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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  Excellent Car - 2007 Acura TSX
  By First TSX - February 10 - 8:48 pm

  Excellent car. It comes fully loaded for a not so loaded price. Fit and finish can not be beat.

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  Im Loving It! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By fsal89 - February 5 - 5:36 am

  I traded in my 2003 BMW 325Ci coupe on the 2009 Acura TSX just over one week ago. I was a little apprehensive of going from my BMW to the Acura, giving up two cylinders, German engineering and just the cachet of having a BMW. I decided, however, that I needed to make a change for better reliability and the addition of two doors for practicality. Albeit its only been about ten days, but I am pleasantly surprised at how much I have fallen in love with my TSX. It has all of the amenities that my BMW had and more. The fit and finish is impressive. Fuel economy is about twenty percent better - 24 mixed in the BMW to 29 in the Acura. People on the street even stop me to ask about it.

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  Loving My TSX - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Liz Armstrong - February 4 - 12:40 am

  I love my car and I am very happy with it, and have absolutely no complaints. It is very fun to drive, and people comment on it everywhere I go, and the gas mileage is ok. I did expect better mileage of a 4-cylinder though.

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  Thrifty but Nifty - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Tim - January 26 - 6:39 pm

  The Acura TSX is simply a great car! Fantastic build quality interior fit and finish is simple yet refined. Every relevant option under the sun is included as standard definitely a car with attributes to be envied by ALL other manufacturers.

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  a fine car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By zirconahoo.com - January 26 - 1:20 am

  The tranny and engine pairing is excellent, the interior is beautiful. The engine is a little weak on torque low in the power curve, but it picks up quickly.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Bishopsring - January 23 - 2:39 pm

  It has been two years, two trips to California, Austin and Dallas. The car runs admirably. Lacking in power, it provides gas mileage, comfort, and fun driving. The overhead blue light during the night adds a unique but classy ambiance. The interior and use of all available space provide a wonderful usage for anything and everything, cell phones, chargers, cd cases. With performance being its only down point, I understand the balance, but it needs the extra horsepower or burst of speed off the line. There is one aspect from changing from second gear to third gear where it gets stuck even with the clutch completely down. Great car.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Boise Girl - January 21 - 10:47 am

  This car is fantastic! Fun to drive, very comfortable, and gets up to speed fast! I drive 25 miles on the interstate every day and this car makes the drive enjoyable. Headlights are great, gas mileage is wonderful, and I am a very satisfied driver!!

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  Awesome - 2007 Acura TSX
  By Ara - January 16 - 11:04 am

  Sold my 2k Celica and got an 07 TSX. Perfect transition. Its a bit larger with 4 doors, and has much more power. I actually use every feature its got and its awesome. I never need to take my phone out of my pocket or reach over for any controls. Everything can be controlled by either voice, steering wheel, or headunit. At first I thought the gearing was weird, but in the city its perfect because you can do most of your driving in 3rd or 4th to reduce shifting. You dont need the iPod connector because it has an AUX jack standard. Seats heat up extremely fast.

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  Excellent Unbeatable price/content - 2007 Acura TSX
  By JMapar - January 12 - 11:44 pm

  After a lot of research, we bought a 2007 TSX (Auto w/NAVI, Glacier Blue) for its standard options, price, reliability. Wonderful car: zippy ride comfy seats nice leather. Voice activated nav is awesome. Paired my Bluetooth phone in one min! My wife loves to drive it. My son connected his iPod in 2 sec. After driving this car (really my wife’s car), I am jealous! My 2004 S430 has no Bluetooth or iPod connectivity my nav is not voice activated!

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  Good value - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Blis - January 12 - 5:00 am

  I am very happy with my TSX. It has all the features that I wanted (stylish, nice engine, leather seats, manual transmission) for a very reasonable price. It feels good on the road, and gets awesome MPG (26 mpg so far, mixed city and highway driving, up to 80-90mph). Cars bad sides are: weak aftermarket support, radio is simple (no RDS, nothing fancy, still sounds good though) and some rattles (addressed by the dealership). More power would be nice as well.