffering with withdrawal symptoms.

only if I can get a good rate on the 2.2TD, with the 6spd manual box, the 132kW/ 380Nm motor should be pretty fun to drive

will post pics soon

PS: Sorry for the hijack

Sweeney's TSX SptWag

All Good infor... I hope all you guys are right. I just bought one, sight unseen over the phone. seems the supply is super slim because of Japan's production issues after the quake. My Colorado dealer expects only 3 cars in the next 3 to 4 months. One the those was already sold, one is a demo and the next is mine Anyone want to buy an AWESOME MINI?

cisobe

It's a great car, I test drove a wide variety of cars before we settled on the TSX Wagon. Drove a Mazda3 hatch, VW Jetta Sportwagen, Subaru Forester & Outback... and looked at a VW GTI, Lexus CT200h at a car show...

The Mazda3 was too small, so was the GTI... Forester & Outback was decent, but fit and finish was only ok... the VW Jetta Sportwagen TDi was underwhelming, low end torque was decent, but felt sluggish.. fit and finish was again, only ok...

The Lexus styling didn't really appeal to me, and it didn't seem to have as much space in the rear...

I think you'll be happy with your car... though buying it sight unseen is a little iffy... but at least you'll be able to inspect it before you take delivery...

Speed2000

I picked one up about 3 weeks ago and love it. I really don't see what all the fuss is about not having a stick or V6. The car is plenty fast and Atlanta traffic will make you an autobox convert in ten minutes. All wheel drive maybe for folks living in the snow belt, but why would you drive a nice car in those conditions anyway?

Anyone know how many made it over before the quake? I'd be concerned that any car coming from there now might have a few radioactive parts sourced from the northern part of the region or assembled by s

TSX69

Fresh from Europe: A Japan Built Wagon

AS the world has grown smaller, Americans have acquired tastes that were once foreign. Soccer, si. Sushi, yum. The Euro-style sport wagon? Forget it.

Like most others who write about cars, I can’t drive a station wagon without bemoaning their withered sales. I’ve worn down my shrink asking why we Yanks, given the choice between a wagon and an S.U.V. — a vehicle that’s heavier, clumsier and often no roomier — will choose the S.U.V. every time. It’s especially illogical that more fuel-efficient wagons are getting the bum’s rush when gas prices have soared.

But there’s little sense fighting it. So ignore my praise of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon, just as you would dismiss a glowing review of the latest Senegalese pop sensation. Instead, throw those conformist bucks at, oh, an Acura RDX, a turbocharged crossover sport utility that costs more, gets 6 to 8 fewer miles per gallon on the highway and offers no appreciable advantages in roominess or roadworthiness.

With an RDX, at least you won’t need to justify your choice to the neighbors, already hemming you in with their BMW X Box, Mercedes High-Class or other status-flaunting luxury S.U.V. And while the TSX isn’t as splashy as upscale wagons like the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series or Cadillac CTS, it costs $7,000 to $14,000 less.

But a handful of smart iconoclasts with a taste for driving — or maybe Senegalese pop — will find this TSX a slick-driving, money-saving delight. Maybe they can start a club with other wagon owners, including the Volvo die-hards and Caddy-come-latelys, to somehow make the station wagon cool again.

Until then, this TSX, a version of which is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord wagon, will fly under the radar and around many S.U.V.’s.

The Acura benefits from being built on a strong foundation, that of the TSX sedan, a car known for the supernatural refinement of its engines and suspension; it is, come to think of it, an ideal donor on which to base a nimble, practical and reasonably priced wagon.

Removing the bandages from Acura’s sedan-to-wagon surgery also reveals a more striking car. The TSX wagon looks strong but not stolid, with a handsomely draped body and a rising beltline that wraps an aggressive-yet-elegant rear end. And as on the 2011 sedan, Acura’s shieldlike “power plenum” grille has been blessedly toned down.

Despite a mere 3.6-inch stretch over the sedan, this smartly packaged wagon carves out more cargo space, both behind the second row and with that seat folded, than its Audi, BMW or Cadillac rivals — and more than nearly any compact luxury S.U.V. There’s 25.8 cubic feet behind the split rear seat and 60.5 with the seat down. Yet the Acura is 5.7 inches shorter than the current Honda Accord sedan (the TSX is based on the shorter Accord sold abroad).

