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The RDX, as in Acura RDX from Honda, is a Japanese SUV. This key, on my new custom Acura key chain, operates a worldly vehicle. The creators are Japanese, but it was designed for the American market. The topper is that it drives like a German sports car.

My satin chrome valet key chain is engineered to last a lifetime, just like my new Acura RDX. The valet key chain is designed to come apart so the vehicle key will be on one end and the home and office keys will be on the other. It is really two key chains in one. The Acura RDX is really two vehicles in one, a sporty sedan, and a load carrying SUV perfect for all those outdoor trips camping or skiing. Just check out the innovative storage compartments, plus comfortable seating for five in this shamelessly under priced car.

The Acura RDX is turbo charged, and when it kicks in, it makes a wonderful whooshing sound. It has the same excitement factor when driving that can be possible with the BMW 3 series. You are strongly tempted to pull out all the stops and drive it hard. In a 1,000 mile southern California comparison test with 4 compact SUVs, the RDX came is first, no sweat.

Comfort along with major performance is the goal of over 20 years of research and development. A good example of high tech is the tilt steering wheel which also telescopes. Safety has not been neglected with the Acura RDX. It was rated highest (5 stars) in frontal and side crash tests, as well as having electronic stability control. No wonder this company is a leader in safety, putting into practice their goals of creating and improving an environmentally sound line of automobiles.

Acura’s concern with the environment includes recognizing the impact they have on the community in Lincoln, Alabama where the factory is located. Acura has made it a point to preserve the environment at the manufacturing facility and beyond by installing state of the art pollution control devices. Acura commits to efficiently using materials and energy to preserve the natural state of their factory location. The goal of producing greener, more fuel efficient cars, with lower emissions, and excellent aerodynamic designs, keeps everyone striving to build better automobiles and environment.

Acura has just celebrated their 20th anniversary of producing better and better cars. Among the innovations, are offering up to $1,000 towards the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment so those with disabilities will have the same opportunities to drive and ride in this vehicle.

Just as the Acura has several models in their line of vehicles, there are also several choices in the style of key chain, you choose to compliment your car. Most of these are designed to be handsome and long lasting, can be customized, and may well be the collectible of the future. So you may want to order more than one of them, so you and your spouse and everyone else in the family can each have one.

SUVs began life as trucks. Trucks are bouncy and push a lot of air, which requires a lot of gas, and they’re hard to maneuver. No fun. So SUV makers with sports car genetics, such as BMW and Porsche, have tried to marry fun driving with truck utility.

The BMW X5 is a V8-powered SUV aimed to provide the driving fun of a sport sedan. A mid-size luxury SUV, the first X5 was introduced for the 2000 model year. It was a trim-looking, tightly handling, tall-riding wagon. We drove this model with its 4.4-liter engine several thousand miles. It was short on utility, which is these days described as the ability to carry bikes and boards (sand, surf, sail, skate and snow), which the original short X5 could barely accommodate. In fact, it had less cargo space than a 5 Series wagon. A bigger BMW X5 would better meet the requirements of luxury SUV buyers, more in line with SUVs from Cadillac, Mercedes, Acura, Audi, and Volvo.

For 2007, BMW stretched the X5 seven inches, while preserving its ability to handle well and be nearly as fun to drive as BMW’s sport sedans. BMW also expanded the height and width of the wagon two inches each dimension. This bigger X5 is known as the second-generation X5, same name, bigger body.

A BMW X5 adds a dimension to its intended tasks, traveling to places where active, fun sports take place, for example. Instead of hauling equipment and gear, the X5 gives sensitive automotive connoisseurs the top equipment they want to enjoy the activity of driving as much as possible. That’s why BMW is trying to get its SUVs to be called SAVs, for sport activity vehicle. In other words, it’s better for driving than hauling. This is not the wagon you fill with mulch for the garden and lumber to finish the basement. This is the car you take to the resort, and enjoy the drive, no matter the weather.

Powerful, smooth engines propel the X5 and exhilarate the driver with quick reflexes. Handling is intuitive, like a sculpted water ski, and ride is supple, like a freshly adjusted and tuned full-suspension titanium Merlin mountain bike. If you enjoy the sport of driving, you’ll like the dynamics of the X5 every bit as much as the nimble old X5. That’s a tough feat to pull off, since the new X5 outweighs the old one by about 400 pounds. A new suspension design and special variable ratio steering contributes greatly to the ride and handling.

