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:

• 

  So Far So Good! Great Value - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Mike - September 5 - 7:40 am

  I have only owned the car a few weeks, but I love it so far. I traded in a 2007 Mazda 6s, and have been thrilled so far. A total upgrade, smoother ride, surprising power from the high strung I4 (F1 technology at its best), perfect fit and finish. You can feel the quality, and the features are easy to get use to. Sporty european styling gets me nothing but compliments where ever I take it. I hope to enjoy it down the road as much as I do now.

• 

  Great Pick - 2006 Acura TSX
  By DJS31982 - August 6 - 4:30 pm

  I have had this car a little over a week. I waited for the 06 because of the bluetooth addition. I am also very glad I opted for the navi system...it rocks. I am happy with the power, however it could use more torque. I went from an 04 Jetta 1.8T with 5 speed to this car. The Jetta was much faster in the take off, which is also because the TSX is automatic. The car drives and rides great, grips the road very well. The seats are very supportive and comfortable. There are more electronic goodies on this car, than you can imagine. I drove an Audi A4, Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series. This by far was the winner, in my opinion. You get so much for the money, too.

• 

  Bens TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Bizzenn - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had the TSX for about 2 months now. No problems to report. Looked at the Mazda6 which was a very close second but the TSX won. Price paid was $26,100. The dealer has been excellent. I had one small rattle on the drivers side and they offered to replace the entire door panel. It wasnt even that bad.

• 

  Good buy! but minor problems - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Chuck - July 23 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car after reading all the reviews and forums I can find. Everyone said its great, but no one ever saidanything about the TSX brakes. IMO, I think the brakes can be more responsive. I had a 97 civic before this car, and it seems TSXs brakes slower in stopping than my civic. Now, I have to plan ahead in stopping. Another problem is the speedometer. The 40 mph mark is placed at what another car would be at 20 mph. You got to be driving above 60 mph in order to see the needle above the 9oclock mark. That makes driving in city a pain, since the needle position causes me to feel I am going like 20 mph.

• 

  love it - 2006 Acura TSX
  By hernandez - July 22 - 1:26 pm

  having had a mazda6 for 3.5 years with no issue was great.but,when it came time to look for a new ride i considered almost everything out there.the tsx was at the top of my list.i never had one before.the reviwes were excellent plus for the prize there is nothing better.im in love with it.big difference from my mazda and so far i can safely say acura has a new customer for a long time.

• 

  Love it except... - 2009 Acura TSX
  By sail6382 - July 12 - 7:03 am

  The car is gorgeous. I have gotten so many compliments on its appearance and luxury features. I didnt do the performance package because it wasnt worth the extra $3000.00 when I can use my handheld Garmin instead. The steering is very sensitive at highway speeds and needs a gentle touch. Im only getting about 24 mpg with a combination of around town and highway. I was between the TSX, the Honda Accord & Audi A4. I am very happy with my decision. There is plenty of leg room both front and back. I had a friend who was 64" comfortably in the back. Plenty of headroom and a huge step up from the Honda Accord in performance, comfort and appearance. Well worth a few extra dollars.

• 

  A Civic w/an Acura label - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Doug - June 20 - 8:03 pm

  I have had this car for almost one year. In conservative driving I have received as much as 32 mpg on highway but as low as 22 mpg city, so it depends. Acceleration is OK, although I find 1st gear to be just about useless. This car needs more torque. The "premium" sound system is anything but that. The right door has a rattle and one of the speakers has an annoying buzz. The dash makes creaking sounds as the car goes over rough spots on the road. I find this lack of quality not fit for a luxury vehicle label. 2nd gear occassionally grinds eventhough I have fully clutched. Acura is to Honda as Toyota is to Scion. This is NOT a luxury car equivalent to the Lexus or BMW.

• 

  All-around perfection - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Mr. Vy - June 19 - 1:56 am

  Although I normally would balk at paying $27,000 for a four cylinder, this isnt so here. Its so smooth, actually more so than my old 1996 Acura 3.2 TLs 3.2-liter V-6. The interior is very clean. Many dismiss the exterior as boring, but I find it quite attractive. And its just dripping with features.

• 

  A more sporting TL? - 2005 Acura TSX
  By daschtick - June 13 - 1:46 pm

  This car has been my biggest surprise of the year. I needed to replace my wifes 92 Legend, and I was dead set on the TL after having previously driven one. But after discovering that many of the TL features had been added to the TSX for 05, I became curious about it. I had my doubts that the 4 cylinder would be satifying, but after the first mile, I found that it far exceeded my expectations. What surprised me most was the nimble feeling of the chassis which made it much more fun to drive than the more powerful TL. Throw in better mileage, and a $6000 dollar savings, and the answer became perfectly clear - TSX!

• 

  Perfect Fit - 2004 Acura TSX
  By gt0279a - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best car I have owned. The bottom line is I cant wait to drive the TSX everyday. Carbon Grey is a great color matched with the grey leather interior.