Overview & Reviews

Drivers seeking a sporty sedan that's a bit more upscale than the typical family four-door will find a lot to like in the Acura TSX. It's a solid choice for daily use given its competent driving characteristics, high-quality interior and generous level of standard features. And like most Acura products, the TSX boasts a high level of refinement, a reputation for above-average reliability and decent value for the dollar.

The first-generation Acura TSX impressed us with its sporty and nimble feel, but the small backseat and firm ride weren't for everyone. The second (current) generation offers a roomier cabin and a smoother, more isolated ride, although the athletic feel was somewhat muted for these gains. The V6 model with its sportier suspension atones for that sin somewhat. Overall, the TSX is a smart choice, though not the most prestigious, for a new or used entry-level luxury sedan.

Current Acura TSX
For power, the front-wheel-drive TSX offers a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque) or a 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp and 254 lb-ft). A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models, while an excellent six-speed manual is optional only with the four-cylinder.

Base and Special Edition trims are offered, with the Special Edition being available only with the four-cylinder engine. Base models come with an impressive array of standard features that are often optional on competitors, like xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a seven-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration. The TSX Special Edition adds more aggressive-looking exterior elements and sporty cabin upgrades such as red interior stitching and aluminum pedals. Base models with the four-cylinder engine may be upgraded with a Technology package that adds amenities like a navigation system and a rearview camera.

In reviews, we've found that while the 2.4-liter four is commendably smooth in the Honda tradition, it simply doesn't measure up to the six-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in other entry-level luxury sport sedans. The V6, however, provides a notable increase in thrust, delivered in a linear and smooth fashion.

In reviews, the TSX impressed us with its technology offerings, including one of the better optional audio systems around. But it disappoints with the way it drives, with numb steering feel that's uncharacteristic of a Honda product and braking performance that verges on unacceptable. The refined but lackluster inline-4 is also unlikely to impress shoppers in the TSX's upscale segment, although the sport-tuned V6 model brings improvements in both acceleration and handling. Ultimately, the TSX, particularly the four-cylinder version, often seems like more of a lavishly appointed family car than a luxury sedan.

Used Acura TSX Models
The current generation of the Acura TSX debuted for 2009 and brought a larger, roomier and somewhat controversially styled TSX to market. This first-year version was only offered with four-cylinder power -- there was no sportier V6 trim level.

The first-generation Acura TSX debuted in 2004. Sportier than the second-generation model, the original TSX was widely praised for its sharp handling and entertaining (though peaky) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 200 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Among the standard features were items like 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker audio system.

Antilock brakes, stability control, front side impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers were also standard. An impressive DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen and voice-activated software was the only available option for the well-equipped first-generation TSX.

In road tests, we found that while the original TSX's torque-deficient VTEC engine needed to be revved hard to get sufficient acceleration, it was nonetheless quite fun to wring out, especially when equipped with the slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission (a five-speed automatic was also available). Sharp handling and good steering feel made the TSX a sleeper sport sedan. The first-generation TSX also featured a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing interior design.

There were a handful of changes made to the original Acura TSX during its production run. Satellite radio, heated exterior mirrors and a power passenger seat were added in 2005. The 2006 TSX featured engine, feature and styling updates -- the four-cylinder engine was modified to produce 205 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque, and the navigation system gained faster processing and additional points of interest. Bluetooth, driver seat memory and the MP3 auxiliary jack were also new. Exterior enhancements included redesigned front and rear fascias, new side sills, foglamps and new alloy wheels. The following year saw a tire-pressure monitor fitted as standard, while 2008, the last year of this generation, saw no changes of note.

User Reviews:

• 

  Waste of money - 2013 Acura TSX
  By ej023 - April 12 - 6:53 pm

  Beyond disappointed with this car. I enjoyed it for about 2 months. Just over 5k miles put on in 19mo and already runs like a clunker. Sounds like crap when it starts, even with snow tires it cant move in a dusting of snow. HUGE mistake on my part to lease it. Ive owned a Toyota, Ford, Dodge, and now this Acura. It is unquestionably the worst of the bunch. I would never waste money on Acura again.

