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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  My TSX experience - 2009 Acura TSX
  By AlansAcura - July 30 - 11:30 pm

  I read a ton of reviews before buying my TSX 09. I found most of the things people did not like, were things I actually liked. Steering, power, number of buttons, front grille and similar items were all big dings from the auto magazines and car enthusiasts. But my experience, so far, is its a great car. I know its the lower end of the high end automobiles, but Im a techy kind of guy, and this car is more to my liking than some of the high end cars. I like not having to stop to fully use the nav system. I like talking to my car to control almost everything in the car. Its even fun to say a few things to it that are not in the guide and find a few actually work I love my car!

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  The Almost Perfect Car - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Scundo - July 30 - 9:55 am

  I know there are a lot of complaints about the low end torque. Lets put things in perspective though. Its a 2.4L 4 cylinder putting out 205 naturally aspirated horsepower. It does it in an extremely smooth manor too. Isnt that how a sport luxury sedan engine should perform? After driving everything from fire-breathing pushrod v8s to boxer 4s all I can say is this engine is a jewel. Honda/Acura builds the best 4 cylinders. Period. Smooth, powerful, economical. The gearing on the 5 speed auto is excellent. The interior is flawless. Everything where it should be and its very comfortable. Awesome handling. Steering is perfectly weighted. Drive by wire throttle is very slick.

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  Its been fun to drive my 09 Acura TSX - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Lenny H - July 29 - 11:01 pm

  I purchased my 09 Acura TSX with tech package three weeks ago. It has been fun to drive it. The stereo system is phenomenal! I have also been using the live traffic report before heading home from my office. The ride is quiet, and the voice command system is superb, even for someone with a thick foreign accent!

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  One flaw in this great luxury car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By valuehunter07 - July 23 - 5:23 pm

  Ok Im going to slam this car a little, because the voice activation system has major flaws, and this prevents you from being able to operate your hands free phone link. For whatever reason, there is no option to dial your calls out, without using the voice activation system (which means the car has to hear and understand your VERBAL commands). This means that when you cant get your verbal command through to the car, that youre basically not able to call out. For a luxury car, this is absolutely unacceptable. I understand this is new technology, but they could easily have allowed for a way to dial out calls without using the very flawed voice activation.

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  In love with my TSX - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Robert Davis - July 21 - 4:53 am

  After 1700 miles of driving this vehicle I can say that I am completely satisfied with great looks, over all outstanding handling, performance and total comfort of this car. The 5 speed AT is a smooth as glass. Fit and finish are excellent and the 17 inch wheels are best.

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  Love It! - 2008 Acura TSX
  By gc - July 17 - 8:56 am

  Ive had this car for 2yrs now and overall I truly love it. I have it in pearl white w/ black leather interior and it looks great. The HIDs are awesome and the handling is top notch. The lights in the dashboard look nice (blue white and red) & are bright. The leather bucket seats are comfortable for me (Im 54)and there is plenty of room inside. Driving feels extremely smooth and breaking is great. This is my first car and Im scared to try a new one b/c I might be disappointed. I prefer the 08 model over the 09 simply b/c the exterior look cant be beat. I love this car & I dont want to give it up next yr when my lease is over. I recommend it to all who love a fun, safe, & reliable car!

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  Great Car! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Poncho - July 14 - 10:22 pm

  This is my first Acura, and I am quite pleased with the car overall. I havent had any problems with the car in the seven months that I have owned it. The new design is striking, and the feel of luxury is evident inside and out. I recommend this car as an entry level luxury sedan.

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  Pleasantly Suprised - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Craig - July 11 - 3:05 pm

  Traded 2001 Passat on my first Acura, not as smooth/quiet of a ride, but for the $$ a good trade off. Looking for better reliability along with gas mileage. Last 5 tankfuls have exceeded 33 mpg, country driving 45 to 55 mph for 50 miles R/T per day. No problems after 4 months. A must look for the $$ with many standard features compared to models in the same class. Looked at Audi A3/A4 & Honda Accord.

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  Great mix for the money - 2009 Acura TSX
  By KYPilot - July 7 - 9:30 am

  Took a 3500 mile trip through Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota in May. Averaged 30 mpg. Fun car to drive through the mountains. Smoothest six speed and clutch I have ever driven. Steering takes a little time to get used to. Would have liked a few more horses in the mountains, but if you keep the rpm up above 3500 it does well. The DVD audio is awesome. The trip computer is one to two MPGs optimistic. No auto is perfect but the TSX is a good mix and for the money is hard to beat.

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  One year later... not as impressed - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Gritty - July 5 - 9:38 pm

  Loved the car when first purchased. Like the car now. Voice rec., nav, bluetooth not perfected, not close. Very irritating when not functioning properly. Mechanically sound. Thinnest layer of paint under trunk lid, three areas of rust already. Lots of rattles (poor quality control), dealership cant correct to this point yet. Hopefully fixed after this week. ELS stereo best Ive heard (much better than G35 bose, etc...). However, other brands will get much closer look when next new car purchase comes around...