Honda Owners Force Free Transmission Fix

Ah, the power of peaceful protest.

Honda and Acura owners recently saw their hard work pay off when Honda issued a technical service bulletin for the vehicle. The issue? Owners of certain vehicles claimed the car had a transmission problem involving the third gear randomly popping into neutral and grinding incessantly.

Previously, Honda claimed to know nothing of the problem and refused to issue a recall. A TSB is short of a recall, but owners can still get the problem fixed free of charge by bringing their vehicle into a dealership. You can see the TSB for the Honda Civic and Accord here, and the TSB for the Acura here. For a full list of models affected, go to the jump.

Acura Prices 2009 TSX

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX gets an average 4.3% price increase and starts at $28,960, up from the 2008 model’s $28,190. That price is for the base model, which comes with leather, sunroof and pretty much everything else standard. There’s only one upgrade: the optional technology package, which features Acura’s 10-speaker premium sound system and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather. That bumps the price to $32,060. Destination is an additional $715.

While the car retains the same engine as before, the rest has been overhauled. The 2009 is bigger inside and out and has an updated exterior featuring the brand’s new peaked grille. Cars.com’s Mike Hanley recently reviewed the TSX and came away impressed, though he was concerned with how much more power and handling is available in some of the TSX’s competitors.

That said, the TSX stays under $30,000, making it more affordable than most of the competition. It goes on sale April 24.

Video: 2009 Acura TSX

Acura has eloquently refreshed the TSX small sports sedan inside and out for 2009. But are looks all that matter? Cars.com’s Mike Hanley has already reviewed the new TSX, and he shares his thoughts on video at the New York auto show.



Share this video via YouTube
More on the 2009 Acura TSX

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Acura TSX

The world just got its first up-close look at the redesigned Acura TSX at the New York auto show yesterday, but Cars.com’s Mike Hanley has already been in the driver’s seat. The sport sedan gets a new design inside and out and Mike pushes the engine — which has stayed pretty much as-is — to the limits for his full review.

2009 Acura TSX Expert Review

Up Close: 2009 Acura TSX

This is actually the second time I've been able to inspect Acura's new entry-level sport sedan, because the automaker invited journalists to drive the 2009 TSX last month. A full review of the sedan hits Cars.com tomorrow morning, but here's a brief rundown on the new model.

Acura has taken a few more chances with the TSX's styling, giving it larger fender flares and a small shield grille. I find it stylish, but some sport sedan shoppers might wish Acura had made things even a little more radical.

The cabin features Acura's typically good materials and attention to fit and finish. For 2009, Acura has replaced the TSX's touch-screen navigation system with a more-in-vogue knob-based system that uses a large dial in the middle of the dash to control navigation functions. Standard leather front seats are comfortable though the passenger side seat, which doesn't have adjustable lumbar support, is less so.

Despite its positive qualities, the new TSX has a problem, and it has more to do with other sport sedans that are competing for the same buyers, like the similarly priced 306-hp Infiniti G35. With a 105-hp advantage and rear-wheel drive, it's hard to see how an enthusiast buyer says no to the G in favor of the TSX. There are many more photos of the TSX below, with live shots to be added later this morning.

Related
2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Acura TSX

Recall Alert: 2004-2008 Acura TLs

Honda has issued a recall of 273,000 Acura TLs from the 2004-08 model years, citing two different mechanical issues. The first has to do with the windshield wipers. Approximately 129,600 ’04 and ’05 TLs could have wipers with a faulty circuit breaker that at some point could leave the wipers inoperable. Fixing the problem involves a simple trip to the dealer to check and replace the windshield wiper motor, if necessary.

If you only have time to take care of one problem on your Acura TL, however, we kind of recommend this second one. In some cases, engine heat has caused a power-steering hose to crack, which could potentially leak steering fluid onto the catalytic converter. This could lead to a great deal of smoke or, in a worst-case scenario, fire. Honda wants to replace all the hoses.

No one has yet reported an accident or injury due to either problem, but Acura will of course fix both free of charge. Clearly this is a bargain: A free windshield wiper motor and your car not catching on fire.