Like other BMWs and the previous X5, the 2007 BMW X5 is pretty, with swoopy sheetmetal, a trademark double-grille fashionable nose, and deep, shiny metallic paint. Now this new version of the SUV fashion statement will hold more of the gear and boards that active folks use.

Model Lineup

The 2007 BMW X5 comes in a choice of two models, distinguished by engine.

The BMW X5 3.0i ($45,900) is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower.

The BMW X5 4.8i ($54,500) is powered by a newer 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. The 4.8-liter model also makes available a host of extra high-tech gizmos, such as headlights that move with steering inputs, multiple variable electrically operated front seats, and both models include the iDrive control for the navigation, climate, entertainment, and personal preference functions.

Options include a premium sound system with a six-CD changer ($1,800); rear privacy glass and front and rear climate zones ($700); driver’s massage seat and front seats with fan-powered ventilation and multiple adjustable contours ($2,100); DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($1,800); satellite radio ($595); rear-view camera with parking assist system, satellite navigation, voice activation for some functions, and traffic information ($2,600); integrated garage opener and light switches, full-roof sunroof and power shade, auto dimming mirrors, adjustable lumbar supports, cargo cover, compass, vanity lights, and a live service assistance with Bluetooth phone function ($2,650); front seat heaters, headlight washers, heated wheel, and ski cover for luggage compartment pass-through ($900); leather steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, run-flat tires, anti-roll-over stability system, electronic damping control, larger seat bolsters ($3,600).

Safety features include the mandated dual front airbags which have two-stage threshold activation, plus side-curtain airbags for head protection and side-impact airbags built into the front seats. Active safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, all-wheel drive, traction control, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, adaptive headlights and cornering lights. Optional safety features include a rearview camera and parking assist as part of a Technology Package ($2,600), and anti-roll stability system and run-flat tires as part of a Sport Package ($3,600).

The Toyota Lexus ES250 is a glorified Toyota Camry for a few grand more.

At least that`s what rival Honda Acura and Nissan Infiniti dealers tellprospective customers.

Considering the ES250 and Camry are built on the same platform and sharethe same engine, it would be difficult to dispute the charge.

This fall, the ES250 becomes the ES300, the name change signaling notonly new sheet metal but the unveiling of a 3-liter, 24-valve, twin-cam, 185horsepower V-6 engine to replace the current 2.5-liter V-6.

The ES300 will share the powerplant with the Camry, which also undergoesa styling change for the coming model year.

Sources say Toyota was well aware of the ES250-is-too-similar-to-the-Camry complaints; so styling on the `92 versions will be considerablydifferent, to avoid a repeat of the $30,000-Cadillac-looks-like-a-$20,000-Oldsfiasco that hampered General Motors.

The 3-liter in the ES300 won`t be the same as the new 3-liter engine tobe offered in the SC300 coupe, the coming six-cylinder version of the SC400coupe introduced this spring. The SC300 engine will be a 3-liter, 24-valve,twin-cam, 225-horsepower in-line six-cylinder, not a V-6, according toAutomotive Industries Insider, a trade publication.

But we digress. Glorified Camry or not, the ES250 is a pleasant machine,with loads of room and comfort, passenger and cargo-carrying capacity and morethan decent power from its 2.5-liter, 156-horsepower, 24-valve V-6 engine.

Driver`s-side air bag and antilock brakes are standard.

The ride is whisper quiet and befits a luxury car. Handling benefits from variable-effort and quick-response power steering, front and rear stabilizerbars, fully independent four-wheel suspension and 15-inch Goodyear GA radials. About the only shortcoming is the suspension seemed a bit mushy at timesin the so-called $22,000 entry-level model in the overall luxury Lexus lineup,which also includes the $37,500 SC400 coupe and the $40,000 LS400 sedan.

It`s nice to have a cushion over bumps in the road, but we`d rather dowithout the roll and sway in corners and turns. However, the problem may have been the result of the optional ($950) leather seats, which don`t hold thebody as well as cloth in sharp maneuvering. Because cloth is cooler in thesummer and warmer in the winter and easier to clean regardless of the season, save yourself $950 and forget the leather.

