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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  TSX - 2006 Acura TSX
  By unc05 - March 8 - 12:16 am

  Im a car freak, so I did tons of research before I bought my TSX five months ago. During this time, it has been a wonderful car, and Im happier every day that I bought it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Acura TSX
  By SBacura - March 6 - 5:23 am

  I just got the car about a month ago and its a blast to drive. I got the technology package and got it in blue with some sporty accessories. The mpg has lived up to the advertisements. But the color of the dash is very dull leaving little contrast, especially if you get the ebony leather.

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  Love this car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Ron Warner - March 2 - 12:00 am

  Ride is not as soft as my V-6 Accord, but handles much better. 4 cylinder has decent torque, but accelerates better @ freeway speed rather than o-60

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  Review - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Lana Adams - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Car is a great value for the price..Only issue is there is a little bit of wind noise driving on highways

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  Excellent value in its class - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Anh Nguyen - February 11 - 4:20 am

  Some ask why I just didnt buy an Accord.. it wouldve been cheaper. After 4000 miles now in my TSX, I can tell them the TSX is definitely worth the extra few grand over the Accord. The ride is better, the materials and fit and finish is a notch above that of the Accord. And the Accord is just a little bit too big for me. Looked at competing products from Lexus, Audi, BMW, etc. and the TSX cannot be beaten in terms of value. Load up the others with the same options as in the TSX and you can expect to pay much more.

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  Great car could use a bit more power - 2006 Acura TSX
  By STeveN - February 5 - 3:06 am

  This is a great car. The interior is beautiful and everything works great. I have yet to see a better navi system and all pasengers are very comfortable. As much as I love this car I must admit it is a bit underpowered and a V-6 or a V-4 with more horsepower and more importantly more torque would make this car perfect. It drives great and is always fun to drive. The exterior styling is conservative but works well. If your looking for a car that is fun to drive and a great value this is your car.

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  TSX a great car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By r8drick - January 17 - 10:00 am

  got sick of the $500 repair bills on my wifes 1997 BMW 328is - own a honda and wanted the honda reliability, so bought her a 2004 TSX gray 6sp with navi - wow what a nice car. compliments galore. Get 28 combined city/hwy MPG. I never drove her 328is because I didnt like it, but I drive this car every chance I get. Voice recognition navi is impressive, and I will say the build quality is better than her BMW. The car reeks of quality.

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  Awesome - 2004 Acura TSX
  By CAMSHAFT - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It is the perfect car for me. Its so pretty though I dont want to mess it up> Overall great car!!!

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  Amazing - 2006 Acura TSX
  By DanishJ - January 16 - 4:26 pm

  Its a good car, maybe the best car in its class. V4 but 205 hp. Thats almost as powerful as the camry v6 210 hp. Navigation is awesome and voice recognition seals the deal.

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  Nothing Else Compares in the Price Range - 2004 Acura TSX
  By jdb92626 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive even with the automatic! The car is built to last and gives you countless features which you cannot even get in most other cars priced 10-15K more. The sound system and navigation system make this car more technologically advanced and add to the "fun" factor. Surprising power from a 4- cylinder.