Acura Recalls 273,000 TLs Due to Fire Fears (Autoblog)

2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Acura TSX

• Competes with: Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Saab 9-3
• Looks like: The TSX went on a weight-training program
• Drivetrain: 201-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic; front-wheel drive
• Hits Dealerships: Spring 2008

Acura's entry-level TSX sport sedan has been redesigned for the 2009 model year. The new model is larger than its predecessor, features all-new styling and is powered by an updated four-cylinder engine that's cleaner and more fuel-efficient.

The exterior of the new TSX is much more muscular than the prior version. The wheels are accented by large fender flares, and the front of the car is defined by a new grille that features a silver-colored upper bar. The new TSX is 2.4 inches longer than before and has a longer wheelbase. It's also 3 inches wider. A new cross-braced roof improves rigidity, and the TSX has dual-mode dampers that can vary their response based on driving conditions.

The front-wheel-drive TSX is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that features direct injection and a higher compression ratio. The engine makes 201 hp, which is 4 hp less than the four-cylinder in the prior TSX, but more torque than the old version; the new TSX produces 172 pounds-feet of torque with the six-speed manual transmission.

Gas mileage with the manual is 20/28 mpg city/highway and the five-speed automatic achieves an estimated 21/30 mpg. The automatic includes shift paddles on the steering wheel that give the driver control of gear changes if desired.

The TSX has side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and active head restraints for the front seats. Additional standard features include a seven-speaker CD stereo with a USB port that allows the audio system to control an iPod, plus Bluetooth-based cell phone connectivity and automatic headlights. The available Technology Package includes a navigation system with traffic-based rerouting and weather updates, as well as a 10-speaker, ELS surround sound system that can play DVD-Audio discs.

First Look: 2009 Acura TSX

Acura will debut the 2009 Acura TSX at the New York Auto Show in March, but the company has given us an early glimpse at the car. We don’t know much about the model besides the fact that the grille obviously resembles the recently redone RL we saw in Chicago last week. Otherwise, we’re guessing it will remain much the same as the current TSX with various upgrades.

Up Close: 2009 Acura RL

The Acura RL receives a host of changes for the 2009 model year, but the most recognizable one is its new front end, which takes on the shield theme the automaker uses on its MDX luxury SUV. It's a distinctive look for sure, but I'm not convinced it'll resonate with luxury sedan buyers.

One of the more interesting updates the sedan receives is available real-time weather updates from XM Satellite Radio. With the service, weather information can be presented in both textual and graphical formats, the latter as an overlay over the navigation system map. You can also zoom in to your current location to get local weather conditions.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Acura RL

• Competes with: Infiniti M35, Lexus GS, BMW 5 Series
• Looks like: Last year's RL with a new grille — wait, that's exactly what it is
• Drivetrain: 300-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2008

Acura's RL is an underrated luxury sedan that has been hobbled by the perception that it's underpowered and a dud in the styling department. While the competition offered distinctive looks and optional V-8s, the RL stuck to a V-6 and a meek demeanor. Acura hopes to change that with the slightly revised 2009, but it doesn't seem like too much has been done.

Outside, the RL has a new grille with a small "shield" similar to the large one adorning the MDX crossover, along with slightly altered headlights. The look is certainly bolder, but we're not sure it's more cohesive than the old design. Inside, the company says it's upgraded things, but besides a new shifter it all looks the same to us. The optional navigation system, however, will now come with live weather updates; the RL was also one of the first cars to offer live traffic updates.

The biggest changes come to the engine, which grows to a 3.7-liter V-6 pushing out an even 300 hp, up from a 290-hp 3.5-liter. Acura has also upgraded the suspension and steering and added larger 18-inch wheels and "aggressive" tires as standard. All-wheel drive remains standard and, yes, Acura still calls it Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive.

Expect prices to remain close to the current $46,280-$53,700 range when the RL goes on sale in a few months. We have many more photos below of the new Acura, but we'll ask you if you think the changes are enough to make the RL a stronger player in the segment. 

