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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  Better than a BMW! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Peggy McCool - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is luxurious. It isnt austentatious but it isnt boring either. I have never had so much fun or experienced so much comfort when driving. In short, I am in love with this car

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  Best deal for the money! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By MicksTSX - March 2 - 9:43 am

  The TSX has so much to offer. Awesome HID headlights heated, power-adjustable driver and passenger sport seats with drivers memory leather upholstery an eight-speaker, 360-watt audio system with XM satellite radio and an in-dash CD changer dual-zone automatic climate control and a sunroof ALL standard! Interior is laid out nicely lots of safety features including stability control and side curtain airbags 205 hp engine that is fairly quiet but gets up and goes when needed decent gas mileage (I average 25 mostly city driving) easy to park and handles well Honda reliability. Exterior styling is a bit bland but its nice not to see another TSX often like the Accords :)

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  Great Car - 2008 Acura TSX
  By TonyLanc - March 1 - 11:35 am

  If youre looking for loads of power, dont buy this car. But if you are looking for good gas mileage and a car with a lot of options with a little luxury and sport, this is the car for you.

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  Great Car - Couldnt Be Happier - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Happy - February 25 - 6:00 pm

  We just purcashed this car, but absolutely love it so far. I believe this car has the best features for the money and is going to be a very reliable and durable car moving forward.

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  Great all-around car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Martoon - February 24 - 11:42 pm

  This is my 2nd Acura, and I plan on buying one again (after many more years of enjoying this one). I bought this car based on features for the price, pretty much loaded. I have 47,000 miles on it and have had no mechanical issues with the car other than one minor recall. Good power, great handling and I average about 27 miles per gallon in mixed driving. My only complaint is the drive by wire can be a little touchy when starting from a dead stop, but you get used to it after a while.

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  So-so - 2006 Acura TSX
  By roadster - February 22 - 1:36 pm

  Good, solid car. Yet you can feel the heaviness of it when making turns. Look at the exterior design from a distance. It doesnt look sporty. The car does go though. Its no joke, but it just seems kind of ho-hum.

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  Good Car, But One Problem - 2007 Acura TSX
  By amc3000 - February 22 - 10:52 am

  The car itself is pretty good however, I have had a problem with a vibration in the steering wheel since I bought the car a problem I never had w/the toyota. So, if you dont mind taking your hands off the wheel sometimes while at a light, then its a nice car.

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  Just got mine - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Rich W - February 20 - 3:35 pm

  Just got my 2008 TSX. I drove the car online using Acuras virtual system and found it to be perfect. I spent less than 30 minutes at the dealership to get a feel for the real car. After a couple of days of haggling my TSX was shipped from Lexington. This is about the 10th Honda/Acura that I have owned and the TSX has the least peppiest motor of them all. My salesperson described the TSX as an Accord on steroids and I would have to say that the statement is accurate. Acceleration is boring but the rest of the car fits me perfectly. Not sure if they changed the stock stereo system in 2008 but my stereo sounds great. It works great with my iPod.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Acura TSX
  By steveburns1 - February 11 - 10:21 am

  Previously had an Audi A4 which was a great car. When we looked at a new one, the cost of options was horrendous and in packages. Heated seats were $700! Acura had all inclusive pricing below 30,000. Michelin tires as well. Great package... very comfortable. Only difference is stiffer steering due to front wheel drive.

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  The 06 TSX: You Wont Be Disappointed - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Jesse - February 6 - 7:33 pm

  Just a tremendous car. I just got home with it tonight after putting on the first 120 miles or so (just driving around), so I may be a bit in that "I love my new car" mode. But, thats the way it should be. The drive is smooth, quiet, and rips around the side streets and highways with great handling. The interior and gadgets are laid out perfectly right in front of you, and it feels as though youre in the cockpit of an airplane. Just superb in every respect.