Great commuter car, lacks torque
Pros:
Dependable, good fit and finish, no reliability issues
Cons:
Lackluster engine, no torque, moribund styling
The Bottom Line:
It's ideally suited to be a good commuter car or low-end sedan, but it's truly no more than a gussied-up Honda Accord.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Have leased our TSX now for 18 months, a bit above the mileage of the lease at 25K for the period due to a couple of long trips. The car overall has been pleasant and reliable, true to its Honda reputation. While it's not necessarily exciting and 'feels' Japanese (at times a bit tinny and light), it's not completely annoying.
We traded from a 2004 Volvo S40 to the Acura. Although the S40 had somewhat less horsepower (170 to the TSX's 200), you'd never know due to the Volvo's lower weight and better torque. That's really the weak part on the Acura, since at 166 lb/ft, it's anemic when you need power to get to speed, and you feel like you're putting your foot on the floorboards to pass or get to highway speeds. Should not be the case in a so-called performance vehicle. Would wish that Honda would have adjusted the torque band lower and provided more power as the engine will feel buzzy.
Handling has been solid and reassuring, albeit bland. The car does feel tight bit light, not the feel I got form he Volvo and definitely not worth comparing to a BMW as I've seen in other reviews. Fuel mileage has been good (expect 27 with conservative mixed driving). Seats are comfortable, supportive, and overall nice for the class of car. The 'manu-matic' transmission could benefit from a 6th gear as is available in other cars of this class, and certainly available in manual -- it does it's job, but the layout doesn't lend well to recalling to use it, and frankly you seldom do.
Body style and feel is pure Honda, good and bad. It's not exciting, very conservative, somewhat blandish. Interior feel is fine, nothing to fawn over.
My original choice was limited to the Acura and the VW Jetta (which only had the 2.5L engine at the time). I chose this, and it lacks the same solid feel and interior feel of the Jetta. Had VW made the 2.0L Turbo available at the same time, my choice would have been different. The Acura is a good car inasmuch as a Honda Accord (which this is everywhere else but in the US) is a good car. It's dependable if not exciting. If you're seeking that, this is an excellent choice.
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