Base price is $22,050.

Perhaps the extent of the standard equipment is the reason thecompetition calls it a glorified Camry.

It includes power brakes and steering, four-speed automatic transmission, power locks/windows/mirrors, air conditioning, tinted glass, digital clock,AM/FM stereo, alloy wheels, color-coordinated lower bodyside cladding,intermittent wipers, rear-window defogger, remote-trunk and fuel-filler doorreleases, visor vanity mirrors, cruise control, first-aid kit and the ever-popular pullout cupholder.

In addition to leather seats, the car we tested added a power moonrooffor $700, power driver`s seat for $250, carpeted floor mats for $105 (when youexceed the $20,000 mark there`s no reason mats shouldn`t be standard) and atrunk mat (ditto) for $62.

ES250 sales have been somewhat spotty in 1991, in large part due to theit`s-a-ritzy-Camry flap. With the new engine for `92 and sheet metal sporting a few bends and twists different from the Camry, the ES300 should help Toyota settle into its own niche.

The Honda Odyssey might be the best minivan on the market. It’s certainly one of the most enjoyable to drive, and it lives up to Honda’s reputation for refinement, convenient features and great fit and finish. Its flexible seating system can accommodate up to eight passengers.

All Odyssey models are powered by a 244-horsepower V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. Four trim levels make it affordable to a wider group of buyers, yet all deliver car-like ride and handling and a comprehensive set of safety features, including electronic stability control and side curtain airbags for head protection.

In its third year of production, the current generation Odyssey still seems fresh. The base LX starts at about $26,000 and includes most of the features that make family travel easier. The line-topping Touring has as many bells and whistles as a good luxury sedan.

Odyssey’s range of models has some drawbacks, to be sure. Certain desirable features such as the navigation system or fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management are included only on the higher-priced models and not available as stand-alone options. With the Odyssey Touring approaching $40,000 out the door, it’s out of reach for many buyers.

New for 2007: Honda’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System is now standard on all Odyssey models. The system reports a significant drop in tire pressure with a warning indicator in the instruments and identifies the specific tire. Improvements for 2007 include a telescoping steering wheel and a more convenient coin holder. Otherwise, the Odyssey lineup carries over to 2007 unchanged.

Line Up

The 2007 Honda Odyssey lineup includes four models, each with its own character. All are powered by a 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing and equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The LX ($25,645) comes with manual sliding doors, manual seat controls and manual air conditioning with an air-filtration system. Power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats come standard.

The EX ($28,695) adds power sliding doors, tri-zone climate control, a storable second-row PlusOne seat, in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, power driver seat controls, alloy wheels and other features.

The EX-L ($31,095) adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and the iVTEC engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which improves fuel economy by de-activating three engine cylinders under certain conditions. The EX-L is available with the DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($32,695), and the navigation system with rearview camera can be added to that ($34,895).

The Touring ($36,895) is what Honda’s Acura luxury division would sell if it sold a minivan. It has a slightly stiffer suspension for improved handling and Michelin PAX run-flat tires. It also gets a 350-watt AM/FM/CD6 audio system with seven speakers and a subwoofer, rear Park Assist, power tailgate, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and memory, power-adjustable pedals, second-row bucket seats, removable second-row console, 17 cupholders, compass and outside temperature display, fog lights, auto-dimming mirror, and the DVD rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring comes with the iVTEC engine with VCM. The navigation system is extra ($39,095).

Safety equipment that comes standard on all models includes dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head protection airbags for all three rows of seats, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Walkaround

The Honda Odyssey cuts a curvy profile, and its front end looks similar to the Accord sedan. Large headlights flank its big grille. The hood is sculpted with curves that lead naturally back to the windshield and emphasize the big fender flares. Honda has not hidden the sliding door channels at the base of the window but left them partially obscured by a crease that runs the length of the vehicle.

All models come with two sliding doors, manually operated on the LX and electrically operated on all other models. The power windows in each of the side doors can be opened in the same fashion as in a car. The tailgate is electrically operated in the top-of-the-line Touring. The power doors seemed a bit reluctant to operate at times, and less responsive to key fob commands than the sliding doors on the Toyota Sienna.

