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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I love my TSX - 2006 Acura TSX
By SipsAcura - September 8 - 12:09 pmI have had no issue so far with my vehicle and I have had it over one year. Drives well great performance especially on the highway. I like the way it brakes down when you are slowing down. Great value for the money lots of amenities!
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An Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Acura TSX
By Lukeg22 - August 29 - 10:00 amThis is by far the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. We recently completed a 900 mile trip one way, and the car handled without a hiccup. There is not one thing that I would change. I have had many people comment on how sharp the TSX is, and some have talked about needing to go to Acura to look at cars.
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Very Good Buy - 2005 Acura TSX
By scampbell - August 26 - 8:40 pmI bought this car about 3 years ago and its been a great car so far. No issues at all. Gas mileage has been much better than advertised and Im getting about 26/34 consistently. I looked at a bunch of cars before selecting this one and I cant imagine getting a better value anywhere else. The price of the car was very reasonable considering all the features you get. I will definitely consider buying another Acura when I decide to upgrade in a couple years.
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I travel a lot - 2009 Acura TSX
By Price Winters - August 21 - 9:23 pmI tried 15 different cars while waiting for the new TSX. My salesman told me it would be worth the wait. I am in sales and put on heavy miles. So far I have put over 1000 miles on it. I looked at all the 4 cyls because at 4.00 a gallon gas I thought I needed to move down. I am so happy I did it. This car has been nothing short of spectacular. The ride is solid, the power is fun and all you need in the city. I love the reworking of the Vtec it seems much more useable than the old model was. I am 62" 285 lbs and am very comfortable. The stereo and navi in itself are exceeding my expectations, especially the nav traffic with the re routing feature, in Houston I have to use this a lot!
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Sport and Luxury! - 2005 Acura TSX
By GFunk - August 12 - 9:06 pmIve put about 2K miles on this car so far, and it has been a true pleasure to drive. It is comfortable for daily driving and long drives. I took it on a trip from San Diego to Las Vegas, and it was a real pleasure. However, it really shines on the twisty roads. Ive taken it up into the mountains, and it flew through the turns with little body lean. The sports shift was almost as fun as a manual!I looked at a number of other cars in the sports sedan segment, and the TSX offers the most balanced package: sporty, luxury, reliability, and inexpensive.
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Nice Car - 2006 Acura TSX
By John - August 10 - 7:36 pmThis truly is a sport sedan. A little of a rougher ride, but handles like a sports car. Acura really did a great job with all the amenities, and keep the price under $30,000.00, which is where all the other cars in its class are. What a deal, and the dependability of dring a Glorified Honda, can not beat it. Traded in a 99 E320 4Matic, once in a life time, everyone should feel the joy and the pain of driving a Mercedes, never again. The maintance costs to drive a German vehicle are insane. Thank You Acura, for putting such a nice car package together. Recommend getting the 6 speed manual,and no need to worry about the car only being 4 cylinders, plenty of power, Sample this car last,& buy
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What a purchase!! - 2009 Acura TSX
By Shak - August 6 - 9:20 pmI purchased this car in July of 08. I considered BMW, Lexus, Audi, Accord and a few others. But the features for price, comfort, drive won hands down! Car drives great, awesome handling with steering, good acceleration (use pedal shifters... fun!). Ive always wanted an Acura, and this was the exact way to finally step into the brand! Had considered the 08 and the 09 TSX. The redesigned exterior of the 09 is what won me over and took a bigger chunk out my pocketbook.
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Very Good Design, ride, and features - 2009 Acura TSX
By gchaz - August 2 - 9:23 amI have been driving my new TSX for a week now and love it. Acura did a great job of making the most popular features standard (Xenon, Bluetooth, etc). The car has more than adequate pickup and handles very well. It also has a nice back seat. We test drove the IS 250, A4, G35, and S60/60. The TSX has the best combo of space, size, features, and performance of the group. The TSXs motor is superior to that of the IS 250 and A4 IMO. It has similar real world performance capabilities and gets better mileage. It is a very refined little car. Perfect for us. The IS and A4 were too small in the back seat and dont match the MPG--I am getting 29.7.
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Love My TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
By TSX FAN 2008 - July 31 - 12:38 pmMy 2004 TSX is by far the best automobile I have ever owned. Quality and reliability are a Perfect 10!! After 80000 miles Ive only had to replace one rear light bulb.
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Excellent Car! - 2006 Acura TSX
By Steve - July 28 - 1:29 pmGreat everything! Handles well, great MPG, no complaints whatsoever. Everything about the car is just what it needs to be right down from the great quality leather seats to the blue nighttime light that lights up the center console. Best thing about it is, everything you need comes standard.
