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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  07 TSX - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Detar24 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good car with decent performance and great visibility. The fuel economy is excellent, especially for a car of its size. The styling is also a plus. Only complaint is the brakes. This is the second Honda/Acura weve owned with premature brake wear. Parents are having a similar issue with a 2006 Accord.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2010 Acura TSX
  By mkdubs205 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first real car coming out of college and i couldnt be happier with this vehicle. I opted out of the V6 tech package simply because of money, but either way the 201hp on the 2.4L moves quick. The ride is exceptional, i have not heard any noises or clunking from other reviews that ive read, and all the standard features that come equipped with this car gives it so much value. Everything is so well designed and ergonomically perfect for the driver. So far ive been averaging 24.3 mpg but its been steadily going up. Coming out of a 1995 Pontiac bonneville that ive drove since highschool for 7 years this car is simply a dream to drive. So much fun, so comfortable and the best value

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  Everything is Perception - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Adrian - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Japanease Car and after owning many American and a few German cars I am profoundly dissapointed. First the headliner was coming off and had to be replaced, second the rear shock was making an annoying jingling noise and had to be repaired and now I have a thumping noise everytime I step on the brakes and evertime I takeoff. This car feels like its falling apart and it only has 3500 miles on it. The interior is very well appointed but the side dash cover plates do not seem to be well installed. The car has good power for a four cylinder and great fuel economy as compared with large American SUV that I drove before. However just dont see this quality every raves.

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  AWESOME CAR.WOULD BY AGAIN 5YRS FROM NOW - 2010 Acura TSX
  By taikien - September 7 - 8:06 pm

  Great design inside and out. Would recommend to family and friends. Great job Honda keep up the good work!!!!!!!!

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  Best car for the money - 2010 Acura TSX
  By king - September 7 - 4:31 pm

  I considered the Lexus is250, BMW 3 series and Mercesdes C300. All are a little better than the tsx. But If you get any of these cars with all the features that come standard in the tsx, the the TSX becomes the much better car.Plus, if you enjoy driving a stick shift then the tsx is the most fun to drive. I was only able to test drive a BMW stick but Ill take the TSX six speed manual anyday.

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  Had to come back fro seconds.. - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Wilmington, DE - September 6 - 9:28 pm

  I got my first TSX in Feb of 2007 as a 3 year lease. 6-speed manual, carbon gray. Absolutely loved the car. fun, sexy and reliable. I reluctantly gave it back in Feb of 2010. I bought a BMW X5, but after a few months I missed my TSX so much that I bought another one, another 07 - white, automatic. Cant say enough about this car. My only advice is GET ONE!! personally I think its better than the TL!! especially if you live in the city because its a little smaller. PS-Also one of the safest cars on the road.

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  Real nice! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By WA husky - September 5 - 12:05 am

  We have had this car for a year. It is comfortable, sporty, and fuel efficient. Zero problems. We wanted something upscale, safe, and completely reliable, and we got it. We felt this was also the best value in its class. While other cars may have better performance specs, we are not stunt drivers and in our urban environment, theres not much need for huge amounts of power or acceleration, although I have not found the car lacking when accelerating onto the highway from an on ramp, for example. Only gripe is the taupe interior looks great but is hard to keep clean.

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  3 yr. ownersghip review - 2007 Acura TSX
  By harshad - September 4 - 8:18 pm

  3 rd Bday coming up for our 07 Artic blue TSX. So far its been smooth sailing. except a power steering hose recall we have done regular maintainance. its regularly gives 30+ mpg on 100 + mile trips and around 27 in city. love all the tech goodies. it looks better than the new model. overall good value for the money. the dealer in twin cities was offering 120% of the blue book value. looks like there is demand for these.

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  If youre short, dont buy - 2010 Acura TSX
  By The Trader - August 28 - 1:17 pm

  Traded a 05 Volvo, wonderful car except for turn radius bought a 10 Prius traded it for the TSX - talked into it by saleslady rather than the TL, I preferred. What a year! Hate this car I cant see out the front as the seat wont come up high enough or the steering wheel wont adjust high enough without blocking the dash (at least I can see the dash unlike Prius). Seat belt locks door too heavy and hinges in wrong places for me. This car was built for a giant. Im just a little ol lady and dont need all the gadgets, much less the sporty feel.

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  Very Happy with Zero Regrets - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Choule01 - August 24 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased this car after having a 03 Acura TL type S. The new features in the TSX are amazing, although 60 less HP is certainly noticed. I compared the IS250 and the G37, but to equip those cars with Nav, Bluetooth and upgraded stereo would cost considerably more. This is my 5th Acura/Honda purchase. Reliability on all of them has been outstanding. Gas Mileage in mostly city driving is 26 MPG, but on a long trip I was getting 32-34 MPG. I havent heard any suspension noises, and the headlights illuminate just fine. I would never have considered a 04-08 TSX, but I really love this new design. This car has lived up to my expectations across the board.