I helped my friend Matt move in Manhattan, and we crammed a surprising amount of gear into the TSX, filling every cranny of its 70-inch cargo floor — long enough for a surfboard, Acura boasts. (Fortunately, our target was Tribeca, not Pismo Beach). My achy back was grateful for the low load floor, barely 24 inches off the ground.

Inside, the TSX’s finishes, like those in other Acuras, are becoming redolent of old camcorders. It looks well-constructed, but there’s a periodic table’s worth of faux-metal surfaces and a creeping sense of design complacency.

After recent struggles to find its identity and increase its prestige, Acura has dropped plans to directly take on 1st-tier luxury brands like BMW and Lexus, in favor of a smart luxury strategy. And while bang-for-the-buck may well be where Acura’s true soul resides, it must tread carefully: it is still a luxury brand, and if it doesn’t fulfill that promise, buyers may decide they’re better off with a loaded Honda. Or a Hyundai.

Another issue is Acura’s too-busy central control panel. I counted 37 switches, despite the presence of a double-ring, rotary-knob controller that should theoretically help relieve the button overload. There are 15 switches on the steering wheel.

On a more positive note, the TSX wagon delivers on sophisticated performance, technology and value. The TSX starts at $31,845, which is $1,350 more than the sedan. That rises to $35,495 for the Technology Package version, which adds Honda’s navigation system, perhaps the industry’s best in terms of mapping, route calculation speed and ease of use.

The TSX wagon’s 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower 4-cylinder (the only engine available in the wagon) sounds like a paper tiger, and its acceleration time of 8.8 seconds to 60 m.p.h., according to Edmunds Inside Line, would give some powerful 6-cylinder rivals time to stop for coffee. But when a 4-cylinder is this good, it’s no chore to drive. This signature-supple Honda soars to 7,100 r.p.m., emitting an eager intake whoosh as the tachometer needle climbs.

One disappointment is the lack of an all-wheel-drive option, something that’s available on nearly every wagon rival. But pay no mind to critics who grouse about a shortage of cylinders. When Acura 1st offered the Accord’s V-6 in the TSX sedan, all it did was drive up the price and drive down the mileage; it stumbled badly with critics and buyers.

The 4-cylinder, on the other hand, literally pays you back, holding down the price and improving fuel mileage. Rated at 22 m.p.g. in town and 30 on the highway, the TSX returned an exceptional 33 m.p.g. on 1 long highway run, easily beating the federal estimate.

Crocodile tears have been shed over Acura’s decision not to offer a manual transmission. But with Acura forecasting sales of about 4,000 TSX wagons a year, and fewer than 3% of sedan buyers choosing the manual, the company could not justify the investment to satisfy the 100 to 150 Americans who might buy 1.

The 5-speed automatic transmission, however, remains a soft spot, especially in light of the 6-speed in the larger Acura TL. There’s a Sport mode, though, which prevents unwanted upshifts when the car flirts with the red line, the maximum recommended engine speed.

As for sporty credentials, it’s worth recalling that the TSX sedan is already a longtime benchmark among budget sport sedans. And because the wagon weighs just 129 pounds more, the sedan’s well-groomed nature is part of the deal. You get the same finely weighted steering, as sensitive as a Bennington poetry major. I only wished for an optional sport package, with a firmer suspension and performance tires.

For years, when I’ve thought about cars I’d buy for myself, I’ve often homed in on the Volkswagen GTI, or dreamed of a used BMW M3. But with a young daughter at home, those thoughts have expanded to include roomier machines.

The TSX Sport Wagon is now officially on that list. This is the rare, do-everything family car that automakers are always going on about: handsome, practical, entertaining, technically advanced and fuel-efficient. Yet unlike, say, a Porsche Cayenne, its price is solidly mainstream.

In other words, Americans will hate it.

TSX69

Long Term Update 2: 2011 Acura TSX Wagon

The Acura TSX Sport Wagon has been part of our long-term fleet for only 4 months, but in that time, it has acquired many admirers. "I'm smitten," says senior editor Jonny Lieberman. Editor at large Ron Kiino proclaims, "I love it." Assistant Art Director William Walker coolly states, "It's great," while associate online editor Nate Martinez has even grown to "admire this car massively."

