DCH Tustin Acura
9 Auto Center DriveTustin,CA92782Sales: 714-669-9900
Bigger, longer and wider than its competitors
More interior room and attractive cockpit design
More advanced technologies
More safety and performance features
Better handling and riding comfort
Voice command for phone, radio, navigation and temperature control
USB iPod, flash memory & MP3 connectors
TSX LEADING THE COMPETITION
2009 Acura TSX2008 Audi
A4 2.0T FWD2008 BMW 328i
2008 Lexus IS 250
Length (in)
186.1
180.6
178.2
180.1
Width (in)
72.4
69.8
71.5
70.9
Height (in)
56.7
56.2
55.9
56.1
Legroom, Front/Rear (in)
42.2/34.3
41.3/34.3
41.5/34.6
43.9/30.9
Shoulder Room, Front/Rear (in)
57.8/56.1
55.1/53.4
55.4/55.1
54.4/52.7
Passenger Volume (cu ft)
94.5
90.1
93.0
88.3
Speed-Sensing Windshield
Standard
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Heated Outside Mirrors
Standard
Available
Standard
Standard
Auto Tilt-Down Right Outside Mirror
Standard
Not Available
Standard
Available
Bluetooth Hands-Free Cell phone Operations
Standard
Available
Available
Available
GPS-Linked Solar-Sensing Climate Control
Technology Package
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Satellite Radio
Standard XM
Satellite RadioAvailable SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Available SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Available SIRIUS
Or XM radioUSB iPod Connector
Standard
Available
Available
Not Available
USB Flash Memory Connector
Standard
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Bluetooth Audio
Standard
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Notes Function
Technology Package
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Navigation System Voice Recognition
Technology Package
Available
Available
Available
Navigation System Traffic
Technology Package
Not Available
Available
Available
Navigation System Weather
Technology Package
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Rearview Video Camera
Technology Package
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Ride Quality Index (lower score better)
105
106
129
98
Powertrain Warranty (months/miles)
72/70,000
48/50,000
48/50,000
72/70,000
" When the TSX was first introduced in 2003, the automotive press immediately fell in love with it. Given the opportunity to drive the all-new 2009 version, the question on journalists' minds was, "How does it stack up to the original?" " ...
...Their collective answers indicate that Acura has another winner. As you will read, the writers found a lot to love about the new TSX. Here are their first impressions as published in the major enthusiast magazines. Use these sources to begin building your 2009 TSX evidence manual.
"2009 Acura TSX," Automobile, May 2008.
"For the past five years, the diminutive Acura TSX has been our favorite front-wheel-drive sport sedan. Can the new one carry the torch?"
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"For the past five years, the diminutive Acura TSX has been our favorite front-wheel-drive sport sedan. Can the new one carry the torch?"
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"The TSX is still a pleasure to drive quickly. Or slowly. In heavy traffic or in light. On the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County's mountains and on the wide suburban boulevards leading back down into the city center, this car just feels good. It's light, in the traditional Acura way, but there is an underlying feeling of substance."
"Its high-revving engine requires more attention and input from its pilot to maximize performance than many of its more powerful competitors do, but this proves to be a rewarding, rather than an onerous, task."
"As in the last TSX, this manual [transmission] is the industry standard. Gear changes are absolutely precise, the clutch pedal movement is perfectly weighted, and the heel-and-toe downshifting is a breeze."
"…the 2009 TSX is available with a technology package that bundles a state-of-the-art navigation system featuring traffic and weather reports with the incredible Panasonic ELS surround-sound stereo, which was engineered by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner…."
"The TSX is the right sort of car for a new age of automotive enthusiasm that will rely on modest-displacement, low-cylinder-count powertrains for performance and efficiency."
"…the legions of people who reflexively look toward prestige German badges will do themselves a disservice by not checking out the TSX."
"Growing Up: 2009 Acura TSX," AutoWeek, April 7 2008.
"Acura's entry-level TSX gets bigger and offers more features for '09."
"Paying attention to details such as ride, handling, noise, vibration, and harshness, not to mention sharper styling, a larger, more comfortable cabin, and maybe the best sound system on four wheels, the '09 model is a step up from the outgoing model."
