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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  Great Intro-Luxury Car! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Les - June 22 - 7:36 am

  A lot of thought was put into this car. Smooth shifting using the "tiptronic" mode, but sluggish on the low end. Get it up to 4000 rpm, and look out. Runs like a six otherwise...outstanding deal for the money.

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  Fun, Luxurious, Affordable. - 2006 Acura TSX
  By speedracer3 - June 21 - 3:06 am

  Ive thought long & hard before buying this car and have driven the competition. The TSX does everything right, its quick , handles great, it is luxurious and wont break the bank. My only complaint so far is that fuel economy is not that great for a 4 cyl car. The car is fully loaded, every luxury feature that I wanted is there. The car looks especially good with a spoiler and the parchment interior with wood trim rounds out the luxury look. I would recommend this car to anybody looking for fun to drive, affordable sporty sedan.

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  Most fun to drive car fot the money - 2006 Acura TSX
  By bnrdad - June 12 - 5:46 am

  As a former owner of 2 BMWs, a Lexus and a Mini, the TSX is the most fun to drive car for the money. After being beset with major quality issues with both of my BMWs (complete transmission failure and replacement at 1,500 miles for example, 12 trips to the dealer in 2 years, etc.), a nice, but too-soft ride and numb steering in the Lexus ES, and a fun-to- drive, but uncomfortable rear-seat and hardly any storage in the MINI, the TSX is the best all-around car I have found. For $27k you cannot beat it - plus Acuras famous quality and service. I highly recommend it.

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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Tomcat - June 11 - 4:08 pm

  I have had the car for just over two weeks and am completely satisfied with my choice. I test drove four competitor vehicles and found the TSX to be the most fun to drive and best value of the bunch. I commute about 100 miles a day mostly highway miles and find the gas mileage acceptable, >30 mpg. Seems 66 mph is the sweet spot for best mpg on the highway. I appreciated most of the extras being standard which makes finding the right vehicle simply a question of which transmission, which color, and with or without navigation. I highly recommend the navigation.

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  Best Sports Sedan for the Price - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Marcello - June 7 - 10:01 pm

  Its mother is a Honda Accord (European size), its father Id swear was a BMW 3-series (last model). This car gives you the best of Japan along with the handling of Germany. You cant beat it for the price. My favorite car out of the ten Ive owned including my BMW 3 series, Infiniti Q45 and Nissan Maxima. I cant wait to see what they do with the next generation. This is my second Acura and Im sold on the brand.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2007 Acura TSX
  By 2007TSX - June 6 - 3:22 pm

  Spent 3 months shopping around for a new car. Looked at a long list of cars (TSX, TL, G35, IS 250, Camry, Altima, Mazda3 5-door). In the beginning, I was looking at the TSX and came full circle with it. The car is great, definitely a good and reasonable investment. I was willing to give up the performance for fuel economy. Even with the inline 4, the car moves its not like a TL-S or G35, but its enough for everyday driving. The car looks a lot better in person than in pictures. I love the car more and more everyday!

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  Great Car, Great Buy - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Tom - June 6 - 9:15 am

  TSX has everything you want/need included: XM, Bluetooth, leather, trip computer, peppy engine, smooth trans, exceptionally comfortable driver seat, great handling, fun to drive.

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  Fun driving acura - 2005 Acura TSX
  By jay santos - May 31 - 9:03 pm

  Acura provides a very nimble and fun ride. Great acceleration & comfortable riding experience.

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  Greatest Machine on Earth - 2006 Acura TSX
  By rockthetsx - May 31 - 7:51 pm

  7 months into my ownership and I still wake up each and every morning with a smile on my face. I have a 35-mile commute to work and this car has been reliably fun to drive. Under the hood, you will find an engine that has a lot of potential and yearns to purr. Whenever I step out of my car, I always have this look of reluctance. If you get that look on your face after test-driving the tsx, then youll know exactly what I mean. If you dont and decide not to purchase a tsx, then THANK YOU! Unlike the TL, TSX is a rare breed in my code and Id prefer the status quo remains. >)

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  A fine piece of art - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Jubin - May 31 - 1:26 pm

  This car is a legend. Dont waste your time investigating other sedans. It has got everything you need in a mid size sedan. I have been driving this for the last 6 months. Apart from low mileage (I am getting 21m/g) I have no complaints. Moreover the navigation system is best in class. Perfect buy!!