The Odyssey boasts Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. The vehicle’s crush zones have been engineered to provide good protection for occupants while minimizing damage in a collision with smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Its body structure is rigid, which contributes to crisp handling and a smooth ride. A low drag coefficient helps improve fuel economy and high-speed stability.

Interior

Inside, the Odyssey is both comfortable and convenient. It feels downright luxurious when ordered with leather trim. The soft materials look good and the metallic-colored trim that runs across the center of the dash is attractive.

New for 2007: The Honda Odyssey is now equipped with a steering wheel that telescopes in addition to tilting. The telescoping wheel adds a welcome element of flexibility in creating a comfortable driving position. There’s also a new center pocket coin holder.

The driver’s seat is designed to hold the driver firmly and is positioned in a car-like setting. Power-adjustable pedals are available in the Touring model. The shift lever is mounted on the dashboard, and while it looks odd at first, it’s easier to use than a column-mounted shifter. A handy drink tray is provided between the front seats, but there’s no center console. Two glove boxes are provided, which are more awkward for storage than one big one.

The second-row bucket seats are roomy and comfortable.

The third-row seat splits 60/40 and folds easily into the well provided for it, and the headrests do not need to be removed before folding.

A useful storage area is hidden under the middle of the floor, accessible from both the front and middle-row seats. Originally designed to house the spare tire, Honda engineers moved the spare tire to a location in the rear. Instead of removing the round space under the floor where the spare used to reside, they’ve turned it into a hidden storage compartment with a rotating compartmentalized bin, like a Lazy Susan. A small panel in the floor between the two front seats lets front passengers access the bin while and another panel is provided in front of the second-row seats. Front and middle-row passengers can turn the Lazy Susan and access whatever is stored inside.

There’s room for eight people with the optional PlusOne seat that fits between the two captain’s chairs in the second row. If it’s not needed as a seat it can be turned into a table or stowed in the floor in place of the Lazy Susan bin. If the PlusOne seat is not being used, the right-hand seat can be slid across to allow easier access to the third-row seats. This flexibility makes the Odyssey a versatile people hauler, and with the seats folded (a fairly easy task) there’s more cargo space than in most SUVs.

The optional navigation system is one of the easiest to operate using its on-screen menus and includes Zagat restaurant data. The large eight-inch monitor is positioned high on the dashboard for easy viewing. The system also responds to voice commands, and we found it responds effectively. It’s capable of responding to 637 different voice commands and is smart enough to understand different accents and find locations without any need for input other than by voice. Apart from navigation, the system can be used to operate the radio and climate controls. The rearview camera makes parallel parking easier and also functions as a safety feature: By displaying what’s behind the car on the navigation screen, it can show the driver unseen hazards such as a small child possibly preventing a tragic accident. We find rearview cameras very useful in crowded shopping center parking lots where people are walking behind the car after we’ve shifted into Reverse.

The available DVD entertainment system features a large nine-inch widescreen display that folds out of the ceiling for viewing by second-row passengers. The wireless headsets turn on and off automatically as the ear pads are rotated.

Acura RSX is a sport coupe for drivers who want performance and sophistication. That sophistication extends from the well-appointed cockpit to the superb driving dynamics.

Honda’s powerful twin-cam engines, well-tuned sports suspensions, and four-wheel disc brakes make the RSX an exciting ride. Supportive, contoured seats, excellent visibility, and all the conveniences make it a comfortable ride. RSX is also practical, with a useable back seat and expandable cargo space accessible through its rear hatch.

With its powerful, high-revving engine, Type-S is a terrific car for the single, upwardly mobile driving enthusiast. The standard RSX is appointed well, but may be a bit firm for buyers who suffer a grinding daily commute.

RSX is unchanged for 2003, but a new performance kit is available for the Type-S.

Model Lineup

RSX breaks from Acura’s CL, TL, RL nomenclature. The X in RSX means this is one of Acura’s specialty models, like the NSX and the new TSX. RSX is only available as a two-door coupe. Though called a coupe, it is a hatchback in practical use.

Two engines are available. The base RSX ($19,975) is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower. It comes with a five-speed manual transmission, or optional five-speed automatic with SportShift ($20,875). Cloth is standard. Perforated leather upholstery ($1075) is optional.