New Diesel Engine Headed to Acura

The Acura TSX will be the first car to have Honda’s new i-DTEC clean-diesel engine under its hood. The North American debut will be in the 2009 model, with other vehicles to follow in the next few years.

A cutaway of the 2.2-liter diesel was on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and Honda sees its engine as the forefront of emerging diesel technology. The engine uses an optimized combustion chamber design coupled with reduced injection time to deliver a quiet engine that has all the typical benefits of diesel technology: increased performance and better mileage. Honda also says the engine already meets the EPA’s stringent emissions standards for diesel engines.

Acura’s diesel-equipped entry-level sedan will hit European shores before debuting stateside. Europe already has a thriving market for diesels, but it remains to be seen if they will catch on in the U.S.

Following the TSX, Acura plans to get the engine into its crossover RDX sometime in 2009, and work is under way on a V-6 diesel that should be ready by 2010.

Acura TSX Gets Diesel Power Next Year (Autoblog)

Acura to Get Diesel Power

Acura announced at the Detroit auto show today that it will market a clean-diesel engine in North America beginning in 2009. The diesel engine, dubbed i-DTEC, complies with U.S. emissions standards even without having a separate urea storage system that would have to be refilled periodically.

Acura has not named which of its models will receive the diesel engine, but the MDX is a logical choice. The improved efficiency and low-end torque offered by diesels would be especially beneficial in that luxury SUV.

—Mike Hanley

Recall Alert: 2005-2008 Acura RL

Honda is recalling 43,200 Acura RL sedans due to a faulty power steering hose that may crack from engine heat and pose a fire hazard, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which just released the information on its website today.

When the hose cracks it can leak flammable fluid and cause a fire if sparked by a hot catalytic converter. The recall — affecting 2005-2008 model year RLs — was issued because of two fires in automobiles in Japan, which led to an internal investigation from Honda’s Tokyo headquarters.

Honda has already begun notifying owners of the hazard and will have dealers replace the hose with a heat-resistant version.

Honda Recalls 43,200 Acuras Over Fire Risk From Hose (Bloomberg)

Friday Fleet Notes: 8.03.07

This week saw a real hodgepodge of vehicles in and out of the fleet, with some we hadn’t revisited since they were first reviewed. Some oldies turned out to be goodies, while one newcomer didn’t endear itself to the staff.

2008 Chrysler Sebring retractable hardtop

While there’s plenty of good things to say about Sebring retractable-hardtop convertible, some of those good things have related deficiencies.

The Limited trim level I tested had a smooth 3.5-liter V-6, but the engine is tied to a six-speed automatic transmission that was especially clunky during our test when shifting into gear from Park, and when downshifting. Unacceptable.

With the hardtop up, the Sebring is almost as quiet as a traditional closed-roof car. However, despite adding hundreds of pounds to make the convertible stiffer, it creaks a lot when that top is in place.

The Urban DINK: 2007 Acura TL Type-S

When the last generation Acura TL was roaming the streets (circa 2000) I was still at my first job out of college, making a livable salary and driving a very affordable economy car. That TL was a pretty slick ride to my mind and epitomized what a young urban professional in the next millennium should be driving. Flash forward to 2007 and I'm cruising to work in a 2007 Acura TL Type-S and I'm totally nonplussed.

I should have been enjoying my commute immensely, but instead I was a tad disappointed. Of course, in the span of time between when I put the TL on a pedestal until I was actually driving one to work, I've logged thousands of hours in everything imaginable on four wheels, including tough competition like the new Mercedes-Benz C300 and Infiniti G35.

Weekend Athlete: 2007 Acura RDX

I took the RDX to my favorite triathlon, just over the border in Kenosha, Wis., followed by a weekend of camping at a state park another three hours away, so for once the car and I both got a good workout. The RDX was a nice companion, but not spectacular as a cargo vehicle. It doesn't offer more space or utility than others I've tested, so it's not the new champion, but there are some interesting twists to it.

For starters, someone at the triathlon said it looked fast. It is. Especially with Sport mode engaged, there's enough oomph for passing and maneuvering on the highway. The best part is the whistling of its turbo — I could not get enough of that.

