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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  Newly Leased TSX no Nav - 2008 Acura TSX
  By DandO - March 26 - 12:06 pm

  Great car. Very fun to drive and very difficult to take foot off the gas to slow down even though the 0-30 mph could use some help after that its a rocket. Great standard features that require no further addition. Good price and overall value. Initial MPG is not so good. First 2 weeks of ownership: city: 16-18 mpg highway: 18-22 mpg. I hope it gets better as the car is broken into.

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  First Acura - 2007 Acura TSX
  By QSolution - March 24 - 9:24 am

  Nice interior feel and appointments. Bluetooth is great and side cornering signals on side view mirrors a great idea. Nice entry model. Always wanted the TL and was happy to be able to get into an Acura at this price point. Gas mileage is horrific for a 4 cylindar & the high octane requirement is just obsured. Had a heavier Honda Accord 6 cyl. before this and it got 8 miles more to a gal. of 87 octane gas.

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  2004 Model - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Bizz1976 - March 23 - 11:50 am

  Ok, I have the 2004 Model. The Pros: Very Comfortable, Awsome interior, Fantastic ride and handling, great service. The Cons: The Rotors have been resurfaced and the rears replaced within 8,000 miles.(Known Problem. All four detention rods in the doors went bad. door panel cracked due to cheap plastic.Creak in dash and in drivers door. Door panel replaced but no fix. Japanese auto makers are going into the whole. Buying another Hyundai as they had been great comfortable reliable cars. Ill buy an NSX if I hit the lotto though. At least they are hand built.

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  More Power Please - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Moclvland - March 21 - 7:09 am

  This car replaces a 2004 TSX manual without the Nav and no built in XM. This a great car for the money. There is no other model out there with the same features and quallity for the price (aroung 30k). The 08 car has a lot more bells and whistles than the 04 version and I love it. The biggest downside to this car is the underpowered engine. I had a manual last time and went with the automatic this time... big mistake. The manual allows you to get much more power out of the engine.

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  The perfect entry luxury sports sedan - 2006 Acura TSX
  By mettyt - March 18 - 8:23 am

  All the mod cons; Memory seats, heated seats, Ipod hookup, navigation, voice activation, xenon headlights, the list goes on. And for the price you cant beat it. Great handling and braking. The interior is very quiet and well constructed. My previous car was a Honda Accord and I like the reliability of Hondas. Makes me get up everyday with a smile on my face thinking I get to drive it. I almost wish my job was twice as far away.

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  This Car is a BLAST! - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Moms Car Rocks! - March 14 - 3:47 pm

  I looked at Lexus, BMW 3s, Audi, Benz & Infiniti. Feature to feature, sticker to sticker, NO CONTEST. Classy look, beautiful interior, every option standard (not nav.) for $5-10K less. Ive owned 2 Hondas before, 1 Audi, and 1 MB-E class. This is a great car for those $3.50+ per gal. fill-ups without feeling like you are stuck with a boring ride. It handles great in the corners, stops swiftly, hauls tail on the freeway and still gets my blood pumping. I love this car, but when they get a V-6 or turbo, Im soooo there! I needed better mileage, which the TSX delivers (26 in major traffic everyday). The TL was too heavy feeling for me and I know I would be getting WAY too many speeding tickets

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  Red Lemon - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Ken Clancy - March 13 - 3:02 pm

  I bought a red TSX and the paint has now deteriorated so that there are pinkish/white blotches all over the car. Acura dealer has been less than helpful and corporate customer service are running for cover. I had a new clutch put in at 60K old one stopped working. RPM have improved 20% at highway speeds, nobody can explain why this is the case. I think it is because the clutch has been slipping since i got the car, new.

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  08 TSX - 2008 Acura TSX
  By 08 TSX - March 12 - 7:16 pm

  Replaced 03 TL-S and while I miss the power of the V6, the trade off of better handling and trimmer size was worth it. Good power above 3000 RPM, responsive manumatic makes it easy to stay in the power band when needed. Build quality is flawless. Fuel mileage has been the only disappointment-only 24MPG, about the same as the heavier more powerful TL. Overall, I am very happy with this car, and think it is a great value.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Chunster - March 9 - 1:30 pm

  Having owned this car for less than a week, I can tell you it was a better choice than the other cars that I have researched (VW CC, Camry XLE, Altima 2.5SL and Hybrid, Maxima S). My goal was to find a car that was the best bang for a price range of $25-30k. In the end, the TSX had the most features for your dollars, as well as a luxury feel and quality. The only negative is the premium fuel requirement. The other thing I will need to get use to is the seating requires you to lean back more than I am use to (comfortable feeling but different from the other cars). I hope to put in another review after a few months of use.

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  Its exactly what its supposed to be - 2006 Acura TSX
  By TSXNJ - March 8 - 3:20 pm

  This car does exactly what its meant to do, and it does it perfectly (for 28k!). No, its not going to tear up other cars when you want to race them to the next red light, but it has decent acceleration and great passing power. It handles beautifully. The technology on this car is downright addictive. The Nav system is top notch and SIMPLE to use. There are about a billion voice commands which the car can recognize, and the blue tooth hands free link is incredibly convenient. Its bigger than a civic, but smaller than an accord - very nice size. Plenty of trunk space. The iPod jack is just icing on a very sweet cake. Want a drag-racer? Buy something else. This car is perfect.