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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Best entry level sedan for the price - 2004 Acura TSX
By ManG - May 30 - 10:00 amTest drove the A4, Mazda6, BMW 325i, and TSX. This car is the best overall value in its class. Handling is terrific for a FWD car, and the only option is the nav system - which is the best in the industry! Interior design is near flawless, big gauges, big nav screen, nice heated leather seats, good lumbar support..on par with Audi.
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Nice car overall - 2008 Acura TSX
By bengalsfan - May 25 - 7:35 pmI bought the 08 TSX for my wife. My wife actually likes the 08 better. I prefer the 09, but love what we got for the money. The car is solid and I maybe just becoming a Honda guy. The value here is way more than you see with the European cars, so I dont think Ill be buying another BMW. Plus the future maintenance costs with this car are much lower than BMWs.
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No longer a drivers car - 2009 Acura TSX
By baj - May 20 - 2:00 amI had a 2006 TSX that I loved. So when my lease expired, I jumped on a new 2009 TSX without even bothering to test drive. Big mistake. Theyve taken the fun out of driving with the addition of electronic steering. I cant feel the car. I feel detached from the whole experience I used to love about driving. The odd thing is, the suspension is still tight enough to feel the road beneath me, while still giving it stability in the corners, which I can no longer feel. The slight increase in size from the previous model wasnt put to good use. The interior feels cavernous, adding one more level of remove from the "feel" of driving.
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Accord to brand new TSX Hard decision. - 2008 Acura TSX
By Jaspreet - May 19 - 12:22 pmI test drove Lexus IS250 (2008), BMW 325i (2006), MBenz C230 (2006/2007) & Infiniti G35 (2006), Acura TL (2007). I decided on a brand new Acura TSX for reliability, low maintenance and other factors. It has nice interior, every option standard for a lot less. It handles great in the corners, stops swiftly, has good initial pickup, little slow from jumping from 70mph to 90mph. I have started to really like this car now. I plan to trade this in after 3 years for a BMW. It holds its value well. :)
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TSX is a great sports sedan - 2008 Acura TSX
By kjhighball - May 15 - 11:27 amMy TSX is a great sports sedan that has enough room to carry 4 adults but still small enough for efficient daily commuting with only the drive. This vehicle replaced my Altima, and I love its smaller size and increase in power. The seats at first were very stiff, but after 2 weeks & 350 miles, they broke in and are now very comfortable. For normal in-town commuting and highway driving, this car is very lightweight and nimble. Personally, I do not need the V6 power, and this cars inline-4 delivers very well.
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This is a wonderful car! - 2005 Acura TSX
By Drew - May 7 - 4:06 amI have had my TSX for about a year now and it has been a wonderful car. It handles very sharply and it has just enough power to make it fun yet not exhilarating. I love the look of the interior and exterior. The only complaints that I have about it are that for being a reasonably expenisive car it has some cheap touches, such as the sound the door makes when you shut it and just other little trim details. When it comes to reliability it has been a wonderful car except that at about 17000 miles the air conditioner just stopped pumping out cool air and the dealer seemed the be almost mystified by this but they recharged it for free and it is working again. I highly recommend this car.
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Top Notch - 2005 Acura TSX
By DB - April 28 - 7:20 pmThe TSX offers everything one needs, expects, and would want in a car. The interior is tastefully designed, yet ergonomic and logical. The exterior is sharp and sporty, without being trendy. The car is fun to drive and exceptionally smooth, yet economical. The value of the car is second to none. If you compare the competitors cars with the TSX, you will pay significantly more for the same features. Nevertheless, as much as they may try, the feature the competitors can not offer is that of Hondas legendary reliabilty and leading-edge technology.
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BEST DAY OF MY LIFE - 2004 Acura TSX
By Love My Acura - April 23 - 10:00 amJUST AS SPORTY AND MORE SOLID THAN THE BMW 325i THAT I TRADED IN. THE BIG DIFFERNCE iS THAT I WILL BE GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY 5000 FOR AN OIL CHANGE NOT AN ENGINE OVERHAUL. BEST DAY OF MY LIFE WAS SEELING THE BMW AND BUYING THE ACURA
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Still in love with my TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
By Sydney818 - April 23 - 10:00 amThis car is a keeper and thats something Id never thought Id say. Im the queen of trading in cars. Ive owned my TSX for 6 months now and still love getting into it every morning just as much as I did the first day. Its such a solid little car and extremely well-built. It was the best choice for me overall and has everything I need in a vehicle at a price of $27,000 with navigation!!
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Incredible! - 2004 Acura TSX
By kelsim - April 23 - 10:00 amI love this car. Its fun to drive and peppy!!!