2008 Ford Taurus, 2007 Acura MDX: Top Safety Picks

The newly restyled and renamed Ford Taurus makes an impressive appearance on the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick list, joined by the all-new Acura MDX SUV. The award goes to vehicles that pass front and side crash tests with the insurance industry group’s top rating, as well as providing additional safety features including stability control.

Both car companies had to improve their vehicles to earn the important nod. The MDX had to improve its head restraints while the Taurus had to add stability control. It is now an option, while in the previous model, named the Five Hundred, it was not offered at all. 

Ford, Honda Get Top Crash Test Scores (Detroit News)

Related
2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Ford Taurus (KickingTires)
2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Mercury Sable (KickingTires)

Cars.com Faceoff: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Acura MDX

The latest Cars.comparison is live. Find out which of these luxury SUVs takes home the prize as the best all-around and the best for the money. Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder drove all three during a Chicago winter and in more temperate climates and came up with a very definitive winner. You might be surprised by the results.

Cars.comparison: Luxury SUVs

Honda Recalling 165,000 Cars and Trucks

As part of a larger global recall, Honda is recalling about 165,000 cars and trucks in the U.S. from the 2005 – 06 model years due to potential engine defects. The problem stems from sealer material that can leak onto a coil wire inside the fuel pump, causing the wire to snap. That would lead to the cars stalling or failing to start. The company has received multiple complaints from customers, but there have been no injuries or crashes.

Vehicles involved include 2005 Honda Accord coupes, sedans and hybrids, Odyssey minivans and 2006 Ridgeline pickups, as well as 2005 Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans. The recall is scheduled for early April. Owners can call Honda at 800-999-1009 for more information.

[Honda Recalls 165,000 Units for Engine Problems, Detroit News]

Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Acura MDX

Yes, yes we know: The new Acura MDX was just featured in our Suburban Dad vs. Urban DINK post a few weeks back, but the “Ski Family” from Lake Tahoe submitted an MDX review that was the best consumer review of the week. The family traded in a 2004 Acura MDX for the new model, so it may help persuade other previous MDX owners and fill them in on changes to the navigation system, the loss of the roof rack and other useful tidbits.

You can submit your own car review any time right here.

Suburban Dad vs. Urban DINK: Acura MDX

The new Acura MDX arrived in the Cars.com fleet last week just in time for some bad weather and some extreme scrutiny from our resident Urban DINK and Suburban Dad. First up, the Urban DINK took the MDX for a few days of commuting and errand-running before handing the keys to the suburb-dwelling parent.

UD: After enjoying a week with the Acura RDX because of its city-friendly size, I was expecting the MDX to be too big for real urban driving. Surprisingly, when I parked it in the spot where our Jeep Grand Cherokee usually sits, it fit just fine, although it was harder to see over the hood. Parallel parking wasn’t bad, but the tight steering was a bit of a pain.

I’m really perplexed by the size of this thing. The third row doesn’t help at all in our daily lives, and an MDX with two rows would have a ton of cargo room, like the Jeep, without being obnoxiously large on the street. Instead, the standard third row takes up a lot of cargo space without offering much benefit; it does fold almost perfectly flat, though not perfectly enough for me.

SD: The folding third row was one of the things my family and I liked best about the MDX. Having a third row means the kids don’t have to sit on top of each other, which means fewer arguments. The fact that it can fold meant I could load bags back there that wouldn’t fit in the tiny cargo space that’s there when the third row is in use. The one-hand lever that lowers and raises the third row was a hit with me as well.

My wife and I were comfortable in the front, and I fit in the second row easily. Getting into the third row was a little dicey for the kids, but they found their way when they had to.

Honda to Extend Warranties on 6 Million Cars

A class-action lawsuit has forced Honda to extend warranties and pay off lease fees due to faulty odometers for 6 million Hondas and Acuras. The voluntary industry standard is 4% accuracy for accumulated mileage. The government does not regulate odometers.

Honda says its odometers were within 3.75% accuracy but the company decided to settle the lawsuit because “the customer expectation is that it would be based on zero. We weren't. So we decided to settle the suit," according to Honda spokesman Chris Martin.

