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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  Run to your Acura dealership - 2005 Acura TSX
  By SunnyG - June 6 - 4:10 am

  I was looking for a 4 door sport sedan for a few months now, and am extremely glad i went with the TSX. i dont know any other car that gives you so much (sunroof, leather, XM, xenon, 200hp, and a very slick 6spd) for the money, all with a dose of style, solidness, and personality. if youve been thinking about a car in this category, you owe it to yourself to check out the TSX.

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  Great Car!! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By iwantone - June 4 - 3:48 pm

  I havent had my tsx a week yet, but coming from a Honda accord I feel right at home in fact a much better home. I am still learning the tech package, but I am having fun learning it. I dont need the speed of a V6, so this car is very peppy to me. I am glad I made this choice.

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  No complaints - 2009 Acura TSX
  By barc2 - May 28 - 9:10 am

  Just leased the 2009 acura tsx without navigation. $400 month nothing down--I could not get a mazda 6 for that price!! Forget the audi 4, volkswagen cc and every other entry level luxury car- you are at $420-$470 oh and none of them have a trunk. My clubs, folding chairs and kids baseball equipment all fit nicely in the tsx. Car is beautiful paladium silver with gray interior-hard to find by the way--dealer was great - something about salesmen in suits as opposed to polo shirts at most other places. Car is solid and tight, very quiet, front seat hugs you nicely like a sports car should - 4 cylinder is not as peppy as my old passat but it is passable. Stereo is above average but not great.

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  Left wondering about Acura - 2009 Acura TSX
  By TJ - May 26 - 4:13 pm

  Had my new 2009 TSX for two just weeks when I heard a crackling noise coming from the rear shelf area. The dealer said it was known issue Acura had issued a service bulletin to address this problem. The dealer kept the car to carry out the fix. Picked up the car but the noise returned shortly before I arrived home. Very disappointed in Acura for producing a defective product then selling it with a known problem. The Navi system has also been acting up. Generally the car has a spirited feel to it with a responsive engine. However the on-center feel at highway speeds is very poor-one needs to constantly correct steering. The seats are too firm and leave you sore after a road trip.

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  The Sweet Spot of Price to Performance - 2009 Acura TSX
  By peterb - May 26 - 3:52 pm

  I "fell up" to a TSX when considering a loaded Jetta TDI. For about $3k more, I got a car with much more polish that is as fun to drive. I like both the exterior and interior styling, although some people hate it. Ive always driven manuals, but the auto TSX is plenty of fun, and I enjoyed it more than the 6-speed. The car is nimble, extremely comfortable, and is a bargain. Some complain that its not as muscular as a BMW 3 series or an Infiniti G37. This is true. Its also many thousands of dollars less expensive. For me, this was the sweet spot of price/performance. I have only owned the TSX for a month, so my "reliability" score is at this point more of a hope than a rating.

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  Fun little cruiser - 2008 Acura TSX
  By KS Local - May 23 - 2:02 pm

  I have owned a variety of makes and models. I have pretty much settled on Honda and Acura as the vehicles of choice for me. I sold an RL to get the TSX. I wanted something with better mileage and sportier look and feel. I am very happy with the TSX. It is smooth and stiff in the right places and times. The VTEC really hums when you crank up the RPMs. I am getting pretty good mileage too.

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  Review Update - Better than expected! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By mshw777 - May 23 - 9:28 am

  After 6 mos of ownership, I have to say that Im very impressed with my 09 TSX. It handles very well, has lots of pep for a 4 cylinder, and is fast! The interior build quality is very good, outstanding sound system, and awesome gas mileage sticker says 30mpg highway, but I got 34 highway on a recent road trip. This is a very nice compact sports sedan - great value for the money. No regrets on this purchase!

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  Bang for the buck - 2009 Acura TSX
  By boxster - May 20 - 1:42 pm

  Lots of feature for the price. Comparable to Mercedes c-class, mbw 3-series as far as luxury features. Performance-wise, it feels under power.

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  I Love This Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Michael - May 19 - 3:35 pm

  Though less than a month old, I am in love with this car. I previously owned a 2005 Volvo S40 turbo, and while I have nothing but good things to say about that car, I think I like my 2009 TSX better. The interior can feel a bit like the cockpit of a 747 at first, but within days I was comfortable navigating and controlling it. The nav system with integrated blue tooth and iPod is a dream, and the the backup camera, while cheesy, is a nice touch. The only drawback to this car is power. At barely over 200HP, it seems hesitant to accelerate. The handling and braking work like a champ, but I would love to see this with a turbo. Overall, this is a fantastic car!

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  Great car, handles like a go-cart - 2004 Acura TSX
  By TSXter - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Had the car about a month, very satisfied with performance, handling and fuel economy. Has a squeek on the top of the dash that I have to get taken care of. Miss the memory seats from my last car. Car is great and a lot of fun to drive. The navigation system with voice command is the best I ever tried, and is fun and worth the money.