The unassuming 2006 Acura TSX in its serene blackness manages to pass off as an introvert
It’s no BMW. It’s actually engineered by Honda. To make matters worse, it is in all sense, the European Honda Accord. Ouch!! That can’t possibly be the best beginning to a “praise” post.
Those who know me better would have not expected me to choose this car. Yet, she is so good, so fantastically packaged that it taught a stuck up stubborn Capricorn like me a touch of humility. In the American car market, I dare you to find me a better sport sedan for 30K.
My 18 car shopping list went awfully awry when my aging Honda began to show some serious wear signs. When it became evident that I would have to end it with her, all the two door sports coupes, that stood little chance against the Michigan winter and my weekend duffel bag, had to go. The first to leave was the Lotus. And after that it really did not matter.
Now forced to buy a car that is all things to all men, I shifted my focus to the leading sport sedans/compacts in the American Car market. Anything that was a quality product that did not look like a frog, had four doors and held her own on an interstate ramp made the cut. The Volkswagen GTI with their food processor wheels and Jetta clothes was excluded. The Mazda 6 was too brash and too coarse. Of course, Toyota/Lexus was not even considered.
Audi A3 was fast with an entertaining turbo and had great interiors. But the rear seat was just too small and the wagon like look put me off. The A4 Quattro with a 2.0 FSI engine felt more of a turtle then car. She resisted all my throttle inputs and felt like she just wanted to do her thing. The Infiniti G35 was a complete waste of time. Sure, the engine makes the car goes like sting but what about the interiors? Does Infiniti really expect me to pay 38k for lunch box plastic? And with a vibrating gear lever, she was a complete let down.
The BMW 3 series, despite all its hype, was a great car to drive. An engine in the front driving the wheels at the back, just the way God meant it to be. A brand with a sense of history, drama and a name that exudes passion. Surely, this car was a natural choice. And it almost made it.
I have never been a huge BMW fan although I admire and respect their M cars. So the “Have to have a BMW” brand issue was not terribly important. When I learnt that it would take two months to get the “Ultimate Driving Machine” If I chose a manual transmission, it began to look a little shaky. Labeled as best luxury sport sedan in the market, I was terribly quizzed by the fact that none of the dealers in the mid west area had a manual on hand. Even if I did wait, the 325 I did not impress me that much. I tried hard, even wasted two nights thinking about, but in the end, I could not justify the 39K sticker for the three series.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Put your hands together for my latest possession and my better half. The 2006 Acura TSX…
The front fender has new changes for this model year
I could not wait to poke holes in the Acura when it made my list. There were two big chunks in the TSX Armor. First, it was a front wheel drive and second, it was parented by Honda.
But when you realize that this car is engineered and designed in Japan, born and brought up in Europe, it comes as hardly a surprise that it absolutely stands out in the American car market. Yes! She under steers but only when you push her beyond what’s recommended! And Yes, The Honda genes are prevalent but it sure does not roll like one. Her body is taut and wonderful through the turns. Her formula one inspired four arm multi link suspension ensures that she is one of the best handling front wheel drive cars I have ever driven. No torque steer and a 60/40 weight bias is as good as it gets for such a drive line configuration.
This puppy loves to spin, flirting mischieveously with the gearbox
The four cylinder 205 horsepower I-V Tec engine is often, and sometimes correctly, underrated on account of it having two cylinders less then 6 and its lowly torque. But that 6800 peak power producing motor is simply one of the best engines Honda has ever made. Coupled with this engine, is an extremely short throw six speed gearbox (The throw of this box is smaller then the Porsche Boxter) that is simply biblical. Have you cut butter with a hot knife? Now imagine something smoother. It’s that good. Power train and vehicle dynamics are then beautifully married with a top of the line,Electronic Stability Program and Traction control that would ensure I reach the office and home safe, through snow, ice, rain and gravel.
Three spoke steering adorns a beautiful cluster of dials and tell tales
So far so good, the substance of this car seemed to be in good shape. As the story moved on the inside, it only got better. The interiors are unparalleled at this price. They lack the artistry of a Maserati or an Aston, but in terms of ergonomics meets 21st century, you cannot get a better deal. 
The story of my life
The luminescent whitish dials are a treat to look at. The buttons go about getting pressed in the all right ways. Aluminum adds a bit of drama to the classic New York black dashboard look.
The voice operated navigation system makes getting lost fun!
The voice activated navigation, although not perfect, is arguably one of the most intuitive and user friendly systems on the market. It accepts over 600 voice commands and tries its best to find me recommended restaurants, gas stations and service shops. But my favorite feature is that all I have to do when I get lost in the 48 contiguous states is to say “Go Home”. Suddenly the car becomes a shelter from the storm. Besides all this gadgetry, The TSX offers a plethora of standard features that makes an equivalent BMW 3 series cost 40K. Bluetooth compatibility and I-pod hook up are some of my favorites. With XM1 and XM2, FM, AM, 6-CD changer and an Ipod to play out off, I could not imagine a time where I would lack music in the car.
The xenons do plenty to scare the deers and the oncoming yellow lighted cars
A car I thought I would not seriously consider now began to look excellent. The features continued their brutal onslaught. Memory seating, Road side assistance, service reminders on the instrument cluster, dual exhausts and so on so forth… I loved the package. I loved the fact that this could easily become sporty sensible car that one always needs. And the money I saved on the 3 series now makes it way towards the much more necessary Lotus fund. 