Vehicles affected were bought from April 13, 2002 to November 7, 2006. Purchased cars will get extended warranties while leased vehicles will receive added mileage to the terms of the lease, or those charged for overages on past lease deals will be reimbursed.

Honda says all 2007 models — excluding the Honda Fit — have received adjusted odometers with almost no variation in mileage.

[Honda Says Odometers on 6M Cars Click Off Mileage at Too-quick Pace, USA Today]

Faceoff Lite: 2007 BMW X3 vs. 2007 Acura RDX

Crossing paths in the Cars.com fleet of cars were two compact luxury SUVs that have an interesting relationship. One, the BMW X3, was meant to take advantage of a gap in the luxury SUV market, and many automotive journalists thought the effort from BMW was a tad rushed. The other SUV, the Acura RDX, was developed with one thought in mind: Beat the X3 in every way. BMW added a few new bells and whistles this year, including some minor plastic surgery inside and out. But can it fight off the newcomer?

Kelsey Mays and I took them both on, and here’s what we made of the new rivalry.

The Urban DINK: Acura RDX

There probably isn’t a better first vehicle to take through the DINK treatment than the new 2007 Acura RDX. The compact SUV isn’t overly manly, but it’s not at all feminine, either. That’s a tough line to walk in the cute-ute segment. I found myself admiring it quite a bit when it was stationed out on the parkway in front of our place. If you’re interested, here’s what it looks like covered in snow.

Now, let’s get the important stuff out of the way first, before we get to the even more important details. The RDX actually fulfills the promise of an SUV that handles like a car, and a sporty car at that. The suspension is tuned for tight turning and sportiness, but the ride suffers a bit over rough surfaces. None of that really holds a candle to the turbocharged engine, which gives bursts of thrills on demand.

If I weren’t enthralled enough by driving the RDX, the fact that my wife was also impressed really says something. Courtney especially liked the riding position, which has turned her off to other cute-utes we’ve driven; this was the first smaller SUV she’s even remotely enjoyed compared to her larger Jeep Grand Cherokee.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: Acura Sports Car Concept

After covering Acura’s Sports Sedan concept in L.A. last month, we were pretty worried that we’d be subjected to another unappetizing show car in Detroit. Luckily, this time out Acura has created a much more attractive concept — but it isn’t really hard to make a cool-looking sports car.

Still, check it out. Could this be a future replacement for the now-discontinued NSX? All signs point to yes … and Acura told us so, too. The Advanced Sports Car concept features a V-10 engine, producing who knows how much horsepower, and a rear-wheel-drive version of the company’s SH-AWD — super-handling all-wheel drive. We’ll know more when an updated version appears at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007. More photos below. 

Acura's Next Concept: A Sports Car

Last month, Acura debuted one of the worst received concept cars in recent memory. They called the design the Acura Advanced Sedan Concept. For the company’s next act, at the Detroit show in January, they’ll unveil the Advanced Sports Car Concept shown above in a sketch. It doesn’t seem Acura invests a lot of time in the naming of its recent concepts but since the company has a habit of actually making some of them — the Honda Ridgeline and Acura RDX started life as hit concept cars — we keep a dutiful eye on what rolls out on the show floor. We’re just hoping this concept is a step up from the Advanced Sedan Concept.

2007 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Cars.comparison: Luxury Sport Sedans

Mike Hanley and Joe Wiesenfelder took on three of the top sport sedans on the market and came up with a clear winner in the latest Cars.comparison. It wasn’t easy; all three contestants — the Acura TL Type-S, BMW 335i and Infiniti G35 — have been significantly improved for the 2007 model year.

Besides the clear winner, find out which one of the three cars handled like a “cat on linoleum” and which one had “addictive” acceleration.

Cars.comparison: Luxury Sport Sedans

Past Cars.comparisons:
Compact SUVs
Midsize Sedans
Convertibles

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Acura Advanced Sedan Concept

Um … honestly? We don’t know what to make of this one, folks. We’re about eight hours into Day 1 of the L.A. Auto Show and aren’t sure if our weary eyes are playing tricks on us or not. The Acura Advanced Sedan Concept shown here is out there. Way out there.