So where is all this love coming from? TSX SW, how do we love thee? Let me count the ways: 1st, after hopping in the TSX Sport Wagon for the 1st time since we've had it in fleet, after driving for a few miles, I momentarily lost track of what vehicle I was driving. With the texture and quality of the leather, the size and feel of the steering wheel (Lieberman calls it "hefty without being overly meaty"), the weight of the steering, and the comfort and luxury of the seats, I thought I was driving a BMW. I had to look at the badge on the steering wheel to remind myself I was driving the Acura. "I love the weight of the steering," Lieberman continues to gush, "I love the grip, I love the turn-in, the bite, I love the urgency from just 2.4 liters, and I love that it's a station wagon."

Which brings me to my 2nd point: cornering ability. There were times while driving the TSX Sport Wagon that I forgot I was in a wagon. Between the grip of the tires and the crisp handling, this Acura certainly brings the "Sport" to Sport Wagon. As Kiino puts it: "This car is a blast on a twisty road. Great balance, sharp turn-in, and very easy to hustle safely."

3rd, the throttle is no-nonsense; exactly what I expect of throttle response in every car. No leaping forward as the car attempts to drag race the vehicle next to me and no hesitation, as if the car is waiting until it's good and damn well ready to go. No, the TSX has accurate pedal feel, accelerating when and how much I tell it to, without any funny business.

Last, the TSX Sport Wagon is a wonderful blend of fun and versatility, hence the name. As Lieberman puts it, "Think multi-tool. That's what the TSX Wagon is. Fast and sporty at times, comfortable and luxurious at others and always able to haul lots and lots of stuff." What's not to love?

Our Car
Months/mi in service 4/8111
Avg econ/CO2 25.4 mpg/0.76 lb/mi
Energy consumption 133 kW-hr/100 mi
Unresolved problems None
Maintenance cost $0
Normal-wear cost $0

xjohnkdoex

iTrader: (2)

the wagon has really grown on me in terms of looks. it looks really nice in person. saw a few of them over the past few weeks.

its definitely on my radar if i decide to get a relatively bigger car.

TSX69

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon:
Child Safety Seat Fitment Test

A while back on another TSX Sport Wagon post I saw a comment asking about how well child safety seats fit. Presumably, the commenter was wondering how well the TSX might work out as a family wagon. Well, I live to serve. I dragged out my collection of kiddie seats over the weekend and strapped them in. Acura versus Britax. Read on.

1st up was a Britax Companion reverse-facing seat. If you're unfamiliar with safety seats, these are the ones used for infants, and they're typically the hardest to install because they take up so much legroom. The TSX fared adequately. I 1st tried the safety seat behind the driver seat that was positioned for me (I'm 5-foot 10-inches). I had to move the driver seat forward a few inches to get the seat installed.

But once the safety seat was locked in, I could move the driver seat back close to its original position, but not my ideal. From the passenger side, things will obviously be just fine as long as you don't have a front passenger. And even if you do, adults fewer than 6 feet tall should still be adequately comfortable.

1 thing I do like about the TSX is the cut-out slits for the LATCH anchors. This makes it a lot easier to locate them and then install the buckles.

Next was a Britax Marathon reversible seat. I tried it in a forward-facing position. The TSX had 2 things going for it: removable rear headrests and not too much bolstering on the seat cushion. Headrests can interfere with getting the safety seat snug against the seatback, while bolstering can interfere with having it sit flush on the bottom. I had to use a towel to help get the right angle on the bottom, but otherwise this went fine, including the LATCH anchors and the tether anchor in the cargo area.

Finally, I threw in a Recaro Vivo booster seat. As long as you can remove the headrest, there's usually no problem putting in a safety seat like this. The only thing I don't really like is the way the TSX's seatbelt buckles are somewhat buried in the seat. They are hard to grab a hold of when you're reaching around the booster seat trying to strap your kid in.

Well, there you have it. Overall, the TSX seems like it'll do fine as a family vehicle from a safety seat standpoint. But I'll really be putting our TSX Sport Wagon to the test in a couple days as I'll be loading my family for a 4th of July road trip.

Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 8,639 miles

TSX69

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon
Euro Accord Makes a Great Estate

Station wagons are a bit like free dinners. Your parents appreciate them, auto journalists love them and nobody buys them. It's that last trait that's led to the near extinction of the family wagon, save for a few luxury rigs, a Volkswagen and a Subaru. And why not? Who needs a station wagon when a crossover is just as roomy, not as efficient and generally more expensive?

Given the current state of the wagon in the U.S., we were resigned to the fact that the stubby 2-box was on its way to oblivion. But that hasn't stopped Honda from turning the European Accord into the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. And putting our auto-journo biases aside for the moment, we're damn glad they did.

The Acura TSX Sport Wagon may be brand-new to the U.S., but under its newly shaped sheetmetal is the same TSX we've come to appreciate, albeit with more cargo room and another $1,350 added to the bottom line. The Sport Wagon starts at $30,960, and with Acura's $3,650 Technology Package, our tester tipped the scales at $34,610.

Anyone who has ever priced out an Acura model knows that opting for the high-end package means that just about every option is included. That doesn't change for the TSX Sport Wagon, as the Technology Package includes navigation, Bluetooth, a power tailgate, voice recognition and 10-speaker ELS Surround audio with a 15 GB hard disk for audio storage.

That's a lot of kit for $3,650, but the plethora of tech options won't entice the luxury car buyer if the exterior doesn't look great. It helps that the TSX wears Acura's corporate beak more convincing than most of its its larger, more expensive siblings. Perhaps the smaller stance of the TSX makes the front end look less like James Bond's Jaws with an overbite. But does the two-box wagon design change that? We're thinking yes, but only for the better. The wagon's well-tapered profile gives the TSX a visual boost, while chrome roof rails, attractive 17-inch wheels and body-color moldings give this middle-management hauler a touch of class.

Still, the TSX is a bit of a tweener when it comes to luxury cred. The wagon starts at over $30k and it wears an Acura badge, yet it comes up a bit short in the swaddled and pampered department. Why? The interior. Sure, our tester came equipped with all the leather and tech gizmos expected in this echelon of the market, but the problem lies with materials that aren't quite up to snuff. The center arm rest is Honda+, with run-of-the-mill materials and little cushion. The doors are dressed in utilitarian garb, and the dash struggles to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion. 2 solid rides, no doubt, but neither are trying to campaign as luxury rides.

But while the TSX falls short of lux, we'd add that the wagon's duds are more than adequate for most. The steering wheel, while loaded with a complicated combination of buttons, feels premium and the seats are well-bolstered and comfy enough for most any rump. The addition of the Technology Package gave our tester all the amenities we've come to expect from vehicles in this price range, and while we've seen easier to use systems, there was little trouble pairing our smartphone or accessing the music on our MP3 player via the USB input.

Being a wagon, there's ample storage space, and even with the 2nd row upright, you can fit a commendable amount of stuff in the 25.8 cubic feet of storage out back. Stow that 2nd row and you're treated to 60 cubic feet of space, or more room than many mid-size crossovers.

The cabin of the TSX Sport Wagon does have a pair of weaknesses that could cause issues. The 1st is an over-abundance of buttons that can overwhelm the driver. At times, we found ourselves staring at the center stack, just hoping for the proper button or knob to jump out at us. This is a problem that both Acura and Honda share, and 1 that needs to be addressed ASAP. The 2nd is that if you're hoping the TSX Sport Wagon can also pull family duty, keep on wishing. The wagon lacks the leg room to keep rear passengers comfy over long hauls, with only 34.3 cubic inches of space for feet and legs of all shapes and sizes. Even the much smaller Honda Fit sports more leg room.

Lucky for us, we didn't need to tote around many passengers during our week with the wagon. That means we often found ourselves behind the wheel all alone, and given the TSX's surprisingly nimble driving dynamics, that's more than okay with us. It begins with the addictively rev-happy 2.4-liter 4-cylinder resting behind the bottle opener grille. The TSX Sport Wagon weighs 3,599 pounds, which sounds like a V6 would be required, but why add cylinders if they're not needed? Acura seems to think so, since it's not offering the 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 as an option, even though it can be had in the TSX sedan.

