As time passes, we've witnessed the increasing popularity of the last generation TSX as a track car, and with the highly acclaimed and widely loved 2.4-liter Honda K-series powerplant proving itself over and over again in many different types of cars, we can't help but wonder what can be milked out of the new V-6. Stock for stock, the new TSX is definitely a more well-rounded car than the previous generation TSX, but it lacks a bit of that good old fashioned raw Honda flavor. Whether or not that can be rediscovered by the right tuners remains to be seen. We certainly have high hopes!
Once we had a good appreciation for the performance characteristics of the car, we took a long, hard look at the exterior. Looks are important, and we are not 100 percent sold on Acura's new front-end scheme. We think the TSX would look better with a black or color-matched center grille, but alas, the Acura brand identity is going toward that gaudy chrome piece. Aside from the front end, the sedan's lines are beautifully sculpted, making us wonder who called in sick the day the front fascia was drawn up.
Our final conclusion is that what the car lacks in high performance, it more than makes up for in creature comforts. It looks good, drives smoothly and has good pickup for normal commuting and daily duty. We would be happy to drive one to and from the office every day, take a cross-country road trip and do so without worrying about anything going wrong mechanically.
Specs & Details
'10 Acura TSX
Engine 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC V-6
Horsepower 280
Torque 254 ft-lbs
Transmission 5-speed automatic w/ sequential paddle shifters & Grade Logic Control
Price $34,850 (6-cylinder)