Acura's much-maligned TL has been reinvigorated. With fresh styling and a new six-speed automatic transmission, the refreshed 2012 Acura TL may no longer be the odds-on favorite to make fun of from a design perspective.

The "what is it?" debates continue with the ZDX. Associate online editor Kirill Ougarov notes, "We might as well call the ZDX a 2+2 SUV because I pity anyone foolish enough to get into those back seats.

"Now with less ugly!" isn't the greatest selling point, but revised styling really is the most significant change to the refreshed 2012 Acura TL. Although Acura is marking 25 years in the United States, there's not much new product beside the TL and the recently arrived TSX wagon to help the brand celebrate. That's okay, because Acura expects TL sales to jump 20 percent this year on the strength of its improved efficiency, quieter cabin, and of course, its new duds.

The Acura RDX was designed to be among the sportiest in its segment, and except for a couple issues, the driving experience of the 2011 model is engaging as with our 2007 RDX long-termer. And that long-termer didn't benefit from the changes Acura made for the 2010 model year.

Acura used to set my heart aflutter.
Legends (both coupe and sedan) Vigors, Integras and the like had their flaws, but they were Acuras and that said a lot.

The ZDX's design has been getting mixed reviews from the staff. It's not exactly setting the automotive world on fire, either. Even in a trendy area like Los Angeles, there aren't a lot of ZDXs populating the streets. Writes one staffer, "You don't see too many of these on the road. It was a big shock when we spotted the ZDX's twin parked right next to our long-termer at lunch one day. (It was even the same color!) I do think this vehicle is unattractive, but once you're inside, that's not much of an issue."

The ZDX has proved itself to be a sporty, reliable conveyance for long drives. One staffer recently drove it to Las Vegas to cover a trade show, "and was pleasantly surprised by this crossover. Good acceleration and excellent passing power, but it could use a little more juice or a little less weight. I really like the way this thing handles, and I like the ride. It wasn't nearly as rough as I'd feared.

If Acura is to be believed, the vehicle above is not an SUX, not CUV, and not a wagon. No, Acura is calling the 2010 ZDX a four-door sports coupe. If you thought the BMW X6 was an odd bird, you're going to love this.

Unlike its more plebian Honda mother ship, Acura has never sold a wagon in the U.S. Until now, that is. The all-new 2011 TSX Sport Wagon represents a first for the marque, which is introducing a low-slung family-hauler at a time when year-to-year sales of its RDX and MDX crossovers are up 52 and 47 percent, respectively. Odd timing? Perhaps, since the crossover segment continues to grow and the wagon segment remains niche. But, according to Acura's assistant VP of product planning Vicki Poponi, there are two very plausible reasons why the TSX wagon may surpass its modest 4000-units-per-year forecast.

If you've ever heaped a forkful of well-made coq au vin into your mouth, you already understand what I'm about to tell you. Coq au vin, or, in English, "rooster in wine," is a simple dish of basic, if not ignoble ingredients: one tough old rooster, some fatty bacon, mushrooms, an onion (perhaps), and a bottle of mediocre table wine.

Editor at large Ron Kiino discovered that after a 10-day stint in the Sport Wagon, he really likes this car. "I might even go so far as to admit that I love it. I've always been a big fan of the sedan, and the wagon body just takes it to the next level for me -- all the rewarding driving dynamics of the sedan, married to great cargo and useability in a sporty-looking vehicle." He also heaped praise on the wagon's build quality, materials, and fit and finish, all of which he described as first-rate. "For a $35,000 car, the TSX comes across as appropriately rich and well made: The leather is very nice, the soft-touch plastics look and feel posh, and the panel gaps look tight." He adds, "Cruising range, at 574 miles, is awesome. I love vehicles that can go a long distance without needing a fill-up This car is a blast on a twisty road. Great balance, sharp turn-in, and very easy to hustle safely -- and ESC isn't that intrusive."

Ben Wojdyla — Even though we thought the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show was a bit of a stinker when it came to telegraphing the Acura NSX, it looks like the shape has finally evolved into the real deal.

It's simple, really -- at least at first. Acura fanatics are certain to start a list of their favorite marque's all-time greats with the now-legendary NSX. In the No. 2 slot would be the dearly departed Integra. The former brand staple remains sought-after in sporty coupe, practical sedan, and especially Type R trim.

American Honda says it will recall a still-to-be-determined number of sedans and minivans because of brake fluid leaks that could weaken brake power.

No matter how much you think you want a new, Euro-style station wagon, there's not much demand for such vehicles in the U.S. Audi has long had the bestseller in the sub-segment, the A4 Avant. It typically accounts for 10 percent of A4 sales, or roughly 4,000 per year in the U.S., a number so small that its maker sells it here in one spec: 2.0-liter TFSI turbo four with six-speed automatic and paddle-shifters.