This marvelously smooth 4-cylinder powerplant boasts a ho-hum 201 horsepower at a sky-high 7,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 revolutions, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. We couldn't help but scour the road ahead to search out areas where we could safely bury the throttle in the carpet. Acceleration from a stop isn't particularly impressive – likely about 7 seconds to 60 mph – but once on the move, the free-reving 4 moves the tach as easily as anything within earshot of 200 ponies. It's disappointing that the TSX still features an old-school 5-speed automatic transmission, but this slushbox is still silky smooth, something we've come to expect from Honda and its luxury arm.

Since we're talking about a 4-cylinder with a displacement of only 2.4-liters, fuel economy is still very respectable. The Environmental Protection Agency tells us that the TSX Sport Wagon is capable of 30 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 mpg in city driving. We managed 24.2 mpg in mixed driving during our time with the wagon; not bad for a vehicle with more cargo capacity than many crossovers in the mid-size segment.

A spirited mill can only strive for greatness if it also has the benefit of a willing chassis. This is where the TSX Sport Wagon shines brightest of all. Acura engineers went with an independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs and an independent multi-link rear paired with coil springs and thicker rear stabilizer bar. That high-quality suspension hardware feels very athletic, thanks in part to pricey Michelin Pilot P225/50R17 93V rubber.

If we can describe the chassis performance in only a few words, we'd say this high-end wagon features one of the best front-wheel-drive sedan setups we've had the pleasure of driving. The TSX earns this designation thanks to a magnificently dialed-in feel that lacks the body roll or general sloppiness of most crossovers. The electric variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering doesn't offer an abundance of feedback and it can feel a bit heavy around town, but the steering comes across as crisp and accurate.

While the TSX Sport Wagon falls a bit short of the luxury bar, we couldn't care less. It's not overly fast, roomy or plush, but it wins our hearts and minds thanks to a terrific powertrain and chassis that kept us entertained. That this TSX is a true sports wagon is simply icing on the cake. While we Americans love our cake, it's unfortunate that buyers probably won't give the TSX Sport Wagon the love it deserves – it's worth a look.

TSX69

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

The angular dark red 5-door you see here is the answer to your prayers – or at least that’s what Acura hopes.

Enthusiasts, those Leftlane embraces, have clamored for more wagon offerings in the United States – a market once dominated with these family-friendly (vista) cruisers. Over the last 30 years, the cycle of cool saw families jump ship 1st to geeky minivans then to rugged SUVs and finally to milquetoast crossovers. In some ways, it looks like evolution is bringing us back into the wagon fold as crossovers become ever-more station wagon-like.

Not 1 of these family-friendly options is even remotely enjoyable to operate on the kind of curvy road enthusiasts consider heavenly, but those “in the know” have long snapped up compact and midsize European wagons for loved 1 hauling with alacrity.

The only problem? While there is no shortage of Internet wagon-loving fanboys, these masters of the keyboard simply aren’t buying enough wagons. As a result, the offerings have dwindled… until now.

What is it?
Based on Honda’s global compact and midsize architecture, the Acura TSX Sportwagon is the premium brand’s 1st foray into the world of roomy 5-doors.

That’s not to say that Acura parent Honda is a novice. Outside of North America, you’ll find this wedgy wagon with a Honda Accord badge. If you’re one of the enthusiasts Acura is hoping to lure in, you probably already know that Honda split off its North American Accord from its primarily Japanese and European Accord a few generations ago. While the American Accord sprouted cupholders and a big back seat, the global car got in shape to square off against cars like entry-level BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models.

The Sportwagon arrived in North America earlier this year as a 2011 model. Just 1 powertrain is offered, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed automatic. Want a V6 or a stick? You’ll have to settle with a TSX sedan. Or you could move to France. Au revoir!

Any breakthroughs?
On sale for a couple of years overseas, the TSX Sportwagon hardly qualifies as “brand new.” Still, it’s the cheapest wagon you’ll find from a premium brand in the U.S., and that alone is something of a milestone.

