2006 Acura TSX Road Test
Acuras Enterprise
Star Trek is a great show. Yes, Ill admit it, Im something of a Trekkie (but no, I dont dress up nor have I ever attended a convention), and I do believe that Star Trek: The Next Generation is the single best show to ever grace cable TV. Interesting, entertaining, and most importantly not requiring much thought from the viewer, its been a great way to unwind after work - a tradition for almost 20 years. But more than simply entertaining, Star Trek has offered viewers a glimpse into the future. The Next Generation actually had two engineers on staff whos sole job was to think up semi realistic futuristic technologies which could be showcased on the show. And while we may not have transporters, phasers or warp drive yet, the folks at Acura have managed to put a little bit of the USS Enterprise into their mini-TL; the TSX.
But first, a wee bit of an introduction is in order. Slotted between the four-door Civic-based CSX and the über-cool TL, the TSX is Acuras mid level four door. Thankfully more attractive than the cross-eyed CSX, the TSX benefits from a TL-like front end: the same sweeping, narrow headlights squint out of the bumper suspiciously, flanking the signature Acura grill. The look continues as one moves back with the silhouette also being very TL-like while details like chrome appliqués on the door handles, bright aluminum trim around the windows, and LED turn signals in the side view mirrors all conspire to make the TSX look more upscale than even its own big brother.
The press cars pearlescent white paint seems to do the best job of making the TSX look like a proper luxury car too; other colors seem to make it blend into surrounding traffic. But as good as the side and front end look, the designers must have gotten tired before they got to the back, as it looks like they simply decided to smack RSX tail lights on a Civic rear then finish off the hodge-podge look with dual slash cut exhaust tips. Normally Im a fan of dual exhaust, but the TSXs pipes just look a little rushed in both design and location, especially compared to the shaped artistry of the TLs trapezoidal units. To say its a disappointing view from behind would be an understatement.
But, thats not much of a worry in this car being that not many folks will be stuck behind a TSX. Although not warp-drive-powered, its nevertheless quick… after a little patience. Let me explain. It relies on a 205 horsepower 2.4L inline four, which looks good on paper (especially given the 164 foot pounds of torque that accompany those ponies), but the power delivery makes it mostly useless as a sports sedan. Once again leaning heavily on VTEC technology, Acuras middle child feels like its making much, much less horsepower than the advertised figure until around 6,000 rpm, when the VTEC system kicks in and sends the tachometer shooting towards the 7,000 rpm redline (where peak horsepower resides). On many occasions sudden squirts of acceleration were killed off by frustrating rev-limiter interference since the window of real, usable power is less than a thousand rpm long.
Also, this lackluster performance at slower engine speeds means any driver looking to move up a backroad at speed will really need to exercise that six-speed transmission: keeping this engine in the powerband is a task best compared to keeping a high-strung superbike engine on boil; its that labor-intensive.
Nevertheless, when simply commuting the TSX shines, with the 2.4L returning decent gas mileage (our press car displayed an average figure of 27 mpg) and running silky smooth at lower speeds while sounding like a bigger V6 below 4,500 rpm. As mentioned, the six-speed is also wonderfully smooth, with light and progressive clutch actuation, plus is shifted via what might just be the best shifter in the world; the same solid-feeling chunk I raved about in the Civic Si (also found in the RSX, et al.). The only problem with the transmission is that the motor its connected to requires the driver to constantly work the gearbox; third gear is a tiny bit too short for most driving situations (who wants to buzz around residential side streets at 4,000 rpm?) while fourth is too tall for most and lugs the engine down should you encounter (heaven forbid) a very slight hill. For comparisons sake, the Honda Civic Si I drove a couple weeks prior had an extremely well-sorted six-speed in which third gear could be used for cruising around town at non-dive-bomb sounding revs, yet still pulled the car up any hill I encountered, and that was in a car with 30 or so less lb-ft of torque!
But all that stops when just tooling down the freeway trying to get to work. Cruising along at 60 or so miles per hour, the TSX is a pretty cushy ride. Its not the softest sprung car around, and while it tends to be a little harsh over bumps at lower speeds, that stiffness translates into real confidence at higher speeds. Unfortunately, its one downfall is a teeny weenie sway bar that doesnt do a whole lot to stop the car from pitching into corners with aplomb. Highway onramps taken comfortably at 55 mph in the aforementioned Civic Si get uncomfortable at anything over 45 in the TSX. But for all its rolling about, the TSX feels tight overall, with excellent steering feel and about as neutral a chassis as youre liable to find in a front-engined, front-wheel drive car. With some aftermarket sway bars to rein in that body roll the TSX would be a fun car to autocross.
On road dynamics aside, the best part of the TSX has to be its interior. A far more upscale experience than its price tag belies, it all starts with a tug on that attractive chrome-trimmed door handle. The first things most people notice are the flashy aluminum Acura door sills; especially noticeable on our white model they probably stand out even more in the only other color I think is worth buying; black. Closing the door is the only downfall to the otherwise exquisite experience; it doesnt thunk home like its Teutonic competitions doors, but rather shuts with a light tinny slap that sounds about as solid as a Jeep Wranglers doors. But once its actually shut and the ringing senation stops you forget all about it. Positively excellent leather seats are heavily bolstered to keep you firmly planted behind the wheel, yet are still comfortable for the long haul. Theyre also power adjustable for height, tilt, and recline, therefore, along with the adjustable steering wheel, finding a comfortable position isnt difficult.
