Test drove a 2009 tsx

[626tsx]

Today I went to the dealer and I test drove the automatic 2009 TSX. The overall body style actually looks much better in person. The grill is really funky. The car looks more bulkier. The interior changed quiet a lot. The one touch moon roof button right above the shifter. The locks and everything changed. The car actually locks when you put it into drive and unlocks when you put it into park. The steering wheel is thicker, which I love. The seats feel about the same. Overall, the car feels the same as the previous generation TSX.

Pros
-real time traffic and real time weather
-better electronics
-gauge is real nice
-one touch moon roof and easy access for passengers
-gas cap opens with just a touch when the door is unlocked and locks when the door locks
-thicker steering wheel +1!
-paddle shifter
-flip out style key
-reverse camera

Cons
-body style
-grill
-car feels the same as previous generations, no difference in torque
-price is ridiculous
-seems less roomier

Overall, I would not trade in my 07 for the 09.

I also got a chance to test drive the 2008 TL-S 6 speed. That thing is amazing! The one thing that threw me off were the seats and the steering wheel. They were not comfortable. I was expecting the steering wheel to be thicker hence it is TL-S. Thanks for reading guys!

[Plarson427]

I sat in the 09 TSX, did not get to drive it. It felt a bit bigger to me...lower too. I liked it but it does not feel that much like a TSX, more of a hybrid TL/TSX. All in all...I liked it. I would not buy one new, as you said...pretty expensive! Maybe a year or two from now. How was the power?

[genrec]

I just picked up 09 last Thursday.

My impression.

With gas prices on the rise it was time to get out of my lifted truck, the $ was killing me filling up ever 4 days, and gas prices only to rise by at least another $1 by the time summer is here. I had just got done driving many many cars as we were car shopping for the past couple months for my wife. I knew for my freeway commute and wanting to stay away from STi's and EVO's (been there done that) that the TSX would be a good fit for my new lifestyle also having a new born. I went into my local dealer with all intentions of getting an 08 w/navi. I worked out a killer deal with an internet sales manager ($500 below invoice) and was going for the test drive and to sign. So I show up and spot the new TSX, it caught my eye, it just looked so much more aggressive to me. I walked passed them and went on my test drive on the 08 model, it was nice, I told myself this it. We get back to the dealer, and I say let me check out the new TSX, I get in, and next I want to test drive.
That was it, there was no going back for me. It is IMO a totally differnt car in and out. I didn't get on the gas really in either car as I wanted to break them in properly, so I can't comment on the power, but they felt the same for the way I was driving both cars. But then again, I wasn't buying the car to be ricky racer, I wanted a luxury car, that offered good fuel economy and offered me cool ammenities, or I would have got the new Subaru Impreza STi.
I'm not gonna dis the 04-08 model as it is a totally different car, but after driving them back to back and playing with the gadgets/controls and the feel of the ergonmics of the car, it was a clear choice for me, the 09 TSX! Of course the car was out for only three days and they were not bargaining. I did fight and bicker and manage to get 1k off the msrp.

Thanks for reading!

[weather]

Congrats on your purchase, I just put my name down for an 09 too. It will not arrive until mid june, its white with an aero body kit that the dealer would install as well. I'll see if I can get a discount when the car gets here although I doubt given the car is so new and have so few to chose from (which is why I have to wait while being built). There is a greater chance I'll get a discount on the accessories (body kit and wheels) but if not, oh well. I just want the car and a few hundred dollars over a few years means nothing. I'd rather enjoy the car now than wait a few years to save a few bucks, but thats just me and I am impatient when it comes to my toys. I do like the 09 better than my 06 now. At first, i was really not sure but white with the aero body kit...to me, looks great! And despite what people say about the bigger size, I do like that alot. I felt the TL a bit too big and wished my TSX was bigger so somewhere in the middle is just great! I have an 06 with auto transmission for the convenience as my spouse doesn't drive manual and to be honest, in city traffic, I don't always like the shifting so my 09 is also auto and I took another test drive recently and it does feel much more peppier than my 06. It may not be, but too me, it feels like that torque bump was what the TSX needed. Don't get me wrong, the RDX engine in the TSX would have been awsome but its not there (at least not yet) but the truth of the matter is that I can get an amazing deal on this car, I love everything (except the grill...but even the front looks different with the body kit so the grill is not the predominant feature). I'll post the pics when they are in. BTW.....Without saying too much, I am glad I got an 09 TSX because I know I will not like the 09 TL.....