We’re going to quote the press release here because we don’t want you to think we’re making this stuff up: “The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence.”

Mysterious is right, but is the mystery “Why make something so ugly?” or “Are we supposed to like this?” We’re just not sure. Acura has been making such eye-pleasing designs for the past few years we don’t see the need for a radical shift in design philosophy — and definitely not one that shifts in this direction.

There aren’t many vitals because this is a pure design concept. All we can give you are the following images for you to ponder — and discuss — among yourselves.

Cars.com Review Wrap-Up

The pace is picking up around the Cars.com offices as a slew of new and redesigned models are coming into our test fleets. Since the last time we posted a wrap-up, our staff has tested three new cars, but the leader board for most popular review on the site is pretty familiar.

New Cars.com Expert Reviews

• 2007 Lexus ES350
• 2007 Chevy Aveo
• 2007 Mazdaspeed3

Top 5 Reviews

• 2007 Honda CR-V
• 2007 Acura MDX
• 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan
• 2007 Mazdaspeed3
• 2007 Lexus RX350

Cars.com Review Wrap-Up

The life of an automotive journalist isn’t the hardest in the world, but our staff of reviewers must brave hours of traffic and rough roads to bring you their expert opinions. Since the last time we posted a wrap-up, our staff has tested three new cars, and there’s a new leader in the race for most popular review on the site — and it's in front by a mile.

New Cars.com Expert Reviews

• 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
• 2007 Lexus RX 350
• 2007 Audi Q7

Top 5 Reviews

• 2007 Honda CR-V
• 2007 Acura MDX
• 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan
• 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2007 Mazda CX-7

Acura 2007 MDX Priced Under $40,000

We’ve been covering the new MDX SUV pretty intensely this week, and Acura has just handed us the most significant news we could report: pricing. The base MDX — which has plenty of standard features for a “base” model — will start at $39,995. That’s pretty impressive in the full-size luxury SUV segment, especially since it comes standard with leather, a sunroof and all-wheel drive. We also learned that the MDX will arrive at dealerships Oct. 17.

There are four package options for the MDX that add significant upgrades like navigation, rear entertainment systems and, for Sport models, the Active Damper System we talked about yesterday. Those prices are below.

2007 Acura MDX: My Take

Yesterday I spent the day with two of Acura’s new SUVs, the all-new RDX and the redesigned 2007 MDX flagship. The MDX has always been a solid seller, appealing to the perfect demographic of capable and affluent families. Now it has received some flashy grille work and a much cushier — and sportier? — ride. Cars.com’s senior writer Joe Wiesenfelder has already weighed in on the luxury ute in his full review, and I agree with him on almost every level — except when it comes to Acura’s new Active Damper System.

While I do go along with Joe’s assertion that in other applications the ability to alter these systems between different modes is usually not done well, the MDX was definitely the best I’ve tested. After sitting through a technical presentation that was all schematics and talk, I highly doubted a press of a button would radically change the real world feel of such a large SUV. But change it, it did.

Acura Makes XM Standard

All 2007-model-year Acuras will feature XM Satellite Radio standard. The move isn’t that big of a surprise, as Acura is big on this “we give you everything you’d want for one price…except navigation” thing. Of course, it's still a subscription service, and buyers will only get three months of complimentary service of both the radio and XM’s live traffic service on certain models with navigation systems. After that buyers will have to cough up monthly fees starting around $12.

Get 'Em While They Exist: 2006 Models That Will Be No More

It’s the end of the model year, and some vehicles just didn’t make the cut for 2007. That doesn’t necessarily make them bad cars; we guess you would just call them underappreciated. Here’s our list of 2006 models you can buy brand new today that will be gone tomorrow (or when they sell out). Some of 'em even have significant cash back.

Acura RSX: The sporty two-door is the last coupe in Acura’s lineup to say goodbye. As fine a car as it was, the RSX just couldn’t compete with Honda’s new Civic Si in the performance versus value equation. We couldn’t uncover any cash back for the RSX.

