Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2006 Acura CSX Road Test

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
The CSX interior isn't that much different than the new Civic's, which just happens to be exemplary in execution. Actually, the Civic
The CSX interior isn't that much different than the new Civic's, which just happens to be exemplary in execution. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
cabin is so far above its compact competition that, with few upgrades, it now fits right in with other Acura products; something the previous EL couldn't claim. Like the Civic, I particularly like the double-binnacle instrument package, and find the large digital speedo that sits up high in the top-level cluster easy to read no matter the lighting conditions outside. Interior switchgear is also superbly crafted, with no play in between audio or HVAC buttons, unlike some other premium brands.

The seats are superb; supportive in all the right places, at least for my body type, even after a few hours behind the wheel. I really like the steering
I really like the steering wheel, which is ideally suited for hooking the thumbs over the left and right spokes. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
wheel, which is ideally suited for hooking the thumbs over the left and right spokes; what I've been taught is the correct way of holding the hands so that I'm always ready to react with whatever inane activity might occur around me.

I also appreciate having ancillary controls on the steering wheel, and the CSX includes well-placed volume, channel and mode buttons for the audio system on the left spoke plus cruise functions on the right. The audio system itself is pretty decent; not of the 650-watt variety like in some rival Japanese and domestic vehicles, but good enough for most peoples' expectations. Base models get a 160-watt system with a single-CD player integrated within the dash interface, compatible with mp3 and WMA formatted discs, plus an AM/FM tuner, of
Base models get a 160-watt system with a single-CD player, while a 6-disc in-dash changer is optional. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
course. Oh, and if you have an external device, like a Creative Labs mp3 player (I just had to say that as I'm getting sick of saying iPod all the time), Acura will install a jack for a nominal fee. The top-line audio system doesn't up wattage but does increase CD capacity to six into the dash head unit - try that in your 3-Series. Oddly, however, if you opt for the navigation package the six-disc CD changer is replaced with a single-CD player, obviously due to a lack of room behind the interface, but a handy Digital Audio PC Card slot is added in, which might be of greater use than all of the above.

That satellite-linked navigation system, incidentally, like all Acura/Honda nav systems, is amongst the best in the industry. It is graphically superb, features
The little Acura's wide range of luxury and convenience features is probably too long to list. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
handy little insets that depict upcoming turnoffs in an extremely user-friendly way, and delivers bilingual voice recognition. I also like the way the 165-mm (6.5-inch) screen pivots forward automatically, exposing a DVD-nav slot and one for an audio CD - very slick.

The little Acura's wide range of additional luxury and convenience features is probably too long to go over at this time, but I should mention the car's standard automatic climate control system. And by the way, if you choose to add the optional nav system, you can make adjustments to HVAC controls just by saying the word - it is voice recognition activated. The CSX ventilation system also includes a micron filter for cleaning outside air, critical for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada