2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon review

The Acura TSX Sport Wagon may be brand-new to the U.S., but under its newly shaped sheetmetal is the same TSX we've come to appreciate, albeit with more cargo room and another $1,350 added to the bottom line. The Sport Wagon starts at $30,960, and with Acura's $3,650 Technology Package, our tester tipped the scales at $34,610.

Anyone who has ever priced out an Acura model knows that opting for the high-end package means that just about every option is included. That doesn't change for the TSX Sport Wagon, as the Technology Package includes navigation, Bluetooth, a power tailgate, voice recognition and 10-speaker ELS Surround audio with a 15 GB hard disk for audio storage.

That's a lot of kit for $3,650, but the plethora of tech options won't entice the luxury car buyer if the exterior doesn't look great. It helps that the TSX wears Acura's corporate beak more convincing than most of its its larger, more expensive siblings. Perhaps the smaller stance of the TSX makes the front end look less like James Bond's Jaws with an overbite. But does the two-box wagon design change that? We're thinking yes, but only for the better. The wagon's well-tapered profile gives the TSX a visual boost, while chrome roof rails, attractive 17-inch wheels and body-color moldings give this middle-management hauler a touch of class.

2011 Acura RL Review

The 2011 Acura RL is a large, comfortable sedan, handsome and well-detailed. Yet up against other performance luxury sedans, even when you consider them for upscale family duty, there's something missing.


That's one of the reasons why we at FamilyCarGuide give the Acura RL a 7 out of 10. While it has a very comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, a secure all-wheel-drive system, and capable handling that won't fluster you or your passengers, it falls short in many respects.


Most importanly, the RL quite simply lacks curb appeal. If it matters that you're noticed at a crowded country club parking lot or a valet stand, that's an issue. Secondly, the RL has disappointing back-seat space for a flagship sedan.


While the RL comes with nice, supportive seats that are heated and cooled in front—along with excellent ventilated/perforated leather upholstery—they're missing the extending thigh supports that many other luxury models have. In back, there's just enough space for adults, surprisingly, and both lanky teens and smaller adults might find heads brushing the headliner, which has been carved out.

2012 Acura TL makeover

The fourth generation of Honda's luxury mid-size sedan comes with enhanced style, performance and fuel economy. Despite the upgrades, its looks are still lacking.

The exterior of the 2012 Acura TL is much improved, especially its front end. (Honda / June 30, 2011)

Acura TL for 2012 has gone under the knife and gotten a Heidi Montag makeover to enhance its physique and overall allure. Now in its fourth generation, the TL has been plumped to slightly larger proportions and pumped up under the hood.