Once you have found your own comfort setting, it can be stored in one of the two positions in the cars memory. After that, unlocking the TSX with your individual key fob (there are two) will cause the car to automatically adjust everything to your liking. Wrapping your fingers around the small leather covered steering wheel treats your hands to the same level of comfort your derriere gets, and its probably nicer to look at too. Perforated leather around the “thumb bumps” keeps hands from getting all sweaty on those spirited drives (something your girlfriend/wife will appreciate too), while all the pertinent controls are easy to reach; cruise control on the right, stereo on the left. Tabs extending off the center of the wheel give you access to the cellular handsfree system (only usable with certain phones), information display readouts, and most importantly the little piece of Star Trek technology previously mentioned: voice recognition, but more on that later. The thin steering wheel gives the driver good purview of the gorgeous blue and white gauge cluster as well as the multi-function information display, all of which stays very visible in all lighting conditions, unlike the newest Civics that disappears in direct sunlight.
The gorgeous shifter falls very easily to hand, and theres enough storage bins in the center console that you might start losing things in them. One is plenty deep for CDs, or keys and a wallet, while the other has a 12 volt socket next to a lined pocket that is the perfect place for MP3 players. That both have lids allowing you to keep your goods from prying eyes is much appreciated too. The center console storage bin has a second home for MP3 players thanks to its dual-action lid; pull up on one tab and you gain access to the full depth of the bin (where the auxiliary plug allows you to plug in your MP3 player), give the other a yank and the lid reveals a second shallow bin with a pass through for the auxiliary cable. At first I figured that was a good place for my MP3 player to sit, and was both reveling in the fact that I didnt have to see any ugly cables (a pet peeve) while cursing the fact that changing the song on my player required near-Cirque De Soliel contortions since the bin sits relatively far back. So, when I discovered the bin itself has a cable pass-through in the front allowing you to plug into the auxiliary port, then run the cable through the pass-through and place the player wherever you want, I was pretty excited. And yes, that makes me a dork (didnt I already admit to liking Star Trek?), but its the little touches like this that make operating a TSX such a pleasant experience. Â
So, what about that Star Trek stuff? Well, when Gene Roddenberry created the series he knew that he would need to think up some way to control the ultra-complicated computer system on the Enterprise. With so many functions (what cant it do?), manual interfaces just wouldnt make sense, so he devised the plan of using a voice command system. Acura engineers must be Trekkies too, because when they were trying to devise an easy way to control their ultra-complex audio, climate, and navigation system, they opted for the same system. Granted, it lacks the coolness that would come with requiring all commands to be preceded by “computer,” but it is one impressive system. Activated by pressing and holding a tab on the steering wheel while speaking the command, the system allows the driver full control of various functions without ever needing to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the steering wheel. And when the entire system is manually controlled by a touch screen that requires some degree of attention to manipulate, being able to simply press a button and say “FM 107.7″ is a huge asset. And dont think its limited to simple commands either, you can tell the navigation system to guide you to any given address without pressing a single button on the console. The system did take some getting used to and it does learn from your commands, but trying to tell it what to do with the window down or even just with the climate control fan on high confuses it; although when it works its simply brilliant.
On a whole, the TSX is a great value for the money. Offering much (if not more) of the same comfort as the affordable luxury sedan benchmark; the Chrysler 300, in a nimbler platform, it is a great alternative for people looking for something a little smaller and more involving to drive than the big Chrysler. Also, as a Honda product, you can expect the TSX to hold its value incredibly well, making purchasing one a less-than risky proposition. In an ideal world, Acura would supply two models of TSX, one a softer-sprung, four-cylinder luxury model, the other a V6-equipped version with all-wheel drive and larger sway bar. But, dont expect either of these items to appear any time soon. The good news, however, is that both TSX variations can be created (except for the V6 and AWD system that is) with aftermarket suspension parts. But even as a stock vehicle, Acuras own little Enterprise is a very good car that brings but one word to mind: “Engage!”
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Acuras TSX is packed with technology that would have done Captain Picard proud. (Photo: Dan Fritter, American Auto Press)
Attractive and understated, the rear end is the weak point in the design, looking like a hodge podge of Civic and RSX. (Photo: Dan Fritter, American Auto Press)
Even though it doesnt make a whole lot of power, it does have trouble puttnig the power down due to a lack of limited slip differential. (Photo: Dan Fritter, American Auto Press)
Turn signals in the mirrors are hardly a rare or unique touch, but it does make it look pretty upscale for its price. (Photo: Dan Fritter, American Auto Press)
Known as the Accord throughout the rest of the world, our TSX looks great from the front, but does suffer from excessive body roll. (Photo: Dan Fritter, American Auto Press)
Once again, a wee bit of RSX shows itself here. (Photo: Dan Fritter, American Auto Press)
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