[Draconis77]

Congats genrec and weather. I too am getting an '09 TSX; put down a deposit today so they can order me a Basque Red Pearl + Tech. I feel exactly the same as you two. I test drove the TL-S, '08 TSX, all kinds of other cars and just felt like the new TSX was exactly what I wanted in a new car.

weather, I'm curious which Aero upgrades did you order? I'll be getting some upgrades but haven't made up my mind yet.

[Back2Honda]

Available colors:
Basque Red Pearl
Crystal Black Pearl
Glacier Blue Metallic
Grigio Metallic
Palladium Metallic
Polished Metal Metallic
Premium White Pearl
Vortex Blue Pearl

They renamed all their colors. Only ones that didn't change was Premium White Pearl aka PWP and Glacier Blue. Are they the same colors as the 1st gens? I need to pay the dealer a visit for a test drive.

[tradsf]

My disappointment is that the 2009 base model is less equipped than the 2004 base model (no leather, no xenon, no electric seats). To get an equivalent model, you need to take the premium package, which brings the price up to close to $40,000 (Canada). We're still getting shafted up here...

[pdpgps]

what the hell? 2009 tsx has no xenon headlights? that's gotta be wrong...no more carbon gray pearl?? glacier blue looks nice though.

[zhieson]

The U.S website says leather and HIDs are standard.

The optional features for the U.S 09 are the following:
ELS Sound System
5.1 Surround Sound
Note function for XM
All navigation
Phone book import
GPS-linked temperature control
voice recognition
and Rearview cambera.

Everything is pretty standard, just like the 04-08s.

[wstagner]

I think he means up in Canada HID and leather are not standard. Yes, they are still getting shafted on the pricing. There should still be a price diff, but not the 30-40% more that they are paying up there.

[nj2pa2nc]

Available colors:
Basque Red Pearl
Crystal Black Pearl
Glacier Blue Metallic
Grigio Metallic
Palladium Metallic
Polished Metal Metallic
Premium White Pearl
Vortex Blue Pearl

They renamed all their colors. Only ones that didn't change was Premium White Pearl aka PWP and Glacier Blue. Are they the same colors as the 1st gens? I need to pay the dealer a visit for a test drive.

they did away with the milano red-the basgue red pearl looks like a bing cherry. they seem to have all dull colors now

[deskx22]

My disappointment is that the 2009 base model is less equipped than the 2004 base model (no leather, no xenon, no electric seats). To get an equivalent model, you need to take the premium package, which brings the price up to close to $40,000 (Canada). We're still getting shafted up here...

oh hell no, i can't believe honda is starting to do that...

[nctsxbella]

