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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  I love it! - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Bucdom - August 13 - 9:36 pm

  I just traded in my 2004 Acura TL for a 2010 TSX. I love this car! The few things I didnt like about the old TL model have been corrected. These are little things like the positioning of the navi display and the ease of use of menu functions on the radio, navigation, and A/C. I am just amazed how all the things on my TL that I thought could be improved, have been. Even the glove box is better. This is a great car if you want a comfortable car with a lot of high-tech features. I chose the 2.4 L and it seems to have plenty of power for my purposes. I have read about noise problems and power problems and I really have not noticed any such problems in my car.

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  Great car! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By KC_TSX - August 13 - 8:40 pm

  I have owned this car for 15 months. It is a great car. Decent power w/ 4cyl. Very confident handling and ride. Comfortable and great style and features. Much less expensive than the entry level Euro cars I drove and priced. Performance equal to the competition for less money! Decent Gas mileage. Have avg 23 miles combined since new. Love the car. Occasionally wish I had the 6 but much more $$. Great car, great price, fun to drive. Super reliable!

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  Good Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By TSX 09 lover - August 4 - 2:09 pm

  I brought my Acura TSX about 5 months ago. The only issue I have with this car is the cheap speakers. I had to replace the speakers at the dealership two times. Other than that the car is perfect no other issues.

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  Im a believer - 2010 Acura TSX
  By kkm - August 3 - 10:05 pm

  Just picked up my TSX. Didnt opt for the 6 or tech package due to cost. My Acura dealer got me out of the remaining 8 months on the lease of my RDX. I could not be happier. The TSX could have more power and torque but overall the Im very pleased with the car. Great ride, handling and amenities. Base audio system is amazing and the ability to control and charge my ipod from the audio system is awesome. Handles extremely well and the sport mode using the paddle shifter is a kick. Great interior, extremely comfortable seats and very intuitive controls. This is my third Acura. Had an 05 TL, which I loved and an 08 RDX which I loathed. Very happy with the TSX

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  Just do NOT get this car - 2010 Acura TSX
  By dimitrir - July 30 - 5:46 pm

  ACURA should be embarrassed selling this car. Main problem: suspension is just awful. There is a constant clunking noise over any kind of bump. Communicated with company headquarters both in USA and JAPAN and asked them to take the car back, to no avail. Changed real struts, not change. After they put the V^ engine in, they re- designed the suspension in a clumsy and unfinished way. Other customers have complained about this issue. If you can absorb the continuous punishment of the constant clunking noise, there is nothing else wrong with the car.

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  Great car - 2010 Acura TSX
  By floridadriver - July 27 - 10:57 am

  I moved to this car from a 2001 f150, and love it. I have had it about a week now and have no complaint. Ride is smooth and seats are great. I have no issue with the brakes or any interior rattling. The 4 cyl is great, awesome gas mileage, its a little sluggish but if you get the 4 its for the mpg not autobahn racing and still fun to drive with the paddle shifters! All in all I am very happy with this car.

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  Perfect blend of Luxury and Economy - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Str8sh0otr - July 25 - 10:01 pm

  I came to this car from an 03 Maxima wanting something a little more luxurious and better on gas. Mission accomplished. This car has been wonderful. The standard options on this car make it a great value. I have friends with Mercedes C300 and BMW 3 series. I have driven/ridden in all these cars many times and I am glad I saved all that money. There is really nothing comparable in this price range.

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  2010 Acura TSX w/ Tech Package - 2010 Acura TSX
  By TheDriver - July 22 - 8:12 pm

  I bought a 2010 Acura TSX w/ the technology package in mid April and just traded it in on an Infiniti G37 Sedan. The TSX had 6500 miles. The TSX had super annoying popping noises coming from the rear of the car into the interior that the dealer could not fix(search Google). Said all of them do it. The bluetooth phone had a loud static noise when on and you could hardly hear the person on the phone. The drivers seat kept slipping downward as if the motor or track was stripped(I weigh 180). I traded a 2008 Accord Sedan in on the TSX. The TSX is too much like the Accord but with a little more horsepower(not enough). So far the G37 is 10X the car. I would recommend you not buy the TSX.

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  Too small + Too firm - 2010 Acura TSX
  By RC27 - July 22 - 11:07 am

  I leased this car in 2009 and I cannot wait for the lease to be over. First let me say it is not a bad car, it is simply not for me. I am 61" and the driver legroom is cramped, rear legroom is even worse. In terms of ride quality you feel every bump, yes it is a "sporty" ride but in NYC I dont need road feedback. The ride is only slightly better than my 1996 corolla and the trunk is also small. That out of the way the car is reliable and came with a ton of standard features. A little advice- if ride quality is important to you and/or front legroom this car is probably not for you. Test drive it 1st several times + make sure to include city roads.

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  Very good car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By sam - July 20 - 12:04 am

  Hi! everyone I just like to tell you guys that this car that I have TXS is one of the best cars that I ever have I take I trip from Maryland to Mexico back and for and the car it was excellent I wish I had this car before and just change oil and gas and I have no problem I know guys to repair this car it cost a lot of money but it worth every penny that you spend.