RSX Type-S ($23,270) gets a 200-horsepower version of the same 2.0-liter inline-4. Type-S comes exclusively with a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. Leather is standard. Also standard is a Bose AM/FM/cassette/six-disc in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, including a big woofer.

Otherwise, there aren’t any options. So you only need to make two major choices: whether you want cloth or leather, and if you want leather, whether you want the more powerful engine and related sports equipment. There’s no need for options because the base RSX models come standard with all of the convenience features of the more powerful Type-S: automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows and locks, power moonroof, antilock brakes, and 16-inch alloy wheels. RSX also comes standard with a premium six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo.

Acura is offering a performance package for RSX Type-S, which is installed at dealerships ($4,800 plus installation). The package includes high-performance, track-tuned shocks and springs, slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads, lightweight 17×7.5-inch alloy wheels, high-performance tires (225/45VR17), a factory rear wing, underbody spoiler kit, and special interior trim. This is the first time Acura has offered a comprehensive high-performance kit to be installed by dealers and covered under a factory warranty.

From : http://nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2003_Acura_RSX&ReviewID=1332

The Acura MDX offers an outstanding V6 powertrain, seven-passenger seating and a standard four-wheel-drive system that prevents skids almost before they happen. Neat styling, attention to detail, excellent crash protection and competitive pricing increase the appeal of this luxury SUV.

Introduced in 2001, MDX was named North American Truck of the Year by a panel of 50 independent automotive journalists. Through the four model years since, the MDX has been steadily improved in all areas.

The body has grown more rigid, allowing better vibration control and a smoother ride. Power has increased, and a more compact five-speed automatic transmission shifts even more smoothly than before. MDX’s standard VTM-4 four-wheel drive system has been remapped to work seamlessly with a new Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to improve handling on slippery surfaces and to enhance stability in all conditions. Acura has updated the optional navigation system and added a rearview camera that engages when the transmission is in reverse. A DVD entertainment system with wireless infrared headphones is now available.

For 2004, MDX gets another round of updates. This is what the auto industry calls a mid-cycle revision, and the improvements are as extensive as any undertaken so far. Horsepower and torque increase, thanks to a new dual-exhaust system. The 2004 MDX sports new front- and rear-end styling, redesigned alloy wheels, a new Side Curtain Airbag system that helps to protect occupants in all three rows, and interior upgrades that include enhanced interior lighting with ambient footlights and entry illumination.

In short, the attributes that earned MDX awards remain and have been refined. This so-called luxury SUV remains one of the best values in the class.

Model Lineup

The MDX is an Acura, so it follows the brand’s all-inclusive price strategy, with limited options. It’s offered in a single trim level, powered by a 3.5-liter, 265-hp V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

MDX ($36,400) comes standard with a long list of luxury and convenience features, including many that are extra-cost options on its competitors: leather seating surfaces and leather door inserts; keyless remote entry; power windows, door locks and mirrors; power tilt-and-slide moonroof; cruise control; seven-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo with in-dash CD player; power adjustable front seats; alloy wheels and a multi-function digital trip computer. For 2004, there’s also a standard tire pressure monitoring system that uses sensors in the valve stem of each wheel to alert the driver when tire pressure drops significantly below the recommended level.

Even with a host of improvements, 2004 MDX prices reflect a modest price increase of $700, or less than 2 percent compared to 2003. Prices for the three options offered have not changed.

The Touring package ($2600) adds a killer 200-watt, eight-speaker Acura/Bose music system with in-dash six-disc CD changer; a keyless remote linked to the two-position driver’s seat and mirror memory system; eight-way adjustable passenger seat; roof rack; an outside mirror that tilts to track progress while backing up; rain-sensing windshield wipers and special alloy wheels.

Acura’s DVD Entertainment System ($1500) for rear-seat passengers adds a seven-inch widescreen display that flips down from the ceiling at the push of a button. The system comes complete with two infrared (IR) wireless headphones and a wireless remote control. Kids dig it.

The DVD-based Navigation System ($2200) needs only one disc to cover the entire continental U.S. Recent enhancements include voice recognition and upgraded graphics. The system includes a rearview camera that transmits pictures from behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the MDX is in reverse gear, but it can only be ordered with the Touring package.
From : http://nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2004_Acura_MDX&ReviewID=1500

Acura felt it should have a car to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, so it came up with the TSX, an intriguing car that does much with little. It starts with a European Honda Accord, slightly smaller than ours, including the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and adds impeccable execution all the way to your driveway. That execution is what the TSX pits against the benchmark BMW 325.

