Acura TSX
While we still yearn for the days when Acura still produced its two-door wonder, the RSX, it makes no sense for us to dream of the past. Thankfully, the latest generation TSX carries the K-series spirit onward but adds a few more tweaks to make it a more luxurious cruiser. It pretty much drives the way you would expect if you're familiar with either the RSX or TSX, and the high-revving 2.4L K24 mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox is the ideal engine configuration you'll want versus the 5-speed auto. It's very familiar Honda territory driving the TSX but it's a much more graduated feel, sharing design elements as seen in the current Accord, most notably the interior, as the center console has the same space-age dials and multi-buttoned mission controls (you know, climate, radio presets) found on other Hondas. The handling is crisp, not super aggressive, and its seats are laced with premium leather making it one of the most comfortable Acuras you can buy from the lower end of the price spectrum. Which really begs the question: is this "4-door RSX" moving further away from its roots to become that everyday car? Is the TSX just too simple?
If you are purchasing this car from a modification standpoint, the price you would have to pay could be better spent on rear wheel drive cars with more power, like a Lexus IS 250 or Infiniti G35. The K24 - while there are tons of parts available for it - is still a 4-banger and would need heavy engine mods to keep up with the likes of its competitors. A Honda purist, however, could and probably would see this as the logical step forward if the garage still houses a K-powered EK or DC2, since the TSX would keep in theme with a twin-cam VTEC engine and would not be a tough transition to dive into. But, if it's a daily driver you're looking for, we foresee this lasting many years without complications and could go with as little as a dumped suspension and a nice set of wheels to keep it from looking too average Joe.- Jonathan Wong
That New Car Smell
2009 Acura TSX
The Sticker $28,960 (standard 6MT/5AT); $32,060 (w/Technology Package)
Under The Hood 2.4L 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder, DOHC i-VTEC K24
The Power 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm; 172 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm (6MT)/170 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm (5AT)
Scale Tipping 3,419 lb (manual); 3,485 lb (automatic)
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive
Gearbox 6-speed manual transmission with magnesium alloy case; sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
Stiff Stuff front: independent double-wishbone with coil springs and 26.5mm stabilizer bar; rear: independent multi-link double-wishbone with coil springs and 17mm stabilizer bar
Rollers 17x7.5 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels; Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 225/50R17 all-season high-performance tires
Stoppers 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS (front: ventilated 11.8" rotors; rear: solid 11.1" rotors)
At The Pump 20/28 mpg (6MT); 21/30 mpg (5AT)
The Pack BMW 3 Series, Audi A4
Deep Thoughts The changes for the TSX remain mostly cosmetic, which means the K24 can continue to be the engine you'll love to build, all while retaining the comfort and features a daily driver should have. Leave the non-A/C and loud exhausts for your project cars. Just press "play" and enjoy.