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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Acura Fan - 2005 Acura TSX
By Sharon - April 22 - 2:50 pm10-yr owner of a 1994 Integra. Toss up between TL & TSX, but could not see a reason to pay the extra $6k for the TL. Wanted the flexibility of the rear fold down seats. Regularly get 23-25 mpg. The trunk now seems small since Ive put a stroller in it. Battery replaced under warranty at 2.5 yrs was in for an oil change & battery tested low so they changed it FREE. There was a rattle in the dash at cold temps told it was a cantilevered dash, so basically a design flaw. Tried to fix 3 times & then a month or so after the last try it went away on its own. Most recent problem has been a side-to-side rock in the drivers seat - fixed under warranty.
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Love my TSX!! - 2006 Acura TSX
By Alison311 - April 20 - 12:56 pmThis car is so much fun to drive, I just love it. I had an RSX for three yrs. prior to this car and all I can say is you cant beat an Acura. The Navi is lots of fun (it is impossible to get lost!) the audio system "bumps" and I love the in-dash changer! The dash is beautifully illuminated at night..all controls are right at your fingertips. I was always afraid a 4- door would make me old or at least feel old, but not this car. This car is sporty and super cool too! The value for the money is beyond amazing! This car does everything but drive itself, and thank goodness for that, cuz driving it is sooo much fun!
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Horrible Steering Wheel Vibration - 2007 Acura TSX
By Alexis - April 20 - 8:01 amWhen I first bought the Acura, I loved it, except for a minor vibration in the steering wheel. I brought it in a while later and the dealership fixed something else. They messed with the brakes. The wheel vibration is now worse and I have vibration in the brakes now as a result. I have been told that this is a problem with the TSXs and cant be fixed. I guess Im stuck with it. The car does drive very nicely on the highway, though.
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Awesome and Disappointing all at once! - 2005 Acura TSX
By Marc B. - April 17 - 4:03 pmI owned a 1999 Integra GS-R previously and in shopping for a new car I chose to go with the TSX instead of a 330ci. The initial quality of this vehicle is fantastic. It is fun to drive, handles wonderfully, and acceleration is between good and excellent. It comes fully loaded so you really dont have to think too much when youre making your purchase. One of the bad things I read about the TSX was regarding the paint. A lot of people seem to complain about it but I thought that maybe they were just overly critical. They were right. The paint on this vehicle is of very poor quality. Acura likes to tell people that its Soft paint. Soft? Is that Japanese for poor? Read section below...
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Nice Road Car - 2004 Acura TSX
By Fredo - April 17 - 10:00 amGreat value. Great car. Very much fun to drive and really holds a line on curves.
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Great car for the money - 2006 Acura TSX
By Dave - April 9 - 9:13 amI bought this car in April 06, and really cannot complain about its performance and reliability. My previous car was a 2001 Volvo S40 with all the bells and whistles, however, it completely died at 18K miles. I have test driven many other vehicles in its class and the TSX is by far the best out there. It looks sharp with the ground effects kit which I have by the way and the car is loaded. When you add up these features with other cars, you are looking at at least $40K when all done and said (with BMW, MB, Lexus, etc). Maybe these other cars may have a more powerful engine, but I probably can smoke em on a long haul! The TSX also has a good resale value... no plans on selling or trading up!
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Everything I wanted in good commute car - 2006 Acura TSX
By DDover - April 6 - 7:20 pmThis car wont rival the likes of a BMW or Mercedes - but it also doesnt come with the price tag. The car is reliable and fun to drive. My only complaint - it lacks the zip to pass quickly on a narrow 2 lane roads when 18-wheelers are in the distance. My wife may have screamed once or twice. But, what do you expect from 4-cylinders? Other than that one complaint - no problems in day to day city driving. The back seat isnt quite as roomy with a now 510" sons long legs.
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TSX For Real! - 2008 Acura TSX
By waabese26 - April 5 - 12:34 amI love this vehicle to death! There is no car out there that will come close in value, comfort, stereo system, appearance and last but not least the price! This is a luxury sports sedan that is totally amazing. This car is quick and fast for a 4 cylinder. Get the TSX! Totally awesome car! Cant beat it!
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Love this Car! - 2005 Acura TSX
By Fred&Wilma - April 1 - 9:22 pmWe love this car. It handles so well and has plenty of power. The engine hums at 80 mph and stops on a dime. The interior is very comfortable and everything is in easy reach. We like the navi system and touch screen panel. The voice command system is ok and its often quicker to use the touch screen. The car is much nicer than the Accord or Camry and costs about the same. Great value!
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The best is yet to come is here - 2005 Acura TSX
By Brian - March 26 - 4:00 pmFiguring on higher gas prices in the future and not wanting to give up performance. I traded my 8 cylinder car for a 4 cylinder Acura TSX which has the pep of a well trained puppy dog. It loves to rev and with the sport mode stick shift in place you are Le Mans or Daytona in your mind !! Now I get quick performance at a very reasonable gas mileage. It is a drivers car that accomodates passengers !!
