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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  Love this car - 2006 Acura TSX
  By garyk - April 6 - 4:00 pm

  I researched cars and found that by far this is one of the best buys out there. Honda quality and very fun to drive. My best friend liked it so much he also bought one.

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  Acura TSX Buyers: Check the Lights! - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Unhappy Acura Owner - April 1 - 7:41 pm

  Two weeks ago I purchased an Acura TSX. The car seemed acceptable during the test drive. Three days later, I drove it at night for the first time. The HID lights cast a brilliant white curtain at hood level and below. Above the hood there was only darkness! I literally could not see 30 feet in front of me. The dealer said, "I would just have to get used to the lights". This is a severe safety issue. The Infiniti G has HID lights, like the TSX, but they do not cast the same light curtain, I know because I traded the TSX in yesterday for a 2010 G37X.

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  Love it - 2007 Acura TSX
  By CAL - March 27 - 10:31 pm

  Love the car. Great fuel mileage, over 30 mpg highway. Drives great and comfortable even on a 10 hour trip

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  200 miles and counting - 2010 Acura TSX
  By sargondizzo - March 22 - 9:51 am

  I just picked up my new 2010 TSX w/Tech, Black on Black 03/18/10. So far I am extremely happy with it. I love the tech features and wouldnt have even purchased this car w/o them being an option. I am a serious tech junkie when it comes to cars and this fit was more than I expected and with a lower price tag than the rest in its class.

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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Acura TSX
  By parksguy - March 20 - 12:51 pm

  Would purchase again. No problems with this beauty after 3 years of ownership. It looks best with the Rear Spoiler Option, which was well worth the addition.

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  Awesome drive - 2010 Acura TSX
  By PS - March 18 - 4:20 pm

  Beautiful ride. Beats BMW 3 series, Lexus IS and Audi A4 based on value for money. Beats Accord/Camry/Altima on luxury. This car is my getaway to everyday stress. Got more than I expected.

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  Excellent Decision - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Acuragirl - March 18 - 1:53 pm

  Im very much enjoying my new TSX. At first I wasnt sure if I liked the exterior of the vehicle. I was more a fan of the last body style. The front end just seemed so massive and its a much bigger vehicle than my last. Once I went for a test drive, my view on the TSX changed. The interior and the way the car drives had me sold. Its a fun and sporty car with a luxurious look. Im very happy I chose the white also. It really stands out from all other vehicles.

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  very good but could still be better - 2007 Acura TSX
  By unsure - March 17 - 6:42 pm

  I really like this car, compared to what else is available and in the price range but I wish Acura would make a somewhat smaller version that is sportier in both looks and performance. And also get rid of the electronic crap that causes it to act strange sometimes--like when the brakes wont work because I drove over a bump. The shifter could also be a little smoother

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Nick - March 16 - 10:07 am

  Car is made 100% in Japan, have had no problems with it. Have 88,000 miles on it. Have a ton of confidence in the reliability of this car. MPG is good on Hwy and back roads, around 31- 33 on average. Stock stereo is nice, good sound, XM and MP3 work great. Decent acceleration, smooth quite ride. Acura service is great and reasonably priced.

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  Worst that ever had - 2010 Acura TSX
  By CoolGuyNY - March 8 - 10:57 am

  My problem is that after 30-45 minutes of driving in cold, my tsx starts blowing cold air from side vents and hot air from the bottom ones. So my legs are sweating and upper body is cold. I tried all possible combination (auto, ac off, etc, etc) and the same result. If Im raising the temp, its just blowing harder but the same temp. Took it to a dealer and the saying that is how it suppose to work? Who knows a good lawyer? Cant believe that people arent talking about it on TV