| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | Thought it might produce more wheelspin than it did, though best launch had just a whiff of wheelspin. Engine response feels soft at low rpm, then wakes up. VTEC operation more linear and less evident here than with other Honda engines. Shifts are moderately quick, yet smooth. Manual shift mode holds gear until revs bounce off rpm limiter. All runs done in Sport mode. Near zero torque steer. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Not exactly confidence-inspiring results, and yet brakes aren't nearly as prone to fade as previous TSX with inline-4 engine. Acceptable stopping distances that remain more or less consistent. Not much initial bite at 60 mph, but good below 40 mph. Pedal effort remains constant. Only moderate dive from front end. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Stability control intervenes strongly as it chops throttle and grabs brakes. Once stability control disengaged, the TSX sneaks up on mild understeer, but responds well to throttle input. Steering feels spring-loaded and offers only a small amount of accurate feedback. Slalom: Stability control is set to conservative levels and grabs brakes rather abruptly. Once stability control is shut off, TSX wakes up. It's far more alert and adept. Steering response is direct and precise, but feel is only adequate. As speed increases, TSX begins to rotate usefully without threatening to spin. Handles with confidence. |
| Safety |
|---|
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
