Good Grades: The 2011 Acura TSX sedan is one of the best cars Consumer and Car Exam has ever tested--period. The TSX is light, quick, has excellent braking and handles with precision. The TSX is a wonderfully balanced sports sedan. Driving the Honda Accord and the Pilot before this car, it makes you wonder how Honda/Acura could build such bland, awkward cars, yet build impressive vehicles on the other hand (The now replaced 2011 Honda CRV impressed Consumer and Car Exam as well, as did the 2011 Acura MDX, and those will be in upcoming reviews).
The TSX's interior was just as impressive as the rest of the car--there wasn't a lot to really dislike about it, except for a few things. The 201hp, 170 ft lbs. of torque 2.4 liter double overhead cam four cylinder engine works flawlessly with the five-speed automatic transmission. The TSX feels like a precision tool, begging to be driven. It never feels out of control; it is a very fun car to drive, especially if the roads you are driving on have lots of curves. Handling is exemplary in the TSX. Torque steer didn't seem to be an issue with the TSX, either. Don't be mistaken; it loves straight stretches of roads as well. Interior quality, materials, seating and most ergonomics are well-done in the TSX. The gauges in the TSX are very simple and easy to read. The styling is nice yet simple...
Bad Grades: ...That being said, the styling is a tiny bit underwhelming (but still nice in the TSX), yet better than most other Acuras, save the MDX (something Acura stylists/designers really needs to get corrected, especially after building nicely-styled cars like the Legend and Integra of the 1980's and also the 1990's), Nevertheless, the styling isn't offensive in the TSX--a good thing. The rear seats could some more room, also. It's not a large sedan, but the rear seats should have more legroom. Tiny stereo and climate control buttons aren't so great, either--but commonplace on far too many new cars today, unfortunately. Increasing the city fuel economy of the TSX would be nice (21 is the city MPG for it).
Final Grade: The Acura TSX is a terrific car. The TSX was a joy to drive, even though it doesn't have blindingly large gobs of horsepower like some cars Consumer and Car Exam has tested (Mustang, Camaro, and Corvette--new Corvette and Camaro reviews will be coming). Acura/Honda may not always build exciting cars, but Honda is apparently in the process of trying to change that with upcoming models. For now, the TSX, and the upcoming review of the MDX crossover are exceptions to that rule...Two very nice and impressive exceptions, especially.
The Car Exam Grade: A
Base M.S.R.P. as tested: $29,610
By P. Scott
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