HSTuners - Test drove the TSX today...

I had to go out and get a part for my Honda (it's fix, btw. I just need to find some new wheels, my rims are f*cked!). Anyway, across the street from the Honda dealership is a new Acura dealership (both dealerships owned by AutoNation). So, we go in so that I can get a brochure (sp) about the TSX and mess around in there. My friend (who's graduating high school next month) wanted to go apply, so we went back to service.
I was BS'ing around with the salesman, gave him a line something like "My father just gave me that Mercedes and I also want to trade in my Accord". Anyway, he suggested that we go out for test drive.
We went out in a 6spd 2.4L 4cyl (200hp). Here are my impressions:
Interior: The heated seats would be wasted down here in Florida. The faux wood-grain accents looked cheesy and had irregular and unnatural shapes in it. I did, however, really like the gauges, which were easy to read and visually pleasing. The seats were also very supportive and kept you in your seat.
Exterior: I test drove the "Pearl Metallic Blue" (or something like that) which is an awesome color. Similar to BMW's Estorial Blue, it has a slight chameleon effect in it. The 17" rims were also very nice. The rear disc brakes seemed rather small however. I still don't like the rear-end on these things (it's HUGE) but the dual mufflers with the factory-option chrome tips looked pretty tight. The optional xenon headlights were also worth getting.
The Drive: The i-VTEC engine is really responsive in the higher RPM's and the 6-spd tranny shifts smoothly. The close-ratio gearing took me a bit to get used to, but was pretty fun. Unfortuently, we couldn't get on the highway, so had to keep the speeds somewhat reasonable :\ The car drove smooth but the cornering felt a little soft.
Afterthoughts: I did not like the TSX before I went into the show room, but left happy with it. The rear-end is still fugly in my opinion. A wagon version of the TSX would fix that (no plans on importing it). It is easy to forget that you are in a family sedan when you hear the VTEC engage or when you grasp the polished aluminum 6 speed shift knob (same knob from the S2000). But you are quickly reminded when you go into the twisties. For the $26,000 sticker price, I was impressed.

-Ducky

(Oh, and I told the salesman that I decided that I liked the IS 300 better, and would be buying that instead. heheh )