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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  Solid Car - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Roger - November 21 - 11:47 am

  Great vehicle so far. Excellent MPG at 50-65 mph, I am averaging around 33-34 mpg. Runs smooth, pretty quiet ride. Excellent car for the money. Could use more room in the backseat. Acura has great service, and makes a great car!

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  Euro Style Honda Quality - 2008 Acura TSX
  By RKM - November 5 - 10:28 pm

  After owning German cars for 20 years Ive switched to a TSX. This was the only Japanese car that had a German "feel" to it, but with none of the reliability issues that have plagued my German car ownership experience. German cars, when not in the shop, are still the benchmark for interior design and driver handling, but the TSX comes so close that it won me over from selecting a Jetta GLI. The driving feel is very Euro, with stiff steering, taught suspension, and would perform very well on the autobahn as it is the Euro Accord. Im looking forward to a long trouble free ownership.

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  Glad I leased it! - 2008 Acura TSX
  By TL - November 2 - 11:42 am

  Previous vehicles were all VWs so you can imagine my surprise that I now have a reliable vehicle. I love the way the car handles on the road and the pick up is a plus. The interior is very comfortable as I am 5"10" tall and dont at all feel cramped. Got a great deal at the end of the year and liked the 08 model much more than the "09 model that was about to come out.

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  A car called perfection - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Paul Soares - October 24 - 11:33 am

  I saw the reviews of this car at cars.com and I decided to try it. Its worthy of the name they gave to it: Perfection. This car is the best luxury car ever, for the price you pay. Its 10,000 les than the Lexus IS 250 and its faster. Totally worthy of its 28k.

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  71K and going strong! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Convert - October 16 - 6:39 am

  Love the car, surprising acceleration for a 4 cylinder sedan. I have the manual six speed and normally get 30 - 31 mpg. It is a tight steering, solid built car that handles like a sports car. Overall design is well thought out and useful. Down side? I missed a rear window washer wiper, and view to the rear is in need of improvement, with perhaps different mirror size or design. Only problem I have had so far is the keyless entry system bowed out in partial failure. Lock/unlock doors has ceased to work without using the key.

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  tsx review - 2004 Acura TSX
  By markT - October 11 - 10:00 am

  The TSX is fun to drive. Before purchase, I was looking at the Honda Accord EX, Mazda 6, and Mazda RX8. Though I am very satisfied with the TSX, at times I wonder what the RX8 would have been like. But, I believe the TSX is an overall better car and it fits the needs of a young family man fine.

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  Unbeatable Car for the Money - 2004 Acura TSX
  By TraderTom - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after shopping the 325i, the A4, the TL, the IS300, the G35 sedan, and the Saab 9-3. After driving the TSX, I just couldnt justify the added expense of any of those cars. The TSX has every option that I was looking for such as the Navi system, a 6 speed, leather seats, sunroof, xenon headlights, etc., and it came in $5000 lower than less equipped competitors. I love driving my TSX. Ive gotten an XM commander installed behind the smaller storage bay in the dash after removing that power port and the worthless storage tray. Its great because the car looks stock when I close it, and its easier to use than the XM built into the TL system.

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  Best value out there at this price - 2008 Acura TSX
  By kjones00 - September 24 - 12:06 pm

  Previous vehicles were all domestic trucks/SUVs. This little car is big on fun, features, & value. 6-sp transmission is the way to go - crisp and smooth. Could use more torque off the line, but then again Im averaging 26 mpg with about 60/40 city/hwy driving. Exterior design is clean and has a "smart" look to it. Interior is cozy, with soft to the touch materials, and also feels bigger than it actually is. Had a great experience with dealer all done over the phone. If youre looking for the perfect balance of design, style, performance, and economy, this simply cant be beat at the price point.

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  Very happy, should have had one long ago - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Brock Murphy - September 22 - 8:06 pm

  Extremely impressed with gas mileage. I get grigio with taupe leather without tech package. Didnt want nav but disappointed that the premium model didnt have 6 pack cd. Personally I am quite happy with the power from the 2.4L considering the gas mileage. My last car was a V6 with 265HP and I dont miss it. I bought an Acura for the reliability and so far I am happy. Interior fit and finish is great, seats are very comfortable and I love the manual transmission. Steering is very light.

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  28k of excellent - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Tom - September 10 - 8:33 pm

  I had a 2005 Toyota Corolla S before this car. It was an alright car, but handling was horrible & was a complete rattle box. My friend had bought the TSX when it first came out. It was love at first sight, I just had to have it. The car is EXCELLENT, hugs the road, sound system could be better but still great, my arctic blue exterior has everyone staring as I drive down the street..I just love this car.