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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Top Notch All The Way - 2006 Acura TSX
By tag4705 - January 10 - 12:45 pmIn the past three years Ive owned a 1998 BMW 3-series, a 2003 Audi A4 and a 2005 Volvo S40 T5. This car is so far beyond all of these cars, it leaves nothing to be considered. The best car Ive ever owned in every way. Smooth, quiet, handling, features and (maybe best of all) PRICE! Would recommend to anyone.
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Should have bought it sooner - 2006 Acura TSX
By Kathy - January 5 - 2:34 pmExceptional comfortable riding car especially on the highways. It has so many goodies, nav. xm radio and the info it gives you (outside temp, mpg, miles to empty, average mph, etc). The 6 speed is great. Shifts very smoothly. Love the color - milano red with ebony int.
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My TSX review - 2007 Acura TSX
By PChan - January 4 - 8:38 pmThis car is much more fun to drive than TL and IS. Very nimble. It takes corners like a sports car. I am very itchy to 0-60 mph but the delivery guy told me I have to take it easy for first 600 miles. Driver seat is very comfortable. Very bright Xenon lights. First 3 months XM radio service for free. Very simple dash board design layout. I am very happy with my purchase. Thanks Acura!
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Never Sell - 2006 Acura TSX
By Greg - January 4 - 6:01 pmIve had the car for 9 months, and it is hands down the best car I have ever owned. I prefer it over even my fathers Cadillac STS, which I drive often, although, not as often as I used to. It handles like a sports car, with the room and comfort of a luxury auto. Shifting back and forth from automatic to manual allows for some fun, but spares the pain of using a clutch in the city. It has the best of both worlds, with awesome acceleration and great fuel economy... and this from a four cylinder engine. I couldnt be happier.
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A decent compromise - 2006 Acura TSX
By steve - January 2 - 5:50 pmThe TSX is an all-around decent car, but not best in show in any category. The TSX has a high revving low torque engine, and as a result the gears are too close together causing frequent shifting at low speeds, and high rpms at highway speeds. I find the seats quite uncomfortable and hard to get adjusted. The navi system works, but the data that comes with it is sorely lacking. It only uses validated roads for plotting routes and often takes you miles out of your way. It tells me I can drive straight to a Conoco station from my house. We dont have Conoco stations in Canada, and the road it tells me to use has been closed for over 30 years.
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Great Car, Great Value, Great Fun - TSX - 2007 Acura TSX
By Howard - January 1 - 1:45 pmI bought TSX a month ago to replace 02 Accord. From the number, the engine size increased from 2.3L to 2.4L, power and fun are a huge step up. The TSX displays a marvelous balance between smooth power delivery, sure footed handling, responsive steering, and luxury comfort. The TSX is great fun to drive. After I managed the SportShift mode, its even more fun than before. Besides fun, it comes loaded with just about every feature standard. I like Xenon lights, bluetooth handsfree link, memory power leather seats, XM radio, sound system, and all interior design. Highly recommend this vehicle.
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TSX 6spd nav - 2006 Acura TSX
By nj2pa2nc - December 26 - 4:35 pmOwned this car one month - love it. It is milano red with ebony int. Very good on the highways. No problems using regular gas.
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WOW! Best decision ever!! - 2007 Acura TSX
By hexer311 - December 25 - 9:25 pmThis car is absolutely amazing in every respect. The honda vtech engine isnt the quickest engine out there but over all performance, MPG, and reliability are unbeatable. I still cant believe this is only a 4-banger. The 07 comes packed with new stuff from previous models including bluetooth phone, MP3 jack, and a nice information system. Handling is best in class. Great job Honda/Acura. Drove MB C230, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus IS 350, by far the best value and best style.
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More than satisified - 2004 Acura TSX
By Mike - December 22 - 12:56 pmDriving a 9 year old Infiniti I30t, I have been searching for one year for a replacement. Considerations were subaru legacy limited, volvo 240, saab 9-3. After thorough research of other user reviews of each car for fun factor, and reliability, in addition to test drives, I chose a preowned TSX. Absolutely love this car. Acura (as expected) has agonized over every single detail for this car from the short throw and click of the turn signal arm, seamless shift of the transmission, perforated leather seating surfaces, moldings of the dash, chrome exhaust tips, xenon lights, to the embroidered TSX logos on the car mats! Far, far superior to the competition. Not even close.
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Vroom Vroom - 2006 Acura TSX
By nametabm - December 21 - 10:15 pmI am a self proclaimed car-snob and the only vehicle that met all my criteria was a Honda CR-V but I couldnt bring myself to buy it (Im terrible, I know it). I continued looking and was dead set on something reliable and an SUV because I had a Land Rover (hence, looking for something more reliable ) and I didnt want to sacrifice the height or the AWD. While this car doesnt have AWD, I realized I only drive in the snow 5 - 7 days a year and honestly, if its that bad outside, what are you doing out on the roads? After endless back-and-forth, I chose between the car I can afford and the car I would like to be seen driving.
