2009 Acura TSX Manual Review

The 2009 Acura TSX is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission, premium leather interior, available Technology Package with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and advanced safety features. Below are key sections covering performance, features, specifications, driving experience, and ownership considerations.

1. Performance Overview 2. Exterior Design 3. Interior Features 4. Technical Specifications 5. Driving Experience 6. Technology Package 7. Safety Features 8. Fuel Economy 9. Maintenance & Reliability 10. Ownership Costs 11. Pros and Cons

Performance Overview

The 2009 TSX delivers sporty performance with precise handling and responsive acceleration.

Component	Specification
Engine	2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower	201 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	172 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual (5-speed auto available)
0-60 mph	7.3 seconds
Top Speed	130 mph (electronically limited)
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Suspension	Independent double-wishbone front, multi-link rear
Brakes	4-wheel disc with ABS
Steering	Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control

Exterior Design

Sharp, angular styling with premium finishes and athletic proportions.

Front fascia: Aggressive grille with chrome accents and projector beam headlights
Body lines: Sculpted side panels with character lines flowing to rear
Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50R17 all-season tires
Lighting: LED taillights and available HID headlights
Dimensions: 183.3 inches long, 69.4 inches wide, 56.7 inches tall

NOTE: Exterior maintains Acura's premium design language with sporty enhancements.

Interior Features

Luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and advanced amenities.

Seating: Leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power driver seat
Audio: 7-speaker premium sound system with CD/MP3 player
Climate: Dual-zone automatic climate control system
Steering: Leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Storage: 13.1 cubic feet trunk with 60/40 split folding rear seats

HIGHLIGHT: Excellent build quality with soft-touch materials throughout cabin.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder, aluminum block and head
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Requirement: Premium recommended (91 octane)
Curb Weight: 3,366 lbs (manual transmission)
Wheelbase: 106.4 inches
Turning Circle: 37.1 feet
Brakes: 11.8-inch front, 11.1-inch rear ventilated discs

Driving Experience

Engaging and refined driving dynamics with excellent road manners.

Manual Transmission: Precise 6-speed gearbox with short throws and light clutch action. Well-spaced ratios optimize performance and fuel economy.

Handling: Responsive steering with good feedback. Stable through corners with minimal body roll. Ride quality balances comfort and sportiness.

Performance: Strong mid-range power delivery. Smooth revving engine with VTEC engagement around 5,000 rpm. Confident braking performance.

Technology Package

Optional package adds navigation and premium audio features.

Navigation: Voice-activated GPS with 8-inch display
Audio Upgrade: 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Sound System
Connectivity: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and audio streaming
Interface: Multi-information display and steering wheel controls

Tip: Technology Package significantly enhances infotainment experience.

Safety Features

Comprehensive safety systems with top crash test ratings.

Airbags: Dual-stage front, side, and side curtain airbags
Stability: Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control
Braking: Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution
Structure: Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure
Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5-star NHTSA frontal crash

SAFETY NOTE: Excellent crash protection with advanced occupant safety systems.

Fuel Economy

Respectable efficiency for a luxury sports sedan.

Driving Condition	Manual Transmission	Automatic Transmission
City	20 mpg	21 mpg
Highway	29 mpg	30 mpg
Combined	23 mpg	24 mpg
Fuel Tank	17.2 gallons
Range	Approximately 395 miles

ECO TIP: Manual transmission offers slightly better highway fuel economy.

Maintenance & Reliability

Proven reliability with reasonable maintenance costs.

Scheduled maintenance every 7,500 miles. Oil changes recommended every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Timing chain (no belt replacement needed). Typical Acura/Honda reliability with few common issues.

COMMON ISSUES: Minor electrical gremlins, brake wear, and occasional transmission concerns in automatic models.

Ownership Costs

Competitive ownership experience for luxury segment.

Base Price (2009): $29,670
Technology Package: $3,400 additional
Insurance: Moderate for luxury segment
Depreciation: Holds value better than European competitors
Repair Costs: Lower than German luxury competitors
Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile basic, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain

Pros and Cons

Advantages	Disadvantages
Excellent manual transmission feel	Requires premium fuel
High-quality interior materials	Limited rear seat legroom
Sharp handling and steering	Smaller trunk than competitors
Strong reliability record	Could use more low-end torque
Comprehensive standard features	Firm ride on rough roads
Good fuel economy for class	Polarizing exterior styling

VERDICT: Excellent choice for driving enthusiasts seeking luxury and reliability.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars