2009 Acura TSX

Introduction With the 2009 TSX, Acura has done a full remake of its entry-luxury level sedan. More than just bolting a slick new body on an old platform, the TSX is new from the ground up, as in, longer, wider and lower. In a couple measures, it's roomier, too. Technology is what sets the new TSX apart. Acura's superb navigation system comes standard and can be operated using voice-recognition. The standard navigation system is the equal of anything in the class, while an optional system displays real-time traffic with congestion re-routing and local and national weather. An airlines display lets you track a flight's progress across the country. The top-line audio system sets a standard for the class, too, with superbly crisp surround sound. Hands-free, Bluetooth cell phone architecture is built right into the car's electronics. The 2009 Acura TSX is a four-door, five-passenger sedan designed to competed with Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series sedans. It comes with one engine, a 2.4-liter inline-4, and a choice of transmissions, a six-speed manual and a five-speed SportShift sequential automatic. Although horsepower is off slightly, torque is increased by enough to make up any difference in sheer acceleration. Just as important, fuel economy is unchanged with the manual and improved with the automatic. The TSX stays with a front-wheel-drive configuration, whereas true sporty sedans are rear-wheel drive. That said, the TSX is one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive sedans and in its class, hard to beat as an everyday driver that can still be fun on a mountain road.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Acura TSX

Styling stays true to Acura themes for 2009, but cleans up here and there to give the car a more aggressive, more buff look and to emphasize its more planted stance. The wider part, where it adds a couple inches between the wheels side to side, translates directly into a sportier driving feel. Everything inside that matters is powered, including the adjustments on both front seats. Dual-zone climate control and heated seats and outside mirrors are standard. Safety hasn't been overlooked either, with everything from a full array of airbags to electronic stability control to tire pressure monitors included at no extra cost. Next Page

2009 Acura TL Review

Introduction The Acura TL has been a favorite among the so-called entry-luxury cars since its release for the 1996 model year. Last redesigned for 2004, the TL is redone again for 2009, adding the most powerful engine ever in an Acura and all-wheel drive for the first time. Based on the Honda Accord platform, the 2009 Acura TL is larger than the car it replaces, though it handles better and gets similar fuel mileage. Two models are offered, each with a different engine. The base Acura TL has a 280-hp V6. The Acura TL SH-AWD model has a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 as well as Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive. Get behind the wheel of the 2009 TL and you are presented with a quality, driver-focused interior with plenty of available gadgets. Standard features include solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control with automatic humidity control, XM satellite radio, an iPod interface, and a Bluetooth cell phone link. Available in a Technology Package are keyless access and starting, a rear view camera, and a navigation system with real-time traffic, new real-time weather, DVD Audio playback capability, and hard-drive audio.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Acura TL

Room in the front seat is plentiful. The back seat is big enough for most passengers, though tall rear passengers will want more head room. The trunk offers a decent amount of space, but split folding rear seats are not offered, which may be a deal breaker for some. On the road, the TL drives smaller than its size, and that's a complement. The base front-wheel-drive model handles quite well, reacting readily to quick changes of direction and leaning very little through turns. The SH-AWD model is heavier but stiffer suspension settings make it handle capably as well. Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive system can send power to the outside rear wheel in a turn, which helps rotate the car through that turn. All-wheel drive is a great option for customers in northern climates. The improved handling doesn't come at the expense of ride quality. Bumps seldom intrude, there is no float or wallow, and up-and-down motions are kept to a minimum. The TL's balance of ride quality and handling prowess is quite impressive. Braking is quick and worry free. Both models offer plenty of power to get in front of traffic from a stop or pass with ease. While the SH-AWD model has more power, it also weighs more, so straight line performance is similar to the less powerful model. Both engines provide enough power to make a 0-60 mph run in 6.0 seconds or less. The only transmission is a smooth shifting, responsive five-speed automatic. It comes with a manual shiftgate and standard steering wheel shift paddles to allow drivers more interaction with the powertrain. Bottom line, the new, 2009 Acura TL is even better than the previous-generation model, which was a very good car. The 2009 TL has bolder styling, more power, better handling, and the benefit of available all-wheel drive. Anyone looking for a capable sport sedan will do well to give the 2009 Acura TL a test drive. Next Page