"One target area for… engineers was the ride and handling of the new TSX and they should be commended. The car has a newly designed double-wishbone front suspension and a new multilink rear suspension with dual mode dampers. Add to that a new electric power-steering system, and the result is a smooth-riding, crisp-handling car."
"The suspension ate up road imperfections on our test route, and there was no body roll going through fast, sweeping corners. As we followed another TSX through some twisty bends, the car's roll stiffness was plainly evident. In addition, it was amazingly quiet on the roads northeast of San Diego."
"Inside, the cabin is comfortable and inviting with leather all around. The interior is 2.5 inches wider at the shoulders, placing passengers 1.5 inches farther apart and giving the feel of a larger car."
"...part of the technology package is fast becoming the gold standard in mobile audio systems: Panasonic ELS Surround Sound. With 415 watts pumping through 10 speakers, it is a concert hall on wheels. ELS founder Elliot Scheiner, a multi-Grammy-award-winning producer, has said that this application in the TSX is the best yet, and our ears couldn't agree more."
"The TSX is a solid, fun car to drive, loaded with technology… as an overall package--ride, handling, comfort, fuel mileage--the TSX is hard to beat in the [entry-level premium sports sedan] category."
"2009 Acura TSX," Car and Driver, May 2008.
"Does the sequel live up to the cult classic?"
"…interior space in the TSX is up two cubic feet front and rear, although the trunk is slightly smaller."
"The Technology Package adds navigation with live traffic and weather information, plus a 10-speaker ELS Surround stereo that sounds better than what you get in most movie theaters."
"The front seats in the TSX… are deep and comfortable and have lots of lateral support."
"…The six-speed manual, enclosed in a magnesium case, is a benchmark for its short-shift, precision feel."
"Acura TSX," Motor Trend, May 2008.
"Baby Acura's bigger than the original Legend. Better, too?"
"[TSX is]…now wider, taller, heavier, and way roomier than the original Acura Legend."
"The new body is 15 percent more rigid in torsion and better insulated against road and suspension noise, thanks to a new roof design…, an isolated rear suspension carrier, and new sound deadening on the floor and inside the structural pillars."
"…the suspension geometry was revised to increase wheel travel and relocate the roll center to reduce body roll. Larger front and rear anti-roll bars, a wider track, and 10mm-wider tires also improve stability."
"Rear-brake rotors are almost an inch larger for reduced fade. Electric power steering like the system that bowed on the NSX improves fuel economy and enables a much tighter steering ratio…."
"The new engine trades four peak horsepower for six or eight pound-feet of torque (automatic or manual) plus improved emissions and fuel economy."
"Shorter manual-transmission ratios in second through sixth gears promise similar performance in the bigger car. Automatic gearing is virtually unchanged, so those models might be a touch slower, but paddle shifting makes them seem racier."
"During a brief sprint up California's Laguna Mountains…, the car displayed admirable cornering grip, superb shifter/clutch feel, the delightful trademark [Acura] engine note, and familiar TSX performance."
"Acura TSX" Road & Track, May 2008.
"High tech and high style, without the stigma of excess power."
"…the new 2009 TSX is one slick package. Its styling has more impact, its width is a full 3 in. greater, its interior is now more 'TL Jr.'… and an optional Technology Package offers concert-hall sound, a world-class navigation system, voice-command technology, and XM satellite radio with real-time traffic and weather."
"[TSX has] …two excellent transmissions: a 6-speed manual with a light and precise shift action, and a 5-speed Sequential SportShift box, a torque-converter automatic that can be shifted with steering wheel-mounted paddles."
"Inside, there's also much to like. Immediately noticeable are the very supportive front seats, whose full and high-reaching side bolsters conjure up visions of the NSX's buckets."
"Despite the roofline being about 0.2 in. lower than before, rear-seat head room will accommodate 6-footers, thanks to concave relief in the headliner."
"The new TSX does feel more planted and stable, and road noise is reduced, all the better to enjoy that remarkably good sound system."
"Road Test: 2009 Acura TSX" MotorWeek, Program #2731.
"The new TSX has sharper styling with a roomier interior that is packed with techno-savvy gadgetry. But with a sport sedan like the TSX, it all comes down to one thing: how does it drive?"
