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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  Depite what you hear - 2004 Acura TSX
  By blackhawk - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I researched cars for months before buying this time. I decided on the Tsx and finally bought mine in June. I love this car. I have absolutely no problems with it. Ive got a few thousand miles on it and no rattles(like ive read). I get great gas mileage. The car is very fast and I feel safe in it. It turns many heads on the freeway.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Mark - October 22 - 2:56 am

  We just purchased this bright red TSX last week, and its a blast to drive.The voice actuated nav system is easy to learn and works great. I love the XM radio, just wish it came with a years free membership instead of 3 months. We traded in an 03 I-35 and there is no comparison in the fun to drive category. It handles well, the performance is adequate and gas mileage is great! This is my first Acura and if the car holds up well, it wont be my last!

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  Terrific package - 2008 Acura TSX
  By DB from NC - October 21 - 10:55 am

  My eyes been on this car for some time, but after my first test drive, I thought it was a bit anemic under the hood. Decided it was best to wait for the 09, but then saw a great lease deal and test drove again. Realized with good use of the manumatic, you can really bring out performance. So pulled the trigger on the deal and have no regrets. Its a fully loaded little beasty thats just great to drive. Would match it up against the Lexus IS 250 any day for 5k less.

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  Luxury Honda Accord - 2007 Acura TSX
  By David - October 19 - 11:21 am

  Just got my 2007 Acura TSX w/out nav last weekend. What a great car. It rides similar to my wifes 2006 Honda Accord but holds tighter through the turns and is more fun to drive. There is a little less room in the back than the Accord, but the front and the trunk space seems very comparable. The design is becoming a little dated and the redesign should be coming out some time in late 2008. If you love Hondas but want a little more luxury, then Acura is the way to go. Plus you can get a steal of a deal on the TSX right now.

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  Straight Up Review - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Charley - October 17 - 2:10 pm

  I just dont get it. In a lot of magazines reviews and forums people slam this car as not as good as the old and not as powerful as the G35, etc. It costs another 5 grand to get the same options on these other cars. For the money this is the best thing going.The old car got great reviews and this car is even more improved than that one. I like the styling, and from what I have seen it is the best looking car in the new Acura lineup. This car is not sluggish at all, but it is not made for drag racing. What I value most of all in terms of performance is the handling. This thing takes corners well and Ive never gotten a ticket for cornering. The tech package is the way to go hands down.

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  Im LUVIN it, this ones a keeper! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By 4 NIQUES - October 15 - 8:07 pm

  This is my 4th Honda vehicle and what can I say? I love it. Driven a honda civic, honda accord and an acura RSX. Was going to buy a BMW or G35 but decided to stick with Honda quality and I am so glad I did. Bought the pearl white 2004 TSX, fog lights, tint and spoiler... what a beauty. All heads turn. I have had a recall on the headlamps, but I absolutely love the car (most of all its made in Japan). The paint chips easily but I think Acura did a great job for a 4 cyl. luxury entry level sedan. Buy one, you wont regret it!

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  Satisfied Owner - 2008 Acura TSX
  By Larryken - October 14 - 1:25 pm

  I dont agree with posters who arent satisfied with the engines power. Im getting up to 35mpg on highway and never less than 31 mpg on a mixed driving tank. The car has plenty of zip for me (pleasant surprise) and handles very well. The technology provided is useful (bluetooth, homelink). The stereo is ok but not great, seats are most adjustable and comfortable. Agree with some that looks are mundane but I dont see the outside of the car when Im driving. The cost to features ratio is very high. Ive driven the car three months and 2500 miles. No problems and the interior is big enough, Im 6 feet.

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  Rattles and squeaks - 2007 Acura TSX
  By disappointed_cust - October 12 - 4:46 pm

  This is the 2nd new acura Ive owned. I had my previous acura for 9 years. Ive had this 06 TSX for 13 months and it is a disappointent compared with my first. Performance, looks, and features are good. The issues are with the multitude of rattles and squeaks that developed within 6 months in the interior and the ineffectual wiper system on the driver side which the dealer cant seem to address (fluid dribbles onto the windshield and wipers - new and old - only smudge and smear, they do not clear very well at all). These quality issues are surprising. The visual and auditory annoyances distract greatly from the driving experience.

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  Best Little Acura Yet - 2005 Acura TSX
  By HuskerFan27 - October 12 - 3:03 am

  Owned 2004 and had to replace it with a 2005. All the little gripes that most forum users had are addressed with the 2005 model. The car is top notch for the price point. Not that 29K isnt a lot of money, but compared to quality and features, you cant beat it.

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  Sweet Car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By sylvester vanchiro - October 4 - 8:13 pm

  I looked at 3 other cars in this class, and after it was all said and done, I knew this was the car I wanted. Two years later I still am one happy driver. This car has and does everything I need in a car and the reliability has just been great. Cant really say enough about this car, just happy I made the right decision.