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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  perfect - 2006 Acura TSX
  By JEFF - November 2 - 12:06 pm

  everything for the money.why pay more for others and get less.

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  Outstanding Sports Sedan! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Mitch G - October 31 - 3:30 am

  Absolutely one of the best values out there in the true sports (bordering on luxury) sedans. You can pay almost $10K more if you really need the BMW name. If youre okay without it, however, this car wont let you down. Once inside and driving it, youll be sold. I cant help but smile every time I get in my new TSX. Im 100% pleased - no buyers remorse at all.

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  Really like, but disappointed - 2004 Acura TSX
  By livin to the fullest - October 30 - 9:45 pm

  Have owned my blue 6spd TSX for a few years and up until the last couple months everything has been fine expect chipping paint which started shortly after purchase > 20k and acura refused to fix. Within the last 3 months I have replaced rotators, pads, ac condenser and now a clutch totaling approximately 3500.00. Granted my car does have 94k but its housed in the garage and well taken care of. Expected to get over 100k before and major problems have arose and have had 2 within a short time. Gravely upset really wanted another acura but it definitely has made me think twice.

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  WOW! - 2010 Acura TSX
  By DarkHelmet - October 28 - 12:42 pm

  Ive only had this car for a week and I am in love with it. I cant stop driving it... I already put 1000 miles on it and I live a mile away from work... The car drives smooth, is quick to the touch and is super comfortable. I only have the four cylinder too, and its really fast and quick.

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  Great deal for the Reliability & Luxury - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Kong Lee - October 26 - 3:46 pm

  I got this car used for almost a year now and I must say the TSX has so much to offer. It came with VSA, ABS, a great engine that produces 205 hp, very low insurance rates, 3 garage door openers on the top of the car next to the lights (Dont know what feature its called LOL), Leather seats, very great comfort. I averaged 25 - 27 miles per gallon for the first 3 months because I did not realize the TSX uses Premium unleaded (90) and I have been refueling with Regular Unleaded (87) fuel. It now averages well between 29 - 33 mpg 50/50 city/highway (Phew). I never had any problems with the TSX so far, only had to change oil once 7 months after I got the car. Have not drove in snow yet.

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  Nice car for the money - 2009 Acura TSX
  By dcb - October 24 - 12:42 pm

  Have owned the car a little over 4 months and have put 4600 miles on it. Researched quite a bit and chose over an Audi A4 based on expected reliability and price/feature content. Former 04 Accord coupe 6 speed owner. Gonna buy another new Accord coupe, but drove an automatic and hated it. Drove the TSX and TL after driving the Honda coupe and Acura much better car to me...less road noise, better interior, etc. Accord never went back to the dealer for service in 5+ years...that sold me on Acura over Audi. However, have already been back with break squeal and now have a blown front speaker...not happy about this. Ride is firm, but about right, quiet, refined, handles very well.

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  TSX is not a 3 series wannabee - 2006 Acura TSX
  By gt0279a - October 24 - 8:20 am

  Crossed shopped BMS 325i, Audi A4 and Lexus IS. The TSX is a fun car to drive and comes with just about every feature you need. The exterior design is not the most exiciting, but I spend most of my time inside the car and the 325i and Audi A4 are just bland and not quite as intuitive as the Acura. The Navigation is tops on the market, the BMW one lags and the Audi is confusing.

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  Fun to Drive but Noisy - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Martin - October 18 - 5:41 pm

  Vehicle is fun to drive and the fuel economy is awesome. Averaged 26 miles in stop and go traffic, and about 31 on the hwy. First three fill-ups averaged 550 miles. Last fill-up averaged 600 miles on a full tank of gas. Having some problems with a rattling noise coming from the steering column. Noise goes away when you downward or upward pressure on the steering wheel.

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  TSX is so enjoyable to drive!!! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By TSX123 - October 11 - 12:34 am

  I bought this vehicle three months ago and still Im in love with it. Its steering and turn radius is great. Its sleek and sexy looking with a sporty feel. Its great for city driving because its still a smaller sedan, but big enough where you dont get bullied on the road or feel unsafe if you were to get in an accident. The interior is very stylish and although the buttons/navigation system can seem intimidating, its not difficult to understand how to use it.

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  V6 is Great - 2010 Acura TSX
  By oldrndirt - September 28 - 4:46 pm

  This is 3rd Acura I bought this year. Love them all. Thought we were going to buy an Audi A4 this time but after test-driving, the TSX feels and handles so much better. More comfortable and better visibility. Better options. Trunk is enormous for this size car - fold-down rear seats are terrific. Car looks awesome. Gets compliments and doesnt look like all the other homogeneous competitors.