"Right off the bat, it was clear that the 2009 Acura TSX had some pretty substantial tire treads to fill. We found the original '04 TSX to be a pleasure to drive. Agile, well-balanced, and in step with Acura's heritage of building front drive luxury sport sedans that handle as well as most rear drive rivals. Still, Acura designers and engineers devoted considerable efforts to stepping up the athletic character of the all-new TSX."
"…it was the 6-speed manual that quickly got our attention with its short throws and the sharp, precise feel of a top drawer sports car gearbox. Add in a smooth, progressive clutch, and shifts are a breeze on both back roads and in tight urban traffic."
"The 6-speed's gear ratios make good use of the engine's strong low-end and mid-range power. But, with limited reserve at the upper end, and tall 5th and 6th gears, we found ourselves downshifting for every pass. So, the TSX requires more driving involvement than most modern cars, and that's a good thing."
"Like the original, the new TSX is well-balanced and nimble, but now with extra refinement in its feedback. The front double-wishbone and rear 5-link suspension reacts more quickly to the more sophisticated quick-ratio steering. Electronic stability control is there as a safety net, but we seldom needed it."
"Ratcheting down in speeds, the ride is also smoother, with better control of both noise and vibration, and the 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist deliver a solid performance, stop, after stop, after stop."
"While still compact in size, the TSX body is over 2 inches longer and 3 inches wider, riding on a stretched 106.4-inch wheelbase, with a 2.6-inch wider track."
"Inside the new TSX, the look is definitely Acura, and very driver-oriented. The larger and very well-equipped cabin is cleaner and better organized with clear, overlapping gauges that would be at home in any sports car."
"…while the TSX may be the brand's price anchor, for enthusiast drivers seeking an utterly entertaining front-wheel-drive sport sedan, it's as far up the line as one needs to go."
"The 2009 Acura TSX is strong, sporty, and most desirable. It easily lives up to the Acura sport sedan heritage, while nicely improving on the TSX reputation. And, yes, it drives great!"
"The new TSX has sharper styling with a roomier interior that is packed with techno-savvy gadgetry. But with a sport sedan like the TSX, it all comes down to one thing: how does it drive?"
"Right off the bat, it was clear that the 2009 Acura TSX had some pretty substantial tire treads to fill. We found the original '04 TSX to be a pleasure to drive. Agile, well-balanced, and in step with Acura's heritage of building front drive luxury sport sedans that handle as well as most rear drive rivals. Still, Acura designers and engineers devoted considerable efforts to stepping up the athletic character of the all-new TSX."
"…it was the 6-speed manual that quickly got our attention with its short throws and the sharp, precise feel of a top drawer sports car gearbox. Add in a smooth, progressive clutch, and shifts are a breeze on both back roads and in tight urban traffic."
"The 6-speed's gear ratios make good use of the engine's strong low-end and mid-range power. But, with limited reserve at the upper end, and tall 5th and 6th gears, we found ourselves downshifting for every pass. So, the TSX requires more driving involvement than most modern cars, and that's a good thing."
"Like the original, the new TSX is well-balanced and nimble, but now with extra refinement in its feedback. The front double-wishbone and rear 5-link suspension reacts more quickly to the more sophisticated quick-ratio steering. Electronic stability control is there as a safety net, but we seldom needed it."
"Ratcheting down in speeds, the ride is also smoother, with better control of both noise and vibration, and the 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist deliver a solid performance, stop, after stop, after stop."
"While still compact in size, the TSX body is over 2 inches longer and 3 inches wider, riding on a stretched 106.4-inch wheelbase, with a 2.6-inch wider track."
"Inside the new TSX, the look is definitely Acura, and very driver-oriented. The larger and very well-equipped cabin is cleaner and better organized with clear, overlapping gauges that would be at home in any sports car."
"…while the TSX may be the brand's price anchor, for enthusiast drivers seeking an utterly entertaining front-wheel-drive sport sedan, it's as far up the line as one needs to go."
"The 2009 Acura TSX is strong, sporty, and most desirable. It easily lives up to the Acura sport sedan heritage, while nicely improving on the TSX reputation. And, yes, it drives great!"