• 

  Too small and weak - 2010 Acura TSX
  By ultrarunner100 - August 20 - 11:34 pm

  Power doesnt come in until 4500rpm, usually shifts before that point. Manual mode ups the fun factor a bit. Steering is very light but precise. Handling is good overall. Definitely get the v6. Smaller car inside, especially if youre tall or plan to carry a few passengers. Takes premium gas.

• 

  The Worst Car ever - 2011 Acura TSX
  By tomsjay - September 15 - 8:32 pm

  Bought this car by its look and size. Its a rolling metal slab. Automobile companies get rid of the creature comfort for the so called sport . coarse engine. suspension with zero travell. i should have listened to some warnings about this. cant stand the road noise. You can see the whole car shakes around you when it hits a bump like a slab. I get car sickness. abrupt and floaty acceleration. 2010 model was little better. Heavy car with poor suspension makes it worse, Any way why write more. a piece of non human inhabitable metal junk. cant even hold a coffee. Buy a basic car to drive happy and live comfortably. Leave all the these sport sedan hype...my money is lost.

• 

  Never again - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Fred - July 1 - 8:12 pm

  Owned the TSX for a year and its been the very worst experience Ive ever had with a car. Within 5000 mile the car was in the shop for over a week with engine computer, sound system and break issues. Break issues never resolved and Acura refuses to solve the problem. Buyer beware!

• 

  Worst that ever had - 2010 Acura TSX
  By CoolGuyNY - March 8 - 10:57 am

  My problem is that after 30-45 minutes of driving in cold, my tsx starts blowing cold air from side vents and hot air from the bottom ones. So my legs are sweating and upper body is cold. I tried all possible combination (auto, ac off, etc, etc) and the same result. If Im raising the temp, its just blowing harder but the same temp. Took it to a dealer and the saying that is how it suppose to work? Who knows a good lawyer? Cant believe that people arent talking about it on TV

• 

  Not pleased - 2010 Acura TSX
  By JoeS - February 5 - 12:12 pm

  I purchased this vehicle primarily based on Acuras much vaunted and advertised reliability. Since purchasing the car 6 months ago it has been back for service more often than my previous vehicle, a Saab 9-3, was in four years of use! All kinds of issues needed fixing: the rear suspension clunking noise and defect a faulty Navi screen replaced non functioning trunk release poor highway steering. If this is the best Acura can do they have lost their way!

• 

  My Advice: Stay away from Honda/Acura - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Bad Decision - November 24 - 2:49 pm

  I bought this car new in 2006, I have had it in the shop 2 times every year for the brakes!! They are terrible! Also it has been in 3 times so far for rust repair! Very cheap build quality! My friend got a Chevrolet Cobalt LT a year before I got an Acura and my Acura has had more problems and has been in the shop more than her Cobalt!!!! This really is not a Premium quality car!!

• 

  Red Lemon - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Ken Clancy - March 13 - 3:02 pm

  I bought a red TSX and the paint has now deteriorated so that there are pinkish/white blotches all over the car. Acura dealer has been less than helpful and corporate customer service are running for cover. I had a new clutch put in at 60K old one stopped working. RPM have improved 20% at highway speeds, nobody can explain why this is the case. I think it is because the clutch has been slipping since i got the car, new.

• 

  Cant wait to get rid of it! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By skico - February 18 - 11:01 pm

  I realize my car is 2 yo, but I feel obligated to tell people of my exp w/ Acura and my TSX. I drive a lot for my job, so need a good, safe, comfortable, reliable car. Id heard Acura was that car. Never in my life have I been so disappointed in a car. This car has left me stranded, things were breaking in the car 3-4 months after I got it no pickup, awful in snow. I dont feel safe in car, and dont trust that it will get me where I need to be safel - in fact, everytime I drive long distances, I get very nervous that the car will strand me somewhere b/c it has in the past. I cant wait to get rid of it, and I doubt I will ever buy an Acura again.

• 

  DONT BUY THIS RATTLE BOX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Wayne Schlegel - December 19 - 1:33 am

  I cannot tell you how many times this vehicle has been back to the dealership for service! Noises, rattles, loose parts, defective sedt bracket 2x. The door trim noises, creeks and vibrations/rattles indicate a design defect in this TSX deign. Seven times and they still cannot correct the problems! Seats wearing prematurely as well. Japanese quality is truly SLIPPING. Not sure its worth the money. Shame on Honda/Acura for such poor quality.