Who would have dreamed a year ago that the big names at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show would be Acura, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda? Who would have ever imagined that a U.S. auto show would be dominated by companies from Japan and Korea?

Everyone thought the Chicago Auto Show would be a great opportunity for the Big 3 to pull out the stops and put a positive spin on a bad situation. But, instead of a much-needed infusion of confidence, all the Big 3 got was an old-school whuppin’ at the hands of the Foreign 4.

While the Big 3 was busy taking private jets to Washington D.C., closing production facilities and laying off workers at an alarming rate, it seems that the Foreign 4 has been hard at work.

Sure, the Big 3 did unveil some great new cars. But, questions still remain. How quickly can they get these vehicles to market? Are they earmarking bailout money for these projects? (They must be.) But, while the Big 3 wonders, the Foreign 4 plunders, and that’s the name of that tune.

4 new cars from the Foreign 4: The 2010 Acura TSX V-6, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe R-Spec, the 2010 Kia Forte, and the 2009 Mazda MX-5 were displayed at the Chicago Auto Show.

Read the article from Kirk Bell, contributing author to CarReview and Search Chicago, after the jump:

(Continued on page 2)

Review by Francis Cebedo | Photos by Derek Mau

Blings:

• The build quality is top notch
• The slick shifter is a joy to use
• The engine is very willing and has a broad power range

Dings:

• Power, power, power. A car of this stature can seem badly underpowered at times
• There is a bit of body roll and tire squeal when driven at the limit

Read the rest of this entry »

With an updated engine, revised styling and new features, the 2009 Acura TSX is hoping to gain some traction as an entry-level luxury sedan. Somehow the latest generation TSX comes up short when compared to other entry-level sedans. Competitively in the same class as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and the Volvo S40, the 2009 TSX could use a little extra to get ahead in class crowded with over-achievers. The handling could be a little tighter and being a FWD drive car doesn’t help much. Limited by its single engine offering, a normally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-4 producing 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, the engine’s real power band begins in the upper rev range and the VTEC kicks in. Plus, it could use a little more low-end torque. The upside is above average gas mileage if you stay out of VTEC range. Watch our video review and find out how the new TSX sums up in overall value and performance.

02/10/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura’s popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.

“The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, “The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand.”

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2008 Acura TSX is a popular entry-level luxury sedan that is fun to drive, has great fuel economy, precise steering, a smooth shifter, many high tech features, a luxurious interior, is really safe, and might just be the perfect all around vehicle. The TSX is equipped with a 2.4 liter, 16 valve i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, puts out 205 horsepower, 165 lb-ft of torque and does a 0-60-mph in 7 seconds. It has a ton of technological features that include heated leather seats, a sunroof, climate control and an optional navigational system with voice recognition so you can control the stereo and heating controls by voice. The 2008 Acura TSX earned a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA for driver side and frontal impact and 4-stars for its passenger and rear impact. Overall, the TSX is a great buy.

Watch the video review as Kurt sums up the character of this extremely sporty, high tech, entry-level luxury sedan.

Acura TSX Photo Gallery	Acura TSX Specs
The official website of Acura - www.acura.com

>> Read Kurt’s review of the 2008 Acura TSX

>> See all of the Acura TSX photos in our photo gallery

>> Do you have an opinion of the TSX? Submit your review of an Acura TSX or read other TSX reviews on CarReview.com

>> www.Acura.com - official website for Acura cars and SUVs

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Shifter feels like it’s greased with Crisco
• Excellent fuel economy
• High fun-to-drive factor
• Luxurious and high tech interior
• Comes standard with everything but navigation

Dings:

• Vague clutch pickup in first gear
• Four cylinder is a little lacking in grunt

Verdict: The car that Mr. Miyagi would drive until the end of time. Read the rest of this entry »