I got to my dealer today just to look at the new models, but upon arriving my friends (I worked for Honda/Acura for 2 years) had a tag ready to go, so we drove for around 25 minutes. Their demo was a white navi/AT. Looks wise, I love the 09 rear end, but I can't stand the front. Im not a fan of the new side mirrors, as they are more square. As far as the power (we did get on it), it feels the same. The steering feels different, IMO, not as direct as my 08. The TSX does have a new steering design, so that is probably why. The paddle shifters are a nice touch, although it takes a little time to get used to. Also shifting in sharpe curves can be difficult if the wheel is turned too much to use the paddles easily. I like the comfort of the new seats, but I wish the bolsters were a little larger. The layout of the interior is very different. The release for the steering adjustment seems backwards, but the tilt/telescope is nice. The dash is redesigned to move the navi screen several inches into the dash, which provides a relief from any glare to make the screen easy to read. This changes the entire dash-line. The moonroof controls are now one-touch and in better location. I did feel like the backseat was smaller, and there is not as much storage space/compartments. In fact, I felt the entire cabin space was smaller, but not as "cozy". IMO, the 09 is not the aggressive drivers car the 08 is. It is, however, upgraded in the technology department. The navi gets traffic and weather updates real-time, and the USB port in the center console is a nice addition. My dealer said we could get close on keeping my payments the same (the 09's have a great residual, even better than 08's). All in all, I found the 09 to be a TL Jr. Thats the best way I can describe it. It is a really nice car, but I think I am going to stick with my 08 baby!

[weather]

On the subject of Canadian pricing....we always have to pay more up here and that is frustrating! I think Acura was trying to fool canadians by giving a BASE TSX with no leather, no Bi-Xenon etc... and lower that MSRP to match what the american TSX costs...say "look canadians...no need to buy in the states, our prices are the same now" Duhhh!! Not only that, we have to pay extra for an auto tranny while our friends down south don't have to!! WHY...WHY DO THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME!?!

Anyway...sorry about the rant, I just get so frustrated that we have to pay so much more for everything....That being said, I still put my name down for an 09 expected to arrive in June...I figure that by trying to punish Acura/Honda...I'd only be punishing myself as I love cars so much...and its not like they are the only car brand that does this...

[tradsf]

I think he means up in Canada HID and leather are not standard. Yes, they are still getting shafted on the pricing. There should still be a price diff, but not the 30-40% more that they are paying up there.

Why is that? Our dollar's been at parity for a while. OK, the market size...

[tradsf]

After verification on acura.ca

"Halogen low beam headlights"
"Premium cloth seats"

WTF???

[mkaresh]

Enjoyed reading everyone's impressions, especially the OP. I need to go drive one myself. Not surprised it feels much like the first gen, though the magazines have reported that the steering isn't as good with the new car.

[DuckyTSX]

The one touch moon roof button right above the shifter. The locks and everything changed. The car actually locks when you put it into drive and unlocks when you put it into park. The steering wheel is thicker, which I love.



These three things bugged me about my 2006 TSX. Are the windows all one touch down or still just the driver?

[626tsx]

These three things bugged me about my 2006 TSX. Are the windows all one touch down or still just the driver?
I think the driver and passenger are one touch, i don't quite remember. But i am pretty sure the back windows are not one touch. did you know you can get a module for the doors to automatically lock when you drive? and also, a module for one touch moon roof.
http://www.kptechnologies.com/

[acuraline]

Member weather, the pricing issue has not always been the case. I remember in 2001 when the MDX came out, people were going to up Canada to purchase them because they were a few thousand cheaper. What they didn't discover, until it was too late, that the warranty was not valid in the states. Acura does this to deter one country from stealing business of another, that's how I look at it anyways. We have had Canadian residents contacting us since last June regarding importing a vehicle into Canada but we had to turn them away. We are allowed to sell pre-owned vehicles but not New vehicles to Canadian residents.

[tradsf]

And it sucks. Our dollars are basically at parity. The difference in prices should be narrowed.

For example, my X3 is worth about $45,000 in the US; here, in Canada, the same vehicle comes with a price tage of $56,000.

[DuckyTSX]

I think the driver and passenger are one touch, i don't quite remember. But i am pretty sure the back windows are not one touch. did you know you can get a module for the doors to automatically lock when you drive? and also, a module for one touch moon roof.
http://www.kptechnologies.com/

Yeah.. I saw that and almost had them ordered, but i traded the car.

Another thing that bothered me was the door pin placement. If you had the windows open and put your arm out the window (or rest it on the ledge), my elbow would constantly hit it. I almost sawed it off one day.