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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  Great Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Scott - March 9 - 9:12 am

  Leased a 09 TSX (w/out tech package) - great car and compares very well against my 06 TL that I turned in. Well built and very high in the electronics features - much better than my 08 Cayenne. I do not miss the DVD audio system in my TL as I had 1 dvd audio disc - however w/out that feature the stereo is great as is the Ipod interface. Performance is good - not as good as the TL but it gets the job done and the black on black color combination works great. It looks great and drives very smooth. I looked at A4, VW CC, etc but none came close to the deal on the TSX + the dealership blew every other dealership away.

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  A lovely drive - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Venter - March 8 - 10:51 am

  Bought this as a replacement for a Toyota Corolla and found that the TSX makes driving a pleasure. Very comfortable inside, stylish exterior and more than adequate horsepower. Feels safe and handles well, especially when cornering (unlike the Corolla). Rear view camera makes reversing safer and easier, and all round visibility is good.

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  Amazing Luxury Car For About 30K!!!! - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Acuraz All The Way! - March 3 - 10:05 pm

  After owning this car for about 8 months I have to say this car is amazing. Excellent performance and reliability. The car handles like a dream for its size and its perfect in the snow with standard tires. Took it on 3 long trips which were about 2400 miles and the fuel economy on the highway was 34 mpg with premium fuel and city averages around 27 mpg. Was looking at Lexus is 250 and Infiniti g35 but got the TSX fully loaded with nav package for at least 7-10k less and the Acura dealers offer amazing customer service.

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  Fun Daily Driver - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Mark - February 27 - 2:13 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 months, and it has grown on me with age. After test-driving several other mid-size sedans and sport sedans, I chose the TSX because of its aesthetic appeal inside & out (Yes, I like the grill), overall value and Hondas reputation for reliability. It is a fun car to drive, certainly more sporty and luxurious than the I4 Honda Accord, but it’s not a speed demon. The TSX has been getting 25 mpg combined. It rides smooth, handles with sure footedness, and has some pep when you need it. The iVTEC feels very much like a turbo, there’s lag until it hits around 4K RPM – then VA VA VOOM.

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  Decent Car for the Price - 2004 Acura TSX
  By DB Queen - February 16 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Volvo C70 so in some ways its not fair to compare the two. The C70 had an awesome sound system and drove like a charm when it did run. Previously owned a 1989 Honda Preludi Si and loved it!! To me, the TSX is the same car with four doors and more backseat space. The acceleration is decent. The look is beautiful. The instrumentation panel and navigational system are great!

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  Excellent Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By TSX Owner - February 14 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this Acura TSX two weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. This is a fun car. Love the hi-tech features such as the USB port (connect a USB thumb drive or an iPod and listen to music). I like the fact that it charges my iPod and I can control the play list and songs from the dash console. This car has an excellent 360 watt sound system. I also love the gas mileage. This car gives me 26 MPG combined in city and highway and gives me 34 MPG on highway. You wont find many cars in its class with 201 HP, which will give you this kind of mileage. The overall build of this car is great, with superior quality. Dont waste $3000 for a nav, just pay $200 and get a nice nav. Proud & happy.

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  2009 TSX - 2009 Acura TSX
  By lennyt - February 5 - 6:31 pm

  Just purchased it. Best value in the entry luxury category. Still babying the car, but absolutely love the ride. Picked it over the IS 250 because of the price and space. If you think this is just a high-end Accord, you really need to test drive it. It outperforms and outclasses Accord V6 by a long stretch. Not to mention a look easier on the eyes.

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  Best car I have owned - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Love it - January 28 - 6:23 pm

  I just bought this car and I have never been so satisfied. I love the features. The only complaint I have is that on a rare occasion the navigation would be a street off some times, otherwise its great!!

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  More Pros than Cons - 2009 Acura TSX
  By MrG - January 25 - 11:07 pm

  I decided on the TSX after test driving and pricing all the cars in its class. The TSX was the best bang for the buck bar none. My only complaint is the front grill of the car. Which can be easily fixed with some aftermarket tuning (this is why Hondas are GREAT!). The steering is fine, the power is fine, and the interior was probably the best. A lot of people are dinging this car, but what do they expect? They want Acura to give them the power of a g35/is350 at a fraction of the cost? Get real. For what i paid for this car id be lucky to get a base is250/328i, and what fun would that be?

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  Disappointed - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Jonny - January 25 - 10:01 am

  I had an 07 TSX and I regret trading it in for the the 09. The redesigned interior turns out to be a mess compared to the well organized cabin of the 07. It seems like Acura wanted the 09 to be more like a Beemer or Benz, but couldnt deliver a the lower price point.