Cars.com Review Wrap-Up

It’s the end of a busy – even if short – week of reviewing new cars. If you missed the updates on the Cars.com homepage, here are the most recent reviews written by the Cars.com staff:

• 2007 Honda CR-V
• 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan
• 2007 Acura MDX
• 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
• 2007 Hyundai Entourage
• 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche

Not surprisingly, our Top 5 most-read reviews this week mirror some of those that were recently added:

Top 5 Reviews

1. 2007 Acura MDX
2. 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan
3. 2007 Mazda CX-7
4. 2007 Honda CR-V
5. 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

2007 Acura MDX Reviewed

Cars.com senior writer Joe Wiesenfelder was lucky enough to get an early drive in the all-new Acura MDX SUV, due later this fall. Joe doesn’t let Acura off the hook for confusing ergonomic changes to the interior nor does he stop short of praising the MDX’s road-handling skills. The full report examines every aspect of the popular SUV and is a must read for luxury SUV shoppers. To read the review simply go here.

Related: 2007 Acura MDX Revealed

2007 Acura TL and TL Type-S

Acura’s other big release for 2007 is a revamped TL sedan. Besides minor interior and exterior enhancements, the TL gets a new trim level — the high-performance Type-S.

Unfortunately, the base TL doesn’t see any power gains over last year’s 258-hp, 3.2-liter V-6, but both models receive an enhanced five-speed automatic. The Type-S does get a larger V-6 that produces 283 hp and comes with either the five-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles or an optional six-speed manual transmission. There’s also a limited-slip differential in Type-S models with the six-speed manual. 

Inside there are new seats and a new three-spoke steering wheel. 

The 2007 model sees only the smallest revisions to the exterior, most noticeably around the front grille area. Type-S models see a special black chrome grille, rear spoiler, unique taillights and 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Stay tuned for pricing but plan to see the 2007 TL at dealerships later this fall.

2007 Acura MDX Revealed

Automakers are not kind to bloggers and automotive journalists. More than one has made Sept. 1 the day they reveal all their new models for the next year. Most of the changes from 2006 to 2007 are minor, but the all-new 2007 Acura MDX is a remarkably different-looking vehicle than the one it replaces.

Outside it’s easy to see the differences between the two model years. What was once one of the most unassuming luxury SUVs on the market is now an aggressive player. Inside there are, of course, three rows of seats, a new dashboard and a different interface for various controls, including navigation.

Mechanically the MDX also features Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Every time I type that it makes me laugh. OK, back to the rest of the specs: There’s a 3.7-liter V-6 producing 300 hp under the hood, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. This is a huge bump from the outgoing model’s 253-hp 3.5-liter. Mileage comes to a respectable but not mind-blowing 17/22 mpg city/highway.

Traction control, stability control, ABS, side curtain airbags for three rows, active front head restraints, driver and front passenger knee bolsters and side airbags are all standard. 

No price has been announced and expect the MDX to arrive at dealerships later this fall. Check out an array of exterior and interior photos below.

Update: 2007 Acura MDX Reviewed

New Acura RDX On Sale Today

Acura just announced that its all-new entry-level luxury SUV went on sale nationwide today. The RDX is a first for the company and aims to take on the popular BMW X3. It features a 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and Acura’s exceptional all-wheel-drive system.

Pricing starts at $32,995 with only one option, a $3,500 Technology Package that adds a navigation system and other gadgetry. Mileage is rated at 19/23 mpg city/highway. Early reviews of the RDX have been exceptional, but the company hasn't managed to get a test vehicle into our local fleet yet.

High-Powered Models Stolen Most

CCC Information Services released its list of the most-stolen vehicles in 2005. It’s an odd list because some of the usual suspects — like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord — didn’t break the top 10. In fact, topping the list is the BMW M-Series roadster, a performance vehicle. High-powered sedans like the Mercury Marauder, Audi S4 and Jaguar XJR also made the list. We wonder if joyriding has impacted the most-stolen list this year.

Otherwise, the rest of the top 10 — yes, all six remaining spots — go to late-model Acura Integras. Some things never change.