Our tester came loaded to the gills, but since Acura offers just 2 models and a choice of 6 paint schemes, that means you’ll have an easy enough time finding an identical one at your local dealer. The upmarket TSX Tech Package adds navigation, an ELS audio system and a power tailgate.

What’s it up against?
Since enthusiasts are apparently all bark and no bite, the wagon world has done nothing but shrink until now. But there are still a few options: The Saab 9-3 SportCombi, BMW 328i Sports Wagon and Audi A4 Avant. Note that each 1 has its own take on the traditional “station wagon” moniker.

Volvo, long synonymous with Euro-style 5-doors, will officially exit the traditional wagon market for 2012 in the U.S.

How does it look?
Viewed head-on, the TSX Sportwagon is indistinguishable from its sedan brethren. That means that it gets Acura’s latest beak/can opener (take your pick) fascia, a style that looks a little gawky until you park it next to the automaker’s larger TL. By comparison, the TSX is a thing of beauty.

On lighter colors, the silver-finish front grille blends reasonably well, but our Basque Red Pearl (should we really name colors after this contentious region?) tester offered too much contrast for the grille bling.

The TSX Sportwagon’s biggest changes occur out back, where a hangin’-out-there tailgate opens with the press of a button to reveal an enormous trunk. The tailgate slopes out toward the rear bumper rather than straight down, an effect maximized by a chunky rear bumper and lots of gate-mounted cladding. Angular tail lamps recall the regular 4-door, as do details like twin exhaust pipes, 5-spoke wheels and chrome door handles.

No, it’s not the prettiest wagon, but neither is the TSX the market’s sexiest entry-luxury sedan. Still, the clean look isn’t likely to drive off potential buyers.

And on the inside?
Mirroring the TSX sedan, the Sportwagon receives aggressively bolstered leather-trimmed seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel and paddle shifters, all of which give off a genuinely sporty vibe.

A symmetrical dashboard ensures easy conversion between right and left hand drive, but the center stack is busy with lots of controls for the Tech Pack’s navigation system. A big twist-knob sprouts from the center of the upper dashboard, looking more like an unexpected wart than a simple control knob. Below, a stubby gear lever looks more like a stick than an automatic until you try to row through the gears.

While the seats are well bolstered, they’re also too well lumbared, something we’ve noticed in other Acuras. At least they’re well cushioned otherwise and we liked the perforated leather. The aforementioned 3-spoke wheel is loaded with buttons, but we did like the premium leather.

That premium feel permeates the rest of the cabin, where no surface aside from the chintzy rough plastic surrounding the center stack switchgear belies the Acura’s premium-level price tag. No, it doesn’t approach Audi or BMW, but neither does the sticker price.

Climbing to the back seat, we found gobs of leg room but relatively compact headroom dictated by the standard moonroof. But the biggest surprise came in the rear, where that caboose offers plenty of room for luggage.

Acura has long billed itself as a purveyor of high-tech machines, but the navigation interface it shares with Honda is starting to feel a little dated. Easy enough to use and with a bright, but not especially high resolution screen, the system just doesn’t keep pace with those we’ve seen in newer Chrysler, Toyota and Audi products. The ELS-branded audio system, however, positively rocks by placing an emphasis on clarity over pumping and thumping bass.

But does it go?
At around 3,600 lbs., the TSX is really a lightweight compared to other modern cars its size. Stretching closer to midsize territory than its European rivals, the TSX has to work its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder to keep up with traffic. That engine, shared with Honda’s U.S. Accord, puts out 201 horsepower at a redline-tickling 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm.

Although the 5-speed automatic’s paddles make the most of the power available, the TSX needs to be revved well above 4,000 rpm to really scoot along. That’s something we can’t say about its closest rivals, the turbocharged 9-3 SportCombi and A4 Avant. Fortunately, the 2.4-liter doesn’t mind zipping the tachometer closer to redline, so the power is more accessible than it looks on paper.

Because we found ourselves revving the TSX, we recorded a dismal 18 mpg in the city, about 2 mpg lower than the EPA’s rating. On the highway, however, we had no problem besting the EPA’s 30 mpg figure.

