CD Article: 2006 Acura CSX

[Prius]

true but I can get a loaded EX 4 cylinder for the price of a CSX Premium without nav.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I'm going to go TD a CSX this week.

It's too small for me, but I like the packaging (Premium non-NAVI) and would like to see how this vehicle responds versus some other vehicles.

[Prius]

go ahead 

I'll share my experiences after you test drive so you won't have a "bias" going into the dealership.

[New CSX owner]

I've just bought a 2006 CSX premium 5 speed manual royal blue with parchment leather. My dealer had 3 2005 EL's still on their lot and I drove one of them before driving the CSX. In compairison to the EL the CSX was ~1k higher in MSRP, it was quieter, smoother driving down a rutted back alley, corners much flatter, it has more low end torque than the EL( that's not saying much it's still a VTEC). The general look and feel of the CSX vs the EL is much more of a luxury car while the EL is clearly a econo-box in a suit.
The odd thing for me is I went into the dealership to test drive the TSX, after having driven a BMW 323, MB C240, and a Saab 93. The TSX, 323 and C240 are all smaller inside than the CSX, and only the Saab and TSX even offer a leather interior MB and BMW are vinyl. If Acura put the SI motor in the CSX they would have a hard time giving away TSXs.
For the $12-15k extra you get a modest increase in power with the 323, C240, TSX, and Saab 93, and in all but the TSX less equipment, the CSX is one hell of a nice car for the money. It's also cheaper than a similarly equiped Jetta but an adult can comfortably sit in the back of the CSX.
I will say the exterior styling and dash will be a love it or hate it thing for a lot of people.
With gas over $1/litre I don't mind the fact my car doesn't need premium fuel like the SI does, it's got more than enough get up and go and gets 8-10mpg better than the more expensive luxury models.

Doug