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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  Great car with a few qualifications - 2009 Acura TSX
  By subcollector - July 13 - 11:18 pm

  Traded in an excellent 05 Nissan Altima. My wife fell in love with the TSX. Very handsome auto with Tech package. A whole lot of useless gadgets. Paddle shifters that I will never use. Nav system is wonderful. Gives excellent fuel economy. Could use some additional interior and trunk room. Steering is somewhat quirky. Extremely sensitive and requires constant correction on straight highway driving. Ride just a bit too sporty. You feel every rut in the road. Handles very well. Very well built. Only problem was a defective speaker. Nice car!

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  I miss my 4Runner but - 2010 Acura TSX
  By mds0200 - July 8 - 11:04 pm

  OK, after a decade and a half of driving Toyota 4Runners, I finally made the move back to a car. The TSX caught my eye because of its sporty styling, fairly good gas mileage, tech-laden interior, and reputation for build quality. I drove the TL and its nice, but the TSX just feels sportier. After 2000 miles, Ive averaged 30+ mpg in mixed city/highway driving (30/70 split). The car feels nimble and cruises easily with 4 people. The V6 was tempting, but the price and gas mileage penalty helped sway me. The baseline engine is a nice balance between performance and efficiency. In addition to being safe, reliable, and practical, a vehicle should be fun to drive. The TSX is.

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  The best value for money - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Mac - July 6 - 10:56 pm

  After driving G37, BMW3, A4 and thorough research I have bought TSX, and never regret it. It is fast enough, comfortable, economical for the class and fun.

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  Never again - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Fred - July 1 - 8:12 pm

  Owned the TSX for a year and its been the very worst experience Ive ever had with a car. Within 5000 mile the car was in the shop for over a week with engine computer, sound system and break issues. Break issues never resolved and Acura refuses to solve the problem. Buyer beware!

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  Good Value - 2005 Acura TSX
  By mplssetter - July 1 - 4:07 pm

  I bought this car with 68K miles on it for a very good price. I love it so far. I had a Jetta before and the TSX is much more powerful and rides very smooth. I have owned it for 6 months and the only issue so far is with the door locks failing to work with the remote. I see that has been a problem in other reviews as well. I hope its not expensive to fix. I plan on keeping this car for another few years.

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  A Precision Driving Machine - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Have Car Will Travel - June 30 - 3:35 pm

  This is my 4th Acura, and 2nd tsx. The tsx is a real drivers car. You have the feeling that you have a precision instrument in your hands. A feeling of tactile feedback from the steering wheel. The sound of the engine has a pleasant resonance. Acceleration off the line is decent, and top end acceleration is excellent. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the car is very reliable. It gets about 25 mpg. It is fun to drive, and it runs like a Swiss watch.

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  Worth every penny - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Lone Star - June 30 - 1:32 pm

  Bought my TSX from the dealer where it was a courtesy loaner for its first 10k miles. Fuel economy is excellent IMO, reliability is excellent, car has never let me down or had any trouble besides a slightly loose drivers seat, but the dealer replaced the track and all good. After putting 40k miles on it myself I have some gripes, head rests should tilt towards you, voice recognition is poor, door sill is too high to comfortably rest your elbow and turning radius is worse than my Ford Truck. Overall, I love this car and plan on upgrading to a TL or MDX due to the excellent quality and reliability of my first Acura.

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  Comes with everything, good first car - 2010 Acura TSX
  By AJNYC - June 29 - 11:42 pm

  It was between leasing this car brand new and buying a used 08 Audi A4. For the price, this car comes with everything. I didnt order the tech package, which I regret but this car comes with everything - bluetooth, satellite radio, heated seats, sunroof, nice hid lights, leather, etc. The seats are so damn comfortable! They literally wrap around you and you dont feel like crap after a long road trip. Driving this car people always stare at it at lights. This car is pretty fun to drive and the MPG is amazing. Expect to get 25 mpg cruising down the GSP or NJ turnpike at 80-85 mph. In NYC traffic I get about 20-22 mpg which is amazing. The torque is a little on the low side though!

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  Why did I do it? - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Bob D - June 24 - 4:59 pm

  Have had my TSX for 2 months. Already in the shop twice for noise emanating from right rear. Dealer could not find the first time. Had better luck second time, but not totally cleared up.In general, the car rides choppy and lets considerable road into the cabin. If I had it to do again, I would have opted for the G-37 or just a sporty version of a family sedan(Fusion, Mazda 6). If you want a 6 cylinder--dont settle for the 4 on this car. Its economical-but its still a four. Also, the sheet metal is pretty thin.

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  This Car Was Made for Me - 2010 Acura TSX
  By DavidR - June 10 - 8:35 pm

  Forget all the hype saying that a sports oriented car has to be rear wheel drive to be fun to drive. My 2010 TSX is a blast to drive and it meets my requirements as a luxurious, daily, all weather driver without resorting to all wheel drive. No other car manufacturer offers the value of features that are standard in the Acura stable. My "aha" moment for FWD cars came in 1982 in the form of a Mazda GLC. This car out drove all of my earlier muscle cars and British Leyland products during slick road travel and Ive never looked back. The TSX steering is not numb as reported. Composed at freeway speeds, does not exhibit any unexpected movement/lurch during lane changes on tire grooved pavement.