A generous use of brand labels!
As I said, she is no BMW. But then again, the BMW is no Lotus.
Aai, heech tee!
Flirting vicariously with the gearbox? I hope you don’t really mean that.
Was pretty excited to see your new source of contentment – till I thought I was looking at a mirror.
Congratulations, and I assume thats your longest post ever?
“The first to leave was the Lotus. And after that it really did not matter.”
LOL 🙂
ah! what a beauty. the speedometer looks really sporty. kinda puts my civic to shame :-(. Anyway, enjoy the navigation system. I was told a cheaper way to get it is to buy a 200$ compac palm top with GPS.
Enjoy the new car!! 🙂
Anon: Thanks. I am not sure about the longest, but this is the only one that really counts! And yes, sisters tend to look similiar.
Dq: Thanks N. As far as the after market navigation system goes, it might be cheaper but it will always stick out. I rather have the factory system any day. Besides, the acura nav is possibly the best in the market right now!
dushyant,congrats…hope u enjoy your time with your better half….
Congrats Dushy, Sahi aahe!
I was surprised that u bot Acura, but after reading all that i am sure its gr8.
Nice dude! ACURA TSX – Destiny is not a matter of chance, its a matter of choice!
awesome. good for you. you deserve it. have fun.
Ahh.. I’ve seen men drool over cars, but no one rhapsodizes quite as articulately and knowledgeably as you do, DW. Good choice. I haven’t driven one, but sat in one. The interiors are to die for. Congrats.
Congrats for another love affair! 🙂
Divi: Thank you, As I get to know her better, the fun factor just seems to be increasing.
Mahesh: I am suprised that I got an Acura but such is life. Full of self realizations!
CJ: Thanks buddy. Though I think you were a little bollywood with your comment, I see the point!
zambezi: Not sure about if I really deserved it but its too late to worry about that. Thanks!
Ajay: You are much too kind with words. But thank you. If you get a chance, drive the manual. Please avoid the automatic.
Upasna: Yes. This one is long and loyal. Quite like most second romances!
Great Car… Great Gizmos, one could just fall in love with the car without even driving it..
Hope that you are not spending the nights in the Acura and not the apt. 🙂
Take care, drive safe…
Dada
Welcome to the club man! Congratulations!
Congratulations…she’s beautiful!!!
:-)…have loads of fun with her…I guess we’ll have posts to read abt!
She’s the same (almost) car as PC has, isn’t it? Cool…u guys are turning more like each other or wat as time’s going by??
Aur mere ko drive par kab le kar jaa rahe ho??
Chalo…happy n safe driving..
Cheers!
-PN
Dada: Thanks. I almost did that last night and then realized its too soon to spend the night with her.
Rushi: Thanks dude.
PN: Your up for a drive any time you come here. Thanks for the compliment
its just a car ?!?
Anon: No. It is not just a car.
Congratulations! =) …competitive list you had there… I’m a fan of the Jetta =P
Thanks Anuya. However good the jetta is I could not get past its goofy looks and its even goofier past. But yes, if you are a fan, I thoroughly recommend the new GTI
Hey, I love the way the Jetta looks…but not the new model…and I agree with you.. it’s a problematic car =(
Congrats! The TSX does look beautiful!
Why would you say the 325 has a 39k price tag? What did you include to get to this 39k? I thought the difference between a TSX and a 325i was only 3-4k?
Littlecow: Thanks! If you price the 325i with the same options as the TSX then the baseprice shoots upto 39000. Add in snow tires for Michigan Winters and I am looking at 40K easily.
Depends on how badly you want the toys!
Sweet car ! I love Honda shifters – they are the best among the ‘regular’ (Porche and lower) cars.
I was considering an Acura last year but it was beyond my budget. I got the new Subaru Legacy GT instead with almost all the bells and whistles! No navigation system – but interior is as nice – especially the electronic gauge that does a sweep on start-up. And even though its five-speed, there is a sweet acceleration as the turbo kicks. I should probably do a homage post like this on my blog some day.
The aluminum metal pannel on sort of underneath the door in your last picture, does it light up blue at night by any chance. By the way, absolutlty loved your play on words as you described her. Also i have seen your videos on google video. Pleaaaase do another video on the TSX Please. For some I am considering a TSX right now.
Hey Anon, No it doesn’t light up. It is just a metallic strip. I have had her for about a year and half now and have loved it. Please feel free to email me if you have any specific concerns.
Hey this is Anon again. Whats up. I do have a few concerns/questions I am not by any means a car enthusiast(but i am interested) but so my questions may seem a bit obvious. The place where I live there are really no acura dealers, for this I have to get my (future) Acura serviced by the Honda dealer. Could you give me your E-mail adress. I am not looking for techincal answers(could get that from any site) I would just like opinions from someone who actually owns the car, instead of the dealer just telling me that it is fantastic.
Sure, my email is dushyantw@gmail.com
Hey this is Anon. I sent you an E-mail and am waiting for a response about the TSX you can take you time. Just wanted to tell you that here to make sure you know, in case it got filtered out as spam.
Hey this is Anon. I sent you an E-mail and am waiting for a response about the TSX, you can take your time. Just wanted to tell you that here to make sure you know, in case it got filtered out as spam. Thanks again for your help. The more I read about the TSX the more exciting it seems to get!