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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  The Japanese Alfa Romeo Sedan - 2008 Acura TSX
  By sportscarnut - February 24 - 9:47 pm

  The 2006-2008 TSX has perfect balance of performance, luxury, and economy. My 2 previous cars were an M3 and M5 BMW. I was honestly not expecting to like this car when I first drove it, but I love it. It has the most balanced handling of any front drive car I have ever driven. You can almost throttle steer it through a corner. The engine revs like a Ferrari V8, and the car feels much faster than the numbers indicate. The 2006-2008 cars have a markedly improved performance due to a larger throttle body and intake system, and the updated front/rear fascia and rocker covers make it look substantially sportier. All the controls are perfectly placed, and the fit-and-finish are outstanding.

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  Nothing better for the money - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Dan - February 19 - 2:29 pm

  When looking for a practical yet sport sedan for under $30k there is simply nothing better. You cant beat Acura reliability not to mention this car is a lot of fun on the highway. Couple this with the almost 30mpg I am averaging and this makes for the best car for under $30k. Also, I currently have 70k miles on this car and havent spent a penny on it, aside from routine maintenance (oil changes, etc)

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  My Most Reliable Car Ever - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Sean - February 18 - 11:52 am

  What can I say, 117,000kms and most expensive maintenance/repair was replacing the brakes. This has definitely been the most reliable car Ive ever owned as well as the most fuel efficient for a peppy little sports sedan.

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  Immaculate car. - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Dominik - February 15 - 3:45 am

  Awesome car in general. Very well built, extremely reliable, fun to drive. Perfect designed ex- and interior. Good MPG, very comfortable. Ive own 10 cars so far and this one is my best friend. No wonder parts are kinda pricey - last very long. Take a good care of it (maintenance) and it will last for ever.

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  Shift Up - 2010 Acura TSX
  By maturedriver - February 7 - 9:47 pm

  First time driving a 6-speed manual. The torque and gear match seems to be pushing the driver to shifting up quickly. That is, the car seems to be over powered and over torqued for each of the gear ratio. While this is a manual shift car, it seems to be a manual shift car in an artificial construct.

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  Not pleased - 2010 Acura TSX
  By JoeS - February 5 - 12:12 pm

  I purchased this vehicle primarily based on Acuras much vaunted and advertised reliability. Since purchasing the car 6 months ago it has been back for service more often than my previous vehicle, a Saab 9-3, was in four years of use! All kinds of issues needed fixing: the rear suspension clunking noise and defect a faulty Navi screen replaced non functioning trunk release poor highway steering. If this is the best Acura can do they have lost their way!

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  Former TL and RL owner. - 2009 Acura TSX
  By RLewis - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  Ok I have to admit, IM FINE WITH THIS CAR! I forgot just how fun a car was to drive. Though i think 40 or 50 more horses wouldve been prefect for a car this size. Still, youre talking to a person that traded his bigger 06 Acura RL in when gas jumped up so high. This car is great on fuel, comfort and style! Ive gotten up to 34mpg hwy. Hey we all gas is going back one day. So if you just happen to have this fine car, YOU MAKE GOOD SENSE just like this car. And i really would like to see the follow up to the TSX in the years to come!!

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  4-cyl. is. fast & smooth--dont need V6 - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Pianist - February 4 - 3:10 am

  I used to own a Lexus GS 300. I love that car but the new model is so expensive that I had to seek out other alternatives. After checking out the small sedans of BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus,and the larger Acura TL, the TSX offered the most for the money. The standard features on this base model can cost thousands of dollars if you want them on a BMW 3 series! The TSX has EXTREMELY comfortable seats and high quality leather (both superior to the more expensive TL base model). I love that this car looks like NO OTHER on the road. I have the Vortex blue, which for some reason is very rare. It is an "electric" blue, which goes very well with the all-black leather interior. Dont buy the V6!

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  TSX-Tech has 3 Es in its EnginEEring - 2009 Acura TSX
  By acurator - February 2 - 11:19 am

  TSX-tech is a car without an overkill. It definitely has 3 Es in its engineering: Efficiency, Elegance and Economy. I took it to a long drive (during both day and night time driving) with lots of curves and elevation differences (characteristic in Colorado). You put 91-octane gas in it and it gives 33 mpg (with about 20% city-driving). I drove the car with average speed of 70+ mph with no hard braking and acceleration, though. The handling is great on sharp turns. When you need power it is there. It can easily take 85 mph and you see other cars well behind you. It has so solid feel that you feel confident on road. A great ride for the money. Attention new buyers, it is a green car.

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  PRECISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Acura TSX
  By isaw10 - January 29 - 5:06 pm

  Traded in my BMW 325 XI for this car. Id go for an ACURA over BMW anyday. Cant say enough about the quality of this car inside and out. The precision of how EVERYTHING is put together is mind blowing. I have yet to hear one rattle or squeak while driving this car!!! Some say its underpowered but it definitely has more than enough pep for me which combines well with the great gas mileage. I feel like Im getting the best of both worlds. Have absolutely no regrets trading in the Bimmer for this car!!