replacement for Acura TSX

The Fusion is definitely a good one to check out. The only thing to look out for on the Fusion is reliability, but the 2014 is doing pretty well so far on here.

You should take a look at the Nissan Maxima. Normally it woudln't be under the $30k mark, but right now they're selling for at least $7k off sticker. Here in Atlanta, it's possible to get $9k off sticker. A 2014 Maxima 3.5 SV is well-equipped at $35,190 and the $1000 SV Value Package adds Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Heated Mirrors and 9-spkr Bose Premium Audio for a total for a total of $36,190. For $29k (or less) with current discounts, that's a LOT of car for the money! It's worth a look.

If the Maxima doesn't blow you away, check out the Mazda6 and Kia Optima. The Mazda6 is beautifully designed and drives a little sportier other mid-size sedans (not unlike the TSX). The Kia Optiima is the Hyundai Sonata's sportier (and better looking) sibling. The Optima and Sonata drive nothing alike!

Good luck!

The Altima's tuning favors ride quality over handling. It's among the sofest cars in the segment.

While visiting the Buick dealer you should also check out the Regal. It's sportier than the Verano. Pricier, too, but incentives could help with this.

I wouldn't write off the Sonata. It is being totally redone for 2015. If you get the new 2.0T it has an entirely different steering system than other 2015 Sonatas. I'll have a review up tonight (currently embargoed). Right now dealers only have 2015s with the 2.4, but the 2.0T should arrive soon.

The Mazda6 is probably the best-handling car in the segment, but isn't offered with a 200+ horsepower engine (if this is a requirement) and it isn't as quiet as some others.

The Fusion is definitely worth a look. And perhaps the new Chrysler 200 as well.

If possible, drive a few and share your impressions here. If I knew what you liked and disliked about a few cars, it would help provide more focused recommendations.

The Fusion feels large to me, too. It is much larger than the TSX, but the low seating position and deep instrument panel also contribute to this feeling.

As good as the TSX? Depends on how you're measuring. It's not yet possible to say how it's reliability will compare in the long term. Materials and performance are quite good, though. Has the feel of an upscale car. If you'll like driving the car there's little potential downside with a cheap lease.

The Regal, though similar in external dimensions and heavier, feels much more compact.

You might get a better lease on the A4 than the A3 as the latter is a 2015.

I travel at least three weeks each month for work, so I spend a LOT of time in rental cars. After countless horrific experiences in the past, I included the stipulation that I get to rent a "premium car" in my contract with my current employer. For most rental companies, "premium" means "near-luxury" or "entry-level luxury". The most common cars I rent are the Volvo S60, Nissan Maxima and (in the last six months or so) the Hyundai Azera.

The Volvo S60 is an excellent car and I really enjoy driving them. Even with 30k+ rental miles on the clock, they still feel tight and rock-solid. If I were leasing a 2015 S60, I would go with the FWD rather than the AWD model. The T5 FWD features a new 2.0L turbocharged I-4 and 8-speed automatic that Volvo calls "Drive-E". The T5 AWD still has the old 2.5L turbocharged I-5 and 6-speed automatic from previous years. The FWD is rated at 25/37mpg compard to 20/29 for the AWD. The power output is almost identical from both engines and thanks to the FWD's lighter weight and transmission, it is quicker than the AWD model also. FYI- there is a $1000 Conquest Offer toward lease/purchase of the S60 that you would qualify for as an existing Acura lessee!

I also think that the Acura TLX deserves a serious look, especially considering your history with Acura. I was initially skeptical of the 2.4L model and expected it to be as dull (and slow) as the 2.0L ILX. But I recently read that the 2.4L and new 8-speed automatic will do 0-60 in the mid 7sec range. Not bad. If it looks as sharp in person as it does in photos, it will do very well!

You also might want to take a look at the Hyundai Azera. It looks like a slightly larger, upscale version of the Sonata and drives like a $40k luxury car (for $31k). It is in an awkward place sandwiched between the Sonata and Genesis Sedan, but it's really an impressive car.

Finally, my two cents on the Lexus IS 250 AWD- The 204hp 2.5L V6 is underpowered in a car weighing in at 3800lbs. I also think it's rather unfortunate looking compared to the competition. There are better cars for less money! =)