Honda’s 200-horsepower engine boasts a broad torque curve that responds immediately to the drive-by-wire throttle and quick work with its sweet gearbox. The suspension dances to the tune of a European sports sedan. The brakes scrub off triple-digit speeds without drama and the pedals are set up well for effortless heel-and-toe braking and downshifting. For an enthusiast, the 2004 Acura TSX eliminates the lust for European-market cars.

Model Lineup

The lineup for the Honda TSX couldn’t be simpler. There is a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic with Sequential Sport Shift, for $26,490. The only option is a $2000 navigation system, in which Acura takes pride: it’s intuitive, thorough and fairly easy to operate.

Notable standard equipment includes a 200-horsepower version of the 2.4-liter double-overhead-cam iVTEC engine, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, 17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated performance tires, perforated leather seating, side curtain airbags, moonroof, HID headlights, and 360-watt Acura premium audio system with six-disc CD changer and eight speakers.

Not satisfied with just being good-looking and well-equipped, The 2005 edition of the Acura TL bespeaks smoothness, inside and out.
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The interior is thoughtfully laid out, nice healthy analog knobs where needed, and buttons large enough not to miss. The navigation system is simply the most useful and (more important) easy to use. The seating is very comfortable fore and aft with good cargo space under the fully retracting trunk lid.
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Now that is how instruments should be illuminated! My theory is that some eager young design engineers keep showing automotive managers artists renderings of “cool and sexy” all-red instrument ilumination. On paper, maybe. In real live driving situations, you can have your blurry dashes. Besides, a red indicator should be indicating a problem.
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We had a gas with the 270-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 which provided plenty of power at any engine speed. The automatic transmission is absolutely seamless; you’ll have to concentrate to notice gear changes. The steering and handling are precise without being hyper-sensitive. It’s all been carefully balanced. It is quite simply an effortless drive - winning plaudits equally from male and female drivers and passengers. Don’t you dare think about sports sedans without including the Acuras.
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SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: Acura RL
ENGINE: 3.5-liter V6
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 300 hp @ 6,200 rpm/260 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift
WHEELBASE: 110.2 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 193.6 x 72.7 x 57.1 in.
TIRES: P245/50R17 all-season
TRUNK: 13.1 cu. ft.
ECONOMY: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
PRICE: $49,470

Acura may have been one of the first Japanese luxury car nameplates, but it has never gained the reputation for super-luxury that the Lexus LS or Infiniti Q have. Yet, with a smaller 3.5-liter V6 engine compared to the V8 engines of the competition, the Acura RL doesn’t lack for performance or luxury.

The RL’s first impression is a neat one. There’s no key, as is the fashion with many cars these days. Just keep the key fob with you and sensors in the car will recognize it and unlock the doors when you approach. You also don’t need a key to fire up the engine, nor is there one of those annoying “engine start” buttons. You turn the ignition switch as you would if you had a key, but there isn’t one.

The 3.5-literSOHC V6 engine is quiet, yet it offers a load of power. Delivering 300 horsepower, there’s nothing this engine can’t do. It can get you to illegal speeds quickly, and can get you through any winding road you choose to look for.

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One must make rapid adjustments in this business. After a week driving the Honda Ridgeline pickup and acclimating to its size I traded it in for a strikingly red (Milano Red they call it) Acura TSX. My first impression was how tiny the rear-view mirrors are. Oh yea, this is a little car not a big trailer-hauler. And, look at that; a stubby little shifter with a six-speed pattern imprinted on its brass-colored, perhaps nickel, leather-wrapped knob. We’re going to enjoy this one.

The Japanese-built TSX, first introduced as a 2004 model, is Acura’s entry into the small sport sedan market, competing with BMW 3-Series, Audi A-4, Mercedes C-class and Lexus IS. And a good competitor it is. Based on the European Accord platform it’s smaller and much more agile than the US Accord. At around, $30,000 this 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive sport sedan with amazing standard content is a real contender in its class.

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