Electric power teering is light on feel but especially quick, so the TSX feels decently nimble and tossable. A firm suspension – double wishbones up front and a multilink setup out back – gives it a supremely planted feel through the twisties. Although not as genuinely fun to drive as its European competitors, the TSX nonetheless rewarded us with a pleasant and entirely livable demeanor when we pushed it hard. There’s some easily controlled understeer the closer you get to the car’s limit, but its 17-inch Michelin Pilot HX MX4M tires do their best to keep things in check.

Those Pilots also helped give the TSX a nicely damped, premium-feeling ride. Undisturbed over the roughest roads on our test circuit, the TSX’s well controlled suspension belies its middle-of-the-road roots. And on the highway, wind and road noise was below average for the class.

Why you would buy it:
An accessible premium wagon has arrived, bringing with it plenty of practicality.

Why you wouldn’t:
…but not much excitement.

Leftlane’s bottom line
We applaud Acura’s decision to test the wagon waters with its TSX lineup. This once-conservative brand appears to be emerging from its shell, at least in North America. Acura says it doesn’t need to sell many TSX Sportwagons to break even, and with this relatively high value pricing structure, we don’t think they’ll struggle to meet their projections.

The TSX Sportwagon may not be the thrill machine M5 wagon enthusiasts want, but its everyday livability means that there is finally a low-compromise wagon that probably won’t bust your budget.

2011 Acura TSX Sportwagon Technology Pacakge base price, $34,610. As tested, $35,470.
Destination, $860.

flippedout

Last Friday I received a call from my local Acura dealer. They wanted to take back my 2010 TSX w/ Tech and offered me a new lease on a new car - no $ out of pocket and same payments. Intrigued I set up an appointment for Saturday morning. As I pulled in I saw a white TSX Tech Wagon with a taupe interior. Immediately I was drawn to it. Two hours later I was driving away in it. After a couple of days in it I am extremely happy with the decision. My thoughts:

Styling: Great look for a wagon. Very clean lines and the pearl white pops

Interior: Not much that I can tell is different. Everything is very familiar except the additional wiper option for the rear window. Looking through the rear view mirror takes a little getting used to since it is a smaller viewing area than the sedan. No biggie, still plenty of space. I came from the black interior and the switch to taupe makes the interior seem much roomier.

The Drive: So far is seems smoother but that could be the new car sensation. Mildly responsive engine (as I am used to in the sedan). Basically, if you want to go like a bat out of hell, make sure no one is approaching because you still have to wait until your revs get to around 3k.

Handling is great. Whipping around corners feels more solid. I guess that is due to the extra weight. A lot of people have asked me about the rigidity versus the sedan and Acura (Honda) has done a solid job here.

Cargo: Lots of room for anything you can think of to put in and as the reviews in this thread have pointed out, it is very practical. Also, the automatic gate with the tech package is a nice touch. Wish my wife's 2010 RDX w/ Tech had that.

Tech Package: The upgrades to the nav system are quite welcomed. The move to the HDD based system makes it so much more responsive. Menus are quick and transitions are smooth. The cosmetic makeover is much more eye pleasing too. I couldn't stand the bland look of the 2010 model.

The one pain is the fact you have to use original CD's (or convert your MP3s to WAV form) to rip them to the hard drive. Then you have to rely on Gracenote to identify the album and add all the details. Seems like the Gracenote database is updated twice a year and is easy to upgrade via CD or USB.

Four days in and I like the car A LOT. My kids love the fact there are air vents for the back seat now and I've already used the cooling system in the center console for their drinks.

If you're wondering if this will make you a fuddy-dud, boring parent type...well, it might when the kids are with you but when its just you...only fun is to be had.

Sonor Kid 2

I just traded my 2010 MDX base in for a TSX Sport Wagon and I couldn't be happier to be honest, it's the best bang for the buck out in the market place so far as premium wagon's go in my opinion.
My MDX came with a hefty payment and was killing me with the 17mpg I was getting on average, especially when you consider I drive 2,000 miles a month.

