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:

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  awesome - 2004 Acura TSX
  By honda power - May 26 - 10:00 am

  power, looks and feel. this car is a treat to drive, everything fucntions properly.fit and finish are excellent. tight quiet. my only complaint would be american models get far more options.

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  acura TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By cheryl dambacher - May 26 - 10:00 am

  ive driven 7 acura TLs 2.5TL to 3.2TL. always a very reliable car, great to drive, and holds value. i trade between 43K and 48K. ive just purchase the tsx and only have 800 miles on it. it is a sport feel to drive. havent noticed the difference in the 4 cylindar from the V6. Dont know about the gas mileage yet... There is the same amount of room in both TL and TSX. I traded down because the TL took a jump of approx $4000. didnt want to pay over $30,000 for a car that i use in real estate.

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  Great Car Test Drive It and see why - 2004 Acura TSX
  By pinkfloyd - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This Is My first new car and I am Happy with my TSX, Its fast and The quality is unmatched for the price. Love the car. So will you.. Test drive it but also take alook at the TL..(Nice). Took my time and looked at lots of rewiews and acura and toyota had the best reviews of all. but toyota is bland and has no style.

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  Best 4 on market - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Henshaw - May 14 - 7:23 am

  The TSX handles well and has a great 4 engine which does best at high RPMs. This makes it fun to drive particularly in the manual shift mode. The interior is well laid out with everything you would want standard.

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  Better than I expected - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Sportsfanattic - May 10 - 5:10 pm

  I looked at the TSX after it won the Car of the Year from Car and Driver. I was impressed witht he attention to detail, size, looks and safety features. I also loved that there were no options, everything was included for under 30K.

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  solid fun! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By demanding buyer - May 7 - 5:50 pm

  This is a GREAT value. Precise, tossable, high quality materials and understated. I have owned an Accord, 99 Passat, Infiniti G, Acura Legend, Maxima... this a superb combination of the best of most worlds - quick, jewel- like 6 spd, joyful handling and smooth. The 03 Accord I traded was the best overall car I ever owned and the TSX significantly ups the fun to drive factor as well as a few extra goodies. It would be good if it didnt require premium. The sound system is excellent and black leather with titanium-look accents is gorgeous. I drove it 1200 miles this weekend-superb!

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  Great Car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Keith082 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my TSX last year in August and so far its been a great car. I compared several cars and found this one to be the best one. The TSX is cheaper than other foreign competitors and has more standard features.

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  This Car is a 10 - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Paul - April 1 - 1:33 pm

  The car looks Great and is fun to drive. Well built and reliable. Fuel mileage is ok but the power makes up for the average fuel mileage. Overall its the best car Ive ever owned!

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  Great Car - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Mitch - March 31 - 8:03 pm

  I found the TSX to be a great car. The steering is percise. Coming from only 6 cyclinder engines, I was surprised how powerful the car is. It is faster, more responsive, better site lines than the Volvo S60 it replaced. I have not had it that long, but I am looking forward to a long and happy relationship.

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  09 TSX is Absolutely Amazing!! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Yanks4life - March 9 - 12:43 pm

  I sold my 04 Mazda 6 for my new 09 TSX. I have had it for a little over a week and I am absolutely in love with it! When I first saw it was coming out with all of these features I knew I had to have it, so it was really only new car I looked at and boy I am not disappointed. I am getting great gas mileage for normal city driving and highway to work driving. The sound system and display is amazing with tons and tons of features you will love to play with. I cant wait to drive it every day and everyone I have shown cant say enough about how great it looks! Dont wait, Go get one today!