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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  Loved this car, getting another one - 2008 Acura TSX
  By kcleebs - November 25 - 7:07 am

  We had our TSX for about a year and a half. Loved most everything about it. Our only issues were little things like the fact that the front doors dont stay open well when one is getting in and out out the car. And I didnt like the position of the door lock on the sill where one might rest their arm. The safety features are what I liked best as my wife was able to walk away with a bruised knee from an accident where someone hit her head-on at 40 mph while she was stationary. We are replacing our now totaled TSX with an exact duplicate. We looked at the 09s but they keep making things bigger and it would be too tight a fit in our tiny garage.

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  My Advice: Stay away from Honda/Acura - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Bad Decision - November 24 - 2:49 pm

  I bought this car new in 2006, I have had it in the shop 2 times every year for the brakes!! They are terrible! Also it has been in 3 times so far for rust repair! Very cheap build quality! My friend got a Chevrolet Cobalt LT a year before I got an Acura and my Acura has had more problems and has been in the shop more than her Cobalt!!!! This really is not a Premium quality car!!

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  Youthful yet Practical - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Mark - November 20 - 12:40 pm

  I couldnt see myself in a 4 door family car since I am only 22 but this car is awesome. The 6 speed is the smoothest tranny Ive ever driven and the high class style leaves nothing more to be desired. Outstanding ride, navi is a must, great handling, and of course great looks. Tint the windows and no one will ever call it a family car.

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  Excellent Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Tristan - November 15 - 3:24 pm

  The Acura TSX is my first new car and what a change it is from the previous cars I have driven. While this car is not a power beast, it has significantly more power than your normal sedan. The car is quick and somewhat nimble although when going around turns, I would like to feel more steering response- although this can be attributed to Acuras first attempt at electric steering in the TSX. The design on the outside is very modern and has really nice curves. Inside, the technology is amazing- a decent navigation system, good audio, voice controls- it is a tech nerds dream. So far the car has been very reliable. Gas economy is interesting- very good on the highway but not great in the city.

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  Just what I was looking for... - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Ben - November 11 - 3:44 pm

  I’ve always found great quality & value in Acuras. This time is no different & once again chose Acura over Infinity, BMW & Lexus. Recently I traded in my 2007 Acura TL for a 2010 Acura TSX. When it was time to get a new car I looked at all the big boys including the new TL. I didnt really dig the TLs new exterior body style or its new found higher price tag of $43k just a bit more than I wanted or needed for my daily urban driving. When looking at the TSX I was concerned about going with the 4 cyl having just come from a pretty powerful, fun V6… but went for it. Wow, am I impressed. The TSX is NOT a slow car by any standard. It’s fun to drive & zips around town like no ones business.

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  Great daily driver - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Ned - November 6 - 8:09 am

  My TSX replaced a 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero, and despite less power, I prefer the Acuras engine. Its smooth, sounds great, revs freely, and has enough power to be entertaining with 6MT. It delivers good mileage too. I love the interior: fantastic seats, good visibility, great ergonomics, and even the base stereo is excellent. For an urban enthusiasts daily driver, the suspension tuning is perfect. Its tight and responsive but never harsh. Only fly in the ointment is the steering. Its numb on center, which isnt great on the highway and detracts from driving feel. But its accurate, with good off-center feel, which works great on twisty roads.

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  Best mix of fun, features, and value. - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Crowbar - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I did a LOT of research before purchasing this car. I drove a LOT of other cars before deciding on this one. My second choice was the BMW 3 series, which has better brakes and rear-wheel-drive (important considerations for extreme driving enthusiasts). However, after looking at the whole picture, the TSX was simply the smarter choice: Lower price, better reliability, more standard features, and handling that is still comparable to the best in the class. My previous car was a 1994 Acura Integra GS-R 4D. This car was the perfect replacement. Go test drive one and youll see why!

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  LOVE It!! - 2010 Acura TSX
  By laura - November 4 - 9:28 pm

  Love this car! Gas mileage is great. Avg 32 hwy and get about 550 to 600 miles per tank. Lots of trunk space. Originally wanted an infiniti g35 coupe but chose the tsx instead. No problems with it thus far!

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  Great car - 2006 Acura TSX
  By lovedatsx - November 4 - 7:13 pm

  As a traveling salesman I avg 1200 miles per week and this has been the perfect great performance, reliability, great value for car. No doubt Ill get 300,000 miles out of the car. Ill buy another one when this one is done.

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Accura Driver - November 3 - 9:15 pm

  I test drove the manual and the auto. The manual is the one to get. I find my TSX fairly entertaining to drive on windy roads and yet very comfortable and relaxing in the highway. The interior is a nice place to be the seats are exceptionally comfortable. The engine is refined and is powerful enough to be fun with the manual. It is only at speeds above 60 mph where it cannot compete with the smoothness of a good V6. Im impressed with the fuel economy, 31 mpg. Quality is excellent, I have not found a single rattle or manufacturing defect.