What's ironic is that the reason I purchased the car was because of the 4 cylinder, this is the aspect criticized by some of the reviewers but if it had a V6 it would be too expensive and the fuel economy would suffer dearly.
The 5 speed tranny and VTEC 4 are also fine in my opinion, it reminds me of my old CRX Si, Del Sol and Civic Si engines to some degree. The car has plenty of power for everyday driving, it's quick and responsive when it needs to be and it handles very well. It's a blast to drive especially with the paddle shifters and I really like the 2011 Navi and Tech package.
I'll miss the all wheel drive of my past few trucks but even in Chicago how often do I really need the awd anyway, with my wife and two kids this car will more than get the job done.
Considering I paid just $32,109 for the car with Tech and got 1.9% for 60 months I'm thrilled considering how hard this car is to find....
Overall a perfect blend of sport, luxury, technology and economy...I can't imagine that they won't sell a ton of these.

Chewbach

Your story is not unlike mine. I was driving an Infiniti M35x and averaging ~19MPG. I then switched to my wife's MDX (after selling the Infiniti) but still couldn't eek out more than 21MPG. The TSX Sports Wagon was the perfect match for my needs. Solid utility. Exceptional MPG. Fun to drive (for a FWD automatic)!

For the record, my overall average since owning the Wagon is 27.4MPG. Highway trips are consistently returning 33-35MPG.

hornyleprechaun

Welcome new wagon owners

Speed2000

Ditto. I can't imagine why anyone would want junk in their trunk when they could be swaggin in the wagon.

nightbs

Has anyone found a good way to tie down the trunk when carrying the occasional oversized load?

cisobe

Are you referring to tying down the backdoor to allow for oversized cargo to stick out the rear? If so... that's a no for me...

If you're referring to securing large items from sliding around in the back.. then yes... there are tie downs in the cargo area to secure stuff...

TSX69

Long Term Update 6:
2011 Acura TSX Wagon

The TSX makes me want to have kids; when I drive it I feel mature, responsible, and grown-up, like I've made good decisions in life. It's hard to explain because the TSX wagon isn't an extremely exciting car, but it is an extraordinarily gratifying car. It's a solid life tool that excels at lots of things and performs with a touch of class.

Most of us already know that station wagons are the coolest cargo capable cars on the planet, and when the baby boomers get over their fear of cross-country road-trips in Vista Cruisers and stop buying unnecessary SUVs, the world will be a much better place. This Acura never really lets you forget you're driving a wagon. You see, like a sedan, it handles well and the paddle-shifters humor delusions of racecar performance when so desired, but there's an airy comfort to the cabin that reminds you how practical the damn thing is.

When an out-of-town friend came to visit earlier in the month I played chauffeur to him and his local vegan-dieting friends. Vegans tend to be even pickier eaters than young children so Acura's intuitive "big knob" navigation system was a great help in guiding me to obscure organic Los Angeles eateries while the gents bickered in the backseat about which "Arcade Fire" album to listen to from their iPhones.

When loaded with 5 passengers, the wagon's power to weight ratio dips below adequate. Thus far, most of my time in the wagon has been spent with 1 or 2 people in the seats, and the engine does more than an admirable job, but once I filled the back row with adults, I found myself wishing that Acura had offered the company's V-6 in this wagon.

After 4 days of bodies climbing in and out of the car, there was not a single scuff or scar anywhere, a testament to the toughness of the vehicle's interior leathers and plastics; there is a heft to them suggesting that these materials were made to last.

It seems the TSX will handle any car job well; airport run, weekend mountain-bike trip, grocery store haul, soccer practice shuttle, science fair project delivery vehicle, and just about anything else. I really don't have plans to have kids anytime soon but when I do, I think I've discovered the right tool for the job.

mcteague

I have an '04 Subaru Outback H6 and used to have an Accord Wagon, before they dropped them in the US. The TSX Wagon looks perferct for me. No kids, just a Husky, so its small size is appealing.

I see the Euro Accord Tourer has a dog barrier option where the TSX does not. I am unable to find out if that part will fit. I like the type that attach firmly to the car structure in order to stay in place should an accident occur.

Also, lots of reviews moan about the lack of a 5 speed but I spend most of my time on I95 so auto is nice. My Outback has a 6 cylinder engine and is no faster than the 4 on the TSX. AWD is nice but here in MD I have only had a couple of days in the last 4 years where it came in handy.

So, I have to look more closely at one and ignore all the "iffy" reviews.

Tim McTeague