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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  What a mistake you shouldnt make - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Katie - July 9 - 5:43 pm

  I got this car in 2006 and until now regret it every single day. This is the loudest car I have ever driven. The body was built very lousy that you can hear wind noise, road noise and just about everything else OUTSIDE of the car. When talking to the people in the back seat, I literally have to YELL every time. Windshield very thin, cracked and got replaced 2 times (with original Acura windshield). Watch out for the speaker, the first 2 months it sounded great but gone down so fast and I turned to hate listen to music while Im driving. The worst part is about to come, if you purchase this car, be aware that you will lose about 12K once you want to trade it in.

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  Its not a BMW - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Mudit Tandon - June 29 - 11:26 pm

  This car does everything well, and theres nothing wrong with it on paper. Unfortunately, theres nothing exciting about it in real life - a jack of all trades. I was in the market for a BMW 325, an Audi A4 1.8T and a TSX. I drove all three, and was not very impressed with the way the Audi drove. The TSX gave me everything I wanted in a car and more for 3K less. I wish I had paid that 40 bucks a month more to get a 3 series. I am looking to trade my car in in less than a year. Dont get me wrong - this is an OUTSTANDING car for the 27 odd you spend. Tremendous value - Its certainly a great alternative to a Camry. But if youre comparing it with a 325... spend the extra 3k.

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  Horrible Steering Wheel Vibration - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Alexis - April 20 - 8:01 am

  When I first bought the Acura, I loved it, except for a minor vibration in the steering wheel. I brought it in a while later and the dealership fixed something else. They messed with the brakes. The wheel vibration is now worse and I have vibration in the brakes now as a result. I have been told that this is a problem with the TSXs and cant be fixed. I guess Im stuck with it. The car does drive very nicely on the highway, though.

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  Body part problems - 2009 Acura TSX
  By SMM - November 17 - 10:56 pm

  Have a problem with the defective clips holding the exterior side panels along the windshield of this car. They have repeatedly come off and dealership said I was the first to have it happen 3Xs indicating it is common. I find the trunk & hood also very thin & light causing them to vibrate at 60 - 70mph. Also have a/c problems. Seems to have a mind of its own turning on high without touching it. All other comments I agree with. Comfortable, good road feel, nice pick up - voice command however needs improvement as well as navi-lighting & paint quality (show minor scratching too easily)!

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  Disappointment Reigns Supreme - 2005 Acura TSX
  By jrene - July 2 - 2:10 am

  Ive had my TSX for 1 yr,(my first luxury car) and Im extremely dissatisfied. I initially loved the car, but about 5 months after purchasing it, it started to have loud, obnoxious squeaks and rattles-- from the windows, the sunroof, and god knows where else. It struggles to get up I-70 in the CO mtns and struggles to go when at a stoplight or an on ramp. Accords and Civics are blowing past me. No one knows what the prob is. My windshield washers never work. I wont ever buy another TSX. Plus, it doesnt seem to be holding its value like I thought it would.

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  Mixed Expirience - 2005 Acura TSX
  By G Gagnon - March 31 - 12:44 am

  I initially loved my TSX, but regretably the ownership expirience has turned out to be quite frustrating. My copy has an idle vibration unbecoming of a $30K car. It also quickly developed brake issues in first 15K miles. Vehicle also makes high pitched whining sound at speed. Told brake grinding sound and vibration were normal. Dealer blame for whine goes to tires. Dealer no help with regards to any of these issues -- "talk to Michellin". Climate control display shows incorrect temperature (by about 5 degrees). Will trade in on something else within the coming weeks.

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  This shouldnt be sold as an Acura - 2006 Acura TSX
  By THEGOLFFIXER - January 20 - 3:56 pm

  Is this the best Acura can do to have a sedan under $30,000. Sure it still has Honda quality written all over it, but why would you take a car designed for Europe, as an Accord, an expect it to be suitable for our combined style of driving here. The engine fit, is the worst Ive ever expeienced in a Honda product. Absolutely torqueless and screaming the rpms to take advantage of the 200hp Honda claims it has, doesnt work for normal use. The car really doesnt even ride as well as the Accord with the 4cyl, let alone the 6cyl.The Integra was 10x more fun to drive.

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  Good for the price. Not for performance - 2004 Acura TSX
  By hbux - September 8 - 10:00 am

  TSX is good for people who want all the great option with low price. If you are looking for performance car. This is not the car for you. Although the car has 200hp, you only get the power on highway. 0 - 60 is very slow. 6MT will help a little. For interior, it looks very nice and confortable. However, most people have rattle issue. Rattle from dash board, door panel, roof...etc. Basically, noone escape the rattle. For the sound system, The stock speaker is really sucks. I replace the speaker to Apline. The sound is much clean and less distortion. The Gas miliage is not as much as they claim. I got around 25. If I have the other chance, I go for

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  A Civic w/an Acura label - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Doug - June 20 - 8:03 pm

  I have had this car for almost one year. In conservative driving I have received as much as 32 mpg on highway but as low as 22 mpg city, so it depends. Acceleration is OK, although I find 1st gear to be just about useless. This car needs more torque. The "premium" sound system is anything but that. The right door has a rattle and one of the speakers has an annoying buzz. The dash makes creaking sounds as the car goes over rough spots on the road. I find this lack of quality not fit for a luxury vehicle label. 2nd gear occassionally grinds eventhough I have fully clutched. Acura is to Honda as Toyota is to Scion. This is NOT a luxury car equivalent to the Lexus or BMW.