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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What a Over Price Car !!!!! - 2010 Acura TSX
By Over Price Car - October 19 - 2:00 amI cant believe any buyer would pay over 30K for a base four-cylinder car with 201 Horsepower? Car is small and under power especially going up mountains. For this price buyer can get 2011 Toyota Camry SE V6 or 2011 Honda Accord V6 EX. Both cars has more power and more room and better looking cars. Need i say anymore????
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Great Car - 2006 Acura TSX
By nb - October 15 - 2:00 amThis is a really fun vehicle to drive. It is especially good in the turns and has good power.
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2006 Acura TSX - 2006 Acura TSX
By Jack Cockerham - October 3 - 2:00 am95,000 miles and original brake pads still servicable, although rotors must be warped a little as the car has begun to shudder under braking from highway speeds. Car has recently developed a strange whine at times from the rear end(?) but only when backing up. These are the only issues this car has had in the 4 1/2 years weve owned it.
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Best car Ive had in 40 years TSX 4cyl - 2010 Acura TSX
By Michigan girl - October 2 - 2:00 amMy previous car was a 2008 TL, before that a VW Passat, Audi A4 sport, Acura TL, Subaru X 2, Pontiac, Chevrolet, CHevelle Super Sports Surprisingly, TSX is much quieter (far less road noise) than any previous car. Surprisingly, it is very peppy, fun to drive. The ELS sound system is BY FAR the best stereo in a car ever. Im short, small, but seat position adjusts better for me than any previous car. TSX is only minimally smaller than the 2008 TL. Its not the smoothest car in driving over bumps, but having a ultra smooth drive is not a priority for me as much as quiet ride and sound system. There is minimal engine sound when revving it at mid speed but none on the freeway.
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very well refined - 2010 Acura TSX
By Dave - October 2 - 2:00 amI always thought of Acura as an overproced Honda. I had an Accord for 12 years and test drove a new one. Very nice ride but really bored me. Test drove a VW CC and liked it but not sold on VW reliability. I considered the 328i, the infiniti and the Audi. All very nice cars and from a driving purist perspective, all better handling than the TSX. However, the price tags were all over 35k and this I got for around 27k.I like that it has a lot of standard features and is comfortable. Acrua always does things that makes sense and I am happier every day I drive the car.I opted for the 4 cyl as the 6 cyl pricing would have steered me in another direction.I like that it doesnt look like every car uc
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Great vehicle - 2010 Acura TSX
By Kevinmac - October 1 - 2:00 amThe V6 TSX is a great vehicle, being fun to driv3 and acceleratin is above pr. Edmunds has 0-60 sprints as 6.4, its more like 5.7- 5.8, with 1/4 miles coming in at about 14.5. These time were measured in sport mode. Great car fun to drive!
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1 month down - 2010 Acura TSX
By easyeman - September 21 - 2:00 amI just purchased a 2010 TSX base, w/ 5sp. auto. LOVE the Basque Red color. Car rides well balancing the sport- luxury soft ride well. SMoother than the VW GTI I also looked at. The GTI has more bells and whistles but in the long run, VW lack of reliability swayed me to Acura. Im getting between 22-25 city and close to 30 hiway. Only disappointing issue right now is the driver seat comfort. Im not small nor am I huge, 6 225lb. The seat is not comfortable all the time but has enough movement to be ok. More than enough room. NOw that its broken in, 600 miles, Im starting to enjoy the engine and handling. Pittsburgh has tons of twisites!!!
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Nice Ride - 2010 Acura TSX
By KMack - September 16 - 2:00 amWell I bit the bullet, was considering a V6 accord Coupe, but after really looking hard, decided on the TSX V6. I am impressed with this vehicle. As Porsche owner, I can verifiably say the handling for a sports sedan is quit good. The steering has a nice feel especially at high speeds. The V6 get pretty decent fuel mileage. The ride is very acceptable. I really have nothing negative to say. My opinion is after looking at the Lexus IS250, this car is above it. The size is perfect. And the features it offers make it a very nice package. I am impressed with the Noise Cancelling system. Really does a nice job keeping out the external noises.
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Absolutely Awful - 2010 Acura TSX
By dimitrir - September 13 - 2:00 amRegardless of price, this must be the worst car on the road! Suspension is so clunky and noisy that I do not want to drive this car. Corporate ACURA and dealership say that "this is the way it was engineered". ACURA should be absolutely embarassed and ashamed.
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OMG I love this Car!!!!! - 2004 Acura TSX
By Margie - September 11 - 2:00 amI located this wonderful vehicle that is 6 years old and only had 39,000 miles. I must say this is one of the best Ive ever driven. The only thing I would chang is I cant hook up my I pod when Im in the car. It is soooooo much fun , quick and very intuitive.
