2009 Acura TSX - Long-Term Road Test

Sophomore, Sans Slump: Could the second generation possibly be as satisfying as the first? When the first-generation Acura TSX (2004–2008) reached the end of its production run, we were apprehensive. Would the makeover follow the all-too-familiar malaise afflicting so many new cars—more mass, more money, less edge, less fun? The original TSX offered only one engine—a naturally aspirated, 2.4-liter four generating just 200 horsepower. We loved it. Tidy in size, agile, loaded with standard features, and thrifty at the pump, that TSX would be a decidedly tough act to follow. Though no one here was smitten with the bright new overbite on the heavily chromed front fascia, we decided to give the second-gen TSX a 40,000-mile acid test to find out.

Based on the Honda Accord sold in Europe, this TSX is a little bigger than the first (an increase with minimal payoff for rear-seat passengers) and a little heavier, too—about 130 pounds, depending on equipment. But it’s much smaller than the Accord sedan sold here, and handier as well. Acura finally gave in to market pressures and added a V-6 engine option for 2010. We’re not at all sure this is a plus, particularly in light of the V-6’s $5540 premium and automatic-only transmission. Our long-term test car arrived in the depths of winter—late January 2009—with 87 miles on the odo and Acura’s thoroughly proven 2.4-liter, DOHC 16-valve aluminum four (a modest 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque) under its hood, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.